Some people find their worktops have been fitted too low and their washing machine won’t fit underneath because it’s too tall. If you haven’t bought a washing machine yet and the height difference is only a few millimetres you may be able to find one that’s slightly lower than average although it’s not easy to research the height of washing machines and most are the same standard height anyway. (Washing machines and associated problems with sizes)
Reducing height using height reduction kit
Most washing machine manufacturers have a specially designed low lid (a flat metal plate with a seal) which is available as an accessory. This will lower the height of your washing machine safely. I’ve had reports from a Miele owner that their reduction kit reduced the height of their washing machine by about 2 and a half centimetres (25mm). I can see also that an old Hotpoint washing machine range can be reduced by 30 mm. Sometimes they come as a complete “height reduction kit” which can include replacement feet or wheels to further lower the washing machine height if necessary.
However, these kits aren’t always easily available as they don’t sell many. You may be able to find one on 4Washerhelp but if not contact the manufacturer. Height reduction kits
NOTE: there are several height reduction kits listed over 2 pages of results. However, some don’t have photos or even model numbers that they fit. If you can’t find enough information just send a part enquiry via the “Need help?” box at the bottom of the page. You should also try to be sure exactly how much the height of the washing machine will be reduced by using the reduction kit before purchasing. Miele height reduction kits – Reducing the height of a Miele washing machine
Reducing height without a kit
The most common method of getting a washing machine to fit under a worktop that’s too low is to remove the lid, which will reduce the height of the washing machine by a few millimetres, or even up to an inch or so depending on the height of the original lid. However, you should not use the washing machine without a lid!
If you just remove the lid it will of course lower the height of the washing machine but with the following consequences –
- It will increase noise levels
- Expose a possibility for small fingers to touch electrical parts if there is a gap
- If the washing machine caught fire there’s nothing to contain it and smoke could escape to the room. In the event of something catching fire inside the lack of a lid would also allow much more oxygen to the fire and could make it more serious
- Any leak from above the machine could allow water inside to short out and blow expensive parts (leak from a bathroom ceiling above the kitchen or just water from the worktop above for example)
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Removing the feet
Removing the feet, which should just screw out will reduce the height of a washing machine. However, the feet do 3 jobs. They stop the washing machine scratching the floor, they help keep it from sliding around, and they allow you to make the washing machine level if the floor is uneven. If you take them off you may have other problems. Here’s one tip (from Joe M in the comments). If the feet have locking nuts on the thread. Unscrew the feet and take off the nut. Refit the feet and screw all the way down. This should allow the feet to be screwed in 4 or 5 mm further.
More info below
Make sure you read the comments below where users have shared their experiences – especially the comment by Trevor
Thanks Trevor. It’s not something most retailers are interested in because presumably there’s little or not profit in stocking them. It’s only a very small minority of people that ever need them. I think the manufacturer of an appliance may be the better option for advice and even ordering them from although when you are looking to buy it would be very useful if retailers could advise if they are available, how much they reduce the height and how much they cost.
Re my earlier post. Three replies from the eight emails to the various manufacturers. Hoover states that these kits for their current models are not available. Bosch advise that most of their models can be supplied with kits apart form those where the filler drawer is flush to the top of the machine. Anyone considering purchase of a Bosch machine, should arm themselves with the E number and FD number located on each individual machine and then contact Bosch direct with this info who will then either confirm or deny whether there is a kit available.
Finally, Beko listed many models where such a modification is easily available. Hope this helps those with height restriction problems.
NB. Kit from Bosch costs £56.10 which includes postage and takes 3 working days for delivery. Very easy to fit only requiring the removal of 2 ‘star’ screws.
Many thanks Trevor, it’s good of you to share the results of your hard work.
Well, after having a had a new kitchen fitted 6 year ago, only to find the washer,Zanussi, would not go back under the worktop The worktop could not go any higher, as it is at windowsill level at 84cm!! So we took the top off, and fitted snugly back under the worktop, and has been fine Now the washer is 12 year old, and does not always spin, I am looking for a new one! There any many that make them at 84.5 cm high…very frustrating!!
I have had my travails over this and found out a few things along the way. Some manufacturers supply height reduction kit or undercounter kit: 1) a flat cover plate (to replace the standard lid which can add up to an inch in height); 2) adjustable feet – that’s basically a screw-type foot which you can turn clock- or anti-clockwise to either lower or raise height.
Zanussi is one that does height reduction cover plates and adjustable feet. It’s essential to check with the manufacturer that any cover plate is compatible with the particular machine model. The plate should be properly fitting and sealed to protect against water and damage especially to electrics or electronics as it’s likely to be under a kitchen work area where there may be water. It’s an expensive item and if the wrong one is bought, may not fit properly or be easy to customise, even if you have the skills and tools. A machine should not be used without a proper lid.
Suppliers of spare parts for older machines may have height reduction kit for sale even if the manufacturer has stopped making and supplying them. They will be expensive.
There are gliders, small items which you can buy cheaply on Amazon which facilitate sliding the machine into a height-restricted space. I have not had the gliders so can’t say about them. I have removed the feet altogether when push came to shove. Oiling the feet or underside of machine and floor helps with easing a machine into a height-restricted space. The same could be applied to top of the machine and the obstruction above it. If none of these solve the problem, other things to try might be finding a small-height washing machine (not easy or cheap and means lower washing load capacity); planing or cutting into underside of kitchen worktop, if feasible without damaging the structural strength; or raising the whole kitchen worktop, if that’s even possible. let alone desirable.
Incidentally, I’ve just remembered, in answer to Marie, Bosch gives their height dimension as being under 85cm. It is something like 84.7 or .8, going by memory. She would need to check the precise specifications for each particular machine on Bosch’s website. It also gives the width as 59.5 and depth as 59.5 for several models I’ve been looking at, again this information being subject to checking each machine’s specifications on the Bosch website.
Hey, I have recently had a new floor fitted in kitchen and my washing machine only just fits under worktop (work top stopping it from vibrating) is it possible to completely unscrew legs and sit on a piece of lino/carpet as this will give the clearance I need? Or should I just leave as it is. Many thanks.
Hello Tim. You could try. But removing the feet is usually part of the procedure when fitting a height reduction kit and I would expect the feet to be replaced by something else (thin) to help stop it scratching the floor and moving around during spin.
Thought I would offer some advice on this as my worktop is only 84cm clearance.
The manufacturers mostly list 85cm as the height of there machines. I beleive this is at the centre of the adjustment on the feet, they can all go higher or lower.
I’ve just got rid of a 7 year old hoover model that was listed as 85cm. It fitted the 84cm gap with space to spare.
I now have a bosch serie 6. It fits just, maybe a 2mm gap at the top. I did have to remove the feet, take the locknuts off, then replace the feet for the extra clearance, but it works. I checked out samsung and LG, they have no chance, would probably get away with 84.5mm.
Best thing to do is go to a local store, measure the machines you like until you find one suitable, then order from your preferred retailer.
Hi,Has anybody removed the feet of a washing machine, and if so did the washing machine work ok.
I only need a few MM for to let the machine in the whole way.
My work top is granite so I am afraid to try a raise it in case it breaks.
Looking forward to a reply.