A Guide to Purchasing Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances are an essential part of any kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just one person, the right appliance can make all the difference in your cooking experience. When it comes to purchasing new kitchen equipment, there are a few key things that you need to keep in mind: how often will you use it? What type of food do you cook most often? And what is your budget?
What are the best kitchen appliances?
Before venturing into kitchen appliance ideas, it is important to understand what appliances you personally require for your needs. There are many gadgets out there that may take your fancy, but that does not mean they’re necessarily an essential appliance for your kitchen.
It is important to understand the energy ratings of kitchen appliances. As of March 1st 2021, kitchen appliances will now be rated from A – G. The most efficient appliances are rated A and are the least impactful on costs and environment.
Buying a kitchen appliance is a big investment, and most of the time you will be using your new purchase on more than one occasion. So it makes sense to invest in a good quality product that really does what it says. After all, saving money may seem like an appealing idea at first but when you need something urgently then paying for quality could save you from unnecessary stress.
Free-standing cookers
When looking at a new cooker, it is essential to understand what type of cooker your kitchen can cater for. How much space do you currently have available? There are many sizes on the market – 55cm, 60cm, 70cm, 90cm, 100cm, and 110cm. Depending on the size of your current oven, you may find that you are restricted to the current size you already own. If you find that your cooker is too small to cater to your needs, then consider investing in a cooker with a larger cavity space.
Free-standing cookers are simple slot-in appliances. They combine both a cooker and a stovetop and are readily available in 55cm and 60cm models. Many cookers also feature a built-in grill. Some models also have a warming zone, and can accommodate various cooking plates.
Rangemaster CLAS60NGFBL/C Classic 60cm Gas Cooker 107310 – Black – £649.00
Smeg C7GPX9 70cm Symphony Pyrolytic Dual Fuel Cooker – Stainless Steel – £1040.00
These types of cookers are ideal for people who do not want to make the investment in an integrated range cooker. They are less expensive than buying both appliances separately over time and offer more customisation with different sizes available.
Smeg CG920PC9 90cm Pyrolytic Dual Fuel Range Cooker – Stainless Steel – £1029.00
Rangemaster ELS110DFFSL Elise 110cm Dual Fuel Range Cooker 105730 – Slate – £2729.00
However, they will only be able to fit into restricted spaces as they need to slot-in between other kitchen units such as cupboards or shelving units. If you already have these items then this type of appliance may work well for your needs; otherwise it is worth considering whether something else might be better suited to your requirements.
Integrated cookers
As opposed to free-standing cookers, integrated cookers are appliances that are built-in to the wall.They can be made to match with other kitchen units and you won’t have to worry about finding storage for them in cupboards or cabinets as they are built-in.
Integrated cookers come in many different styles from traditional ranges, which have ovens at both ends of the panel cooker that is fitted against an external wall, through to U-shaped designs that fit around your existing kitchen layout better. The only downside of these appliances is their larger initial cost which might not suit everybody’s needs or bank balance.
Bosch MHA133BR0B Built In Double Oven – Stainless Steel – £568.00
Siemens MB557G5S0B IQ-500 Built In Multifunction Double Oven – Stainless Steel – £999.00
Freestanding fridges
Freestanding fridges are a great alternative to built-in models because they take up less of the kitchen space. They also have more room inside than integrated units, which is ideal for those with large families or who like to buy in bulk.
Like most appliances, they come in a variety of colours to suit the desired style of your kitchen. Capacity also varies, from 152 litres to 390 litres there are a variety of sizes to suit different households.
Samsung RR39M73407F 60cm Freestanding Larder Fridge With Water Dispenser – Stainless Steel – £699.00
Liebherr KEF4330 60cm Freestanding BioCool Larder Fridge – Stainless Steel – £975.00
Integrated fridges
Integrated fridges that are built into the kitchen have a long-standing history and tradition in kitchens. They look great, but they don’t always offer as much space inside which can be an issue for those who like to buy bulk or need more room.
The latest models allow you to customise from different colours so that it will match and work well with other parts of your kitchen design. The capacity varies depending on model size and brand, so make sure you know what kind of fridge you need before committing.
If finding space is important then this type of appliance could be the answer – small enough not to impose on the kitchen, and depending on your needs, can provide just enough space.
Hotpoint HS18011UK 177cm Integrated In Column Larder Fridge – White – £429.00
Liebherr IK3520 178cm Integrated In Column Larder Fridge – White – £915.00
Fridge freezers
Fridge freezers are one of the most popular kitchen appliances that people buy. The best way to find out what kind of fridge is for you, is by considering your individual needs.
Most modern freezers come with a frost-free feature that prevents the build-up of ice and frost within the cavity.
There are a number of different types of fridges available including integrated models where they are built into cabinetry, freestanding ones, undercounter models which sit below work surfaces and various sizes in between. They vary widely with prices too – from around £365 upwards.
Liebherr CU2331 55cm Fridge Freezer – White – £365.00
Samsung BRB260130WW 178cm Integrated 70/30 Frost Free Fridge Freezer – White – £759.00
Liebherr SBSEF7242 121cm Side By Side Fridge Freezer – Stainless Steel – £1829.00
Washing machines
One of the most important appliances in any kitchen is a washing machine, which makes it easy to keep your clothes clean and fresh. Front-loading models use much less water than top loaders so will save you money on your bills and can also be more efficient for those who have sensitive skin or allergies.
Compact front loading machines are designed with space restrictions like small kitchens in mind so they might suit if you don’t want an appliance taking up valuable floor space but still need a family sized drum capacity that can hold 12kg worth of laundry even when using economy wash cycles.
Samsung WW90T554DAX 9kg Ecobubble AddWash Washing Machine 1400rpm – Graphite – £479.00
LG FH4G1BCS2 12kg Direct Drive TrueSteam Washing Machine 1400rpm – White – £949.00
Tumble dryers
Tumble dryers are much more efficient than they used to be, with many models now offering a low temperature setting which is gentler on clothes and helps keep them in better condition. If you still need the convenience of an integrated tumble dryer then some models are designed so that it can also double up as storage for laundry products such as pegs or fabric softener sheets – this saves space by combining two appliances into one.
AEG T8DSC869C 8kg Heat Pump Condenser Tumble Dryer – White – £749.00
Samsung DV80T5220AX 8kg Heat Pump Condenser DV5000T Tumble Dryer – Graphite – £649.00
What is the best make for kitchen appliances?
#1 Whirlpool – Yale Appliance coined Whirlpool the most reliable appliance brand of 2021. With a service rate of 6.3%, Whirlpool appliances are the least likely to breakdown or require maintenance within their lifetime.
Whirlpool 3LWTW4705FW 15kg American Top Loading Washing Machine – White – £999.00
#2 LG – not only do they develop avid entertainment technology, LG are also apt in the kitchen appliance industry too. LG also boast a 6.3% service rate.
LG GSJ961NSVV Door In Door American Style Fridge Freezer Non Plumbed – Stainless Steel – £1329.99
#3 Miele – Miele manufacture a range of appliances – from cookers to to laundry appliances.
Miele G7152SCVI 60cm Fully Integrated Dishwasher – £1299.00
What is the most popular kitchen appliance colour?
With a wide range of colours available for kitchen appliances, everybody’s preference may differ.
Black is the new white. Modern kitchens are fast gaining a reputation for being sleek and chic with bold, sharp designs that leave their mark on your senses. With an increasing variety of black appliances to choose from, there’s no question why it has become one of the most popular color choices in modern kitchen design.
This doesn’t mean to say that white isn’t popular still. Clean white or cream walls are excellent at providing maximum light intake and can give off a more spacious feel to the kitchen. Complemented by white appliances, this clean take on kitchen decor leaves the room feeling spotless when maintained.
Kitchen appliances come in a range of colours. There are many benefits to choosing the right colour for your kitchen, including increased energy efficiency and improved customer satisfaction levels. When you’re looking at buying new appliances, ask yourself this question – what would make me feel more comfortable cooking? If that answer is “a bright red stove” then go ahead! It’s not about whether it will match with any other appliance or space; as long as it makes you happy when you cook, color should be an important consideration before making any purchase decisions.