If you’re looking to buy a new fridge freezer, check out our article of top buying tips to make sure you get one that suits your needs!

Your fridge freezer is the cornerstone of your kitchen. You keep a lot of your food in there and meals for the days ahead, meaning you need a reliable, high-quality fridge freezer that isn’t going to break down anytime soon. There are many different types of fridge freezers so we’ve put together a buyers’ guide to help you navigate the market and find one just right for you.

The least expensive type of fridge freezer you can get is a freestanding fridge freezer. This means it stands on its own and is not built into your kitchen layout. You can put them where you like in your kitchen and also take it with you if you move house. They aren’t always the easiest appliances on the eye though, so be wary if this is something that matters to you.

These fridge freezers are built into your kitchen layout and usually blend in behind cupboards. This is great for people that don’t want their appliances to show, but it does come at an extra cost in price and slimmer model choice. They can also be a little more expensive to repair, as unlike a freestanding fridge freezer, they have to be taken out from under the counter which makes more work for the engineer. 

Very popular in kitchens today are American style fridge freezers. They tend to be larger, they have a double door, and have an integrated water dispenser and/or ice maker. Water dispensers and ice machines within fridges tend to have filters that will build up with dirt and residue after a while, and these need changing to keep them functioning properly and keep them clean. your manufacturer will have specific recommendations for how to replace your filters, so look these up and remember to change them regularly for good practice.

For a good fridge freezer, your average price is going to be around £300-£600, if you’re just looking for a freestanding model. Entry level models will start at around £200-£250. Premium, integrated or American style models will cost more, often anywhere from £700 to £4000.

Integrated models also cost more because the installation will cost a lot too, to make sure it blends in properly with your kitchen you’re going to have to spend a bit more. Models with smart home connectivity and other features will of course add to the price too, so be sure to research exactly what you need.

You must be precise when measuring the space needed for your fridge freezer as sometimes you need to leave extra space in the back for wiring and to not allow the appliance to overheat etc. so make sure to know the space you’ll need specific to your appliance before you buy and try to install.

Internal storage is usually calculated with all of the shelves and drawers taken out, so your actual storage capacity may be slightly lower than stated, an average freestanding fridge freezer tends to have a capacity of around 200-300 litres, which is more than enough for the average family, this is similar with built-in fridge freezers, but American style fridge freezers have much larger capacities coming in at between 300 and 600 litres. If you have a large family and need a whole lot of space for all your food, this is a great way to go.

Fridge freezers are constantly on to keep your food cool and fresh, so it will naturally have a high energy consumption, but what about when you need to buy a new one? Is it worth looking for a more sustainable model? 

Yes, it is worth it, you can definitely find one that is more efficient on energy. You can do this by looking at the energy ratings for fridge freezers which go from A (best) down to G (worst). An A-rated fridge freezer may cost you around £50-£70 to run per year using 408 kWh per year.

It’s worth finding a fridge freezer that is a good balance between good performance, reliability, and efficiency though, as many of the most efficient models aren’t as good at consistently chilling your food and may be less reliable appliances.

Water and ice dispensers are a great feature to have, allowing you access to fresh, cold water 24/7, and as this feature has been around for a long while now, they are becoming a lot more common and accessible.

Alarms for the door are also very handy as leaving your fridge door open is one way to hurt the performance of your fridge freezer. These alarms will notify you if the doors are left open so you can keep it closed as much as possible. For more info on this read our article on how to maintain your fridge freezer. 

Another annoying chore when it comes to your fridge freezer is having to defrost it when it gets all iced over. This can take a long time and can be a big hassle, so it’s worth looking out for a model with an auto defrost function, or anti frost technology.

Digital thermostat and temperature display is also a very handy feature to watch out for as it is imperative you keep your fridge freezer at optimum temperatures for peak performance. Also, it helps with energy efficiency to keep it at the right consistent temperature. 

Some newer fridge freezers have smart home connectivity too meaning you can link in your home assistants and use your fridge as almost a technological hub of your home. This is a new feature for fridges and will cost a pretty penny but many are willing to pay for such a cool feature. You can plan meals, regulate your food orders and shopping lists, display pictures, and even display what’s in your fridge on the screen on the front using an internal camera.

Whether you’re looking to buy new or need help with caring for existing appliances our experts are here to answer your questions with useful guides and articles.

Need to buy a new tumble dryer? Check out our article covering all the things to look out for while searching for your replacement!

Tumble dryers are key appliances that help you dry your clothes so much quicker than leaving them out. They speed up the washing process a lot and allow us to get a whole lot more done each day. But there comes a time when these machines get old and break down, and eventually, they die. 

That’s where this article comes in. We’re sure it’s been an age since you last bought a tumble dryer as they last so long. So, if yours is broken beyond repair, or you just fancy an upgrade, here’s all you need to know to navigate the market of tumble dryers in the 2020s.

Vented tumble dryers are almost always the least expensive to buy, so if you’re looking for a cheap one, this is the type for you. On the other hand, they tend to cost a lot to run, as well as having the added hassle of having to feed the hose through a window or vent in the wall. 

Condenser tumble dryers don’t need a hose as there is a water collection container. This means you can install it pretty much where you want. You will however need to remember to pour the water out of the filled-up container. They’re also expensive to run, and bad-quality condensers can risk leaking damp air into your home. 

Heat pump tumble dryers don’t need a vent or hose either. They have heat pump technology which makes them both more efficient on costs and energy. You will also need to empty the water tank with heat pump dryers. These do tend to be on the more expensive side, though they are getting cheaper slowly. 

There are also gas tumble dryers which are very cheap to run as they use gas rather than electricity. They do need to be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer though which could become more costly. Gas dryers are slowly becoming obsolete in the UK.

If you are looking for something cheaper or have a smaller budget, you’re best looking at the vented tumble dryers. There are some great vented tumble dryers out there for just over £150. 

The cheaper condenser dryers can be found for prices of around £250 but they may lack functionality like different modes and cycles that you’d find in more expensive models. 

If you look to spend a bit more, you’ll encounter models with drum sensors that automatically detect the size and dampness of the load and adjust the cycle accordingly. Some may even have a display to tell you how long it has left to run. 

For around £500 you’ll get a great machine. One that is reliable, you’ll have a choice of features and benefits like program modes and different cycle lengths, along with flashy displays. You’ll get more efficient and economical machines for this price range too. 

The most expensive of all the dryers use heat pumps which means they are more efficient. According to some tests they should generally save you around £40-£50 per year on energy costs. You’ll get all the same features and benefits you would for a different type of expensive dryer, but with the energy-saving heat pump technology too.

Manual tumble dryers mean you must set the time by yourself for how long the machine will run. This is a little extra hassle while doing your washing and can mean you leave it running for too long at times. Some people like to pay the extra money for sensors in their drum which allow you to just pop in your clothes and let the machine stop when it senses your clothes are dry. 

One problem with sensor dryers is that they can often stop the cycle too early, meaning you must put it on a fresh cycle to fully dry it. This means you may use more energy, so it’s worth looking for a sensor dryer that is accurate. They are also more expensive. 

Overall, it’s probably best to get a sensor dryer, as most of these dryers are newer, have better features, and they are looking like the main type of dryer going into the future of tumble dryer technology.

Like washing machines, tumble dryers also come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. More to the point there are lots of options for drum capacity. They range from 4KG of capacity to 11KG Most fall within the 4KG-9KG range though. The sizes are as follows: 

4KG = 10 shirts 

5KG = 14 shirts 

6KG = 17 shirts 

7KG = 21 shirts 

8KG = 23 shirts 

9KG = 26 shirts 

These examples are based on the use of the cotton’s mode, as well as only filling up 70% of the drum to allow for air circulation to help with the drying of the clothes.

Larger dryers are good because they can be more efficient if you’re always filling the drum and using it regularly. Great for someone with lots of washing to do. They will also be quick-drying clothes than smaller machines per kilo of washing. If you would struggle to fill the machine, don’t buy a large tumble dryer. This could mean you use too much energy when washing your clothes. They are also more expensive, so it’s always worth evaluating how much you need one of that size. 

Mini tumble dryers are usually cheaper, you can find them for around £140, and because they’re so much smaller they are easier to hide away, meaning the look of your kitchen isn’t compromised. On the other hand, though, they are a lot less efficient than big tumble dryers. Also, almost all the models available are vented, which adds another hassle to installation. The choice is quite limited and within that choice, the features and benefits you get are also limited. Drying can also be uneven or inconsistent from cycle to cycle. If you’re short on space and don’t have much washing, these are a good option. If not go for a normal or larger dryer.

Your tumble dryer could cost you around £23 per year if you choose an efficient model, but other types of machines at different efficiency levels will cost you up to £140 per year to run. Expensive! It’s certainly worth looking at the energy ratings of your dryer. 

So, this is our guide to tumble dryers. This should contain all you need to know to find out what tumble dryer is best for you and how to find the most suitable machine. If you need anything else like repair or appliance protect for your tumble dryer, check out our website at the links below. Until next time. Happy shopping!

Whether you’re looking to buy new or need help with caring for existing appliances our experts are here to answer your questions with useful guides and articles.

If you’re looking to buy a new rice cooker, then read our article on all the features to look out for! 

If you normally cook rice in a pan, you could be missing a trick! Rice cookers make the whole job a lot easier. They have timers so you don’t have to watch the rice the whole time, they cook perfectly each time and generally destress the whole process. Here’s our guide to buying a rice cooker. 

Rice cookers are available in distinct sizes and capacities. Unlike many kitchen appliances, those cookers don’t take greater area than a big vessel. The potential of a rice cooker is measured via way of means of the overall quantity of rice cups it is able to prepare dinner. Electric rice cookers can be bought with capacities starting from 1 to six litres, and a few even greater. While shopping for an electric-powered cooker, the primary aspect to remember is the scale of your own circle of relatives. If you have a small circle of relatives of five to six people, remember shopping for a cooker of three to five litres of potential. Also, remember what number of cups of rice you normally wan

Most electric-powered cookers include a one-contact operation. In this approach, you best must upload rice, enough quantity of water and allow the cooker to do the relaxation. There are greater superior electric powered cookers with virtual controls and capabilities. There are capabilities along with self-timer/postpone begin, automated maintain warm, sluggish cooking, steaming and greater. It’s right to have a self-timer or postpone begin characteristic in an electric-powered rice cooker. It sets the cooker to begin performing at a precise time or even tells you the time left till the rice is prepared to serve. These functions will let you automate matters and you can relax with the confidence that your rice was perfectly made.

Some rice cookers include a see-via lid, at the same time as others have a near match chrome steel lid. A see-via lid is fantastic to have on the grounds that you could test at the rice whilst it’s far cooking.

For cleaning, ensure the cooking bowl and lid are dishwasher safe. You can effortlessly cast off and smooth the cooking bowl and a lid with a sponge scrub and water. Selecting a cooker with chrome steel, aluminium or a non-stick protected cooking bowl is useful in the long run.

This function is located in nearly all rice cookers. The use of the “Automatic Shut-Off” characteristic is that the cooker mechanically toggles the transfer to the “Keep Warm” characteristic as soon as the rice is prepared. In this approach, you mustn’t always maintain tracking the rice at the same time as it’s far cooking.

It’s additionally really well worth thinking about a multi-reason rice cooker in case you are a big own circle of relatives. It is available whilst there’s one piece of equipment that may do more than one task. There are rice cookers that may steam vegetables, meat and fish in conjunction with the rice. Some different cooker fashions additionally will let you warm or simmer soups and prepare dinner pulses.

Most superior electric powered rice cookers include a hard and fast of accessories. Depending on the cooker version you select, you can disprotect a steaming insert tray, measuring cups, steam tray, serving spatula and spoons, all out of the box.

When shopping for a rice cooker, test the assurance provided via way of means of the brand. Most manufacturers provide 2 years of warranty. For distinctive information, talk to the shop companion or discuss with the brand’s respectable website. Like some other tool at home, the rice cooker is crucial kitchen equipment, something that you’ll use for a long time.

Whether you’re looking to buy new or need help with caring for existing appliances our experts are here to answer your questions with useful guides and articles.

If you’re buying a new washing machine, check out our guide on all the features to look out for?

Your washing machine is so key to your home, it’s really important you get a great replacement when buying a new one. So here is our complete guide on all the features you need to look out for to get the best replacement possible.

There are a few different types of washing machines: freestanding washing machines, integrated washing machines (built-in), top-loading washing machines, and washer-dryers (a combination of a washer and a dryer).

These are the most regularly seen washing machines. They can be plugged in and put anywhere with a plug socket and a drain. They come in various capacities, from 3kg to 12kg.

Pros of freestanding washing machines include a large choice of drum capacities, choice of colours, and lots of features to choose from. Cons include: Unlike integrated models, they don’t blend in with your home.

Integrated washing machines blend into your home as they’re built in behind your cupboards. They’re also modified to allow for a kitchen plinth to be fitted along the bottom of the appliance.

Outside of a kitchen build, integrated washing machines won’t be as stable, so it’s best to only use it within your kitchen unit as they’re designed to be.

Pros of integrated models are that built in models are usually quieter due to the cupboard door protecting it. They also look nicer when blending into your kitchen unit. Cons of integrated models include that are more expensive to install, usually costing around £80 to install. Freestanding models cost around half as much and some places will only install freestanding models.

Semi-integrated washing machines are similar to integrated models, but you can change the settings on your appliance without opening your cupboard door. This is quite a rare type of washing machine.

In top loading models of washing machine, clothes go in at the top through a lid or hatch. They’re not too common in the UK. They aren’t as wide as normal washing machines and of course they need to be out in the open rather than under a worktop, because of the way you open the lid.

They are quite hard to open and unload because the doors are powerfully spring-loaded, and when the cycle finishes you need to spin the drum around to take out your clothes.

Washer-dryers are more efficient for space as you only need one machine for two jobs, but unfortunately, most washer dryers are better at one of these jobs than the other. Keep in mind that washer-dryers always have a smaller drying capacity than they do washing capacity.

A good washing machine can range anywhere from £200-£900. But you’ll not need to spend more than £350 to get yourself something reliable that does the job you’re after.

You’ll encounter quieter, higher-capacity washing machines that allow you to choose more cycle types if you start spending more money, with really expensive machines nearing the £1000 mark.

Can you get a good washing machine for cheap? Absolutely. There are many washing machines from brands like Bosch, Beko, Zanussi, and more that are reliable, have great features, and cost below £350. It is worth researching this though, as many models at this price point certainly don’t justify the £350 spend.

The costs involved with running a washing machine can vary a lot, depending on the setting you use and how often and what energy rating your model has. On average though, running a washing machine will cost you an extra £34 per year. 

The energy ratings on a washing machine tell you how efficient the machine is at using the water, and the energy powering it. Generally tested on the cotton cycle at 60°C, the ratings go from A+++ (best) to D (worst).

Yes you can, buying an efficient washing machine will reduce your environmental impact and also reduce the amount of money you need to spend running it. Be wary though, as many of the most efficient washing machines are weaker at getting your clothes clean, again it is worth doing your research.

Usually, the drum capacity of washing machines ranges from 5kg – 12kg. The most frequently purchased sizes are around 9kg and 10kg. The drum size is how many kilograms of clothing you can fit into the drum of the washing machine.

The amount you can put into the washing machine usually changes depending on what type of cycle you set, but the sizes are usually referring to the cotton cycles. Other types of cycles sometimes have as much as half the capacity due to the wash processes involved.

5kg sizes will fit about 7 dry towels in the drum.

9/10kg sizes will fit 13 or 14 dry towels in the drum. 

12kg sizes will fit around 17 dry towels in the drum.

Top Tips on Drum Size: Don’t always go for the largest drum size – just because it’s larger doesn’t mean it performs better. Buy a washing machine with ample room for all your laundry needs. Don’t overfill or underfill your drum, this should optimize for performance. A larger capacity washing machine will be more expensive to run and to buy. If you wash small loads but regularly, go for a smaller drum size, and if you like to do everything in one go, buy a larger capacity drum.

The usual standard dimensions of front-loading washing machines are 85cm tall, and 59cm – 60cm wide. The depth of a washing machine can range from 40cm – 70cm (not including 7cm you should leave at the back for pipes unless stated otherwise – check). This is because the spaces they are designed to fit into are generally these dimensions. There are some exceptions though so always read the specifications before you buy – just to be sure.

Removing water from your clothes at the end of the cycle is an essential part of the washing process and there are various speeds at which this can be done. The highest speeds range from 1000rpm to 1800rpm (rotations per minute). Fast spin speeds can make your washing machine cost more, they can also be louder, and it’s not always better either. The most effective spin speeds tend to be around 1200rpm so it’s not always a good idea to buy a higher speed washing machine.

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to washing machine brands to choose from. Some of the most popular brands are Samsung, Hotpoint, Beko, LG, Bosch and Zanussi washing machines. This is just the tip of the iceberg though; we recommend doing your research and finding one that is just right for you.

Many brands also now give you a selection of colours and options for coloured windows. Popular colours for washing machines include silver, red, grey and black. This can end up costing you more to buy a coloured, stylized machine though.

Whether you’re looking to buy new or need help with caring for existing appliances our experts are here to answer your questions with useful guides and articles.