Are you looking to buy a robot vacuum to help you keep your house clean? Check out our guide for what to look for!

Times are changing and smart technology is revolutionising the way we do things in the home. Whilst robot vacuum cleaners have been present in the market for some time, we’re now seeing widespread adoption as these devices are becoming more affordable and more effective at cleaning the home.

The short answer to this is ‘it depends’. Most robot vacuum cleaners will do a good job on short pile carpets and hard floors and will have no issue navigating their way around your furniture and rooms in the house. It’s important to note that, even though technology has progressed a long way, they’re still not able to climb stairs so you’ll either need to purchase two units or get into the habit of bringing the robot vacuum upstairs every now and again if you have a multi-floored home.

If you have a thick pile carpet in your bedrooms then you’ll want to make sure to pick one with a higher powered suction. You’ll often also find that edges of carpets can’t be tackled well by robot vacuums and you may need to keep hold of your main vacuum or handheld to clean the edges every now and again. Essentially they’re not a replacement for conventional vacuum cleaners but will assist you in doing the vacuuming much less frequently than you normally would.

On the more affordable end of the spectrum, robot vacuums make use of infra-red sensors to navigate their way around your home. They’ll set off and change direction every time they come across an obstacle rather than sticking to a set route. The more expensive robot vacuum cleaners have smart sensors, laser scanners and cameras. These extra features can allow them to map your home, ensuring that all floors are protected and it follows a set route each time you switch it on. Most robot vacuum cleaners, regardless of cost, will have a self-docking functionality, allowing them to return back to their charging dock automatically at the end of a cleaning cycle. Some will also have a ‘manual mode’ in which you can control the device with a handheld remote. This is especially useful if you have a mess to clean up in one specific area.

Self-docking: Almost all robot vacuums will have a self docking function. This will allow the vacuum to automatically return to the charging/docking port on its own and is a really useful feature for keeping the batteries charged.

Self-emptying: Some of the higher end models of robot vacuum will not only go back to their dock automatically but will also empty their dust containers automatically into a larger compartment on the dock itself. Whilst this isn’t a strictly essentially feature of a robot vacuum, if you’re using it daily then it can be a time saver.

Mopping: Some robot vacuums will also have a mopping function with a cleaning fluid reservoir in the appliance itself. Be careful when considering these as most that have been tested don’t do a very good job with floors.

Infra-red vs. Smart: If you want each cleaning cycle to protect every part of the floor in your home without fail, then definitely look for a robot vacuum with a smart laser than can map your home. If you’re looking for a budget conscious option and you don’t mind the appliance missing bits of the carpet here and there, opt for an infra-red option.

Suction strength and smart-suction: If you’re looking at robot vacuums, the majority will measure the strength of the suction in ‘Pa’ units. These are ‘Pascals’, a measurement of atmospheric pressure and in this example, the higher the ‘Pa’, the stronger the suction. Robot vacuum cleaners will start at around 600 Pa, strong enough for hard wood floors all the way up to around 4000 Pa for really thick carpets. Some models will also offer ‘smart’ features in which the appliance will identify harder areas to clean and ‘boost’ the suction accordingly. This balanced approach maximises the run time of the appliance before it needs recharging.

Smart apps: Smart apps will often be used alongside some of the robot vacuums. The main benefit of these apps is that you can not only remotely control the appliance itself but you can set custom cleaning schedules, change cleaning modes and in some cases help it to map the boundaries of your home. We would definitely recommend picking a smart vacuum that comes paired with a smart app for your mobile device.

Brush types: Having a spinning brush helps to agitate carpets and make vacuums operate more effectively to suck up dust and debris. On the cheaper end of robot vacuums, some do not have a brush and you may experience lower quality cleaning. We would recommend opting for a robot vacuum cleaner with a spinning brush for optimum cleaning.

Battery life: The average battery life for a smart vacuum, dependent on settings and suction power, is around 40 minutes or so which is ample for getting around the house on a daily basis. If you have a small to medium sized home, this should be ample but consider buying an appliance with a larger battery if you have a large home.

Eufy RoboVac 30C

Price: £219.99

This option has powerful suction, a smart app you can schedule you cleans on, and a good quality vacuum brush. However its navigation is rather basic, and it can get stuck easily. 

Irobot Roomba i7

Price: £599.99 

This option has smart home mapping and even smart speaker integration for easier use. IT is however expensive and requires disposable vacuum bags for emptying. 

Dyson 360 Heurist

Price: £799.99

Our most expensive option comes with incredibly powerful suction, fine tuneable smart home mapping, and manages to clean right to the edges of the room. On the other hand it is very expensive at £799.99 and is also reportedly quite difficult to set up.

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 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. This means 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.

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 £400-£700, if you’re just looking for a freestanding model. The integrated and American type fridge freezers will cost you more though, with some of the top new American models going for almost £4,000 at retail, Like the Samsung RF9000 for example.

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 maybe 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 ages and can be a big hassle, so it’s worth looking out for a model with a freezer that doesn’t freeze over like that. 

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.

If you’re looking to buy a new cooker, chekc out our article on all the things you need to look out for!

Cookers come in all types and sizes, so to help you on your way to buying one just right for you, here’s what to look out for when buying a cooker.

It is probably best to look for the type of cooker that matches the energy type you use, to keep energy costs down. Here are the different types of cookers you can have, from electric to dual fuel cookers.

The electric cooker has a hob and an oven, both powered by electricity. They will usually have fan ovens too that help cook the food more evenly. Some cookers will have both a fan oven and a regular oven, so you can choose which is best in any given situation.

Electric induction cookers use an induction hob that heats the pan directly through magnetic fields, rather than heating the hob. As well as this they have an electric powered oven. This means you’ll need pans made of stainless steel or something based on iron.

Gas cookers are the least expensive to use, and gas hobs aren’t as hard to use as electric hobs. Though you may get less consistent results from your cooking with gas cookers compared to electric cookers.

Dual fuel cookers have both an electric oven and a gas hob. meaning you get an easy-to-use hob with the consistency of an electric oven. A Gas Safe registered engineer will have to install one of these ovens which may be an extra expense, but not much.

The least expensive cookers are gas cookers, as they are usually the simplest option for people who have gas power. They on average cost around £350, so you can pick one up pretty cheap. Other types of cooker and hob are more expensive. For instance, if you’d like an induction hob, you’ll be paying upwards of £400 at least. If you want to go cheap, most of the cheap options have just one oven, if you’d spend a little more then you’ll be able to choose from lots of different features. Still do your research though, some cookers truly can’t justify their price tag. Range cookers are the most expensive type of cooker because they protect a multitude of different cooking styles, they’re much larger and use more fuel. They also tend to be of better build quality overall. Brands like Rangemaster are the best in the business for these types of cookers.

Electric cookers are more expensive to run than gas cookers, on average you’d expect to pay between £40 and £60 on your energy bill for an electric cooker, compared to as low as £15 for a gas cooker.

Automatic Ignition is a great feature to find and is much more convenient when starting your cooking. A timer is a great feature that makes it much easier to keep track of your meals, especially if you’re busy! A multi-function oven is a great feature to look out for as it adds so much versatility to your cooking, and gives you ways of cooking you may never have tried before. Thermostat indicators are always a good shout too to make sure you’re keeping it at the right temperature, and for knowing when the oven is heated up to where you need it. One more great feature to look out for would be a pyrolytic self-cleaning program. This gets the oven incredibly hot to get rid of spillages that are hardened onto the walls, you just need to sweep the sh away after it’s done.

Pretty much all of the usual cookers are roughly 60-65cm wide, but if you’re in need of something smaller there are slimmer moels available at around 50-55cm. Range cookers and other similar cookers that are built-in can be a lot bigger. They are all around the same height to fit your worktops, at around 80cm high and with a depth of around 60-65cm.

You will want to be careful when buying an oven based on the capacity as their measurements include space that isn’t used for cooking. So we always recommend you check specifications and research the capacity further before buying because of this. Also, something worth looking up is the number of oven racks that are given with the cooker as this changes the amount you can cook in there too.

Automatic Ignition is a great feature to find and is much more convenient when starting your cooking. A timer is a great feature that makes it much easier to keep track of your meals, especially if you’re busy! A multi-function oven is a great feature to look out for as it adds so much versatility to your cooking, and gives you ways of cooking you may never have tried before. Thermostat indicators are always a good shout too to make sure you’re keeping it at the right temperature, and for knowing when the oven is heated up to where you need it. One more great feature to look out for would be a pyrolytic self-cleaning program. This gets the oven incredibly hot to get rid of spillages that are hardened onto the walls, you just need to sweep the sh away after it’s done.

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 microwave, then check out our article on tips for your search! 

Invented in 1946, the microwave has become the staple of the home, allowing for quick defrosting and cooking of food. It really is one of the most versatile appliances you’ll ever own. As fantastic as microwaves are, there are so many options on the market at various price points that it can quickly become a difficult task to buy one. We’ve put together a handy buyers guide below to help you on your way.

Sometimes known as ‘solo’ microwaves, these appliances are good for basic heating a defrosting tasks and are much cheaper than their more complicated counterparts. They also tend to be a little smaller, saving valuable space in the kitchen. The main downside of a standard microwave is that they can only heat food and can’t crisp or brown your food like you might get with a regular oven.

Microwaves with a grill do everything that a standard microwave would do but, you guessed it, with the added ability to grill! This allows the option of searing & cooking meats at the same time as microwaving it, keeping the flavour and structure intact.

Sometimes known as a ‘convection’ microwave, these are the most versatile types of microwave available. Not only will it do what a standard microwave and grill microwave will do but it also circulate air and heat effectively to allow for baking food in it.

The capacity of microwaves tends to be anywhere from 15 litres to over 32 litres. As a rule of thumb, we would recommend looking for a microwave of over 25 litres, but it’s the size of the turntable itself and the interior height that are more important than the overall capacity. We’ve broken down some of the size differences below:

15 to 20 litres: This tends to be the standard solo microwave size so the choice at this capacity is going to be high. If you’re only using the microwave for basic reheating and defrosting then you should be absolutely fine but larger families with greater needs from a microwave should steer away from this size.

21 to 30 litres: In this capacity range, you should start to see grill and combination microwaves. The larger capacity makes them perfect for more complicated uses and for cooking larger foods. These sizes would be ideal for small families of two to four people in a household.

25 to 30 litres: At this range you’ll start to see a solid range of all three types of microwave available but with enough capacity to heat, defrost and cook large portions of food. You’ll also start to see a higher amount of ‘flatbed’ microwaves (see below for more details) which will give you more room to work with.

32 litres and above: These types of microwaves not only give you the flexibility to buy all three types but they’ll be large enough to cater to the demands of a four to six person household and the large portions of food that go along with it.

• On a tight budget (Approx. £40 – £80): Simple solo microwaves, lower wattage (700-800W), basic controls (dial/buttons), smaller capacity (around 20L).
• Mid-Range (Approx. £90 – £200): Higher power (800-1000W+), larger capacity (20-25L), added features like grill functions, digital displays, or basic convection.

• High-End/Combination (Approx. £200 – £400+): Inverter technology, full convection ovens, steam functions, large capacities (25L+), sleek designs, built-in options, and premium brands.
• Built-In Units (From £300+): Designed to fit seamlessly into cabinetry, often offering high power and features, priced significantly higher. 

The internal capacity of the microwave doesn’t always equate to the overall size of the appliance. Make sure you measure the space available on your countertop or integrated space to ensure that the microwave you buy will fit properly.

Microwave power is measured in ‘watts’ and the higher the wattage, the more power the microwave has and the quicker it will cook food. Wattages for microwaves range anywhere between 650W and 1950W, the majority of which being around the 800W range. When shopping around for a new microwave, you might want to look for ‘variable power levels’, allowing the appliance to cook at different power settings for different uses e.g., cooking vs defrosting.

Most microwaves will have a rotating turntable inside of them, typically made of glass. This rotates the food as its cooking to ensure its cooked evenly. Some microwaves on the more premium end of the price spectrum won’t have this turntable. Instead, they have different technology that evenly distributes heat without the use of a turntable which makes them easier to clean and it gives them more space on the inside.

Microwaves with pre-programmed settings make it simpler to cook your favourite meals. Sometimes there will be exact settings for certain meats or dishes. Other microwaves will allow you input the weight and type of dish you’re heating and the microwave will optimise the way it cooks it accordingly.

Some microwaves will have in built sensors for detecting moisture in food and monitoring the humidity of the microwave itself. This helps the microwave to adjust the power levels whilst it’s cooking something to make sure your food won’t dry out.

Some more premium microwaves will come with ‘multi-step programming’ which allows you to cook things in a particular sequence without coming back to the microwave and starting it again. For example, defrosting food before initiating the cooking cycle.

Some newer microwaves will come with digital touch panels that are easier to clean and easier to use than buttons and knobs. There are a handful that will come with a full digital touch screen, allowing you to integrate with your smart home, watch videos online or bring up recipes on the fly.

Some microwaves will come featured with a child lock to prevent any child-related accidents from occurring. This would typically involve having to press a sequence of buttons before being able to either unlock or operate the microwave.

Even when not being used, microwaves will still consume a small amount of energy to keep the displays on. If you have a digital display on the microwave, this power usage could be quite high. To compensate this, a lot of newer microwaves will have a ‘power saver’ or ‘energy safe’ mode that either dims or turns off the display when the microwave isn’t being used.

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.

Looking to buy a new TV? Check out our guide on all the things you need to look out for to get the best bang for your buck! 

TVs are unanimous in homes across the world, we love to watch all sorts of things, and when your TV gets a bit old, it’s high time to start searching for a new one to bring some of that joy back to watching your favourite things!

Televisions come in various types and have different features depending on the type. Here is a breakdown of LCD, OLED, and QLED TVs to help you understand what’s best for you. 

LCD TVs 

LCD TVs use backlighting that shines on liquid crystals to display the images on your screen. These TVs are less expensive to make than other types, so they are more common than the others too. 

OLED TVs 

OLED TVs (Organic LED) are thought of as the best for colour quality and movement, these TVs are expensive and can get to prices in the multiple thousands depending on what size you’re looking for. Instead of using a backlight, each tiny bulb lights itself, which is why the image is so good with these TVs. 

QLED TVs 

These TVs are essentially a response from Samsung to the OLED TV type, claiming to produce colours and contrast as good as OLED TVs. They work more similarly to LCD screens though as they still have a backlight, the only difference is that instead of a layer of liquid crystals they use quantum dots to produce the image. 

4K TVs have now taken over the market and are widely available in many sizes, so it’s unlikely you’ll want to buy a Full HD TV in today’s market. They start at around £350 and have a much better display due to the number of pixels on the screen.

TVs can get really expensive, especially if you’re buying a brand new model, but once they’ve been around for a while you’re likely to be able to pick up a 4K model for as little as £300/£350. 

With Prices being reasonable for 4K TVS provided you wait as little, why would you want to spend more – and what would you get for the extra spend? Well spending more than £700 you’ll start to get sleeker design, smoother displays and Smart TV capability. Also of course the price increases if you want a larger screen size too, naturally.

Smart TVs are helpful as you can get on-demand streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. Some TVs come with voice control which is helpful and eliminates the need for a controller. HDR is also a great feature if you really want to improve your picture quality. The contrast can be greatly improved in TVs with HDR. Freeview Play is also great for catching up on shows you’ve missed. If you’d like to record shows too, you can look for a TV with PVR capabilities. All of these features will push the price up, but depending on your needs, they may be worth the extra spend.

TV screens are getting bigger and bigger, and bigger screens are getting more accessible to everyone as production costs get cheaper.

You won’t get 4K TVs at the 32-inch and smaller sizes, as they aren’t big enough to display the extra picture quality. You can still get TVs with smart capabilities though so these are a great option for bedroom TVs.

40-43-inch TVs are a popular size as they have a bit of everything. You can have 4K TVs, smart capabilities, and the price points aren’t bad at all. Saying that, if you want the latest technology, it’s better to go with a larger screen as the manufacturers air towards larger screen sizes for their new technology, to show it off in all of its glory. This is the way the market is going.

49-55-inch TVs as mentioned earlier are what producers prefer to put their effort into with new technology. Pretty much all TVs in today’s market at these sizes will be 4K and have the smart capability, as well as supporting HDR pictures too. These sizes will have all the bells and whistles and you’ll find a range of options depending on what you’re looking for at this size.

65-inch plus TVs are huge, but largely work the same as the previous size bracket. They’ll have all the features you can find on 49-55-inch TVs but will cost more due to the larger size.

It is usually best to wait sometime after TVs release, as the prices can drop significantly. This is usually a good few months after January to April. Also, Look for large discounts at times like the New year sales and Black Friday, you’ll be able to get a large amount off in these sales so be vigilant!

There are a lot of brands to choose from in the TV market, but most consumers will get either a Samsung, a Panasonic, an LG, or a Sony TV. Samsung and LG are the most popular and offer lots and lots of choices at every price point, so these two are always a safe bet. Sony and Panasonic are behind these two, but not by much, and still have huge ranges to choose from. They may offer fewer TVs at smaller sizes though such as 32-inch. A rising star is Hisense, a Chinese brand. These TVs tend to be cheaper than the top brands but try to offer similar specifications, so if you’re on a budget and are looking for a high-quality TV, this may be a good option for you.

In short – not particularly. From the outside, it seems great, but research shows that the effects of a curved TV are only really felt when you’re dead in front of the screen. People rarely watch TV from straight on, so this seems like a bit of a waste of money. Due to this, the feature is becoming less and less popular and only a Samsung still sells them today. They are also more difficult to put on a wall, so bear that in mind. Curved TVs are still great machines, so if you do want one then go for it, just be aware it may cost a little more, for not too much gain.

Recently there have been laws passed to make it easier for TVs to be repaired. This helps with electronic waste and also makes it cheaper for the consumer. TV producers now have to make parts available for several years after the TV has been on the market, and this goes for all price points and sizes of TV. So yes, you should be able to repair your TV!

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.