Moving into your first home brings a long shopping list. Kitchen appliances are among the biggest purchases, and choosing well means they will serve you for years. Here is how to approach it.
Start with the essentials
- Fridge freezer: the one appliance you cannot do without.
- Cooker or oven and hob: unless the property already has one fitted.
- Washing machine: saves trips to the launderette and lasts many years.
- Microwave and kettle: affordable and used every day.
A dishwasher and tumble dryer are very useful but can come later if the budget is tight.
Measure everything first
Measure the width, height and depth of each space, plus door openings and hallways the appliance has to pass through. Allow a little room behind and around fridge freezers for ventilation. Check where water, drainage and power points are.
Freestanding or integrated?
If the kitchen has gaps for visible appliances, freestanding models are cheaper, easier to install and can move with you. Integrated appliances hide behind cabinet doors and need specific housings, so they are usually only replaced like for like.
Choose the right size for your household
- Fridge freezer: 50/50 or 60/40 splits suit most people. Frost-free saves defrosting.
- Washing machine: 7kg for one or two people, 8–9kg for a family.
- Cooker: 50cm or 60cm wide, electric, gas or dual fuel depending on your supply.
Look at running costs, not just price
The energy label shows how efficient an appliance is. A more efficient fridge freezer or washing machine can save a noticeable amount each year, so a slightly higher price may pay for itself. Read our guide on how to read an energy label.
Think about delivery and installation
Ask what delivery includes, whether the appliance will be connected, and whether your old appliance can be taken away.
Buy local
Buying from a local independent retailer means real advice and someone to talk to if something goes wrong. Visit S&D Ireland on New Court Way in Ormskirk, or browse our range of domestic appliances online.