The Zero Stress Guide to Kitchens

Kitchen appliances

Top tips

• List all the items you would like when planning your budget
• Research which models are best
• Try to negotiate a discount for multiple purchases

It’s a good idea, when first planning your kitchen, to make a list of all the appliances you would like since this will significantly affect the budget. Consider items like a range cooker, oven, hob, extractor, microwave, ridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble drier, coffee maker and food processor. You may have to amend your list if the finances won’t stretch far enough.

Once you have decided what items you need and can afford you should do some research into which models you want to buy. Your choice might be dictated by price, appearance, country of origin, energy rating – possibly all of these. Energy ratings run from A to G, with A the most efficient and while these appliances may cost more initially the running costs will be lower.

It is worth studying something like Which magazine at your local library to see which models they recommend following their extensive testing.

When you have made your decisions, it’s a question of comparing prices at various retail outlets – take into account delivery and installation charges as well as the basic cost of the item. You may well be able to negotiate a worthwhile discount if you are making multiple purchases.