Below are a few points to consider before placing your appliance order.
SINKS
- Sinks with drainers must be ordered with the bowls on the correct side, i.e. generally they are not interchangeable.
- The most common large item you will probably wash regularly is your oven tray. It is therefore a good idea to make sure at least one bowl can cope with it's size easily.
RANGEHOODS
- The effectiveness of any rangehood hinges on its ducting. Please ensure this is allowed for in planning and also in your budget as almost all hoods are supplied without it. The most direct path to atmosphere is the preferred route for efficiency, quietness and performance. Our consultants can help specify the correct ducting for you.
OVENS
- Gas ovens are rare these days but if you require one, please make sure you let your consultant know.
- If having a wall oven the top shelf should be no higher than your shoulder- this will make it easier to get food in and out of the oven safely.
WARMING DRAWERS
- Some warming drawers are designed just for plates and cups, others can keep food warm as well.
COOKTOPS
- Whilst most gas cooktops now come supplied with an LPG conversion, it best to let your sales consultant know if conversion kit is required.
- Induction cooktops can draw upwards of 45A. Please ensure you have enough power being supplied to your property. This may avoid a costly hidden charge.
DISHWASHERS
- Extra Large cavity dishwashers are becoming more common. Please note the extra height required is allowed for at the planning stage.
REFRIGERATION
- Although most fridges can have their hinge side swapped from one side to the other (most often with the purchase of a kit), it is always better for the fridge to be supplied with the door hung the correct way.
- If integrating make sure there is enough ventilation around the fridge as not adhering to the manufacturers specifications can void the warranty.
- Fridges with ice makers or ice&water dispensers will need a water supply to a cupboard adjacent to the fridge.
- A full fridge is more efficient than an empty fridge. Based on what fridge you have now, consider if it is the size or the just shape that doesn't suit- it might be both. Take note of how long you keep food for, both fresh and frozen and how much you through out each week. With this knowledge we can work out the right fridge for you.
- Pigeon Pair fridge freezers require a power outlet for each side. It is not advised to use a double adapter, a double power point is preferred.
WASHING MACHINES
- Consider the capacity and also specialised programs - The largest capacity is not generally the best place to start as even a 6kg machine will wash 10 bath sheets in one go. Cycles like anti allergy, or sportswear or wool or silk might be just what you need or be completely redundant.
- Top load washers are typically quicker but they use more water, powder, electricity, not as gentle on your clothes and the clothes are about 55% dry compared to 80% in a front loader. Front loaders are also better for people with allergies and with the aid of a plinth are better for people with back problems.
DRYERS
- Vented dryers need to be ducted to avoid the room they are in steaming up and damaging the walls.
- Washer/Dryer combo machines are generally a last resort option as almost always the drying cycle will use as much water as the wash cycle.
- Condenser dryers are going through an evolution of their own. There are now ridiculously efficient models, some with what would be seven energy stars- if the ratings went up that far!