General Enquiries And Questions

We are about to install a new kitchen and the integrated appliances we need to buy are: Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer, Dishwasher, Fridge Freezer, Double Oven, Hob, Hood.

The problem is that my husband and I are hopelessly clueless and out of date. All our existing appliances are old (mostly over 20 years old!) and for many years we've been living and working in developing countries where choice is limited to whatever is available. Web searches produced a huge choice of manufacturers and price ranges and we didn't recognise most of the lower priced brand names. Our usage is not heavy ("empty nesters") and our budget would suit the lower end of middle range.

Two major questions:
1. Taking price v reliability can anyone recommend any of these brands for good value? Baumatic, Fagor, Ignis, Whirlpool.
2. Electric or gas oven? I understand that electric ovens are currently the popular choice but friends tell me to stick to gas.

Any advice gratefully received.

Hi Nadine

Personally I would stick with either Ignis which is the budget range made by Whirlpool, or If you can go that little bit higher on price, look at Whirlpool products which are built to a higher spec with enhanced features. If you are thinking about stainless steel finish, Whirlpool is better too.

Electric ovens do give much better even heat these days due to the fan circulating the air around the oven cavity. Also manufacturers can give these appliances more customer functions than ever before . However if it is gas you are after then Electrolux and Stoves are probably the best ones around.

Your`e friendly local independant retailer should be able to help with the best advice and service.

Don

I agree.

Ignis every time, it's made by Whirlpool and after sales is pretty good.



Greaseater.

Many thanks Don and Greaseater for your prompt and helpful replies. As a result of your advice I will definitely look into Whirlpool products.

Hi there Nadine...in relation to your query on integrated appliances...All or any of the appliance Brands you have mentioned are of good quality durable, pleasing to the eye and reasonably inexpensive to maintain out of warranty...in the electric oven versus Gas oven question well it really is personal choice and preference, modern fan assisted electric ovens are fast in cooking and produce excellent results...Gas ovens are also excellent but please ensure that the installation is carried out by a CORGI Registered Gas fitter who will issue you a safety test certificate for your house insurance and you will need to repeat this test annually...good luck

Thanks Jim, your reply is encouraging. I suppose you get what you pay for but I don't want to pay a lot extra for a posh name if I can get reliable, reasonably priced appliances. As our new kitchen will be fully integrated, the brand names won't be on show anyway!

I would suggest that you speak with a kitchen specialist which will be able to offer you the best advice on appliance integration.

As for brands I will remain silent on that one as an employee of a Major white goods appliance manufacturer as anything I say may be taken as bias.

Be sure to be clear on what your needs are from the products i.e. do you do alot of entertaining? then you may need a double oven or built under double oven? And a 5 burner hob as opposed to a 4 burner.

Ask yourself what you want out of each product? what do you not like about your current product? Do you hate cleaning your oven? then maybe look at pyroluxe models which although more expensive take alot of the hardwork out of cleaning it.

The appliances in your kitchen should be able to make your life as easy as possible.

Excellent points Scott and right on the money, I do wish more people would consider just what it is that they are buying when looking at new appliances and actually ask these sorts of questions.

The independents will more of often than not ask the right questions and have experienced and knowledgeable staff employed. Okay, so it may cost a few pounds more (but often you may actually save money as they will compete well), but is it not better that and getting the right thing in the first place than being disappointed later?

K.