Attributes Common To All Kitchen Appliances
All kitchen appliances share the following common attributes;
Freestanding or Integrated
All appliances are available as either a freestanding, self-contained unit that slots in between cupboards, or in a form that permits at least some degree of integration into the kitchen furniture.
In most cases, integration means that the machine is completely hidden beneath the worktop and behind a panel that matches the rest of the kitchen, and thus disguises the appliance to look like a cupboard.
Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines can be semi-integrated, wherein the majority of the front fascia is covered by a kitchen panel, but the top horizontal control panel is still visible.
Where ovens are concerned, these are not fully integrated so that the front is covered, but they can be ‘built in’ to kitchen cabinets, either at eye-level in a tower, or beneath a worktop. In this situation, the hob will be a separate feature built in to the worktop, possibly at some distance from the oven.
Energy Efficiency and Performance
Most kitchen appliances use a considerable amount of energy, and possibly water, each time they are used. With one eye on the environment and the other on running costs, the Energy Saving Trust ranks each appliance according to its performance and energy efficiency. These are shown on an A to G scale, where A-rated machines are most energy efficient.
A-rated appliances are generally more expensive than lower-rated ones, however they will save you money in the long run as their running costs are lower.
Remember also, appliances that use less water will also be of some considerable benefit to those of us on a water meter.
Noise
Appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators, can create some considerable noise while they are running. Manufacturers are developing machines that work increasingly quietly; a consideration that can be very important in an open-plan home.
The noise that a machine makes is measured in decibels (dB) and this will be shown on the product information. A model that has a noise level of 42dB will sound four times quieter than one making 56dB of noise.
Size
All appliances are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, where the standard is to fit underneath or in profile with a worktop.
- Our guide to kitchen appliances details average dimensions for each machine, however be sure to accurately measure your selected model to ensure it will fit into your kitchen layout.
Colour
Most commonly, freestanding kitchen appliances are available in white, silver or stainless steel, although certain manufacturers do produce them in a whole rainbow of options.
Stainless steel is a more expensive option that delivers a sleek and contemporary look, but it does show greasy fingerprints and a good look can only be maintained with a great deal of regular wiping. A similar and even more expensive option that eliminates this fingerprint issue is aluminium.
Further information and useful links
- Find a Kitchen Appliances supplier near you
- Find an Electrician near you
- Find a CORGI Gas Engineer near you
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