Have you ever seen A++ written on the label of an appliance and wondered what on earth it means? Well if you have, you’re not the first person to do so! We thought it was about time we wrote a piece on what appliance energy ratings mean and what to look out for when you are buying any new kitchen appliances, as they are becoming a more important factor for people when they buy a new appliance.

The scale of energy ratings varies depending on the type of appliance, but it usually runs from A+++ down to G. Below are a few points to make note of for dishwashers, fridges and freezers, washing machines and tumble dryers.

Dishwashers

·         Rated from A+++ (the best) to D (the worst);

·         If your appliance was purchased before 2011, it could have a G rating which will mean it is very costly to run;

·         The rating for dishwashers is calculated by working out how much energy and water is used in the standard program as well as the eco program;

·         Energy rating for dishwashers is shown in kilowatt hours per year (kWh);

·         Did you know? Washing up dishes by hand may not always be more efficient than using your dishwasher

Fridges and Freezers

·         As of 1^st July 2012, each new fridge or freezer must have an A+++, A++ or an A+ energy rating (a selection of the best);

·         If your appliance was made before September 1999, it could have a rating as low as G (the worst);

·         Appliance energy ratings are calculated by comparing energy consumption with the internal volume of your fridge freezer;

·         Did you know? Refrigeration products are the second least efficient appliances after central heating in your home.

Washing Machines

·         If you own an older appliance it could have a rating of anything from A+++ (best rating) to D (worst rating), making it significantly less efficient;

·         Again, like dishwashers, the unit of measurement is kilowatt hours per year (kWh);

·         To get an energy rating, tests are done of both full and half full loads on various settings;

·         Did you know? In 2014 a rule was introduced stating new washing machines could only have an A+++, A++, A+ or A energy rating, making them very efficient

Tumble Dryers

·         How is it measured? Appliance energy ratings for tumble dryers are calculated by monitoring how much energy is used by the appliance in standard cotton drying cycle;

·         There are both electric and gas tumble dryers available, and as of 2012, energy ratings were introduced for gas tumble dryers;

·         Like the other appliance energy ratings, electric tumble dryers have ratings ranging from A+++ as the most efficient to G for the least efficient;

·         Did you know? Gas tumble dryers cost less to run than their electric equivalents

So if you are thinking of buying any new kitchen appliances or other home appliances for that matter, we hope that after this post you will be able to understand the appliance energy rating and get the perfect appliance for your home.

When purchasing a new cooker, the variety of choice can be a little overwhelming. Not only do you have several established manufacturers to choose from, you have several colours, shapes and sizes to peruse and perhaps most importantly of all - you need to choose which sort of hobs will meet your cooking requirements. Initially, many people forget how imperative a hob is to a cooker, but the three main types of hob - electric, ceramic and gas are so fundamentally different from each other that which one you choose should be based on more than looks alone. 

Electric Hobs 

Electric hobs are favoured by many for their cost-effectiveness, as they are the cheapest of all three options by quite some stretch. Run by electricity, these hobs take a while to heat up and consequently you'll need to wait some time before you start cooking. This is seen by some as a downfall, because the hobs do not omit heat instantly, however apart from cooking time, it has no effect on the quality of your meals so many opt for this choice to save money! 

Gas Hobs 

Gas hobs are more popular than electric hobs for the simple reason that they heat up immediately. Though not as attractive as electric or ceramic hobs, due to the raw flame they provide instant heat and consequently make for quick cooking. This is favoured by many, though gas hobs are fairly difficult to clean and have been known to get messy fairly quickly.

Ceramic Hobs 

The most expensive choice of the three, ceramic hobs are by far the Rolls Royce of hobs. They provide almost instantaneous heat and are significantly more aesthetically pleasing than the previous two options. Due to the flat surface they are also quick and easy to clean, though these desirable features do come at a cost - and they are significantly more pricey than say the electric hob. 

Finding the right hob for you is simple, you just need to decide whether cost, design or convenience is your main priority when it comes to cooking. Electric, gas and ceramic hobs all have their own individual benefits, and each will perform to the best of their ability and play to their own strengths. 

Kitchen Economy offers a free delivery service for all hobs - or alternatively a click and collect if you'd prefer to collect your product from our store directly. We can also install these products for you, saving you another job! To discuss which option is best for you, simply give us a call on 02920496816.