If you’re a wine enthusiast then a wine cooler is a worthy investment to make. Wine coolers are specially designed appliance used to keep wine stored at perfect temperatures but there are several factors to consider before choosing the best one for you.

This handy guide will provide useful information about wine coolers, so you can make a confident purchase decision.

WINE COOLER TYPES

Before making the final decision, you’ll need to consider whether you want a freestanding, built-in or an integrated model. This will depend on where you want to put your wine cooler and how much space you have.

Freestanding

This type of wine cooler is widely available and the cheapest type and you can put them anywhere in your house. This design is capable of having a taller and wider dimension than built-in model so they are able to offer more capacity.

Built-in

These have the upper hand of providing a seamless and stylish finished to a kitchen. They are generally more expensive than freestanding models. Their standardised design does mean that its bottle capacity can be limited. Therefore, if you love to collect wine, a built-in wine cooler probably isn’t for you.

SIZE

Wine Coolers vary in size and can fit anywhere between 6 and 140 bottles. Upright freestanding models are perfect for larger kitchens while under counter or built-in models fit in smaller spaces. The size and capacity solely depends on how much wine you’re planning on storing and how much you space have available.

TEMPERATURE ZONES

If you like to drink both reds and whites equally then you need to consider whether you want a single or dual temperature zone wine cooler. This also depends on what you’re using your wine cooler for: storage, serving or both.

Single-temperature zone

For those who just enjoy one type of wine (just reds or just whites) and want to store your bottles at perfect serving temperature, then a single zone wine cooler is the choice for you. This type is also ideal if you are just using your wine cooler as storage.

Dual-temperature zone

Alternatively, for those who like to drink reds and whites, then you will want a dual-temperature zone wine cooler. These are generally more expensive however its dual-temperature zone gives you greater flexibility for storing both red and white wines.

EXTRA FEATURES

UV-resistant glass doors

A must have feature if you want to protect your wines. The protective glass on the cooler limits the damaging effects of UV rays on your wine. Glass doors are also more stylish than a solid door and they allow you show off your wine collection.

Humidity controls

Wine is very sensitive to low levels of humidity and it can lead to drying out the cork if exposed for an extended period. This can result in air going into the bottle and ruin your precious wine. Having humidity controls allows you to manage the amount of moisture in the air inside your cooler to prevent this from happening.

Anti-vibration system

Wines have small amount of sediment in each bottle and if your wine is moved too often, that sediment can become agitated. An Anti-vibration system ensures that your wines are stored correctly with minimal to no vibrations which could possible affect the taste of the wine.

Reversible door

Just like your standard refrigerator, reversible doors provide you with more choice when positioning your wine cooler around your home.

Charcoal air filter

The charcoal air filter prevents odour from affecting the taste of your wine by filtering the air that enters your appliance. This also helps reduce the build of up dust in the interior. It is recommended that these filters are replaced every 6-12 months.

Energy rating

Wine coolers have an energy rating from A – G, with an A rating being the highest and most efficient. So the less you spend on operating your wine cooler, the more wine you can enjoy. Check out our blog for a guide to new energy ratings.

FAQs

Wine Coolers have been around for many numbers of years and they are constantly changing with more features. That’s why it can get quite confusing and you might have some questions. Here are just a few common questions answered.

Why it is important to serve wine at the correct temperature?

Serving wine at the correct temperature can greatly improve its flavour. A wine cooler will allow you to have your wine at the right serving temperature 24/7 so you can simply just take them off the shelf and drink immediately.

Can I move the shelves around?

Most wine coolers are made to fit the standard Bordeaux bottles however; some wine coolers are equipped with adjustable shelves so you can fit unconventional sized bottles like a Burgundy or Champagne for those special occasions.

Where shall I put my wine cooler?

The answer totally depends on which type of wine cooler you’re going for and how much space there is available. For a rule of thumb, your wine cooler should be placed on a hard, flat and stable surface for the best results. Keep your wine cooler out of direct sunlight and in a room where the temperature is table in order for it to run efficiently.

A cooker hood will help in providing the ideal cooking environment but there are several factors to consider when choosing a hood.

This guide will provide useful information about cooker hoods, so you can make a confident decision when purchasing.

COOKER HOOD TYPES

Built-in

Built-in cooker hoods are designed to be small, compact and are ideal for smaller kitchens. Typically built-in behind a kitchen wall cabinet so they can be tucked away when not use. They are usually not ideal for bigger kitchen due to their small design and slow extraction rates.

Canopy

Canopy hoods are ideal for smaller kitchens and for those who don’t want a cooker that’s going to conflict with the design theme of the kitchen. These are a positioned directly under your kitchen cabinet, similar to built-ins they blend seamlessly into the rest of the kitchen.

Chimney

Chimney cooker hoods are designed to be wall mounted and provides that classic traditional look. They come various sizes so you can get the perfect fit to match your kitchen décor. As a rule of thumb, always make sure that the hood is the same size or larger than your hob or larger than your hob.

Visor

Visor Cooker is the ideal option for those kitchens where space is very limited. Not only they’re one of the cheaper types of cooking hoods, they will also easily fit at a right angle on your kitchen for a discreet and orderly finish.

Island

Island cooker hoods are for those who have their hob fitted on a kitchen island. They type of cooker hoods are usually made premium due to their position in the kitchen standing out. They are usually designed to be quite large so that they can take care of big open-plan kitchens.

Downdraft

Downdraft extractor hoods are one of the more expensive types of cooker hoods due to their minimalistic design. These hoods are made to be hidden beneath your worktop when not in use and rise at the touch of a button.

Ceiling

If you want to preserve space in your kitchen then Ceiling Hoods are for you. Ceiling hoods come in various sizes are installed to be flush with your ceiling so you can achieve a minimalistic look at an affordable price.

HOW TO MEASURE

Now that you know all the types of cooker hoods to choose from, it is important that purchase the correct size that fits your kitchen hob layout. It is recommended that you match the size of your hood with the size of your hob.

To make sure that your cooker fits, you’ll need to measure from the top of your cooker or worktop upwards to the bottom of the cabinet or ceiling to make sure your cooker hood will fit. It is critical that you take into consideration the hot zone, which is 75cm. Lastly, it is important to make sure you pick a cooker hood with an extraction rate that will match the size of your kitchen.

VENTING TYPES

One of the key features to look for when purchasing a cooker is the type of venting you want with your cooker hood. This will depend on your current installation, if you’ve never had a cooker hood before you can choose what you prefer.

External

External or vented hoods, extract smoke and grease from the kitchen via pipe which leads outside. This is the most long lasting and efficient option and is usually altogether less noisy.

Recirculate

Recirculation hood simply filters usually filters the air through a charcoal or carbon filter and there’s no external vent needed. However, these filters will only partially remove odours for a short time and will need to be cleaned or replaced.

KEY FEATURES

Extraction Rate

This is the speed at which the cooker hood can extract air. Most hoods are designed to have at least three set of speeds that range from a slow extraction to an intense speed to keep up with stubborn odours.

Noise

Cooker hoods will no doubt make noise so look out for the decibel rating as some are louder than others. To help you out, the decibel level of normal speech is between 60-65 dB so you can keep the conversations going when the cooker hood is in operation.

Lighting

Most hoods are made with an LED light that will help brighten up your cooking space so you can easily keep on track of your dishes. There are usually two or more lights and that more energy efficient and can last 10 times longer than halogen bulbs.

Power Boost

If you’re always cooking up a storm and need an extra bit extraction power, look for cooker hoods with a power boost feature. This will add a more powerful extraction power for a few minutes, during which it extracts up to an extra 100 m3 of air.

Auto timer

Some dishes provide stubborn lingering odours that take extra time to air out. This is where cooker hoods with an auto timer comes in handy by letting you set how long you want your hood to stay on for so you can get on with your day.

FAQs

Cooker hoods are constantly changing in size and features and with a wide a variety of types to choose from it can get very confusing and you might have some questions. Here are just a few of the most common questions you have answered.

What extraction rate do I need for the size of my kitchen?

For an ideal extraction rate simply look at the width of your hob and cooker first. Then measure your kitchen and multiply it by 10 to get your perfect extraction rate. It’s perfectly fine to get a cooker hood less than your calculation, this just means it’ll take a little longer to clear the room.

What if I have a range cooker - what size hood do I need?

Whatever cooker you have the cooker hood you choose should always be the same width as your hob or cooker. Any smaller will provide inefficient performance and might look off in terms of kitchen design.

Is recirculation more beneficial than extraction?

There’s no big advantage of recirculation, it’s just as good as if you vent out. Recirculation is just an option if you’re not able to duct outside.

Which grease filter do I need?

Whether you’re extracting or recirculating air, both need a grease filter. A carbon filter is only needed when your cooker hood is designed to recirculate air as this will remove any smoke and odour.

How often should I clean my grease filter?

If you’re a regular cook, you should aim to clean the grease filter once a month. The more grease you generate the more often you’ll need to maintain cleaning them.

How do I clean my cooker hood?

If your cooker hood surface is greasy you can use a clean cloth, warm water and washing up liquid. Don’t use solvents or aggressive cleaners as you could damage the finish on your hood.

There are various decisions to consider before purchasing a new appliance, such as price, brand, size and colour. However, energy efficiency is on the trend and it has become an important factor. Not only you will gain significant cost savings in the long run but it will also help reduce your carbon footprint.

As of 1^st March 2021, the energy label rating system will use A to G rankings only instead of A+++ to D ratings as before. This new rating system applies to the following product groups:

• Washing Machines
• Washer Dryers
• Dishwashers
• Fridges & Freezers
• Fridge Freezers

Why Is This Change Happening?

Due to the development of more and more energy efficient products in the market which has resulted in making labels such as A++ and A+++ less obvious to the consumer, the EU energy label will enable consumers to distinguish clearly between the most energy efficient products.

What’s New?

• QR Code - Providing instant access to product information
• New Energy Classes - A simple A-G energy classification system
• Simpler Consumption Usage - An easier way to understand energy consumption measurements

Category Specific Labels

Fridges & Freezers

Half of domestic refrigeration appliances placed on the market in 2014 could claim one of the top two energy ratings (A++ or A+++).

How will the changes help?

• Fairer Rules - Which will be enforced through more realistic calculations.
• Energy Saving - 10TWh of electricity per year by 2030.
• Household Savings - European households will save an average of €100 in electricity over the lifetime of their new fridge or freezer.

Washing Machines & Washer Dryers

More than 55% of washing machines placed on the EU market are ranked A+++ on the label, hindering product differentiation.

How the changes will help?

• Fairer Rules - Will be enforced through more realistic calculations.
• Water Saving - 711 million m³ of water saved by 2030
• Energy Saving - 2.5 TWh of electricity savings per year by 2030.
• Household Savings - European households will avoid an average of €130 of electricity expenditure over the lifetime of their new washing machine.

Dishwashers

More than 60% of dishwashers placed on the EU market ranked A+++ or A++ on the label, making it difficult to differentiate between products.

How will the changes help?

• Fairer Rules - Which will be enforced through more realistic calculations.
• Water Saving - 16 million m3 of water by 2030.
• Energy Saving - 2.1TWh of electricity per year by 2030.
• Household Savings - European households will save an average of €60 in electricity over the lifetime of their new dishwasher.

Choosing the right vacuum cleaner for your home is important to make sure you keep your home fresh and clean in the quickest way possible.

From cleaning up dirt to removing pet hair and sucking up dust, this guide will help you find the ideal model for your needs.

TYPES

Before making the purchase, you’ll need to choose whether you want a cylinder, an Upright or a stick vacuum cleaner. This will depend on the type of cleaning you do and how much coverage you’ll need.

Cylinders

The traditional vacuum design, ideal for cleaning hard floors, stairs and upholstery. Cylinder cleaners consist of a main tank and long suction hose. They are neat and compact for navigating smaller rooms and don’t need much storage space.

Upright

Upright models are a great option for larger homes because of their bigger cleaning capacities and powerful suction power. This type of vacuum is perfect if you live in a home with large areas of carpet or if you have pet because it provides a much deeper clean.

Stick

Stick models are usually lightweight and can convert into handheld cleaners. These usually come cordless but corded models are also available. They offer excellent convenience because of their canisters that can be regularly emptied. This type is ideal if you need to quickly clean up a mess and picking up pet hair.

CORDED OR CORDLESS

The second choice you have to make is whether you want a corded or cordless vacuum cleaner. This will depend on the size of your home and the type of cleaning you’ll be frequently doing.

The primary difference between the two is that cordless models run on battery, meaning your cleaning time is limited between 15 minutes to one hour depending on which model you buy.

Corded

Corded vacuums tend to be more powerful which means they are better for picking up dust and have a much greater dust capacity, so you won’t have to empty the bag as regularly.

Cordless

Cordless models are designed to be much lighter than corded vacuums. This makes it convenient to navigate around the home without having to switch plugs when moving into a different room.

BAGGED OR BAGLESS

Once you decide the best type, you’ll also have to think about choosing between a bagged or bagless cleaner. This will depend if your household suffers with any allergies and the amount of cleaning you’ll taking on.

Bagged

Bagged vacuum cleaners are ideal if you have allergies or asthma as this reduces the amount of dust and allergens you’re exposed to. They also have a much higher capacity, however bagged cleaners do have an extra added cost of having to buy replacement bags once it’s full.

Bagless

Bagless models are an ideal choice if you want convenience. The dust and dirt are collected into a container, which can be simply removed and empty once it’s full. They are much better for tackling pet hair and there’s also no need to purchase additional bags.

TYPES OF FILTERS

Another feature to consider is the type of filter that suits your needs. Choosing the right filter is important because vacuum cleaners sucks up the air containing dust particles which are then filtered to be expelled back into the room. The better the filter the cleaner the air in your home will be.

Stage Filters

These vary between 3 and 7 stages of filtration. The higher the number of stages the cleaner the air will be during cleaning.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)

Also known as S-Class these are ideal if you or your household suffer with asthma or allergies as they are able to collect even the smallest of allergy-causing particles. Some models are even approved by the British Allergy Foundation.

Charcoal

Charcoal filters remove any horrid smells that are lingering. This type of filter is excellent if you have pets at home.

Liftime Filter

For the perfect convenience, these filters don’t need to be changed during the lifetime of the machine which is normally between 7 – 10 years, but will still need maintenance and washing occasionally.

ATTACHMENTS

Before making a decision on purchasing vacuum cleaners, you need to make sure you’re choosing the best cleaning tools for your home. Most models come with basic cleaning tools that works across most floor types and others come with a range of attachments for a more specialised type of cleaning.

Crevice Tool

A handy skinny tool with an angled grip that is great for vacuuming tight spots, skirting boards, radiators and in between sofa cushions.

Upholstery Brush

Made with a wide tool with a lint strip this attachment is ideal for cleaning sofas, curtains and cushions.

Dusting Brush

Designed with a soft bristle brush this tool is great for cleaning window sills, lampshades, keyboards and shelving.

Extendable Tube

This attachment provides you with an extra lenght to tackle hard to reach areas around your home and high ceilings.

Turbo Brush

Perfect for sucking up pet hair, lint and fibres from sofa this tool offers extra cleaning power with its rotating brush to lift and beat your carpet or fabric as you vacuum.

Parquet Brush

This tool is a must have if you have many hard floors in your home such as parquet, laminate, polished stone and high quality tiles.

FAQs

Vacuum cleaners designs are constantly changing and with a wide variety models in the market to choose from it can get very confusing and you might have some questions. Here are just a few of the most common questions you might have answered.

Which are the lightest Vacuums?

Typically, the most light weight vacuum type is cordless because it does not have a heavy motor like traditional vacuums. However, you will find uprights and cylinders also weighing under 5kg.

How do I empty my vacuum cleaner?

This can vary on whether you have a bagged or bagless vacuum cleaner. Bagged models keep all debris contained inside the bag and need to be disposed of and replaced when full. Bagless models can usually be emptied hygienically with a simple touch of a button.

Which vacuums are best if you suffer with allergies?

If you suffer with allergies then vacuums fitted with HEPA filter will remove 99.97% of particles from the air including pollens and mould spores.

How do I take care my vacuum cleaner?

There are various way to keep your vacuum cleaner in good shape and here our top recommendations:

• Clean filters regularly; blocked filters and blocked brush heads will affect the appliance performance, as will over-full bag or containers.
• Be careful of what type of materials you’re vacuuming; liquid, sticky materials and small sharp objects can jam your cleaner’s motor.
• Make sure the bag is properly attached before you do your cleaning as it could end up filling the inside of your vacuum instead of the bag.
• Empty bagless models regularly by looking at the marker or indicator when its full, don’t let dirt settle within the unit.

Microwaves are now one of the most versatile kitchen appliances you can have in your home. From heating up leftovers to cooking your favourite vegetables to defrosting meat, there are a few things to consider when choosing the ideal microwave for you. 

Whether you’re a busy body that solely relies on using your microwave or an avid cook that only uses it on occasion or for specific tasks, we’ll be able to find the right appliance for you.

TYPES

The primary choice you have to make is whether you want a standard solo, a microwave with a grill or a combination microwave. This will depend on what you cook and your needs, as some people depend solely on this appliance whilst others use it only on occasion or for a particular task.

Standard Solo

If you’re looking for a microwave with all the standard functions then a solo microwave is the perfect choice. They’re ideal for day to day simple tasks such as reheating meals and drinks or quickly defrosting food.

Microwaves with a Grill

Providing a two in one function these types of microwave are equipped with a grill. They can do everything a solo microwave can do along with a grill option. They’re a must have if you love crisping up or browning your food. 

Combination Microwaves

When you want your microwave to be completely flexible, then combination microwaves will do the job. This is because they offer all the features of the other models as well as providing convection heating, which is great for baking cakes and variety of dishes.

INSTALLATION

The second choice you’ll have to make is whether you want a freestanding or an integrated microwave. This will depend on your kitchen interior design.

Freestanding

Freestanding or also known as standard microwaves are the most popular as they offer flexibility when placing them around your kitchen. They’re also easy to move if you’re moving home or rearranging your kitchen.

Integrated

These are designed to fitted into your kitchen units and usually require professional installation. This is a perfect option if you want an integrated look to create a seamless finish.

CAPACITY

Microwaves are available in various size ranges. The larger your family size the larger your microwave should be. This will also depend on how much you cook with it and the extra features you may want.

Compact

This is the standard microwave and its capacity is usually between 15 to 20 litres. This is ideal if there’s between two and four people in your household that primarily use the appliance for reheating and melting.

Mid-Size

An upgrade from the typical standard microwave size with a capacity between 21 to 25 litres, you’ll be able to find grill and combination microwaves in this collection. The extra added capacity will easily handle two to four person households whilst also allowing for extra space for more flexible uses and larger sized foods.

Family Size

With capacities between 26 to 30 litres you’ll have more than enough space to cover four to six people in one home. These are usually solo microwave models at this size and they offer plenty of space to reheat large meals or several beverages at once.

Full Size

If you have a large family size that are into various styles of cooking then full size microwaves are the one for you. At this size you’ll find models with a grill and combination microwaves that have capacities ranging from 32 litres and above.

FEATURES

Once you’ve decided on the type, installation and size of your microwave, it’s now time to find the right features to consider. It can be confusing at first and you may not need all of them but here are a few to look out for.

Wattage

Typically measured in watts, microwave power ranges from 800 to 1200W. This is very important as this determines the speed of items to be cooked or heated. The higher the wattage the faster your food will cook.

Pre-set Programmes

If you’re unsure how long certain foods should be in microwave for, then models with pre-set programmes are ideal for you. Providing extra convenience, the programmes gets rid of the guesswork of timings for popular foods, along with reheating and defrosting.

Sensor Cooking

If you’re tired of inconsistent cooking results then the sensor cooking feature is a must have for you. It automatically adjusts the power levels and cooking time by measuring the moisture in food along with the microwaves interior humidity, so you’ll have flawless results every time.

Easy Clean Linings

Microwaves can get pretty messy especially with constant day to day use; that’s why easy-cleaning linings are a critical feature to consider. Look for microwaves with catalytic or pyrolytic liners which are fitted on the interior walls for an easier cleaning experience. Theses liners are self-cleaning and absorb dirt and grease from food to keep your appliance spotless.

Style

All these features are handy but what’s the point if your microwave doesn’t fit the look and style of your kitchen. Lucky for you, microwaves come in various designs and colours, from ultra-modern to retro style, there’s a microwave for every kitchen.

Defrost

The days panicking when you’ve accidentally forgotten to defrost your food items are gone. Modern microwaves are now equipped with a defrost function so you can get cooking quickly without having to wait around for frozen items to thaw out.

MICROWAVE FAQs

Microwaves have been around for a long time however there are still wide variety of questions that we still get asked. Here are just a few of the most common.

How does a microwave work?

Microwave ovens sends out waves of energy called ‘radiation’. These microwaves hit the water inside your food and make it vibrate which produces heat that cooks the food.

Are microwave ovens dangerous?

Modern microwaves ovens are designed to allow essentially no leakage of microwave. The only time for concern would if the door is broken or damaged, in which case the oven should not be used.

How long do microwaves last for?

With normal use an average microwave lasts about seven years, and even less with heavy use and poor maintenance. The lifespan can be shortened even further if the wrong items are placed inside which may cause irreparable damage.

How do I take care of my microwave?

There's various ways to keep your microwave in good shape and here are our top recommendations:

• Only use microwave safe containers and tableware.
• Don’t operate your microwave when it’s empty; the microwaves will bounce off the interior which may cause damage to the appliance.
• Keep your microwave clean to prevent damage to the interior caused by burned foods.
• If you have a ‘solo’ microwave, make sure it’s positioned to allow airflow around it.
• Use the provided pre-set cooking times which helps the microwave work more efficiently and saves you energy.