There are lots of different tumble dryers available on the market that offer a variety of features and functions. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a large family, it's important to find the best appliance to meet your needs.

DRYING METHOD

The first decision you'll have to make is which drying method you want for your tumble dryer. Currently on there are three options, vented, condenser and heat pump tumble dryers.

Vented

A more traditional style of drying, vented tumble dryers remove moisture from the clothes and expel it through a hose and vent outside your house. These models tend to be less energy efficient and subsequently have higher running costs.

Condenser

Unlike vented models, condenser tumble dryers remove moisture which is then condensed and stored inside a removable tank. This is a popular choice for households who are unable to vent their tumble dryer through a wall.

Heat Pump

The most energy efficient models on the market, heat pump tumble dryers recycle hot air created inside the drum, rather than drawing in air from the surrounding environment. This means that running costs are a lot cheaper, but cycles make take a little longer.

DRUM SIZE

The second consideration to make is the size of the drum and drying capacity. This will depend on how often you run a wash cycle and how much laundry you have.

• Small 5-6kg: a small drum size is capable of holding around 7-9 towels, 5 trousers and t-shirts, or 1 single duvet.
• Medium 7-9kg: a medium drum size is able to hold around 10-13 towels, 7 trousers and t-shirts, or 1 double duvet.
• Large 10-13kg: a large drum size can hold around 14-18 towels, 10 trousers and t-shirts, or 1 kingsize duvet.

For optimal convenience, it's a good idea to match your tumble dryer capacity with your washing machine capacity. This allows you to move your wet clothes straight into the tumble dryer.

FEATURES

Finding a tumble dryer that works for you is important to ensure your laundry pile stays under control. Here are the most common features.

Sensor Drying

Having to constantly check if your clothes are dry can get very annoying, but not with sensor drying technology! You simply select the desired dryness levels and let the sensors automatically detect the moisture levels in your clothes.

Reverse Tumble

Tired of having to untangle your laundry after a drying cycle? The reverse tumble action makes sure that your clothes don't end up a tangled mess.

Smart Technology

If you own a Google Home, Amazon Alexa or smartphone, you'll need to look out for smart technology enabled models. These allow you to control settings, functions and programmes remotely through an app.

TUMBLE DRYER FAQs

As you can imagine, we get asked a lot of questions about tumble dryers. That's why we've compiled a list of our most commonly asked questions.

Which is the most energy efficient tumble dryer?

Out of the three options, heat pump tumble dryers offer the most energy efficient performance. Often a little more expensive than their vented or condenser counterparts, they ensure your running costs stay low.

What can't I put in a tumble dryer?

Luckily nowadays, a lot of garments can go inside a tumble dryer, however there are a few items that you should avoid. These include bras, tights, swimming costumes, embellished clothes and sports shoes with rubber soles.

How hot do tumble dryers drums get?

Tumble dryers can actually get surprisingly hot! It depends on the manufacturer and model, but they can get as hot as 175 degrees Celsius.

What is the cost of the cheapest tumble dryer?

Here at Kitchen Economy we have a large variety of tumble dryers under £200.

Making sure you get your next washer dryer purchase correct is important for the functionality of your home. Whether you're a small family or furnishing your first home, a washer dryer can make your life much easier.

INSTALLATION

The first consideration you'll have to make is whether you want a freestanding or integrated washer dryer. This can significantly impact the look of your kitchen or utility room design.

Freestanding

A freestanding washer dryer is a standalone model that combines a washing machine and tumble dryer into one appliance. These can fit under your kitchen counter or be stacked, giving you the flexibility to install wherever there is a water supply.

Integrated

Unlike freestanding models, integrated washer dryers fit inside a counter behind a cabinet door. These are great for modern interiors, keeping your household looking clean and seamless.

DRUM SIZE

Unlike other laundry appliances, washer dryers come with two capacities. The larger first weight is the washing capacity and the smaller second weight is the drying capacity.

• Small 5-6kg: a small drum size is capable of holding around 7-9 towels, 5 trousers and t-shirts, or 1 single duvet.
• Medium 7-9kg: a medium drum size is able to hold around 10-13 towels, 7 trousers and t-shirts, or 1 double duvet.
• Large 10-13kg: a large drum size can hold around 14-18 towels, 10 trousers and t-shirts, or 1 kingsize duvet.

It is important to note that the drying capacity will always be less than the washing capacity, so you may have to remove items after a wash cycle.

FEATURES

There are lots of different washer dryers on the market at the moment, so it can be difficult to know what to choose. Here is a list of the most important features to consider.

Energy Rating

Keeping your energy bills under control means you have to watch out for the energy efficiency ratings. As washer dryers are both a washing machine and tumble dryer, they tend to be less efficient than washing machines, ranging between B-A efficiency ratings.

Spin Speed

The spin speed of a washer dryer is the number of times a drum spins in a minute. The higher the spin speed, the more water is removed which means less energy is required to dry the laundry.

Brushless Motors

If you're looking for a quieter appliance that is much more reliable, you'll want to look out for brushless motors. Instead of using noisy brushes, these motors use magnets to generate the movement.

WASHER DRYER FAQs

We've been asked a multitude of questions over the years, so we've compiled a list of common questions we get asked during a washer dryer purchase.

What is the standard size of a washer dryer?

Washer dryers tend to have a standard width of 60cm and height of 85cm, whilst the depth can range from 55-70cm depending on the drum size.

How long is a quick wash?

There isn't one set quick wash time and it can vary between manufacturers, but the average time is between 15 to 30 minutes.

What is the cost of the cheapest washer dryer?

At Kitchen Economy we stock a variety of washer dryers under £350.

Selecting the correct washing machine for your household is important to make sure you don't have a constant supply of dirty laundry.

No matter if you're a family of four or a couple furnishing their first home, this guide will help you find the ideal appliance for your needs.

INSTALLATION

Before making a purchase, you'll need to decide if you'd like a freestanding or integrated washing machine. This will change the installation method and the look of your kitchen or utility room.

Freestanding

A freestanding washing machine is a standalone appliance that can sit underneath a counter or be stacked. This makes it easy for connection, allowing you to install a model wherever there is a connection.

Integrated

If you have a seamless kitchen or utility room design, integrated washing machines fit into your counters behind a cabinet door. Ideal for a modern and sleek interior design, you'll be able to hide your appliance.

DRUM SIZE

Selecting the correct drum size for your household will ensure your dirty laundry piles stay under control.

• Small 5-6kg: a small drum size is capable of holding around 7-9 towels, 5 trousers and t-shirts, or 1 single duvet.
• Medium 7-9kg: a medium drum size is able to hold around 10-13 towels, 7 trousers and t-shirts, or 1 double duvet.
• Large 10-13kg: a large drum size can hold around 14-18 towels, 10 trousers and t-shirts, or 1 kingsize duvet.

FEATURES

There are a large variety of washing machines and features available on the market today. Fortunately we've created a list of features to look out for when browsing.

Energy Rating

Ensuring your utility bills stay down relies on the energy rating of your appliances. The more efficient your model is, the more money you will save. Washing machines are often the most efficient on the market, usually ranging from A++ to A+++.

Spin Speed

The spin speed of a washing machine is the number of times the drum spins per minute. Therefore, a quicker spin speed removes more water which means your clothes dry quicker.

Brushless Motors

Older washing machine models tend to use brush motors that are noisy and can often break. On the other hand, newer models use brushless motors that use magnets for quieter and reliable performance.

Steam

Some premium washing machines come with a handy steam function that helps reduce creases, as well as removing bacteria and freshening up clothes.

Smart Technology

Want to make doing the laundry even simpler? You'll have to look out for Smart Technologies that let you connect your washing machine to the WiFi and control it remotely using your smartphone, Google Home or Amazon Alexa.

WASHING MACHINE FAQs

Over the 40 plus years we've been in business, our customers have asked us plenty of questions when purchasing a new appliance.

What is the standard size of a washing machine?

The width and height of a washing machine tends to measure the same across most models, with the depth changing depending on the drum size.

The measurements are often around 60cm wide, 82-85cm high and 40-70cm deep.

How long is a quick wash?

There are a variety of quick wash lengths across the market, but they tend to be around 15 to 30 minutes.

What models are the quietest?

If you're looking for a washing machine that is quiet, it is important to check whether the motor is brushless. These use frictionless magnets instead of brushes and ensure a much quieter noise level.

What is the cost of the cheapest washing machine?

At Kitchen Economy we have a wide selection of washing machines under £200.

Making sure you purchase the correct hob for your specific culinary needs is important for the functionality of your kitchen. From gas to induction, you can drastically improve your cooking experience.

Whether you're looking to modernise your kitchen with a seamless model or in need of a robust and reliable model, we have the guide for you.

FUEL

The most important consideration to make is which fuel you want for you cooker hob. Currently there are only two options available, electric or gas.

Electric

Available in a variety of model types, electric hobs come in either ceramic, induction or solid plate. Solid plates ensure a sturdy performance, whilst ceramic and induction hobs provide a contemporary look and efficient performance.

Gas

A popular choice amongst professional chefs and keen home cooks, gas hobs provide a fast heat source for quicker cooking results. The easily adjustable flame controls allow flexibility over your culinary creations.

HOT ZONE

When planning a hob installation, it is vital you leave enough space above the hob surface - the Hot Zone. Furthermore, all materials above the hob surface must be fire resistant, including shelves, wallpaper and plug sockets.

For gas hobs, this needs to measure 75cm from the hob surface to the cooker hood, whilst electric hobs this only needs to be 65cm.

MEASUREMENTS

Before installing a new hob, it's crucial you consider the measurements are correct for your kitchen interior.

Firstly, you'll need to check the width. Most hobs vary between 60-90cm, whilst the standard depth measures around 50cm. Then you'll need to match the width of the hob to your cooker hood in order to provide thorough ventilation.

If you decide to install a gas hob above an oven, it's necessary to leave a 2.5cm gap between them to allow air to circulate.

FEATURES

There are so many features with ovens on the market today, but we have listed a few below that you could make sure you look out for.

Wok Burner

If you love cooking delicious Asian-style dishes, it worth looking out for gas hobs with a dedicated wok burner. This powerful ring of flames provides instant heat that quickly fries your food for fantastic flavours.

Easy Cleaning

No one likes having to spend ages cleaning their hob after every use. Luckily ceramic and induction hobs come with a sleek, smooth and shiny glass surface for simple cleaning.

Safety

When purchasing a gas hob, it is important to look out for flame failure devices that automatically cut off the gas supply when a flame cuts out.

Additionally, for touch control ceramic and induction hobs, it can be easy to accidentally switch between temperatures. Luckily most of these come with a lock feature to prevent children from fiddling with the settings.

Pan Detection

With some induction hobs, you'll find that there is a pan detection feature for efficient performance. By using especially designed electromagnets inside the hob, the pan will only heat up when it makes contact with the surface.

HOB FAQs

Since our foundation in 1978, we've sold hundreds of cooker hobs and also been asked the same number of questions. Here is a list of the most common.

What is the difference between hardwired and "plug & play" installation?

All electric and gas hobs will need to be either hardwired or "plug & play" during installation. This means that the hob will come with a plug already attached, or will need to be hardwired into the mains.

Will a gas hob need an electric supply?

It may sound strange, but gas hobs will require an electric supply in order to ignite the gas flame.

Can I switch from electric to gas hobs or vice versa?

You absolutely can! As long as you have a mains supply of the fuel you are switching to, it should be simple to change from gas to electric or the other way round.

How much does it cost to install a hob?

Here at Kitchen Economy we have priced our installation services extremely competitively in the market for the cheapest basket value in South Wales!

• Electric hob - £78
• Gas hob - £78

On average, that puts us £10-£110 cheaper than AO, John Lewis, Currys and Appliances Direct!

So you've decided you want to look for an oven? Luckily you've come to the right place! With lots of options available, it's important to evaluate what is available for your needs.

A popular choice for modern kitchen interiors, built-in ovens fit seamlessly into your worktops for a contemporary look that will be the envy of your guests.

FUEL

The first consideration you'll have to make is which fuel you would like to use. For ovens there are two choices, electric or gas.

Electric

By far the most popular choice, electric ovens are great for a whole multitude of culinary creations. Furthermore, as most electric models use a fan, heat is evenly distributed across the cavity for beautifully browned pastry bottoms.

Gas

Not as common as their electric counterparts, gas ovens are ideal for traditional-style dishes. As these models don't come with a fan motor, the hottest temperatures will be found at the top of the cavity.

CAVITIES

The second decision you'll have to make is how many cavities you will need. This will significantly change your cooking capacity, allowing to feed a large family gathering or a family of four.

Single Oven

Equipped with one large cavity, single ovens come in a variety of sizes. Starting at 65 litres and going up to as much as 115 litres, you'll be able to cook many dishes with ease. They can even be built-in at eye level or built-under your counter top.

Most standard ovens come with a conventional oven, grill and fan options, whilst higher-end models will come with steam functions and self-cleaning options.

Compact Oven

For smaller kitchens with limited counter space, compact ovens are a great option for you. Measuring around just 45cm high, they're about the same size as an integrated microwave and always come as electric.

Double Oven

Looking for larger and convenient cooking capacity? Double ovens come with two cavities for even more room for your culinary creations. The main oven comes with a capacity of around 50-75 litres and a smaller top oven of around 35-60 litres.

Built-Under

If you're looking to make the most out of your under counter space, built-under ovens come with two smaller cavities for flexible cooking. However, these models tend to have a slightly smaller cooking capacity than standard double ovens.

MEASUREMENTS

Ovens tend to only come in one width, letting you install them directly into your kitchen units. Most single, compact, double and built-under ovens tend to measure 59.7cm wide and 56cm deep.

The only measurement you will have to take note of is the height, depending on the number of cavities. Single ovens tend to measure around 60cm high, compact ovens 45cm high, double ovens 90cm high and built-under ovens 70cm high.

FEATURES

There are so many features with ovens on the market today, but we have listed a few below that you could make sure you look out for.

Self-Cleaning Functions

If you're fed up of having to constantly scrub away at stubborn burnt-on grease, grime and dirt, you can look out for self-cleaning functions. There are lots of different cleaning options, but the main two include:

• Pyrolytic cleaning - the oven heats up to extremely high temperatures to burn away food particles.
• Catalytic liners - these especially designed liners automatically absorb grease for hassle-free cleaning.

Fan-Assisted

Ensuring heat is evenly distributed across the cavity, fan-assisted ovens use a fan and motor to encourage hot air to flow across the shelves. This is ideal for amateur bakers looking for perfect bakes with every recipe. 

Steam

To add an extra layer of finesse to your dishes, steam cooking options ensure meats stay moist and cakes remain fluffy and light.

Smart Technology

Do you own an Amazon Alex, Google Home or smartphone? Then you'll need to keep an eye on Smart ovens. This means you'll be able to adjust settings, functions and temperatures wirelessly.

OVEN FAQs

Having sold appliances for over 40 years, we've been asked a plethora of questions during an oven purchase. Here are a few of these.

What is the difference between hardwired and "plug & play" installation?

Most ovens need to be either hardwired or "plug & play" during installation. This means that the electrical cable needs to be wired by an electrician or can be simply plugged into the mains.

What is a conventional oven?

Unlike a convection ovens, a conventional model does not come with a fan motor. These models tend to have two heating elements, one at the base and one at the bottom, to heat up the air inside the cavity.

As the hot air isn't circulated by a fan, conventional ovens have pockets of hotter or cooler air that can result in uneven cooking results.

How much does it cost to install a oven?

Here at Kitchen Economy we have priced our installation services extremely competitively in the market for the cheapest basket value in South Wales!

• Electric oven - £50
• Gas oven - £78

On average, that puts us £20-£110 cheaper than AO, John Lewis, Currys and Appliances Direct!