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   Buying guide

washing machines washer dryers tumble dryers dishwashers cooking refrigeration

Washing Machines
It is important that you choose the right model for you as different models include many different features to give you a helping hand, such as delay timers, half load, antibacterial washes, allergy care, crease reduction and delicate programmes.

Spin speed
Spin speeds range from 1000rpm – 1600rpm, you can expect to pay a little more for faster spin models. The faster the spin speed the less drying will be required, ideal for saving energy if drying with a tumble dryer.

If you have delicate items of clothing you may want to opt for a variable spin speed model. With these models you can reduce the spin speed to ensure your fragile items don’t get damaged.

Load capacity
The standard load capacity is 5kg however bigger families could go for a 6kg, 7kg or 8kg load capacity. To put this in real terms, a 5kg load will hold up to about 17 cotton T-shirts, and a 7kg load will hold up to about 25.

It is also worth considering a larger drum size to help reduce creasing. The larger the drum the more space your clothes will have to move around, reducing tangling and creasing.

Energy ratings
Every appliance carries an industry-standard energy efficiency rating label. The grading runs from A-G. A is the most efficient and best both for your utility bills and the environment.

Why not save more energy by washing at 30°. Many modern machines now have the ability to wash at 30° saving you 40% of the energy used by washing at 40°. This means you can save money and energy without compromising on performance.

Programmes
There are many useful programmes available to help make doing the laundry less of a chore. Thanks to wash programmes such as ‘quick wash’, ‘delicates’ and ‘hand wash’ you can wash anything from jeans to cashmere jumpers quickly and efficiently.

Dimensions
Most manufacturers work to standard sizes. The standard size for washers is 60cm wide by 85cm high. When you're ordering, just check the dimensions to make sure you're buying the right size for you. We can also supply compact washing machines and large American style models to order.


Washer Dryers
Great for space saving, these machines have all the features of a washer and dryer in one. Most can wash or dry separately, but bear in mind the drying capacity may be less than for washing.

All washer dryers are condenser tumble dryers so there is no need for a ventilation kit.


Tumble Dryers
Vented
These models get rid of moisture by venting it through an outside wall or window via a tube. They must be situated accordingly to ensure ventilation is possible.

Condenser
Condenser tumble dryers collect the moisture that evaporates during the cycle and store it in a container that can be emptied. Condensers’ tend to be a little more expensive; however the great thing is they can go anywhere in your home with a power supply.

Dimensions
Most manufacturers work to standard sizes. Just like washing machines, the standard size for tumble dryers is 60cm wide by 85cm high. We can also supply compact tumble dryers and large American style models to order.

Capacities
Like washing machines, tumble dryers come with 5, 6, 7 or 8Kg load capacities. Try not to over fill the machine if you want to minimize creasing. The more space the laundry has to move around the less tangled it will get.

Reverse action
In these models the drums turn in both directions. This helps to reduce tangling and creasing, great for people who hate doing the ironing.

Sensor drying
With this feature you can select the dryness you require;

Iron dry – slightly damp for easy ironing.

Cupboard dry – extra dry so you can wear them straight away.

Hanger dry – optimum dryness for hanging without creasing.

The dryer will sense the moisture in the load and stop the cycle automatically when the selected dryness has been achieved.


Dishwashers
Once you’ve had a dishwasher there will be no going back. Not only can these excellent machines save you from scrubbing and soaking, they can also save you energy and water. Another great benefit is the extra space. You can hide all your dirty pots inside until you are ready to wash them, keeping your worktops clear!

Size
Full size is ideal for larger families, slimline when there is just the two of you or table top when you have very limited space, ideal for tiny kitchens. It is important to consider the dimensions and available space when choosing all of your appliances.

Place settings
Full-size dishwashers (60cm wide) typically have room for 12 place settings. Slimline dishwashers (45cm wide) can fit 8 or 9 place settings. A Tabletop can hold 4 place settings. A place setting consists of a cup, a saucer, a bowl, a side plate, a dinner plate and cutlery.

Hygiene
Using a dishwasher to tackle the dishes is more hygienic than washing by hand. Dishwashers can heat the water to higher temperatures which kills more bacteria. Many dishwashers also have anti-bacterial rinses and high temperature programmes making sure your dishes are safer for you and your family to use.

Noise level
The better the dishwasher the quieter it will be. Noise levels around 53dB are pretty good, but some go as low as 42dB, as quiet as a boiling kettle, which means minimum intrusion on your daily life.

Programmes
Look for a dishwasher with the features you need. Practical programmes such as; Pre-wash for baked on food, quick wash great when you’re in a hurry or glass-care for your delicate glassware, are usually handy.


Cooking
There is so much to think about when choosing your cooking appliances. Some decisions will be easy, like fuel and fit type, as these will be determined by the space and the fuel supply to your kitchen. Other decisions such as colours; styles and additional features are a matter of preference. If you hate cleaning for example, then choosing models with stay clean liners and removable doors will be beneficial to you.

Fuel types
Gas, electric or dual fuel, the choice is yours! Dual fuel cookers have a gas hob with electric, either fan assisted or static, oven and electric grill.

Electric cookers come with either solid plates or ceramic topped hobs. Cookers with traditional radiant rings are no longer manufactured.

Size and shape
Many of today's cookers are designed as slot-in models. That is they are made to fit into standard spaces of either 50, 55 or 60cm and be flush with the worktop and cupboards. Traditional upright cookers with high backs and the controls at the top are few and far between but you can still buy gas and electric cookers with eye level grills.

We can also supply built-in ovens and hobs and range style cookers.


Refrigeration
Types
There are many different sizes and split ratios to choose from when deciding on a fridge freezer. What’s best for you depends on what you will be storing and the space you have.

Fridges, which can be under the counter models or taller have a 0* ice box or frozen food compartment which can vary between 1-4*. The labelling on frozen food will indicate how long an item can be kept at each star rating. If owning or purchasing a separate upright freezer or "deep freeze" chest freezer, a larder fridge (a fridge without a freezing compartment) may be the best choice as there is more capacity for storing fresh food. Most manufacturers offer larders and freezers in matching pairs which look good side by side.

Many models also come with the benefits of flexible storage, such as; adjustable shelving and bottle racks allowing you to customise your appliance and make the most out of your storage space.

Frost Free
The air is circulated around the appliance to stop any build up of frost. Frost free appliances don't need to be defrosted and frozen food is kept in better condition by minimising ice crystals within the food which can make fresh fruit, for example, become mushy on defrosting.

We can also supply a range of built-in and built-under models.

 Call in at our town-centre showroom         Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.30pm        23 ARGYLL STREET, DUNOON, PA23 7HH  

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