Choosing new kitchen appliances is always a hassle. In most cases, you are probably on the lookout for a new washing machine, tumble drier, or dishwasher because the last one blew up and now you’re in a pickle. Naturally, this means you don’t have time to waste. But, rushing out and picking up the first appliance you see is always a bad idea. So, even if you are desperate for a new kitchen appliance, spend a few minutes reading the following tips. That way, you can make a more informed decision about choosing the best brand for the job.
RELIABILITY
When it comes to kitchen appliances, reliability is a major issue. Modern appliances seem to come with an inbuilt “kill switch”, which means they die around the five-year mark – usually, shortly after the expensive extended warranty you bought expires.
Not surprisingly, it makes sense to look for a brand that is known for its reliability. Some brands are more reliable than others. Cost is a factor, as you might expect, but it’s not the only factor. In truth, some brands put more effort into designing and manufacturing better quality appliances, so if you select one of these brands, you can expect an appliance to last longer than average.
The best way to determine the reliability of a brand is to start reading appliance reviews. Look on independent review sites and read verified customer reviews. Stick to reviews that are two years old or less, as quality can change over time. If you discover a lot of negative reviews about one brand, in particular, reviews that complain about poor reliability or excessive mechanical breakdowns, avoid that brand.
COST
Cost is the second-most important factor. Brands tend to fall into three tiers: budget, mid-range, and luxury. If your budget is low, look for a reliable brand in the budget sector, and so on. Always make reliability your number one objective and then select a brand at a price point you can afford.
In general terms, you get what you pay for, so always spend as much as you can afford, without going overboard.
MAINTENANCE AND PARTS
There may come a point when your kitchen appliance needs a minor repair or two. Even the most reliable brands are not 100% reliable, so it is worth taking the cost of repairs and spare parts into account.
Some brands are more expensive to repair than others. Cheap foreign import brands might be an attractive buy because they are cheap, but when you need a spare part, such as brushes for a washing machine, the cost is prohibitive. It’s a bit like cheap desktop printers – the ink cartridges often cost so much it is cheaper to buy a new printer!
Often, it’s useful to speak to repair companies before choosing a brand, as often they’ll only repair certain brands. For example, if you look at www.serviceforce.co.uk, it’s clear that finding repair services for more popular brands such as Zanussi is relatively easy, whereas if you go for a much smaller brand this could prove difficult.
By contacting repair sites, you can find out the relative cost of spare parts and service costs for different brands. This is a useful way of gauging whether a brand is a good buy – or not. Alternatively, give a local repair shop a call – such as the guys at https://www.robert-appliance.com – and ask them if they can recommend a brand that is reliable and good value for money. They probably see plenty of unreliable brands, so they are in a good position to offer advice.
EXTRAS
Some brands offer “extras” as part of their package. This could include a five-year warranty as standard, or a discount if you buy two appliances. Take this into account when making your final decision.
Kitchen appliances are often a big investment, especially the more expensive brands. It makes sense to spend a day checking out different brands. Otherwise, you could end up throwing good money after bad.