Before You Buy Kitchen Appliances: 17 Checks That Save You Money and Regret

Buying a new appliance feels exciting until it arrives, does not fit, and you realise returning it is a pain. Or it fits, but the door hits a wall. Or it is so loud you can hear it from the sofa. Or it looks great but is a nightmare to clean.

This post is a simple guide to stop that happening.

It is written for real kitchens and real budgets, whether you are replacing one appliance or planning a full kitchen upgrade.

First, decide what you are really upgrading

People often buy new appliances for the wrong reason. Before you look at brands, answer this:

Which of these is your real problem?

• You need more space, your fridge is always full

• You want faster cooking for busy weeknights

• Your energy bills are too high

• You cook more now and need better performance

• Your kitchen is noisy, you want quieter appliances

• You hate cleaning, you want easier surfaces

• You are renovating and want everything to match

Pick one main goal. It will shape every decision.

Before you buy, do these 17 checks

1) Measure the full appliance zone, not just the gap

Measure width, height, and depth, then check:

• skirting boards

• door frames on delivery route

• sockets and pipes behind the unit

• space needed for ventilation

Most fit issues happen because of the back and sides, not the front.

2) Check the door swing properly

A fridge that fits can still be unusable if the door cannot open fully.

Check:

• will the door hit a wall or cabinet

• can you pull out drawers inside the fridge

• does the handle add extra width

If the fridge sits near a corner, door swing matters even more.

3) Depth is usually the hidden problem

Many modern appliances are deeper than older models.

If you are trying to keep a neat line of cabinetry, check whether the appliance will stick out.

This is especially common with:

• American style fridge freezers

• range cookers

• some integrated dishwashers

4) Decide integrated or freestanding early

This affects:

• cost

• installation time

• future replacement options

Integrated looks sleek, but you are more limited when you need to replace it later. Freestanding is often easier and cheaper long term.

5) Do not assume “quiet” means quiet

Look for the decibel rating.

Rough guide:

• 38 dB to 42 dB feels quiet

• 43 dB to 47 dB is noticeable

• 48 dB plus can feel loud in open plan homes

This matters most for:

• dishwashers

• fridge freezers

• extractor fans

6) Pay attention to extractor performance

If you cook often, the extractor is not optional. It affects smells, grease, and humidity.

Check:

• extraction rate

• noise level

• whether it vents outside or recirculates

• filter replacement cost

Recirculating models can work, but they need regular filter changes to stay effective.

7) Choose the hob based on how you cook

If you cook daily, hob choice matters more than oven choice.

Quick guidance:

• induction is fast, clean, energy efficient

• gas gives visible flame control but needs more cleaning

• ceramic is usually the least loved option, slower and harder to keep spotless

If you are going for an induction, check your electrical supply.

8) Check the electrical requirements before you commit

Some appliances need:

• a dedicated circuit

• a higher amp supply

• professional electrical upgrades

Do not buy first and hope. Ask your electrician first if you are unsure.

9) Work out your real oven needs

Many people buy the biggest oven, then use one shelf.

Ask:

• do you cook big trays often

• do you bake regularly

• do you want two smaller ovens instead of one large one

• would a combi microwave save space and time

10) Look at controls you can actually tolerate

Touch controls look sleek. Some people hate them.

If you cook while tired, distracted, or with messy hands, physical knobs can be easier.

If possible, try the controls in a showroom.

11) Think about cleaning before you buy

A glossy black oven looks great in photos. It shows every fingerprint.

A stainless steel fridge can look premium. It can also show smudges all day.

If you want low maintenance, look for:

• anti fingerprint finishes

• removable trays and shelves

• easy access filters

• smooth surfaces, fewer grooves

12) Consider how you store food now

A bigger fridge does not fix poor organisation.

Before you upsize, check whether your problem is:

• too much food waste

• too many duplicates

• poor shelf layout

• lack of containers

If it is organisation, you may not need a bigger unit.

For help with that, see Clever Kitchen Organisation: Strategies for Every Home.

13) Dishwasher size is not just about people count

It is about:

• how often you cook

• how you entertain

• whether you use lots of pans

• how much crockery you own

A smaller dishwasher run daily can be better than a large one run half full.

14) Check running costs, not just price

Energy labels matter, but so does usage.

Ask:

• how often will you use it

• what does it cost to run per cycle

• does it have eco modes you will actually use

In Britain, energy costs make efficiency worth taking seriously.

15) Think about repair and parts

A cheap appliance can cost more in the long run if parts are difficult to source.

Before buying, check:

• warranty length

• repair network

• cost of replacement filters and parts

16) Delivery and installation is where things go wrong

Check:

• do they remove the old appliance

• do they install and test

• do they take packaging away

• what happens if it does not fit

Read the small print. It saves stress.

17) Do not buy everything at once unless you need to

Appliances go on sale constantly.

If you are not doing a full renovation, you can replace in stages. This often saves money and lets you learn what you actually need.

The safest appliance upgrades most people love

If you want upgrades with high satisfaction, these are often worth it:

• induction hob, easier cleaning, faster cooking

• quieter dishwasher, especially in open plan homes

• fridge with better internal layout rather than bigger size

• extractor upgrade if you cook frequently

Your next step

Before you buy anything, answer these two questions:

1. What is the one problem you want to solve in your kitchen

2. What is your biggest constraint, space, noise, budget, or electricity

If you tell me those two things, I can suggest the most sensible appliance priorities, without wasting money on features you will never use.