Make sure to tick these boxes before splurging on that new fridge, freezer, oven or dishwasher.

  1. What’s my budget?

This seems obvious, but so many shoppers go into the store with an unclear budget and then get carried away. Figure out how much you’re willing to spend in total and stick to it.

2. What are the features I just can’t live without?

Think about your list of must-haves before you start looking at models; are you dead-set on a gas oven or a fridge-freezer combo? This way, you’ll have a much easier time narrowing stuff down when you start browsing.

3. Will it fit?

Appliances often look smaller in the vast expanse of the shop floor, so measure the space you have before you start looking. Be sure to measure with doors open, too; just because a dishwasher fits doesn’t mean the door has space to open fully. In addition, ensure that there will be enough room to transport the appliance to its new home — will it fit through that doorway?

4. Does the door open the way I want?

Speaking of doors, does the door on the appliance open on the side that suits your kitchen? If not, you are likely to be annoyed every time you open it.

5. Will my kitchen equipment and cooking habits work with it?

For example, will your existing baking trays fit into your new oven? Will your pots and pans work with that induction hob? If you’re in charge of the Christmas feast, will your oven accommodate a turkey? If buying an appliance is going to result in having to replace other kitchen items, you’ll need to factor in those costs, too.

6. How noisy is it?

It’s one thing to view an item on display, but quite another to hear it in action. Ask the salesperson about the noise level and request to listen to the item plugged in and switched on, if possible.