We all need a wide range of domestic appliances in our homes, without which life would be very difficult and we very much take it for granted that our fridge, microwave or coffee machine will work when we turn it on.
In this article, we point out a few important things to bear in mind when buying household appliances.
- Energy efficiency – Most appliance manufacturers design their products to use minimal energy; when searching the web for a top-of-the-range OLED TV, check out the power input numbers and choose a unit that is very economical with energy use. The online supplier offers the best brands at lower than retail prices and you are under no pressure by salespeople, you can shop at your own pace.
- Online reviews – Whatever it is that you are planning to buy, Google can help you find independent reviews, which gives you an accurate assessment of the product. There are professional reviewers that put home appliances to the test and you can find out what they think of specific makes and models.
- Comparing brands – Google can help with this by finding appliance manufacturer websites, allowing you to make direct comparisons. Some models may have features that others don’t and you need to ask yourself if you actually need the said features. Comparing prices is also important and we would like to remind that you do not put too much emphasis on low prices; it is better to pay a little more than paying less for equipment that is inferior.
- Product dimensions – Imagine ordering a large fridge/freezer and when it arrives, it doesn’t fit in the available space! Make sure you accurately measure up the space to avoid making a huge blunder.
- Warranty details – You should read the warranty carefully; if, for example, you let someone who is not certified to service the appliance, this could make the warranty void. When the appliance arrives at your home, inspect it carefully, looking for dents, marks or scratches and should you find any damage, inform the delivery team and they can return the appliance and pick up a new one.
- Installation – Any gas or electric appliances need to be installed by certified engineers, otherwise there could be safety issues.
- Read the user manual – Every appliance comes with a user manual, which you should read from cover to cover; this ensures that you understand the controls and the limits of the product. There would be warnings in the rear section, plus all servicing information and contact details for the service department.
Household appliances are expensive items and it makes sense to fully investigate a product prior to buying and this should ensure that you are happy with every aspect of the product. The best quality appliances are not usually the cheapest, so it is a question of finding a balance.
