Throughout my life, I’d often been told that a full fridge and freezer are more efficient than an emptier one. I absorbed this tidbit and have always been strangely panicked when shelves were barer than others and redistributed jars, bottles and packets accordingly. However, recent news to me is that this might actually be making my fridge work harder.

A further issue arose from this terrible system, when I would do my weekly shop, where there was a gap, I would fill it with no real rhyme or reason (aside from keeping meats separate). The problem was, as I’m sure you can expect, food was often out of sight, out of mind, and I was wasting perfectly good food and feeling terrible about it.

So, I recently changed up my fridge organisation tactics with energy efficiency, food freshness and clear storage guidelines in place to see if it could save me money. I spoke to experts to discover the most impactful fridge set-up, and I’ve already noticed a huge saving.

Start with a fridge reset and audit

The first thing I did was empty the fridge and freezer in their entirety and begin defrosting the freezer. When a layer of ice builds up around the walls of the freezer, it becomes less efficient as it creates a barrier between the cooling elements and the things you want cold. According to Eon, this job alone could save £15-30 in annual savings.

While the fridge was unplugged, as well as cleaning inside the fridge, I also cleaned down the condenser coils running at the back of the appliance. This will reset the fridge’s temperature to its most efficient - while my fridge isn’t necessarily old, it’s a good habit to get into when you have access.

After throwing away all of the off, mouldy or past-expiry items from my fridge, it was much more manageable to sort through and organise.

‘A fridge is at its most efficient when it can hold a steady internal temperature without working harder than necessary to compensate for warm spots or restricted airflow,’ explains Richards Davonport, founder of Davonport Kitchens.

‘Packing it completely can make the motor run for longer because cold air cannot circulate around jars, trays and containers, but leaving large areas empty is not ideal either, as every time the door opens, the fridge has to cool a greater volume of warm air. The aim is a balanced load: enough items to help stabilise the temperature, but with space around them so the chilled air can move freely.’

‘Temperature accuracy matters, too,’ he continues. ‘Setting the fridge at around 4°C keeps most foods safe without placing additional strain on the appliance. If your fridge has a holiday or eco mode, it can hold a stable temperature with reduced energy use when the door is opened less often.’

Organising with purpose in mind

One tactic I have learned is to organise a fridge by purpose and use. For me, if I can’t see it, I won’t remember it exists, so things that need using should be front and centre to minimise food wastage.

‘Organisation plays a key part,’ agrees Richard. ‘Keeping frequently used items near the front reduces the amount of time the door is open, and storing foods in transparent containers makes it easier to see what is already there. This helps you use ingredients in good time rather than forgetting about them at the back.’

In the first instance, I’m dedicating an entire shelf to foods that need to be eaten this week. This includes egg whites in a bowl, half a block of feta, an open pot of hummus, a portion of pasta leftovers, blackberries and some on-the-turn spinach. Although these foods aren’t grouped in ‘type’, knowing they’re at eye level means I’m more likely to use them up and not waste them.

I’ve also sacked off having a wine shelf using that dimpled clear section that comes with fridges. That’s now condiments central.

I identified that one of our major problems was hunting in the fridge for mayo or (controversially in the fridge) ketchup, often pushing other foods around to grab them. Inevitably, this would mean jars, tubs and food containers that need to be used soon would migrate to the back. We also have dedicated dairy and meat shelves, so you know exactly where to look when searching for creme fraiche or bacon.

Maximising freshness for longevity

‘Using the sections of the fridge as they were designed also improves both efficiency and food longevity,’ advises Richard Davonport. ‘The colder rear shelves are suited to raw ingredients such as dairy and meat, while the salad drawers maintain higher humidity so vegetables stay fresh for longer.’

My fridge just comes with a single large crisper drawer, but if you have two small ones with a vent you can choose the humidity setting. Sort vegetables into things that rot (peppers, courgettes, aubergines) and things that wilt (fresh salad and spinach) into the open vent and closed vent, respectively.

Prioritising energy and waste efficiency

While I largely follow Richard’s advice about correct fridge usage, I do move vegetables and salads to my ‘use it now’ shelf when I’ve used half, or if they won’t last another week. The amount of spinach and salad leaves I no longer throw away is wonderful.

‘Small habits help minimise waste,’ he adds. ‘Moving older items towards the front so they are used first reduces the chance of food being overlooked, and keeping shelves clean and dry prevents moisture build-up around packaging. Planning weekly meals with what is already in the fridge often cuts down on duplicate purchases, and it keeps the internal temperature steadier because the contents remain more consistent across the week.’

'A fuller fridge would generally be considered more energy efficient,' comments Caner Duran, cooling expert at Bosch Home Appliances. 'The goods inside act like thermal sponges, holding the cold air, meaning less energy is needed to cool the air inside the cavity. However, overfilling the fridge is not advised as this would most likely negatively impact the efficiency.'

Fridge organisation essentials

Growing up, a cast-iron range cooker was simply part of the furniture – the warm, cosy heart of our home. I learned to bake with it, dried socks on it, and thawed frozen fingers against it after school. I didn’t realise how much I relied on that constant comfort until I left home. In student flats, early rentals and my first fixer-uppers, I missed it terribly. Unless the heating was blasting, those kitchens felt cold to the bone.

So, the minute I had the funds and the space, I made a beeline back to the thing I’d been pining for: a cast-iron range cooker. After years of writing about appliances, comparing specifications and working out how to design a kitchen that suits real life, finally taking the plunge felt momentous – and slightly reckless (our savings were scuppered). Five years on, though, I can say this with conviction: I’ve never looked back.

In a nutshell, it’s been one of the best investments I’ve made in my home. There are a couple of downsides, sure, although nothing that has made me seriously regret my life choices. But is it worth getting a range cooker for everyone? And if you’re tempted, should you choose an electric on-demand model rather than a continuous-heat beast like mine? Here’s the truth.

Where to buy a range cooker

Figuring out where to buy a range cooker can be tricky. You may want to explore options in person so you can get a hands on demo with the range cooker before you invest, but when it comes to purchasing, browsing online to find the best price is always wise.

These 5 retailers have a huge selection of range cookers from high end brands to affordable options, so you can find the best price and assess delivery options for a time that suits you and your renovation project.

• Curry's: From Kenwood to Smeg, there are 120 range cookers available to purchase from Curry's with multi-buy appliance deals offering the opportunity to save money.
• AO: Over 800 range cookers including electric, gas and dual-fuel options available. AO has a member-price option too, with the option to save money.
• John Lewis & Partners: Stylish, high-end brands such as Rangemaster, Smeg and Bertazzoni - price matches and free installation are perks of shopping from John Lewis.
• Appliances Direct: Appliances Direct is a one-stop shop for kitchen electricals and it offers clear information on whether gas, electric or dual-fuel is best, plus you can easily shop by size.
• Amazon: Amazon has a smaller selection of range cookers to shop but it's always worth checking here for low prices and fast delivery.

Looks – the heart of your home

Range cookers make an immediate visual statement, whether you choose a cast-iron model or on-demand model, which operates more like conventional ovens but still brings that generous, solid aesthetic.

For me, the look was inseparable from the emotional pull. I wanted that traditional character anchoring my modern kitchen extension to the adjoining original Victorian building. I opted for classic black for pure design flexibility – I wanted it to blend neatly with the dark green painted cabinetry on either side.

Even when it first landed in a half-built temporary kitchen (my husband set one up from plywood and optimism while our extension work dragged on), the range instantly became the focal point. Guests commented on it long before the cabinetry went in. It has that effect: it centres the room and creates a natural gathering point. Built-in cooking appliances rarely deliver the same impact — a range cooker naturally commands attention through sheer scale and presence.

This is also where placement matters. Deciding on the best place to position a cooker in a kitchen can dramatically improve how the whole room functions – not just visually, but in terms of walkways and cooking ease. Ranges deserve pride of place, and they look their best where you can see the full width and shape without obstruction. Also consider what they face. Positioning a range cooker opposite an island or prep zone creates a natural cooking “corridor”, reducing unnecessary steps and making the whole space feel more intuitive to use.

Cooking – it’s different, but in a good way

Before mine was installed, the two reasons holding me back were induction hob loyalty and running costs. The induction issue resolved itself thanks to finding a model – the AGA eR3i – that combined both induction and hotplate hobs. The running-cost concerns took more mental gymnastics, but I’ll get to that.

Cast-iron ovens use radiant heat, rather than fan convection. They are quieter and gentler, locking in moisture. ‘An independent study by the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (University of Lincoln) found that food cooked in an AGA was preferred by taste-test panels, with the majority favouring specific dishes cooked this way,’ says range cooker expert Laura James, from AGA. For me, it’s roast potatoes. They just hit differently.

I also found that it changed the way I cook, which is now less about specific temperature settings and more about intuition. Even having grown up with one, it took adjustment at first. I practised with cakes after work, using Mary Berry’s Complete AGA Cookbook (available on Amazon) as my bible (it’s aimed at AGA, but the roasting and baking principles are the same as other cast iron range cooker brands like Everhot and Esse). I learned where hotspots live, when to insert a cooling shelf, and how to choose the best cookware for baking, roasting and slow cooking.

Once I found the rhythm, the results were consistently excellent. Roasts? Unbeatable. Pizzas go straight onto the oven base for a crisp stone-baked finish in minutes. Sociable fry-ups become laughably easy, especially when the top oven doubles as a grill, and the hotplate becomes a multi-tasking beast. I put a baking sheet down and fry eggs directly on the surface, eight at a time, easily. And when the cast-iron ovens are switched off in summer, I happily hop between the induction hob, air fryer and BBQ to keep meals flowing.

If you prefer precision-control, high-responsiveness cooking, an on-demand range cooker might be a better fit. These models often come loaded with programmable functions, timers and smart technology, giving you far greater flexibility and accuracy than a traditional cast-iron cooker. But, regardless of the type you choose, capacity is where all range cookers truly excel. The multiple ovens, vast cooktops and generous capacities make cooking for crowds feel effortless – this is the kind of appliance that actively encourages big, messy, pan-clattering feasts.

Cleaning – easier than you’d think

This is the element that always surprises people. They imagine scrubbing sooty doors and impossibly deep, dark crevices. In reality, cleaning a cast-iron range is low effort because it’s always warm. Spills tend to carbonise lightly rather than glue themselves on. A quick wipe with a damp cloth usually does the trick. I barely touch the ovens. 'Because you’re not fighting baked-on grime or stubborn residues, upkeep tends to be light and regular rather than onerous,' agrees AGA’s Laura James.

The hotplate needs a scour now and then, but again, any spills carbonise, and I occasionally give everything a polish when guests are coming, but it’s never a major job. On-demand ranges are similarly straightforward because their enamel coatings and sealed burners are designed for ease of maintenance.

Compared to the cheap slot-in cookers I’ve had in rented homes, I’d pick my range cooker every time for cleaning ease. There are simply fewer fiddly edges, and I do not miss soaking oven shelves overnight or the toxic fumes of foam cleaners.

Cost and energy consumption – the real question

Let’s get to the real reason more people don’t own a range cooker – they cost more to buy and, in the case of continuous-heat models, a lot more to run. Five years ago, my range cooker cost around £10,000 (current RRP is £12,160), which was more than we spent on our (second-hand, average quality) family car. It made a big dent in our savings, actually it obliterated them. You can get a regular range cooker for less of course, but as a rule, a good quality model from the likes of Rangemaster, Bertazzoni or Lacanche will set you back a good two-six grand.

Now for the real sticking point: running costs, something my husband needed serious persuading on. As with any big purchase, I did a bit of cost-offset justification. A few factors tipped the scales. Firstly, I work from home in the kitchen, and when the range is on we barely need any other heating (our well-insulated extension helps). I also cook a lot, at odd hours, so I’m not constantly heating an oven from cold. And the big win? We have installed photovoltaic panels, so much of our electricity is sun-powered – woop!

Even without help from renewable sources, there are ways to keep running costs sensible, especially with modern all-electric models, which tend to be more efficient than oil or gas.

Mine allows me to switch ovens and the hotplate on and off individually, so I typically run the top oven on baking mode (around 180 degrees), which costs around £13.17 per week in electricity, according to AGA (based on OFGEM electricity prices, Oct 2025). I have checked energy use against our Smart Meter, and AGA’s stats are pretty accurate. This gives just enough background warmth to keep the kitchen cosy without burning through electricity, and means I always have an oven ready to go.

The hotplate heats up fast, but during the week I mostly use the induction hob for speed and its built-in timers, only firing up the hotplate on the weekend. Small adjustments like these can make a noticeable difference to overall energy use. ‘You can also use programmers and built-in control systems to conserve energy overnight, while you're at work, or when you're away on holiday, allowing you to reduce running costs further,’ adds Laura from AGA.

But it’s not for every household. If you live in a well-heated home, perhaps with underfloor heating, or are out most of the day, then an on-demand range would be a more cost-effective alternative. These models heat up quickly, use energy only when required, and still give you the generous oven capacity and aesthetic appeal.

So, is it worth getting a range cooker from a financial perspective? It depends entirely on your lifestyle. If you’ll use it daily, appreciate the warmth 24/7, and factor in the heating offset, yes. If you cook occasionally, are never home, and want total control of running costs, an on-demand model is likely to serve you better.

Pros and cons of a range cooker

Pros

• Creates instant kitchen character
• Superb for baking, roasting and batch cooking
• Provides ambient warmth (cast-iron models)
• So easy to keep clean
• Large capacity and multiple ovens reduce juggling
• Retain their value and act as a long-term investment
• Built to last, so far fewer end up in landfill

Cons

• Generally high price tag for decent models
• Higher running costs for continuous-heat versions
• Take up quite a lot of space
• Takes time to learn the cooking style (cast-iron models)
• Heavy and needs professional installation
• Not the best option if you cook infrequently
• You may need a backup option for cooking during the summer months

Would I choose one again?

Five years on, I can answer the big question: are range cookers good? Yes, exceptionally so, if they align with how you cook and live. My cast-iron model has become part of the family. Through icy winters, endless baking experiments, and the general chaos of family life, it has been steady, practical and bum-warming.

If you want the look and capacity without the always-on heat or higher running costs, the new generation of on-demand ranges are genuinely excellent and may make more sense for the way most modern households cook.

But for me, the real joy is the atmosphere it creates. I still feel a tiny lift every time I walk into the kitchen and catch that gentle, familiar warmth – the same warmth guests, and our pets, inevitably gravitate towards. I even feel a little pang of sadness when it’s time to switch it off for summer. Five years on, it’s still one of the best home decisions I’ve ever made.

Shop range cookers

Range cookers offer versatility with cooking but they're also undoubtedly a stylish choice for a traditional kitchen - they pair beautifully with Shaker kitchen ideas for a truly timeless look.

There's nothing like hosting for the holidays that makes you increasingly aware of everything you're missing in your home and your kitchen. Prepping for cooking a Christmas dinner is no mean feat, and just writing down all of the timings will likely have you dreaming of a double oven.

And while it's too late to magic one in for the festive feast, it might have you thinking of some kitchen ideas and tweaks to make in the new year. However, squeezing all of the essential kitchen appliances and kitchen storage ideas into one room is already tough, so you might be weighing up whether an additional oven will be worth it.

To help you get to the bottom of this conundrum, I've enlisted the sage advice of a kitchen design expert. Whether you choose to indulge in a double oven set-up or find alternatives to make cooking for large parties easier, this will aid your decision.

Do you need a double oven?

A double oven feels like a luxury, and that's because it is. When you're planning a kitchen layout, it's often difficult to balance your large appliances with enough kitchen storage, as well as working in space for sociable seating. So a double oven might not be top of the agenda, unless you're blessed with an expansive space.

'A double oven is helpful at Christmas, but it is not essential. A second cavity gives you space for the turkey and trimmings to cook independently, which is why many households feel it takes the pressure off. It means you can keep one oven on a steady low heat for warming plates or keeping dishes hot, while using the other for roasting or baking,' explains Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

Aside from cooking for large events, a double oven can be useful for avid bakers, as you can use one oven for baking while keeping the other free for everyday cooking.

If you're a keen host who often finds themselves cooking multiple meals concurrently or has to cater for a lot of dietary requirements, it's safe to say a double oven might be the kitchen hero. But for most of us, the space might be better utilised for more storage.

'What people really need is enough capacity and flexibility to cook at different temperatures without slowing the meal down,' Richard adds. It's not the double oven itself which is the game-changer, but the ease it brings to cooking, which can be found through other means.

Alternatives to double ovens

'You can achieve the same ease with a well-planned single oven if you use its full functionality,' Richard explains. 'Modern full-size ovens have larger capacities than many people expect, and features such as telescopic shelves, steam-assist modes and rapid pre-heat make it easier to manage multiple dishes. Slow cookers, air fryers, combi-microwaves or a warming drawer can all take on parts of the workload too, freeing up the main oven for the dishes that really need it.'

Instead of jumping straight to adding an extra oven, think about how you can achieve the same ease through a smaller, more affordable (and less permanent) switch. A large dual-zone air fryer is perfect for cooking everyday meals and catering to different dietary requirements, and can be stashed away when you need extra worktop space back.

'A hostess trolley can also be a quiet hero at Christmas. Once dishes are cooked, the pressure often comes from keeping everything warm while you finish the final elements or carve the turkey. A trolley gives you a controlled, low-heat space to hold vegetables, sauces or extra trays without drying them out,' Richard adds.

My family have used a hostess trolley for big events for years, and it takes the pressure off finishing all of the components of a roast at the same time - truly, a Christmas miracle.

A double oven will be a kitchen lifesaver if you have the room, but don't worry if you don't - there are so many alternatives to make cooking run smoothly, you might just have to give up a little bit of worktop space.

If you’re heading off on holiday this summer, then experts want you to put a penny in your freezer.

It’s never nice to arrive back from your holiday and realise that your freezer has defrosted or your food doesn’t look exactly as it should, such as having freezer burn or being coated in too much ice. It's a sure way to put a damper on things after a great holiday.

But to keep your mind at ease, place a penny on top of a bowl of frozen water in your freezer when you next jet off, and it’s an easy and clear way to see if your freezer is working as it should when you return. Here’s how it works.

Why should you put a penny in your freezer

Next time you go about organising your freezer, ensure you leave a little space for a small cup of water to freeze. The hack is incredibly simple. Before you go away, fill a small cup or bowl with cold water and allow it to freeze. Then the day you go on holiday, place a penny on top of the ice.

‘If the penny is on top of the ice, your freezer stayed cold the whole time. If the freezer loses power and warms up, the ice will melt. If it then refreezes when the power returns, the penny will sink below the surface. This indicates that the contents of your freezer may have thawed and refrozen, which means food safety may be compromised,’ explains Mark Coleman, AO’s refrigeration expert.

‘Place the bowl in the centre or near the front of the freezer - somewhere visible and easy to check. Avoid placing it near vents or the back wall, where airflow might affect melting/refreezing unevenly.’

The penny hack should be added to your pre-holiday home routine for peace of mind and to ensure that no food goes to waste. Refilling a fully stocked freezer after it’s defrosted by mistake can easily cost hundreds of pounds to replace. The penny hack ensures you don’t have to spend more money on food than you need to.

Plus, it’s also a good way to keep an eye on your freezer’s health and spot any issues that may potentially have gone unnoticed.

Will you be trying this hack next time you go away?

There’s something about summer that makes you want life to run that little bit smoother, with less time spent on chores and more time in the garden. And when it comes to laundry, that means smart features that help you wash and dry more efficiently, without the guesswork.

Hoover’s H-Wash 350 and H-Dry 350 are designed to do exactly that. Whether you’re tackling a quick turnaround on beach towels, freshening up linen shirts, or dealing with everyday family loads, this connected duo keeps your laundry routine seamless, season after season.

The laundry pair that thinks ahead

At the heart of Hoover’s laundry range is the H-Wash 350 washing machine. Not only does it look sleek and modern (yes, it’ll elevate your utility room instantly), it’s also packed with clever features that simplify your life. Think energy rating A-10% for serious savings, and hOn app connectivity, so you can control your wash remotely from your phone, your sofa, or even your sun lounger.

We love the Eco Doser function, which suggests the ideal amount of detergent for your load, helping you cut waste and avoid overuse. Meanwhile, KG Mode Plus uses clever sensors to weigh your laundry and automatically adjust the cycle length and water consumption for the most efficient clean. Translation? Less waste, more peace of mind.

Pair it with the H-Dry 350 tumble dryer and you’ve got a truly intuitive setup. Like its counterpart, it connects to the hOn app, and boasts an A+++ energy rating, thanks to its efficient heat pump technology. Whether you’re drying delicate knits or heavy towels, you’ll get the perfect dry without the guesswork.

Meet the new face of Hoover

If you haven’t looked at Hoover in a while, it’s time for a fresh take. The brand has recently undergone a transformation, moving away from the traditional appliances it was once known for, and stepping confidently into the future with a design and innovation-led approach. The H-Wash and H-Dry 350 are just the beginning.

This fresh direction is more than just skin-deep: it’s reflected in every detail, from the minimalist styling to the connected tech that works around your life, not the other way around.

Coming soon: even more ways to win at laundry

If you’re someone who wants your washing machine to do more, and do it better, Hoover’s new ProWash Series 5 and 3, launching soon, should be on your radar.

Designed to tackle the daily laundry demands of busy homes, these machines introduce smarter, more hygienic features. For example, the ProActive Wash technology gives clothes a deeper, more even rinse. This means your kids’ muddy sports kits or your workout wear actually come out fresh the first time, even on a speedy cycle.

There’s also Clean Shield™, which helps keep the inside of the machine cleaner for longer by protecting against mould and bacteria build-up around the door. It even rinses away leftover detergent from the glass after each wash, because no one wants mystery suds making a comeback.

And if you’ve ever tried doing laundry while the rest of the household is sleeping or working from home, you’ll love the AI Silent Motion. It helps reduce noise and vibrations, so you can run a load without disrupting the peace.

Built to last, the ProWash range is tested to handle 20 years’ worth of laundry, meaning you won’t need to upgrade any time soon.

Whether you’re planning ahead or ready to streamline your laundry setup now, Hoover is delivering modern solutions for real homes – and the next generation is just around the corner. Enjoy 10% off when you shop the H-Wash 350 and H-Dry 350 now at hooverdirect.co.uk using code IDEALHOME10, and get ready for what’s next with the ProWash Series.

Poking around the fridge, have you ever really paid attention to the little dial on the side? You’d be right in thinking the little dial has something to do with the fridge’s temperature - but those numbers on the dial don’t actually correlate to degrees Celsius.

When it comes to your fridge, there is a correct temperature your fridge should be set at. But if you thought the numbers on the little dial translated into degrees we're here to burst your bubble as that is not how the dial actually works to set the temperature of the fridge.

What do the numbers mean?

The numbers represent your refrigerating power. ‘The numbers on the dial situated inside the fridge, usually marked from 1-5, indicate the refrigerating power,’ says Matthew Glynn Go-To-Market Product Manager at Hisense.

‘Choosing setting 5, the highest number, would make the fridge the coldest. However, if you’re looking to measure the exact temperature of the fridge accurately, you could keep a thermometer on the middle shelf of the fridge.’

This is a general rule of thumb but Sophie Lane, Product Training Manager at Miele GB recommends your fridge manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you get the temperature you want.

‘The best advice for understanding the numbers inside your fridge is to consult the manufacturer's guidelines, as the meaning can vary slightly between brands,’ she says.

‘Typically, fridges have numbered settings ranging from 1 to 5, or 1 to 9. Lower numbers, such as 1, represent warmer temperatures, while higher numbers, like 5 or 9, indicate cooler temperatures.

‘These numbers regulate how intensively the fridge’s cooling system operates to maintain a lower internal temperature.’

What should my fridge be set at?

The ideal temperature for a fridge is around 5 degrees Celsius, which helps to keep food fresh without freezing it,’ says Sophie.

‘For most fridges, a mid-range setting—such as 3 or 4 on a scale of 1-5, or 4 or 5 on a scale of 1-9—typically maintains a temperature within the recommended range of 3-5 degrees. ‘

‘This balance ensures both energy efficiency and food safety, preventing food from spoiling or freezing.’

However the correct setting may change depending on how full your fridge is.

‘A fully stocked fridge may need to be on a higher setting, usually around 3 or 4 to ensure the fridge is cold enough, whereas a fridge with more space is best suited to a lower setting at 2 or 3,’ says Matthew.

‘If the temperature of the fridge is really low, ice will form and it may prevent air circulation or cause the fridge’s inner thermostat to malfunction.’

The next time you're organising your fridge, check turn your dial to 3 for the best temperature.

Why is my fridge dial important?

‘The variety of temperature options in fridges allows for optimising food storage,’ says Sophie.

‘Different foods have specific temperature and humidity needs to stay fresh and safe.

‘Adjusting the fridge’s settings helps to prevent food spoilage, optimise energy efficiency and adapt to seasonal changes.’

When it comes to getting the most out of your fridge, it goes without saying that keeping the right temperature is vital- and your fridge dial is the key you need for creating the perfect environement for your food to stay fresh.

You probably don’t go a day without opening your fridge at least once. From grabbing the milk for your cereal to the meat for your dinner, you might even go rogue and store your chocolate there. But if you’ve ever spotted excess water and wondered why your fridge is wet inside, rest assured you're not alone.

While you might know how to clean a fridge, washing the shelves and vacuuming the seal (yes, you should be doing that regularly!) often isn’t enough to prevent the wetness from occurring. And if you let this wetness build up for too long, it will ultimately affect your food too.

But why does a fridge get wet inside and how do you prevent it? We spoke to the experts about the five common reasons why a fridge gets wet and what you can do to fix it. You don’t want the condensation affecting your fridgescaping, after all…

1. Your fridge is the wrong temperature

You might not have paid much attention to what temperature a fridge should be set at before, but this is pretty important information. The reality is that the wrong fridge temperature can lead to excess condensation and make your fridge wet inside. This is especially true if you have set your temperature too low.

Michael Forbes, Lead Product Trainer at AEG, says, ‘We advise the average household fridge freezer should be at a near constant temperature between 0°C and 5°C.’

As well as making your fridge wet, the wrong fridge temperature can also affect the quality and freshness of your food - and our Deputy Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight, realised that for herself when she tested the Vitesy Shelfy Smart Refrigerator Device.

2. The drainage hole is blocked

Every fridge has a drainage hole at the bottom of it. The main aim of this drainage hole is to prevent water buildup and maintain the fridge's performance. So, your fridge being wet may be the result of a clogged or blocked drain.

You should always check your drainage hole regularly anyway, but If you notice your fridge is wetter than normal, it's worth checking the drainage hole is free and clear.

Sarah Heaps, refrigeration expert at AO.com, explains, ‘Locate your fridge drain hole (which is often at the back or bottom) and use the warm soapy water to give this a clean to clear out any clogged debris.’ If you can't see or clear a blockage, it may be that you need to use specialist tools, like the below, or call a professional.

If this is a recurring problem, it might be worth checking the position of your fridge, too. If your fridge is not on a flat surface, this may lead to further blockages or condensation. Using a spirit level to determine whether it’s level or not.

3. The door seals are damaged

Your fridge relies on effective door seals to keep the cold air in and the warmer outside air out. But if these seals are damaged or even too dirty, they can lead to a build-up of condensation in your fridge.

Sarah says, ‘You can clean this gasket with warm soapy water, yet if this is damaged then you may need to replace it.’ It’s a good idea to inspect the seal for any obvious signs of damage. This could be a hole, a tear, or it could be that the shape has become slightly deformed.

If there are no visible signs of damage, you can try a simple test instead. Grab a piece of paper, keep hold of one side, and then shut the other side in the fridge door. If the door seals are in good shape, you shouldn’t be able to pull the paper out. If the seals are damaged, however, the paper will pull out easily.

If that’s the case, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible. Try to buy seals that suit your specific appliance if you can, but it’s also possible to find universal options out there.

4. You’ve overloaded your fridge

If you notice that your fridge always looks wet shortly after you’ve filled it with your weekly food shop, it’s highly likely that you’ve simply overloaded it with warmer items that need to cool.

This means your fridge has to work overtime to cool all of the contents, and the overloaded food will restrict airflow and ultimately lead to even more condensation. Sarah adds, ‘This means that the cool air cannot circulate properly which can lead to uneven cooling and moisture build-up.’

This can also happen if you put leftovers in the fridge before they have properly cooled. Michael advises, ‘If you're putting food that is still warm into your fridge freezer, once that warm air cools, water droplets will be left behind on the cool surfaces of the fridge freezer.’

To avoid these issues in the future, always wait for warm food to cool before storing it in the fridge. You can also try organising your fridge in a way that allows for constant air circulation. Instead of popping your food straight on the shelves or stacking items on top of each other, try using fridge organisers to help with air flow. It looks more aesthetic, too!

5. The external temperatures is higher than average

Sometimes, fridge condensation is a seasonal thing, and many people find that their fridge is wet inside during the summer months. This is because the external temperature is higher than average, which means the fridge has to work much harder to keep the internal temperature cool.

Ideally, you should never store a fridge in a room that’s more than 30°C as this will lead to condensation and ice build-up. This will also affect how much it costs to run a fridge.

And while you may be inclined to head to the fridge and grab a cool drink more often when the temperatures rise, Sarah warns that this could cause even more problems. She says, ‘In future, try not to keep the fridge door open for too long. When it is left open for too long, this can affect the humidity with warm air.’

FAQs

How much condensation is normal in a fridge?

A little bit of condensation is completely normal in a fridge, especially during the summer months when the outside temperature is a lot warmer than the inside temperature of the appliance. In fact, this condensation is a sure sign that your fridge is cool and it’s for this reason that fridges have drainage holes.

This drainage hole should stop the condensation from pooling in your fridge, which means that you shouldn’t have to worry. But if you find that the condensation has become so bad that water is pooling on your shelves or making your food wet, this isn’t normal and something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Where is the drainage hole in my fridge?

In modern fridges, the drainage hole can be found right at the bottom of the appliance - normally underneath the salad drawer or compartment. If you have a drawer, you’ll probably need to remove it to find the hole.

Some older fridges don’t have drain holes, but this is typical with much older appliances. If you find that your fridge doesn’t have one, you’ll have to manually remove the condensation and wetness using absorbent towels.

Hopefully, you will now understand why your fridge is wet inside and how you can dry it out!

I'm embarrassed tosed to admit that until a week ago I had no idea what the right temperature for a fridge was. That was until I started testing out a dedicated fridge purifier that confirmed that I'd been getting it wrong for the last 10 years.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been putting the Shelfy from Vitesy, available on Amazon, to the test. Vitesy specialises in air purifiers, but the Shelfy is a little unusual in that is designed to go in the fridge to keep food fresher for longer and minimise fridge odours and food contamination. It also comes connected to an app that tracks your fridge temperature, and door openings and counts down to your next big fridge clean.

Usually priced at £149, but currently discounted to £99 on Amazon, after testing I can say this little gadget is worth snapping up while it's on offer for Amazon Prime Big Deals Day. After two weeks of testing the benefits have been so significant I've made it a permanent feature in my tiny under-counter fridge.

Let's start with my fridge temperature epiphany. In less than an hour of putting the Shelfy in the fridge, it had already changed my habits, flagging that my fridge was too cold. The app fucntion of the purifier essentially turned my fridge into a smart fridge tracking the average temperature which should sit between 4 and 5 degrees. Immediately, I was sent a prompt notification to adjust the temperature.

Up until that point, I'd been keeping my fridge at a chilly 0 to 2 degrees. While this isn't wrong exactly, according to the FSA anywhere between 0 to 5 degrees is safe for a fridge, Shelfy has worked out the average range to minimise the cost to run a fridge whilst preserving food. I shudder to think of the energy I've been wasting all these years.

However, I wouldn't suggest that you shelled out over £100 on a glorified thermometer, the Shelfy can do so much more. Its main purpose is to purify the air inside the fridge and make my fresh products last longer. I'm happy to report that I've had it in my fridge for about two weeks now and my kale, apples and plums have all outlasted their usual shelf life.

However, the biggest difference I've noticed in my fridge is the smell. There is none! Nothing, not even a whiff of cheese. It took me a while to realise I was no longer holding my breath every time I opened the fridge. It is the most effective odour neutraliser I've ever used, with the bonus that the filter never needs replacing, just cleaning now and again.

The Shelfy is battery-powered and will need recharging every month which it flags on the app along with when you'll need to clean the filter. I only have the one Shelfy in my tiny fridge set to eco to optimise the battery life, however, if you have a particularly pongy fridge, or want to keep your salad drawer extra crispy you can opt for the Crisper or Performance setting.

Should you buy the Shelfy?

When I first clocked the Shelfy I did think it was an unnecessary indulgence to have an air purifier in a fridge. However, I'm a complete convert. Yes, there is the upfront cost, but it's already helping me to save on energy bills and food bills, so I have a feeling I'll be making that money back pretty fast.

There is the option to buy the much cheaper, and much smaller, Vitesy Deo though. So, there's something for everyone!

If you’ve been on TikTok over the past few weeks then we’re sure you’ve seen the latest viral home trend - fridgescaping, and this trend is more extravagant than how to oranagise a fridge.

The viral trend has seen creators deck out the inside of their fridges with gorgeous baskets, vases of flowers, antiques, fairy lights and even photo frames.

Putting a fresh bunch of flowers in your fridge feels extravagant and honestly, slightly unnecessary. But you can’t deny the results look impressive. This whimsical trend is truly taking organising your fridge to the next level.

But is fridgescaping all it’s cracked up to be? The experts think not…

What is Fridgescaping?

I feel like I’ve seen it all now. From a Lord of the Rings-inspired fridge which includes fresh flowers, faux candles and plenty of wooden boxes to a spooky Beetlejuice fridge which housed a decorative coffin and a handbook for the recently deceased, this trend is not afraid of going bold.

There doesn't seem to be any focus on storage either. We love smart kitchen storage hacks but this trend is more focused on the eye. But one TikTok stuck out to me in particular by creator @lynziliving who has created 'Fridgerton'. That’s right, a fridgescape inspired by Bridgerton. With china plates and and even an ornate china box, the fridge is like something out of a fairy tale. She even has framed photographs of regency era paintings.

What are the risks of Fridgescaping?

It's a bit of a no-brainer but this extreme fridgscaping trend takes up a lot of space in a fridge, where space is already at a premium, but to mention it can also be unhygienic.

‘Fridges are designed to store food safely, and while decorating them may look appealing, it can introduce a range of food safety issues. Items like flowers, mirrors, and wicker baskets aren't intended for the cold, humid environment of a fridge and can easily bring bacteria or other contaminants into direct contact with your food,’ says Mimi Morley, senior recipe development manager for HelloFresh.

‘One of the biggest concerns is the potential for cross-contamination. Fresh flowers, for instance, might carry pesticides or dirt, and wicker baskets can trap moisture, making them prone to mould. This can spread bacteria to fresh produce or dairy products, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.’

How to fridgescape safely

While we wouldn't advice following this extreme fridgescaping trend, you can still beautify your fridge in a way that is safe and maximise space in your fridge.

It may not be literal bells and whistles, but Allen Civlak, Kitchen Expert at Mary’s Kitchen Flour Sack Towels believes a well-organised fridge can still be aesthetically pleasing.

‘Focus on organising your fridge in a way that makes it easy to access and monitor food items. Use clear, food-safe containers for storing leftovers and ingredients, and avoid overloading the shelves with unnecessary items,’ he says.

‘Ensure that your fridge’s air vents are unobstructed, allowing for even cooling throughout. Avoid placing non-food items in the fridge, especially those that could block airflow or introduce contaminants.

‘If you want to add a touch of style to your kitchen, focus on decorating the exterior of your fridge or other areas where safety isn’t compromised. Magnetic decals, kitchen towels, or aesthetically pleasing storage solutions can add personality without risking your health.’

It may not be as exciting as filling your fridge with ornate decorations, but when it comes to food safety, it can only be substance over style.

Try it yourself

Picture the scene: you’re busy in the kitchen, the kids are running in and out to grab drinks from the fridge, other family members are perusing snacks because they’re a bit peckish and, if you’re entertaining, guests may even be helping themselves to top ups. If your fridge is located right where you’re prepping, this traffic may well be getting under your feet. Annoying? Yes, probably.

When planning kitchen appliance layout ideas, it’s wise to carefully consider where your fridge will go right from the start. Of course, you need easy access for cooking, grabbing the milk and putting things away, but you also need it to be strategically placed so the area doesn’t become your home’s version of Piccadilly Circus.

‘It's important to avoid placing the fridge in high-traffic areas, especially if you have a busy family or entertain frequently,’ says Cassie Jones, brand manager at Masterclass Kitchens. ‘Keeping the fridge out of the main prep zones and busy pathways will enhance kitchen efficiency.'

Where to position a fridge in a kitchen

First and foremost, convenience is key. You want your fridge to be easily accessible from the cooking areas and where you prepare meals, but also for those times when you or anyone in the house needs to grab and go.

Think about the routes you might take through the kitchen when you’re cooking, packing lunches, baking or making a drink, as well as when you’re unloading shopping. You don’t want to be trekking all the way across the space every time you need an ingredient and you’ll likely need some worktop space nearby for loading and unloading too.

So, to make the most of your space and get the best out of your kitchen layout ideas, where is it best to position your fridge?

1. Think about the working triangle

The working triangle is a tried and tested principle of kitchen design. Essentially, think of your oven, sink and fridge as the three points of a triangle. When they are placed in this format, your kitchen layout should be efficient and easy to manoeuvre around.

‘Deciding on the placement of your oven and sink is crucial when determining the best location for the fridge,’ explains Cassie. ‘Ideally, the fridge should be positioned near the food prep area. If your design includes a corner pantry, placing the fridge close by ensures easy accessibility and a more enjoyable cooking experience.’

For maximum convenience and where space allows, aim to position the fridge within a few steps of the main preparation and cooking area, but not too close so it disrupts the overall flow of the space.

2. Consider who lives in the house

While convenience and efficiency are key factors to consider when narrowing down your kitchen ideas and appliance choices, don’t forget about the people in your house – after all, they’re the ones that will be using the space every day and arguably, the fridge probably sees the most action of all the appliances, right?

Who uses the fridge most, when and what for? Do the kids run in from school and head straight for the snack drawer? Are you a keen cook and need easy access to ingredients? Do you love to entertain and are happy to let guests help themselves?

‘In a busy family kitchen, the fridge should be easily accessible for everyone, including children. Placing it near the entrance to the kitchen or close to a pantry can be a good idea. This way, kids can grab snacks without getting in the way of cooking,’ says Josie Medved, design manager at Symphony Group. ‘This setup allows family members to grab snacks without interfering with the cooking area.’

If you’re a keen cook, the fridge should be very close to the cooking areas to minimise the time spent fetching ingredients. ‘Then for someone who entertains often, consider a fridge that’s accessible from the dining area or even having an additional beverage fridge in the entertaining space,’ Josie suggests.

Doug Haswell, furniture manager at Caple agrees: ‘If you are not a cook but generally entertain you want to give the kitchen area an open feeling of space, so placing the fridge at the end of a run is preferable.’

3. Remember safety

A fridge is an electrical appliance after all and, when complete with water and ice dispensers, will be fed by mains water too. So safety is key. A kitchen designer and appliance supplier will be able to advise on the best positioning when you come to buy your kit, but as a guide, avoid positioning the fridge next to a direct heat source like an oven, range cooker, radiant heat appliance like an Aga, or radiator.

‘Avoid anywhere in direct sunlight and other sources that generate heat as the fridge will have to work harder to stay cool and therefore wastes energy,’ says Doug.

4. Hide away the fridge

Not sure you want your fridge on show? ‘Integrated fridges are an excellent choice for those wanting a sleek, uncluttered kitchen design,’ says Cassie.

There are a couple of practicalities to remember here too though. ‘It's essential to ensure appropriate airflow at the top and bottom of the cabinetry to maintain the appliance's efficiency. These can be seamlessly integrated into the kitchen design, with metallic finishes to match other elements,’ Cassie explains.

Whether freestanding or integrated, the points above on the positioning of the fridge still apply, so figure out where a tall unit for a fitted fridge will work best in your layout.

5. Do the double

If budget allows and you’re in need of the extra cool kitchen storage space, having two fridges can be very beneficial. For example, you could have one for food and one for drinks, or simply have twice the space to cater to a large family or store in bulk. Where a double fridge-freezer, like an American-style design, won’t fit in your space, you could still achieve the storage space with one fridge within the kitchen and another located elsewhere.

‘Consider placing the second fridge in the pantry or utility room to maximise space in the main kitchen area,’ Cassie suggests.

‘Position them strategically – one near the prep area and the other in a more accessible spot for guests or bulk storage,’ adds Josie.

FAQs

Which direction should my fridge face?

The direction of your fridge depends on a few different factors: the space available in the kitchen layout, the main purpose of the fridge and who will most use it, plus how the space flows.

You don’t want the position or direction of the fridge to create a barrier within the space, block light or impede flow, so aim to place it where it won’t be too obtrusive but where it is still easily accessible – it’s a careful balancing act, we know.

In terms of practicality, think about which way you’d like the fridge door to open. Many single door designs allow you to swap the orientation to suit your kitchen layout and preference so keep an eye out for this feature when shopping. Also, make sure there’s enough room for the door to swing open and not block any walkways through the space.

Does a fridge have to be against the wall?

A fridge doesn’t have to be against a wall but it does need proper ventilation space around it. That’s the case whether it’s a tall freestanding fridge, an integrated design, a double door or an undercounter style.

‘Ensure there’s adequate clearance on all sides, and it should be near a power outlet. For plumbed-in fridges, access to a water line is essential,’ says Josie Medved, design manager at Symphony Group. ‘Proper housing will also allow for easier cleaning and maintenance access.’

Undercounter fridges or wine coolers can be ideally located within a kitchen island or within a peninsula and are ideal as secondary appliances if you have a larger fridge elsewhere in the kitchen. Or why not add an undercounter design to a utility room?

Ultimately, knowing where to position a fridge comes down to the shape, size and layout of your kitchen as well as your family needs. Plan with practicality in mind and your fridge layout will be a seamless part of your design.

Miele has announced the launch of its new oven with an 'AirFry function' which promises to take the air fryer movement to the next level. Designed to make the task of cooking healthier and delicious meals at home easier, the oven's new AirFry function guarantees crispier results compared to using the regular fan oven setting – but is it worth ditching your air fryer for?

There's no denying that the best air fryers have blown up like never before, challenging everything we initially knew about the possibilities of efficient and affordable cooking. In recent years alone, air fryers have evolved from being the simple single-basket models they once were to best dual-zone air fryers, multi-zone air fryers, and even air fryer ovens.

However, Miele's latest launch has brought us right back around to where we started: the traditional oven, but armed with new technology. It has all the benefits of an air fryer, without having to take up additional space on your worktop. Or does it?

Miele Oven with AirFry Function

Miele's new H2766-1 BP Oven with AirFry Function is the latest oven to feature an AirFry mode, combining Fan Plus and Top Heat with the relevant temperature for hot air frying, resulting in crispy chicken, chips, fish, veggies, and more.

The Perforated Gourmet Baking and AirFry Tray promises to be perfect for baking the likes of crispy bread and pizza while pastries will produce a fluffy crumb and evenly browned surface. Miele's new AirFry oven also includes the dehydrating ability available in most air fryers. 

Miele is joining the ranks of brands such as Hisense who have added air fryer functions to their ovens. 

Are ovens with air fryer functions worth it?

While the prospect of an oven with a dedicated air fryer function might seem exciting, it of course doesn't come cheap upfront.

Often, when people make the switch from an oven to an air fryer it's because they're keen to save energy at home with the lower cost to run an air fryer and cook smaller portions of meals quickly. Therefore, the idea of an air fryer function in an oven may seem unnecessary for many, given that you'd either use one or the other depending on the circumstance.

When we previously debated an air fryer vs an oven, we concluded that an air fryer is a must-have for everyday meals, whereas an oven shines best when you're batch cooking – such as for meal prepping or hosting dinner parties. That being said, the decision of which one works better for you will be dependent on your needs entirely.

'Traditional air fryers are often more budget-friendly than ovens with air fryer frying features,' explains Dennis Digwa, appliance expert at electrical retailer, RGBDirect. 'If air frying is the primary function you need, investing in a dedicated air fryer can be a cost-effective choice.'

Not to mention, air fryers are often known for their simplicity. Dennis adds that air fryers 'usually have straightforward controls and are easy to operate without the need for extensive menu navigation, making them attractive for users who prefer a fuss-free experience.'

Of course, there's always the clean-up aspect to consider, too. We have to admit, while both are tasks we'd admittedly rather not do, cleaning an air fryer is generally a lot easier than cleaning an oven because of its compact size and removable, dishwasher-safe components.

However, if you often find yourself cooking larger batches of food, opting for an oven with an air fryer function might be your best bet as opposed to opting for a larger air fryer fit for a family of 4.

Tom Hopper, kitchens manager at Miele GB assures that 'choosing an oven with integrated air frying capabilities allows for larger portions of dishes to be air fried with consistently crispy and delicious results.'

And, if you've got a small kitchen and can no longer add to your kitchen appliance layout, Tom adds that opting for an oven with an air fryer function eliminates the issue of crowding of worktop appliances. You've already got an oven in your kitchen anyway, so why not make it work twice as hard instead and be useable in your day-to-day life again?

'Ultimately, the choice between an oven with air frying capabilities and a traditional air fryer depends on individual preferences, cooking habits, and budget constraints,' concludes Dennis. However, if air frying is a predominant need and you value no-nonsense simplicity, sticking with a traditional air fryer may be the best course of action to take.

But, if you're keen on new air fryer advancements and prioritise cooking larger batches of food, we can see this becoming commonplace among new ovens, revolutionising the way we use our kitchens.

One thing is for sure, those air fryer's aren't going anywhere just yet.

Kitchens are not complete without a fridge, but admittedly they're not the prettiest appliances to look at. They're big, bulky, and pretty underwhelming as far as visual assets go in a cooking space. So, when we saw this hack to turn your fridge into a mini gallery wall, we were all ears.

While most don't tend to pay any mind to a fridge's appearance, decorate them right and it's a guaranteed way to instantly make your kitchen look more expensive. Although decorating a fridge with magnets from places you've visited and some of your favourite photos isn't out of the ordinary, did you know that there's a way for you to curate your display elegantly?

The secret is simple: putting your photos into frames in true gallery wall style. Better yet, mix and match gold-finished frames to nail the luxe look further.

The clever hack, initially shared by content creator and home decor enthusiast, Meg Acuna (@meg.acuna) received a lot of love on Instagram, garnering over 6.4 million views with fans praising the easy DIY project in the comments.

One fan writes, 'That is so cute! I definitely need that update for our fridge 😍' while another says, I love this! I'm obsessed with gallery walls but don't have a spot for one right now. Definitely doing this.'

To get the look, all you need is an assortment of mini frames (the more mixed and matched, the better), some gold Rub 'n Buff (or gold paint), and a sticky adhesive to mount it to your fridge. If your fridge holds a magnet, you can attach a magnet to the backside of the frame otherwise something like a Command strip will do the job.

We think this project easily lends itself as a beginner upcycling opportunity for old frames lying around your house, or picking some up from your local charity shop as you'll be changing the look of them anyway.

'Using gold paint or Rub 'n Buff works brilliantly to change what may appear to be quite a boring frame or piece of furniture into a more luxury piece,' remarks Sophie Clemson, co-founder and director of The Living House. 'The gold works really well if you like the transitional style of mixing old with new.'

Alternatively, if gold isn't your style, Ally Dowsing Reynolds, co-founder of home decor brand and retailer Dowsing & Reynolds suggests painting them the same colour as your walls or picking up your room's accent colour to create a beautiful little attention to detail. This is sure to create flow and tighten up your kitchen colour scheme further.

Ally also suggests keeping the spacing between your frames equal (a tip we've previously picked up to achieve the perfect gallery wall) and mixing up the alignments of the frames to make it extra visually engaging.

Get the look

All in all, it's attention to detail to these little things that are often overlooked that makes for a home that exudes a sense of sophistication, irrespective of your budget. And there's nothing like a little DIY magic to elevate the mundane and make it that tad more extraordinary.

IKEA has launched a new under-shelf fridge organiser, the KLIPPKAKTUS storage box, to better help with the mammoth task of organising and maximising space in even the smallest and most cluttered fridges.

Although the concept of keeping an organised fridge is one that many of us strive towards, more often than not it becomes overlooked. However, storage solutions and clever techniques aren't just reserved for organising kitchen cupboards. Believe it or not, they certainly pay off when used in a fridge, too.

Not only will you save yourself the hassle of wading through various food items each time you go to prepare a meal, but you'll also cut down on food waste by preventing produce from getting lost (and ultimately going bad) in the black hole of an otherwise unorganised fridge.

IKEA KLIPPKAKTUS storage box for fridge

IKEA's new KLIPPKAKTUS storage box is currently available to buy now in-store and online in selected areas for just £5. Yes, you heard that right – it's a budget-friendly kitchen storage idea that is nothing less than worth its price.

Its design mirrors the popular under-shelf storage so many professional organisers swear by for a clutter-free kitchen cupboard or for faking a pantry. Now, that same storage solution is being adopted for fridges to help you double and utilise all the available space inside.

IKEA say that the under-shelf fridge organiser is simple to attach, easy to pull out and push in, and perfect for small items that otherwise easily end up scattered everywhere.

Jonathon Clark, creative director at Shelved notes that a 'common oversight in kitchen design is failing to utilise storage space to its full potential'. This is exactly what brings solutions like under-shelf storage, like IKEA's fridge organiser, to the forefront of small kitchen storage ideas. 

Simon Glanville, A Place for Everything's managing director will be the first to say that 'anything that helps maximise the space in a full fridge is welcome', and under-shelf storage options are particularly useful for drink cans, bottles, produce, and more.

Not only that, but Darren Watts, showroom development and design director at Wren Kitchens praises under-shelf storage as an 'excellent solution for rented properties as they can be easily removed without causing damage to the fitted kitchen units or fridge'.

It's a win-win. So, we think it'll come as no surprise if this fridge organiser quickly makes its way into our list of cult IKEA buys.

Shop under-shelf fridge organisers

We're big fans of the IKEA fridge organiser, however, there are so many other options available to buy that might suit your fridge better. So do your research and choose the best option to make your life just that little bit easier and more organised.

We'll be waving cluttered, messy fridges goodbye for 2024.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Checking the temperature on your fridge might not be top of your to-do list (though cleaning your fridge might), but according to appliance experts, it’s something you should be keeping an eye on if you want your kitchen to run like a well-oiled machine.

We’re all used to adjusting the temperature on our hobs, ovens and toasters on a daily or weekly basis, but the temperature of our fridge (or fridge freezer) is a less common consideration. But did you know that there’s an ideal temperature for your fridge to run at?

Keeping your fridge at the right temperature provides many benefits, actually – not only will it stop your food from going bad quickly, but it’ll also minimise the running costs of the appliance. So what exactly is the right temperature for this appliance?

This is the temperature your fridge should be set to

Like anything in our kitchens, our fridges need to be maintained in order to keep them working at their best. And that involves ensuring that they are set to the right temperature - especially if this is something you’ve never thought to check before.

So what temperature is right? Amanda Lorenzini, AO.com’s refrigerator expert, said, 'The ideal temperature for any household fridge is between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius.

'To adjust the fridge temperature, simply locate and twist the dial inside the appliance. However, note that any change to the temperature will take up to 24 hours to settle.'

For some fridges, however, this range may extend a little lower, to 0 degrees Celsius. For example, experts at AEG advise that, 'The average household fridge should be at a near constant temperature between 0°C and 5°C. But it’s natural for your fridge temperature to fluctuate a little between these values, particularly when being opened and closed a lot.'

Why is it important that our fridges stay within this range, and don’t dip any higher or lower, then?

'By putting the fridge to the correct temperature range, this will make sure the food inside stays fresh and avoids any bacterial growth,' Amanda said.

Remember too that the bottom of your fridge tends to be colder than the top, so place your food accordingly. Veggies last longest in the crisper at the bottom, while butter and cream will do best on a middle shelf where the fridge temperature is most consistent. Less temperature-sensitive items, like condiments and preserves are best stored in the fridge door.

It’s also worth remembering that there are a few things that may be unwittingly affecting the temperature of your fridge; which you may want to avoid, to ensure your food stays fresh and mould-free for as long as possible.

Salah Sun, Head of Product Management at Beko, suggests that overfilling shelves could, surprisingly, be stopping your fridge from getting, and staying, cold enough. 'When stacking fridge shelves, try to keep it to two thirds full, leaving enough room for cool air to circulate inside,' he warned.

Similarly, continuous opening and closing of the fridge door, and putting hot or warm food in your fridge, can also bring down the overall temperature of the appliance.

'Throughout the day, try not to open the door too often or keep it open for too long. Opening the fridge too frequently will increase the internal temperature of your appliance. And it’s also important not to put hot food inside your fridge, such as leftovers,' adds Salah.

'This will increase the internal temperature dramatically, meaning your food will be stored at the wrong temperature. Instead, make sure all food has cooled completely before storing it in the fridge.'

If you're after a new pizza oven, you'll want to take a look at today's top Ooni pizza oven deals – as one of the leading pizza oven brands, there's lots to love about Ooni.

In fact, a few of the best pizza ovens on the market are made by Ooni, and at Ideal Home, we love this brand. Whether you're after the Ooni Fyra Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven or the Ooni Volt 12, which we rate as the best indoor pizza oven, there's a model to suit every space and need.

We've rounded up today's top Ooni pizza oven deals to help you grab the best discounts on our tried-and-tested favourites.

Ooni pizza oven deals

Below, we've put together the ultimate guide to shopping Ooni deals, including where to shop and how to find the best discounts.

Today's best Ooni deals

• Amazon: snap up an Ooni pizza oven with next-day delivery
• John Lewis & Partners: Ooni pizza ovens and accessories in-store and online
• Lakeland: the full collection at your fingertips
• Ooni: buy direct and take advantage of discounted bundles

Best Ooni deals

Ooni shopping advice

If you're looking to take advantage of an Ooni deal but not quite sure where to start, we've got you covered. It's often easy to get caught up in pizza oven discounts, and we want to ensure you're buying the right Ooni to suit you.

Below are a few things you should consider before taking the plunge and making the most of an Ooni deal:

The size: Ooni has a wide range of pizza ovens, from smaller options to more robust, family-friendly ovens. This size difference also impacts the price – and the size of the pizza! If you want 40cm pizzas, you should opt for the Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven or the Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven. If you're happy with 30cm pizzas, the others will suit you just fine.

The type of fuel: Propane gas, wood pellets, electric, and multi-fuel: Ooni offers them all. Ultimately, the type of fuel you choose is something you need to decide on yourself. You can buy the fuel for your pizza oven from Ooni directly, but you may find it cheaper elsewhere – which is why it's always a good idea to weigh up where you can buy it and how much, on average, it'll cost you to refuel. For a more detailed fuel comparison, you can take a look at the Ooni website.

How often you'll use it: Are you hoping to have weekly family pizza nights? Or are you unlikely to use it very often? While Ooni deals can be tempting, there's no point buying the most expensive Ooni on the market if you aren't going to make the most of it. On the other hand, it's usually better to buy top-of-the-range if you plan on using it regularly.

The accessories: As well as selling pizza ovens, Ooni sells a whole host of accessories. To take advantage of Ooni accessories deals, buying them as part of a bundle is best. But if you don't need the accessories, buying the oven by itself might still be cheaper.

Where you're buying from: Generally, the best place to buy an Ooni pizza oven is usually the Ooni site. It's the first place that restocks when Ooni does sell out, and it's got consistent pricing that won't fluctuate with demand (something we've noticed on Amazon from time to time).

Still stuck? Check out our guide on which Ooni pizza oven you should buy.

When to shop

Although you can buy Ooni pizza ovens throughout the year, there's no doubt about the fact that spring and summer is the prime time to buy an Ooni.

Like many other retailers, Ooni also uses key times of the year to plan their promotions. Below, we've explained more about these major dates, and what this means for the best Ooni pizza oven deals.

Boxing Day Ooni deals

After eating more than your bodyweight in food over Christmas, there's a high chance that you're not thinking about pizza on Boxing Day. And while some retailers try to sell last-season stock during this period, you're unlikely to find too many Boxing Day Ooni deals. That doesn't mean that there won't be any, but it might be better to wait until later in the year to scoop up the best discounts.

January Ooni deals

A week after the Boxing Day deals, we're inundated with January sales, but once again, you might not find the Ooni deal you're looking for. January deals are normally focused on electrical items and appliances, or bigger ticket items like mattresses and bedding.

It's still a good idea to watch for any clearance items, though, as some retailers may try to clear out their Ooni stock ready for a brand-new pizza-making season.

Amazon Prime Day Ooni deals

Amazon Prime Day, the brand's yearly price-slashing event, seems to get bigger and bigger each year. This can result in some unmissable Prime Day Ooni pizza oven deals.

In 2024, Prime Day deals ran from the 16th to the 17th of July, just as pizza-loving customers were starting to head out into the garden for al fresco dinners.

However, Amazon then treated us all to a second Prime Day, Prime Big Deal Days, from the 8th to the 9th of October, which was a great time to scoop up some end-of-summer Ooni discounts.

The exact dates for 2025's Prime Day are still to be confirmed, but it's always a good idea to keep an eye on our Amazon Prime Day deals page to be the first to hear when they're announced.

In the meantime, you could sign up for Amazon Prime membership now so you're all set to shop when the next Prime Day Ooni deals take place. Generally, you need to be a Prime member to take advantage of the biggest discounts on Prime Day. You can sign up or renew your membership below. Usually, new Prime members can also access a free 30-day membership trial to test out its perks.

Bank holiday Ooni deals

Over the past few years, bank holiday deals have become a huge part of the consumer discount calendar, with many retailers choosing to slice the prices of their products on these days. This is especially true in July and August when customers typically spend more.

In fact, those who are looking for the best bank holiday Ooni deals should keep an eye out during this time. Ooni regularly slashes the prices of their pizza ovens in August to catch the last of the summer trade.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Ooni deals

The term 'Black Friday' originated in the US to denote the first day following Thanksgiving when retailers would cut prices to draw holidaymakers to shop their store's sales. Driven by global brands, the price-slashing event soon crossed the pond, and now, Black Friday – closely followed by Cyber Monday – has become one of the UK's biggest consumer extravaganzas, rivalling traditional Boxing Day sales.

Often hailed as the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday always falls on the last Friday of November, so the next time it will officially roll around is Friday 28th November 2025.

That said, in recent years, the event has spread to encompass more than just one day, with retailers starting Black Friday discounting earlier and earlier so that a full Black Friday 'week' of discounts isn't uncommon. In fact, in 2022, we saw retailers running Black Friday promotions throughout the whole month of November, and the same happened in 2023 and 2024. Black 'month' now seems to be a thing.

Whether or not you agree with the rampant consumerism Black Friday has now come to represent, there's no denying it can be a great time for Black Friday Ooni deals and Cyber Monday Ooni deals.

In 2024, Black Friday Ooni deals were on fire as people took advantage of the warm weather to have garden parties and cheesy date nights under the stars. In 2025, we expect them to be even bigger and better.

We'll be keeping our eye out for all the top Black Friday Ooni deals and Cyber Monday Ooni deals right here, but make sure to bookmark the Ideal Home Black Friday home deals page to get alerts for all the biggest Black Friday homeware sales as they launch.

How we source the top Ooni deals

To learn more about our in-depth testing and selection process, you can visit our how we test page.

To compile this specific Ooni deals page, we've factored in the team's (delicious) hands-on experience of using Ooni pizza ovens, as well as reviews from our trusted contributors.

If deals aren't currently available on the tried-and-tested favourites that we love so much, then we've used our knowledge and experience to curate a list of the best Ooni deals available today. In all cases, this includes researching technical specifications and reading customer reviews.

FAQs

Does Ooni do Black Friday?

Yes! You can regularly find impressive Ooni deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The retailer even has a dedicated page on its website for Black Friday and Cyber Monday news and deals.

Of course, it's important to remember that you don't necessarily have to grab these Black Friday Ooni deals from Ooni directly. You may find cheaper alternatives from other retailers, like Amazon, John Lewis, or Lakeland.

One of the best pizza ovens will add a new dimension to your cooking at home year-round, but they are not all made equal.

We judge the pizza ovens we test here at Ideal Home against strict criteria. This includes ease of set up and use, fast firing up times, evenness of temperature, consistent cooking performance and straightforward cleaning.

Afterwards, we check how crispy each base is, how well toppings cook and how long the baking process took. If, after that, the oven is good enough to rival your local pizzeria, then it'll make it onto this list.

Quality pizza ovens can range from £150 to £1500+. To help you decide how much cash to splash, we've spelt out the specifications and the accessories you get with each oven, as well as highlighting affordable buys.

Whether you're looking for the best BBQ alternative, an easy-to-use gas model or an oven to give you that authentic wood-fired flavour, we've tested the ovens you need, curated after years of at-home reviews from our in-house experts. This guide will take you through our top 11 ovens, after testing plenty more, and help answer any burning questions you have about the art of pizza making. After reading this list, the only remedy will be a pizza oven for your home and a slice of your chosen pie, pronto!

At a glance

• Best pizza oven overall: Gozney Arc, RRP £599.99
• Best wood-fired: Ooni Fyra 12, RRP £299.99
• Best electric: Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven, RRP £349.99

How we test pizza ovens

We've extensively reviewed every single one of the pizza ovens in this guide, as part of our commitment to how we test products at Ideal Home. And when we say we've tested them, we don't mean we've just tried them out once - we have these ovens at home for a timescale of two weeks to two months before we come to a verdict.

Some of these ovens cook on gas and some on wood, so we make sure to try out both (if possible) to see if there's a cooking mode we would recommend over the other. We also make sure to cook a standardised selection of pizzas, beginning with garlic bread and then ranging from a simple margarita to topping-heavy options, to see how the chosen foods on top of the pizza char up.

From there, we cook other foods in the oven too, including grilled veggies and a cut of meat, usually steak, to see how versatile each product is. Throughout this guide you'll find first hand testimony and imagery of each one.

Best pizza oven overall

The Gozney Arc is our favourite pizza oven ever. This gas oven has everything you need to make restaurant-quality pizza at home, including a wide opening for launching pizzas up to 14" and controls that make firing it up as easy as turning a dial. It combines all of the majesty of its sister oven the Dome (at #8) with the ease of use of the Roccbox (at #4), meeting to serve up the pinnacle of pizza ovens.

During our tests, when we tried everything from a simple margarita to vegetable skewers, we found that the temperature inside the Arc stayed optimally high, meaning that we could serve up pizza after pizza without stopping. The LED temperature gauge makes things more hands-free too, and the overall shape of the Arc makes turning pizzas painless.

We achieved wonderfully crispy bases and melted toppings with the Arc, and fell in love with its overall look, with a buttery beige colour and design-focused look that will set your garden apart from the rest. Not only is this oven worth its salt in terms of performance, but it's a statement piece too. The exterior may be a bit too delicate for those that prefer a rustic look and feel, and the set-up with the Arc isn't as straightforward as with electric alternatives, but those things aside, we think it's as close to perfect as you can get.

Our Gozney Arc review has the full details.

Best wood-fired pizza oven

The Ooni Fyra is a five-star buy for many reasons, the first being that a wood-fired pizza oven is generally going to be the most affordable option in terms of initial outlay. As a rule, wood is a cheaper fuel too – and potentially more environmentally friendly – fuel type when compared to gas.

It managed a flawless performance in testing thanks to its low maintenance set-up and hands-on cooking process, with the flames it creates achieving that authentic, smoky wood-fired flavour (without burning). Helen made margarita pizzas, pepperoni pizzas and a cheesy garlic bread, first of all, each of which emerged with a lovely crisp base. She also found it easy to use the Fyra, once armed with a cast iron pan, to cook lamb, a variety of vegetables, and new potatoes.

The Fyra is more effort than a gas-fired alternative to run, and it will need one person’s (almost) undivided attention for the best results, especially if you want to cook multiple pizzas for a large group when you’ll need to get the oven back up to temperature between bakes. But if you love an involved cooking experience, and posses patience, it'll be a great fit for you.

If you're still undecided on which oven to buy from the brand, we've covered the subject in more depth in our rundown of which Ooni pizza oven to buy.

Our Ooni Fyra 12 Pizza Oven review has the full details.

Best electric pizza oven

Like all of the best Ninja air fryers, the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven is a seriously capable multi-functional buy, and couldn't be more user-friendly. It's electric, so unlike the gas and wood-fired options on this list, all you need to do is plug it in. From there, there's eight different settings you can use at the touch of a button to make pizza, smoke meats, bake, use only the top heat, roast, dehydrate, warm and more.

Our expert reviewer Helen however, says she would buy this Ninja oven 'just for the pizza setting alone', which is high praise from our hard-to-please expert. What's more, Helen was also seriously impressed with the quality, flavour and texture of the pizzas made with this oven. And it wasn't just pizza she tried too, with delectable brownies, wood-fired salmon and an entire roast chicken served up.

Crucially, this oven is made for first-timers, so you won't have to struggle with pizzas that aren't up to scratch on its maiden voyage, so you can start enjoying using this buy from the offset.

Add to that the versatility to roast joints of meat and even bake or smoke foods, and this is an excellent bit of kit with endless cooking possibilities, and a great multi-functional oven if that's what you're looking for.

Our full Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven review has the full details.

Best portable pizza oven

The 12-inch pizza-making Gozney Roccbox comes in two options, the gas-fuelled model, which currently has an RRP of £399, and the multi-fuel option with an RRP of £499. This makes it significantly more expensive than Ooni's comparably sized multi-fuel option, the Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven, with an RRP of £299.

So, what does the Gozney Roccbox have that the Ooni Karu 12 doesn't? Well, first up are its stylish good looks. The Roccbox features a smart stainless steel cylinder chamber wrapped in eye-catching silicone that also helps to make the oven's outer safe to the touch.

Unlike the Ooni Karu 12, it also features an in-built thermometer at the side of the oven that makes keeping track of temperature (and so getting a consistent bake) a far easier affair. It also comes ready-equipped with a pizza peel – an essential tool for turning your pizza to prevent burning. One of our biggest bugbears with the Ooni pizza ovens is that this essential tool must be purchased separately.

Technically, the Gozney Roccbox is also more portable, coming equipped with a strap to help you transport it with ease. With its compact size and easily retractable legs, it might make a good option for the beach as long as you can drive it there, as at 29kg, it's probably a little heavy to carry.

Performance-wise, our reviewer loved the Roccbox and all of its charms, finding the entire pizza-making process straightforward. She also found wood-fired cooking was a lot more high-maintenance than gas, and it took longer to reach optimum temperature. Overall, this meant longer cooking times on both fuel types, but, on the flip side, less risk of burning your Hawaiian or margarita.

Our Gozney Roccbox Dual-Fuel Pizza Oven review has the full details.

Best rotating pizza oven

Once you've tried any pizza oven, you'll know that turning in order to achieve an even cook is essential. And the Witt Rotante takes the guesswork out of that process entirely, with a spinning base that gives full cooking coverage to your pizzas (or whatever else) instantly.

When trying the Rotante, our reviewer found that placing your pizza in the very centre of the oven and base was the best way to achieve the kind of cook you want. We also found that cooking times with this oven are super speedy, taking just one minute (instead of the predicted minute and a half) to cook a pizza to perfection.

Another pull of the Rotante is that it can fire pizzas up to 16", which is plenty big enough to cater to a pizza party. Our reviewer even found that it's a large enough space for two smaller pizzas, if that appeals.

Like with our #1 option, the Gozney Arc, the gas fuel of this oven makes set up feel seamless. And the rotating base means that this is definitely the most hands-free option out there too.

Our full Witt Rotante pizza oven review has the full details.

Best indoor pizza oven

The Ooni Volt is a spectacular innovation for those who live in apartments or flats. All you need to do with this electric oven is plug it in and wait just 20 minutes for it to hit temperatures of 450°C, and in minutes you'll be able to create pizzas as tasty as the ones from your local takeaway.

The Volt makes relying on the weather to turn out perfect pizzas a thing of the past, with the ability to use it inside as well as outside. It's quite a boxy appliance, and not the easiest to store, but it's so easy to use that you soon forget all about that. We did find during testing that you'll want to keep a window open as it operates, as there can be smoke emitted during the process, but once you're tucking into your pizza that will seem a small price to pay.

The heat retention when using the Volt is super impressive, making indoor pizza parties possible even all through the winter. When we tested it, we could make five pizzas without a break. And though the opening is fairly small, it's not overly difficult to launch pizzas into the oven, especially if you're using Ooni's tailor-made peel.

All in all, the Volt far exceeded our expectations of an indoor pizza oven, reaching the same temperatures and yielding the same results when it came to taste. If you want a purchase you'll make use of year-round, look no further than the Volt.

Our Ooni Volt review has the full details.

Best affordable pizza oven

If you're looking for one of the most affordable pizza ovens you can buy, then we think the Woody Pizza Oven is a great balance of price and performance.

This is a 12-inch wood-fired pizza oven first and foremost, but it also offers the flexibility of converting to gas with the addition of a gas burner. We've tried both methods, and loved the results either way. The removable door is a particular highlight, ensuring that heat stays in the oven. Add to that the fire basket and hopper design that makes using wood pellets so simple, and we'd say that this is one of the easiest wood-fired ovens out there.

The affordability of the Woody can't be overlooked - not when you see the lower initial investment cost and the fact that with this oven you get the (essential) pizza peel, an in-built thermometer, and a carry cover included in the price.

In both review settings, we were impressed by the Woody's performance, both in the more labour-intensive wood-fired mode and the comparatively quick and easy gas-fired mode. They also noted the arched roof of the Woody Pizza Oven made cooking a range of dishes in a skiller pan far little easier than with the Ooni Fyra's more shallow opening.

The downsides? It can be tricky to transport, with slightly sharp edges and a tall design.

Our Woody Pizza Oven and Kit review has the full details.

Best multi-fuel pizza oven

The Gozney Dome is the sellout, big spend pizza oven from Gozney, a brand that makes a range of professional ovens, alongside their classic Roccbox, which is one of Ideal Home's favourite picks. The Dome sits somewhere in between, with a modern look that's unlike many of the pizza ovens on the market, and a large enough internal capacity to keep the pizzas flowing all night.

It can make pizzas up to 16" big, and the added extras such as a steam injector or oven door to offer more cooking options made such a big difference to the pizzas our reviewer produced. We loved using this oven to cook extea large pizzas, lamb steaks and roasted vegetables such as sweetcorn. One of the things that really stood out with the Dome was the included temperature probes, which our tester used to ensure that joints of meats she cooked were perfectly done. The large air vent also allowed her to use the Dome like an outdoor oven, and create foods with succulent flavours.

It's a pricey buy indeed, but if you're looking for an upgrade on your existing oven and you love making pizzas, the Gozney Dome is the oven you'll want.

Our Gozney Dome outdoor oven review has the full details.

Best countertop pizza oven

The Sage Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is a seriously smart indoor pizza oven. It can heat up to 400 degrees and cook authentic Neopolitan-style pizzas as well as deep dish and even frozen pizzas. Unlike the Volt, it's the kind of size that will fit on your countertop, so if you want a smaller indoor oven, it'll be just the ticket.

When we put this pizza oven to the test we were seriously impressed by how fast it cooked our pizzas, as well as the evenness of the cooking. The feature that detects ambient temperature and advises you to wait before placing in your next pizza is very smart, and our reviewer found that the overall cook on each pizza she cooked was great as a result, whether a thin or a thick base.

The immediate advantage of the indoor nature of this oven is that you can enjoy freshly cooked pizza all year round, and no weather can rain on your pizza party. As with the Ooni Volt, this oven does suffer with some smoke issues, but opening a window will go a long way. This oven also comes with a pizza peel, stone, and deep dish included, which earned another tick from us.

The obvious downside of the Sage Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is the high price, but when you consider that it plugs right in, comes with a pizza peel, and doesn't need a thermometer to tell if it's hot enough to cook your pizza perfectly, it's an unmissable option. If you want the best pizza oven to take the stress out of judging the heat and timing of your cooking, this five-star option is the one for you.

Our Sage Smart Oven Pizzaiolo review has the full details.

Best rustic pizza oven

Handmade in Yorkshire, we think the rustic look of the Delivita makes it one of the most beautiful ovens out there. Interestingly, it works pretty differently compared to other wood-fired options on this list. During testing, we made a Jenga-style tower of wood inside the oven and lit it, before leaving it for about half an hour to come to the desired temperature of 450°C. This takes things really back to basics, and allows you to get that authentic pizza making experience from your back garden.

This clay oven (again, fairly different from other options on this list) comes in a gorgeous range of colours and can make 12-inch pizzas in just a minute. Its exterior is waterproof and it also comes with a cover, meaning you can leave it outside after use if you wish. It is a little on the heavy side at 30kg, so not the best for carrinng around, but there's no denying the authentic feel of that crackling wood and our finished pizza was restaurant-quality.

The domed design and wide opening allowed our reviewer to experiment with a range of different foods, from corn on the cob to doughballs. And with the fire burning within the Delivita itself, everything was served up with that delicious wood-fired flavour that we all know and love. For a truly hands on pizza making experience, the Delivita is a showstopping buy.

Our Delivita pizza oven review has the full details.

Best small pizza oven

The Ooni Koda is a gas-fired pizza oven available in either 12-inch or 16-inch sizes, so there's an option for those with more space and one for a more portable option. The legs fold away for easy storage and there's no funnel feature, so you can pack it away into your car boot with ease. Our reviewer Helen found this oven got up to heat very quickly, with the controls being as simple as the turn of a knob. Within as little as 15 minutes, she could start cooking.

From there, Helen found in her tests it really couldn't be easier to speedily serve up pizzas, meaning that your next garden party undoubtedly be your best yet. Despite the lack of wood-fired flavour, this gas oven was a powerhouse for cooking up crisp, perfectly done pizzas in about two minutes.

Helen also tried her hand at a range of other foods in the Koda, finding fajita mix, chicken, and assorted greens came out perfectly when cooked in a cast iron skillet in the oven.

The Koda is a star buy for those who want to create authentic pizzas without the faff of keeping a fire going, as you would need to in the Fyra. If you love the ease of gas BBQs, the convenience of the Ooni Koda will probably be right up your street.

Our Ooni Koda pizza oven review has the full details.

More on our testing process

It's not just the quality of the pizzas that we make that we're judging, though that is a major factor, it's a whole series of smaller things being evaluated the entire time.

Alongside that we focus in on how long the oven takes to set up, how much faff it is to fire up (either with gas or wood), and how easy it is to launch a pizza into the oven. This can vary from product to product depending on designs, as well as how portable each oven is.

When testing the ovens, we also make sure to fire off a fair few pizzas in quick sucession, so that we can judge whether it's a pizza party appropriate product that allows you to chain cook margarita after margarita. When the process is done we also look at how easy each oven is to maintain, as well as any quirks when it comes to cleaning and storage.

FAQs

How to choose a pizza oven

Check the weight of your pizza oven. Pizza ovens – particularly clay or brick ovens – can be VERY heavy and tricky to manoeuvre without equipment or a team of helpers. It’s always worth looking at the weight before you order, and checking that if it is a beast, the supplier will move it into position for you. Alternatively, pick a design on wheels that you can move around the garden.

Know your fuels

Pizza is traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven for that signature smoky flavour. However, some pizza ovens have gas burners that will get your oven cavity up to temperature much quicker. Charcoal and pellet burners are other options.

The temperature of your oven will peak somewhere between 400 and 500 degrees C, and the better your oven maintains its temperature, the more pizzas you can produce from one ‘firing’.

Note the cooking times

A small oven will take anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes to heat (around 10 if you’re using gas, and closer to 20 if you’re opting for pellets or charcoal. Larger ovens can take anything up to an hour. Your typical pizza will take around six minutes to cook, though remember to turn it for an even bake.

The smallest gas-powered ovens, however, can do the job in as little as 60 seconds. Every oven is different, but it won’t take long to ‘learn’ its optimal cooking time.

Treasure those little extras

A temperature gauge is handy, as you’ll always know when you’re ready to cook. A few ovens come with a pizza paddle designed to fit the cavity perfectly, though this is the exception rather than the rule.

Look out for models with griddles, as then you’ll be able to use your oven as a barbecue and not have to own two separate outdoor cookers.

Get an authentic base

For a 10-inch pizza with an authentic thin base, roll out a piece of dough just larger than a golf ball, certainly no bigger. Also, don’t go too crazy with your toppings – overloading can cause your pizza not to cook properly.

Which accessories do I need with my pizza oven?

A pizza oven might not be the only thing you need to buy if you're creating an outdoor cooking zone from scratch. Marco Biasetti, Pizza Chef at DeliVita, details the other accessories you'll want to help you make fantastic pizzas at home.

'A high-quality peel is essential for getting the best results from your pizza oven. It helps slide your pizzas in and out smoothly, prevents burnt fingertips and keeps the cooking process stress-free,' says Marco.

'Look for one with a slim, tapered edge to easily lift and launch your pizza, and a long handle to keep your hands away from the heat. A light dusting of semolina or flour on your peel also makes all the difference, it creates just enough friction to stop your dough from sticking, helping you achieve that perfect base without tearing or burning it.'

There are so many things to consider when designing a kitchen. Whether fridge next to oven is the right approach is just one of many big questions that need to be decided early on in the process.

Kitchen layouts vary wildly, but there are universal considerations to be taken into account. These include the must-have appliances, and how they should be places to work most efficiently and look best in site. The three most important appliances are the oven, fridge and sink, so these take top billing.

These three come together to help form what is known as the 'working triangle' or 'kitchen triangle'. While there's a debate of how relevant it is as kitchens evolved, it's still important to be aware of before you consider fridge next to oven, or a different approach.

'Don’t cram any appliance together, especially these three items in one space in the kitchen,' advises Andy Briggs, Interior Designer at Optiplan Kitchens. 'Restrictive movement will always create unnecessary stress, especially if more than one person is using the kitchen at once!'

Can you put the fridge next to the oven in a kitchen layout?

So now that we've established what the working triangle of the oven, sink and fridge is, we have to consider whether fridge next to oven is the right way to go. In short, it's fine to do so, but there are things to keep in mind.

If you're wondering why this is such a popular question, the answer is that it used to be a no-go. 'Traditionally it was advised that ovens and fridges should be separated due to the fridge needing to work extra hard to stay cool,' says Ashleigh Hanwell, Senior Designer at Second Nature Kitchens.

'However most modern integrated fridge freezers have much better insulation and integrated cooling system which will prevent any pass over heat from ovens.'These days, with modern developments, you're less likely to run into problems keeping the two together.

That said, you can take extra precautions. 'I would recommend adding a vent in the plinth to ensure air circulation and help with any concerns,' adds Ashleigh, 'but I would also always read the manufacturer instructions to ensure they don’t oppose it.'

With the modern appliances we're likely to have in our kitchens these days, it's really more a practicality than a necessity to not have fridge next to oven in your layout. 'We find that homeowners usually prefer to have some cupboard space between an oven and a fridge-freezer when creating a bank of appliances', notes Simon Bodsworth. 'So there is enough room for bakeware and pans, as well as adequate clearance when opening doors.'

'To be on the safe side, I would recommend that you have at least 50mm between the appliances and check with your kitchen designer to ensure that your chosen new appliances will be easy to maintain and access with a side-by-side arrangement.'

This 50mm gap also gives you extra breathing room in case either appliances omits too much heat or coolness.

Where should a fridge go in a kitchen?

Since appliances have developed so much in recent years, you have a lot more flexibility when it comes to choosing how to lay out your kitchen. Similarly, while the working triangle is a useful starting point, it isn't the be all and end all.

'The appliance choice is key to the success of any design,' says Tom Howley, Design Director of Tom Howley Kitchens. 'A mix of cutting-edge appliances will give you more and you don’t need to compromise on the overall design to get this. By positioning all the appliances within a workable distance of each other provides the chef complete flexibility.'

'Position your large appliances like fridges and wine coolers near to the dining area in your kitchen,' Tom suggests. 'This allows the family easy access to drinks and snacks whilst not getting in the way of the main cooking area.'

Consider day to day practicalities, too. 'It’s always best to put a fridge next to or opposite an empty worktop space, so that it’s best placed next to the area where you prepare your food, reducing unnecessary movement and twisting,' advises Andy Briggs. 'Making sure the fridge door is open for a short amount of time as possible, is great for saving energy and time.'

Ashleigh Hanwell agrees. 'My advice would be for it to be in a location where its easily accessible. Also close to worksurface space to ensure unloading shopping bags will be prompt and also giving a setting space when gathering items to prepare for cooking.'

Can you put a fridge next to a sink?

Once you've decided whether fridge next to oven is the route you want to take or not, there's another aspect of the key appliances to consider - the sink.

Most experts seem to agree that aside from giving yourself some breathing room, there's no reason why fridge and sink shouldn't sit together. 'There are no restrictions for placing a fridge next to a sink,' says Paulina Richardson, Creative Designer at Life Kitchens.

'That's as long as you have considered leaving space for a drainer and that the worksurface has enough stability.'

Ashleigh Hanwell agrees. ' I would always recommend a little bit of space personally to allow for a better working environment. But if it is going next to the sink I would just be aware of what direction the door hinges and whether you can alter it if opens into the space.'

However, some kitchen experts prefer to keep cleaning and cooking areas more separate. 'There is no real risk to putting a fridge next to a sink – like there is with an oven. However it isn’t very practical (or hygienic),' says Andy Briggs.

'Generally speaking, you will find a dishwasher or washing machine next to a sink in a typical British kitchen as part of the wet area, rather than a fridge for reasons of hygiene, safety and maintenance,' notes Simon Bodsworth.

'It is not something I would recommend as it makes sense to keep cleaning products and washing up liquids etc away from food to protect your family’s health.'

How do you place a fridge in a small kitchen?

While in a large kitchen it may be easy to avoid fridge next to oven, what do you do in a smaller space? More bijou areas require a little more consideration and creative thinking.

'First, look at how practical the space is,' advises Simon Bodsworth. 'iIdentify the key walls in which to place tall and working furniture elements and consider access. This includes door swing and whether you will need to hang the fridge door from the left or the right.' This will help limit down where and how large your fridge can realistically be.

There are a few ways of tackling the fridge in a small kitchen dilemma. Firstly, look down. 'Specifying appliances for a small kitchen requires careful thought,' says Tom Howley. 'If you have set aside the space for a walkway of around a metre, standard oven or fridge doors will compromise a considerable portion of that space when opened.'

'A key tip is to fit built-under appliances. This will provide lots more workspace, leaving views across the kitchen at eye level uninterrupted. As a general rule, don’t sacrifice worktop space for an American style fridge-freezer or tall pantry.'

Another option is to consider your aesthetics. 'I would look to integrate it into the furniture,' says Andy Briggs. 'This way it becomes part of the overall design – keeping clutter out of a small room gives the perception of more space.'

Corners are another option. 'To prevent overcrowding in a small kitchen I would always suggest putting the fridge in the corner ' says Ashleigh Hanwell. 'If in use the fridge doors will be open and could block a walkway.'

Simon Bodsworth agrees. 'Choosing curved corner solutions will help you to maximise every inch of a bijou kitchen and you can also free up more space for refrigeration by thinking outside the box and ultimately find a solution that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.'

Every kitchen makeover needs an icon of a feature as its starting point. It could be a hexagonal encaustic tile (you know the one), wow-factor wallpaper or cutting-edge cabinetry. Or it could be a fridge. Specifically, the LG InstaView ThinQ™.

One person that understands just why the LG InstaView ThinQ™ is lighting up social feeds is beauty entrepreneur, wellness advocate and OG YouTube influencer Niomi Smart. Niomi has just moved home, and although she admits she's taking her time over some interiors choices, she's already put her stamp on the kitchen with the addition of the LG InstaView ThinQ™. 'It’s by far the most impressive fridge I’ve seen!' she tells us.

Read on to discover why the LG InstaView ThinQ™ is developing a following that any Instagrammer would be proud of.

1. Knock, knock... it's all there

Knock twice on the glass door of the LG InstaView ThinQ™, and watch as it lights up to reveal the goodies within. Clever InstaView™ drastically reduces loss of cold air by eliminating the need to open the door – saving energy and keeping food fresher for longer. See something you fancy? The Door-in-Door™ gives quick access your most-used items without letting too much cold air out. It's ideal for the kids’ yogurts and drinks, condiments, that Friday night bottle of wine, or in Niomi's case, a post-yoga snack.

'I love the knock feature to see what’s inside, and the separate Door-in-Door to store essentials such as milk or juices,' says Niomi. 'The knock feature also encourages me to keep the fridge organised, and full of healthy fresh produce!'

And the smart storage doesn't stop there. Super-efficient, slimline insulation allows for thinner walls in the fridge and freezer. Meaning you get a large capacity in an appliance that works with a standard kitchen fit size.

2. Eat fresh without the fuss

In 2021, #mealprep has become the foodie's hashtag of the moment. And with good reason, as it's a key secret to eating healthily without compromising your social life or family time. So all you fans of pre-prepared kombucha, healthy grain bowls and overnight oats will appreciate the LinearCooling™ technology that works throughout the fridge. It actively reduces temperature fluctuations, locking in that field-to-fork freshness for up to seven days.

Meanwhile, in the FreshBalancer™ drawer, humidity levels stay high so that fruit and vegetables don’t dehydrate or lose too many of their nutrients, such as vitamins and anti-oxidants. And finally, the Linear Compressor™ works quietly and efficiently in the background to keep your food cool. Backed by a 10-year warrantly, the durable motor offers peace of mind, leaving you as chilled as your food.

'A healthy lifestyle has always been important to me, but the LG InstaView has encouraged me to buy more fresh produce and cook more at home,' Niomi explains. 'I love cooking healthy meals from scratch, but sometimes London life gets in the way and I find myself eating out more than I would like to.'

'Knowing that I have a fridge full of fresh vegetables makes me excited to stay home and make delicious meals. I’ve also noticed the vegetables stay fresher for longer, meaning less goes to waste.' With more of us striving for a zero-waste lifestyle, this is tech that can truly make a difference.

3. Style that works in every setting

Setting it apart from previous models, the new seamless LG InstaView ThinQ™ design is practical and stylish. The UltraSleek Door and premium metallic accents are at totally at home in a striped back and contemporary kitchen – all gloss and glass. But the sophisticated styling is equally suited to Niomi's love of combining vintage with modern.

'I like my home to be a place I can feel completely relaxed in to practice yoga and meditation,' says Niomi. 'I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from yoga retreats that I’ve been to in Ibiza and also from the cafes in Bali. I recently visited OKU Ibiza and felt inspired by the interior design there. It’s a perfect industrial/boho balance with exposed brick walls, bare steel, and soft linen furnishings with rattan decorations.'

'I do also like colour, so I mix it up with colourful soft furnishings. Think marble tables on steel legs, and brass side tables with dried flowers in a ceramic vase.'

Want to capture Niomi's aesthetic for yourself? Team the LG InstaView ThinQ™ with marble and wooden worktops, painted wood cabinetry in on-trend shades of green or blue, and brass or black hardware for the ultimate loft living look. 'I think it’s rare to find a large appliance such as a fridge to look aesthetically pleasing, but this one definitely ticks that box,' she says.

4. Socialising just got simpler

Open-plan living has transformed our homes as entertaining spaces. Niomi's kitchen is always a bright and welcoming space that can be enjoyed at all times of year thanks to the windows at the front and doors leading directly to the garden. There's an expansive island and a dining table, 'which means I can be sociable with my guests as I cook,' says Niomi. 'I have always loved open plan living, and luckily I didn’t have to do any work to achieve that at my new house.'

The LG InstaView ThinQ™ makes it even easier for Niomi to indulge in her passion for entertaining. Ice and water are delivered on tap via a built in dispenser, with extra peace of mind provided by the UVnano nozzle. This reduces 99.99% of bacteria from the water nozzle with UV light.

DoorCooling+™ delivers the coolest pre-dinner drinks and freshest canapés. And – of course – the LG InstaView ThinQ™'s features make it a great dinner party piece in its own right. 'My friends love the knock feature,' says Niomi. 'For my housewarming party, everyone wanted to try it out!'

In fact, she's such a fan of the LG InstaView ThinQ™, she has an idea of where she'd like to see the technology applied next. 'It would be so amazing to have an accessories cupboard with my shoes and bags with the knock feature, too!' she suggests. We couldn't agree more, Niomi...

To find out more abot LG InstaView ThinQ™ of Viewtiful Inside and Out, visit LG.com

When it comes to our dream kitchen appliance a Smeg fridge is definitely up there on our wish-list of kitchen ideas. However, with a hefty price tag, the iconic fridge is out of reach for many of us...until now.

Diet Coke and Smeg have collaborated to create a limited-edition Diet Coke Smeg fridge that they will be giving away for free. Starting on the 6th of September Diet Coke will be giving away one fridge a day until the 10th of October. That's 34 fridges up for grabs in total, we quite like those odds.

The limited-edition Smeg FAB10 fridge has been specially designed to celebrate the Diet Coke break first coined in the iconic 1995 advert. Now that many of us are working from home, and often glued to our screens for hours at a time Diet Coke believes there has never been a better time to embrace the break.

'In our always-hustling culture, it’s high time we championed taking a break from work; whether that’s spent scrolling through memes, listening to music or catching up with friends,' says Omar Sadiq-Baig, Brand Manager at Coca-Cola GB. 'There’s never been a more perfect moment for two icons of chill to come together, than now. Just for the chill of it.'

The outside of the fridge has been coloured in grey to reflect the iconic packaging and emblazoned with the Diet Coke logo on the front. The Smeg FAB10 fridge is usually priced at £930 at Currys. So to pick one up for the price of a pack of Diet Coke is an opportunity we couldn't pass up.

The FAB10 is a petite fridge, just 1 metre high and 54 cm wide making it ideal as a smart small kitchen idea or for stashing your diet cokes in your home office. Despite its small dimensions, the FAB10 still offers all of the usual features expected from the original Smeg FAB refrigerator with the ‘E’ rating energy class.

'At SMEG, we have had the pleasure of working with some amazing partners over the years. We’re delighted to have joined forces with superbrand, Diet Coke. Mirroring many of our own values, what better way to celebrate than to enjoy a chilled Diet Coke from your very own limited-edition Smeg drinks fridge!' says John Davies, Head of Marketing for Smeg UK&I.

The competition will be running throughout this month, to enter all you need to do is scan the QR code on a promotional pack of Diet Coke.

Time to put that Diet Coke addiction to good use at last.

We don't do the laundry for fun, but we use our washing machines so often that it makes sense to invest in the best. There has never been a wider choice of programmes and functions, including models with exceptional energy efficiency that also use as little water as possible. Country Homes & Interiors provide insight into how to choose...

Best for... large loads

This multi-programme model can handle an average family's weekly wash in one
go, and is also ideal for washing curtains and duvets.

Best for... outdoor clothes

An exceptional all-rounder with a cycle for waterproofs. Sensors monitor the weight and movement of the load in the drum and adjust the cycle.

Best for... fast results

Superb value, this Allergy UK approved design's features include sensors, and it can wash a full 8kg load at 40°C in only 40 minutes.

Best for... retro looks

With its 1950s curves and stylish door panel, this model offers an extra quiet night-time cycle and is available in Pink, Black and Pastel blue.

Best for... sports kit

Rugby gear or gardening trousers are no problem for this model with powerful stain removing, plus steam injection to make ironing easier.

Best for... efficiency

This may be the most eco-friendly model currently available, but it still washes brilliantly, including delicate knitwear, even cashmere.

Looking to buy? Country Homes & Interiors share three pieces of advice to consider before making your final decision...

Choose the capacity to suit your household. If you want to wash fewer times a week or launder duvets and curtains, go from 6kg for a small family up to 8kg for a larger crowd. New models can handle 10, 11 or even 12kg loads.

Saving energy is easier now that the A+++ rating is available across the price range. All new models have a 20°C cycle, which is comparable to a 40°C wash.

In addition to the basic programmes, a baby clothes mode is practical for new parents, while a Woolmark-approved wash keeps knits in shape. Advanced machines have sensors to monitor every stage of the wash cycle and adjust water and detergent accordingly.

Looking for more ideas? Find them on Country Homes & Interiors' home page.

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The 50s style Smeg fridge is one of the most recognisable kitchen appliances of all time – up there with Dualit toasters and Kitchenaid mixers. What all of these kitchen icons have in common are good looks as well as expertise.

The brand has established itself as the go-to for cheerful coloured kitchen appliances. This season the high-desirable fridge is getting a makeover, thanks to three new colourways. The new shades join an already vibrant range of 10 colours currently giving fridges the feel-good factor.

In other appliance news: Aldi's countertop dishwasher is perfect for even the smallest of kitchens!

Developed to enhance any kitchen decor the new colours are Emerald Green, Ruby Red and Taupe.

New Smeg fridge colours

New Emerald Green

The Smeg FAB28 fridge looks suitably chic in new Emerald Green. A move on from the nostalgic Pastel Green the new hue is a richer green to compliment modern darker kitchens.

This understated matt shade is particularly perfect for a country-style kitchen.

New Ruby Red

New shade Ruby Red is unashamedly vibrant. This statement colourway is sure to stand out for all the right reasons. Red has always, and continues to be a popular accent colour for kitchens. Thanks to it's universal appeal, from country to contemporary it's a hit for adding an instant splash of feel-good colour.

New Taupe

New Taupe is a natural move on from the existing Cream colourway. Adding just enough colour, without overpowering this is the new shade for those who are looking to add just a hint of hue. This stylish colour is a gentle move on from  the traditional stark white and shiny silver we associated with kitchen appliances.

The special edition models start from £1849. Consider it a fashionable investment, that will become a timeless classic.

Stay on trend: Kitchen trends – stunning and surprising kitchen design trends and ideas for the new year

The iconic, award-winning fridge benefits from a A+++ energy rating – keeping running costs low.  In addition, the new designs will include recent slick updates introduced late last year. Including internal LED strip lighting, new shelving and 'Life Plus' 0 degree compartment.

Embracing colour, when it comes to such an integral kitchen appliance, allows you to create a kitchen aesthetic that shows personality.

Replacing an old washing machine might not sound like the most exciting of tasks, initially. But when you discover the snazzy features on today's models, you might change your mind. Plus, in this year's January sales, you can save big on the latest laundry technology.

Related: How to clean a smelly washing machine – banish mould, bad odours and residues

Smart tech means that washing machines now boast a huge list of clever functions. If it’s an easy life you’re after, the latest washing machines will give you that in spades. They’re packed with plenty of clever extras that slash the time and effort required for a load of washing, so thanks to their voice- or app-controlled functionality, steam cleaning and bigger capacities, you’ll have your feet up in no time.

App-controlled washing machines are impressive, but if you want the best performance with the minimum fuss, look for models with built-in sensors (often known as fuzzy logic) that assesses the type of fabric, soiling levels, water hardness and weight of load, then alters the wash conditions for the best possible cleaning.

So draw up your wish-list and we'll search the best washing machines on sale right now from some of the UK's biggest retailers. Here's a rundown of our favourites deals to snap up now.

Best washing machine sales - quick links

• Hoover H-WASH 300 H3W4102DBBE Washing Machine: was £319, now £299, ao.com
• Miele WEG365 Freestanding Washing Machine: SAVE £200, now £999, John Lewis
• LG TurboWash 360 V9 F4V909BTSE Washing Machine: was £769.99, now £649, Currys
• Samsung WW80T554DAN/S1 8kg AddWash™ Washing Machine: SAVE £90, now £429.99, Very
• Hoover DHL 1482D3 NFC Washing Machine: SAVE £80, now £219.98, Currys
• AEG ProSense Technology L6FBJ741N 7Kg Washing Machine: was £449, now £399, ao.com
• Siemens iQ500 WM14T488GB Washing Machine: was £549, now £429, John Lewis
• Samsung WW90TA046AX 9Kg Washing Machine: was £499, now £449, ao.com
• Beko Freestanding WTL94151 A 9kg 1400rpm Washing Machine: SAVE £20, now £279.99, Very
• Miele WSA023 Freestanding Washing Machine: was £579, now £529, Amazon
• Hotpoint NLCD1164DAWUKN 11Kg Washing Machine: was £529, now £499, ao.com

Best washing machine sales

Best ao.com washing machine sales

Best Currys washing machine sales

Best Amazon washing machine sales

John Lewis washing machine sales

Best Very washing machine sales

Which type of washing machine should I buy?

Well, it really depends on the size of the space you need to fill and what needs of yours have to be met.

One current trend is for washing machines to have large load capacities, high spin speeds and top energy ratings to make the washing process more energy efficient. AAA or A+AA (for energy efficiency, washing and spin-drying performance) rated washing machines may cost more but are more economical to run and leave your washing drier.

In terms of size, 6kg machines are in fashion and some even have drums that will hold from 7kg-10kg loads. Their clever designs mean many models with larger drums can still fit into a standard space. Don’t forget, with any size of the washing machine, it’s more economical to wash a full load than do lots of small washes. Ideal Home's Associate Editor Ginevra Benedetti advises: ‘Not sure what size machine to get? As a rule, up to 7kg is good for one to two people, 8-9kg for a family and anything over 10kg is best for a large (or sporty!) family.’

For more incredible deals on homeware, kitchenware and much more, be sure to check out our website.

Related: Dyson deals 2026 - find the best deal for a premium vacuum, heater or even lighting

Happy shopping!

With Christmas out of the way and working from home set to stretch into the new year, we're using our fridge freezers more and more. So why not upgrade your unit with these amazing fridge freezer sales?

Related: Dishwasher sales 2026 – including £100 off a brilliant slimline Bosch at Very

So if your fridge freezer is on its last legs and you know your kitchen deserves better, you're in the right place! We bring you the best fridge freezer deals from some of the UK's biggest retailers, so you know there's something out there for you right now, at a discounted price.

Here's our rundown of the best fridge freezer deals on the market. Enjoy!

Best fridge freezer sales - quick links

• Hoover HMN7182IXK Fridge Freezer: was £899.99, now £735.96, Amazon
• Samsung RB7300T RB36T672ESA 70/30 Frost Free Fridge Freezer: was £709, now £639, ao.com
• Samsung RB31FDRNDSA Freestanding 308-litre Fridge Freezer: was £699, now £437, Amazon
• Essentials C50BW16 60/40 Fridge Freezer: was £219.99, now £169.99, Currys
• Samsung RB29FWRNDBC Fridge Freezer: was £589.99, now £469, Amazon
• Indesit IBD5515B1 60/40 Fridge Freezer: was £299, now £240, ao.com
• Hotpoint H7T 911T KS H 1 70/30 Fridge Freezer: was £649.99, now £489.99, Currys
• Beko CFG3552W 50/50 Free Fridge Freezer: was £319, now £299.99, Amazon
• Liebherr CN4213 50/50 Frost Free Fridge Freezer: was £499, now £459, ao.com
• Samsung RS800 American Fridge Freezer: was £1429, now £1149, ao.com
• LG GBB72PZEFN 60/40 Frost Free Fridge Freezer: was £799, now £649, ao.com
• LG GSL460ICEV American Fridge Freezer: was £1199, now £849, Currys
• Samsung RB38T602CS9/EU 70/30 Fridge Freezer: was £899.99, now £649.99, Currys

Best fridge freezer deals 2026

Best ao.com fridge freezer sales

You may think that ao.com is the new kid on the block when it comes to online shopping. But actually, the electrical retailer is 20 years old, having been founded in 2000.

Like Amazon, it has thousands of tech and electrical products to choose from, including the latest smart tech and TVs, to all-singing, all-dancing washing machines, fridges and ovens.

Related: six easy ways to save money on energy bills in the kitchen

One thing ao.com prides itself on is its recycling plant that sustainably gets rid of your old appliances when you swap it for a new one from ao.com. So not only do you get a new appliance, but you save yourself a trip to the recycling centre!

Best Amazon fridge freezer sales

With the pandemic making it harder for us to shop in-store, online shopping is one of just a few options available for us to get a brand-new fridge freezer. But don't let that put you off, as Amazon is a reliable, trusted e-commerce retailer that has associations with some of the biggest kitchen and electronic brands.

See more: Dyson deals 2026 – the best vacuum cleaners, heaters, fans and even lighting at low prices

Amazon features some of the newest and most high-tech models on the market right now, while the prices are super-competitive. Very often, Amazon will have lots of fridge freezers on a discount, usually higher than 10 per cent off. And if you sign up for Amazon Prime, fridge freezers available on the service come with free express delivery.

Best Currys fridge freezer sales

Currys is a great place to buy a new fridge. There's free delivery and you can select the day you'd like your appliance to arrive. If you pay for installation, your delivery person will disconnect your old appliance and get rid of the packaging for your new one. Currys can even recycle your old fridge, again, for a small fee.

Related: Five signs your boiler is about to break – don’t get caught out this winter with a HUGE repair bill

Credit is available so you can pay for your appliance in instalments, and Currys has a Price Match Guarantee. Find your fridge at a cheaper place anywhere else – either in-store or online – and Currys will refund you the difference.

How to find the best fridge freezer for you

The best fridge freezers keep our food chilled, fresh and frozen but without using up too much energy and costing us money.

How much storage do I need?

Most models vary in the ratio of fridge to freezer space available. So if you like to make meals from scratch most evenings with fresh ingredients, go for a big fridge, but if you prefer to batch cook, prioritise freezer space.

Still unsure? Buy a design with a ‘multi-zone’ that can be switched between a fridge and freezer. That way, you could use it to chill meat and drinks for summer barbecues, then freeze soup and casseroles in winter.

What fridge freezer will keep my food fresher for longer?

Just as supermarkets store different foods in different ways, so should your fridge-freezer. A cool zone in the fridge, set at a temperature of 0-5°C, will keep meat, fish and dairy fresh, and will defrost food slowly and safely.

Fast freezing locks in the nutrients, moisture and flavour of any fresh food, and a humidity-controlled drawer mean you’ve seen the last of those mushy cucumbers and frosty lettuce. Invest in just a few of these features and you’ll quickly notice that you’re throwing fewer groceries away.

Related: Le Creuset deals 2026 – discounts at John Lewis, Amazon, and Wayfair

How do I keep running costs down?

Fridge-freezers guzzle more energy than any other appliance, as they’re working 24/7 to keep your food cold, so to keep running costs down look for features like a Holiday Mode.

Activate this when you’re going away and it will either shut the fridge down, or bring it up to around 14°C to keep butter and eggs fresh. I’ve mentioned the benefits of door-in-door design, but also look out for an inverter compressor, which, rather than just turning the power on full blast each time you open the door, uses just enough to get the fridge or freezer back to the right temperature.

What extras do I need?

An ice and water dispenser is a real convenience, letting you grab ice for a drink or chilled water whenever you want, but check whether it needs to be plumbed into the mains. If it does, there may be extra installation costs, but you won’t then have the hassle of refilling the water tank.

Wi-Fi connected smart fridges are a reality now, too. The most simple let you control features like fast freezing remotely, but Samsung’s top-of-the-range fridges have in-built cameras so you can see what’s inside when you’re at the supermarket and a screen where you can browse recipes or stream live TV.

Need a new kettle? How about a sparkling new saucepan? You can find deals on kitchenware, homeware and much more, featured on our website.

Related: Make your money go further this Christmas with these five simple money saving hacks

We hope you find the best deals!

Christmas may be a bit unusual this year, but there's one thing you can look forward to. The moment you tuck into a moist, delicious turkey, oven roasted to perfection, and served with all the trimmings. However, in order to avoid a side of food poisoning, it's important to prepare your frozen bird safely. That's where our guide to how to defrost a turkey comes in.

‘Food poisoning risk rises over Christmas because people cook food that they don’t usually – and for larger numbers,’ says nutritionist Rob Hobson, who cites the Christmas turkey as a prime cause. If a turkey is still partially frozen when it's roasted, it may not cook evenly, and harmful bacteria could survive the cooking process.

Get every element of the big day just right with our Christmas ideas

Rob's concern is backed up by the stats – poultry will account for four out of five cases of food poisoning this Christmas, according to hygiene and public health expert Dr Lisa Ackerley, AKA The Hygiene Doctor. She explains that not cooking turkey properly can lead to the build up of Campylobacter, a bacterium linked to 280,000 cases of food poisoning every year.

So don't take any risks, and follow our steps to thawing your turkey safely.

How to defrost a turkey

1. How long does it take to defrost a turkey?

Take care to allow adequate time to defrost your turkey. The largest ones can take a couple of days, so it's worth checking a few days beforehand to make sure you have the time to spare. No one wants to lift their turkey out of the freezer on Christmas Eve, only to find its's not going to be ready to cook until Boxing Day.

The defrost time should be on the turkey's packaging. However, the turkey experts at Butterball recommend you allow 'at least 1 day of thawing for every 4 lbs of turkey'. That works out to be 12 hours per kilogram for a turkey in a fridge set at 4 degrees C.

2. Can you leave a turkey out to thaw overnight?

If you are looking to defrost meat, the best and safest way is to do this in the fridge overnight. This should help it completely thaw. This is backed up by the NHS, which advises, 'Defrost your turkey in the fridge, separate from other foods. Keep it in a dish or container large enough to catch any defrosted juices. This is important to stop bacteria from spreading.'

‘Always put raw meat at the bottom of the fridge so the juices, which may contain food-poisoning bacteria, can’t drip down, contaminating cooked food,’ adds Rob Hobson.

It's not a good idea to defrost your turkey or other Christmas dinner meat by leaving it at the room temperature. This can actually cause more bacteria to grow, particularly if you can't guarantee that the room will be at a stable temperature.

Related: How to clean a fridge freezer – sort your cool box ready for your turkey

3. How do I prep my turkey for defrosting?

Pop your turkey in a dish or tray, deep enough that it will catch any water and juices as the turkey thaws out. Unwrap your turkey – unless the instructions on the packaging advise otherwise – but then cover it loosely with foil. Place the turkey breast side up for stability.

'Remove the giblets and neck as soon as possible to speed up the thawing process,' advises the NHS. 'Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any part of the raw turkey.'

Check on your turkey every few hours (but not so regularly that the fridge temperature could be compromised). Pour away any liquid that has filled the dish or tray – that way it won't overflow and cause bacteria to spread through the fridge.

4. Do I need to wash my turkey?

In a word, no. back in the day, chefs like Julia Child would recommend giving your bird a clean before you started defrosting or cooking it. But the reality is, this only spreads bacteria and is best avoided.

How do I know when my turkey is defrosted?

1. Look for ice crystals

There should be none in the main cavity of the bird, where the stuffing will go.

2. Try the fork test

Prod the thickest parts of the breast and legs with a fork to feel the resistance and ensure no part of the bird is still frozen.

Related: Christmas dinner hacks that are frankly genius

More tips for cooking and eating your turkey safely

• If you want to check that your turkey is cooked properly, pay attention to the thigh, which is the last part of the bird to cook (as it's the thickest). You can use a meat thermometer – the temperature should reach above 75°C when you insert it into the turkey thigh. Or you can prick the thigh to release its juices. If they are clear, your turkey is ready. If they are still pink, pop it back in the oven.
• Once your turkey has been cooked completely, leave it to cool, then get any leftovers into the fridge within 90 minutes.
• The NHS advises that 'you throw away leftovers after two days unless you freeze them'. But if your food has changed texture or even colour, then it’s best to get rid. Despite 66% of Brits checking a meat’s safety by smelling it, the bacteria that causes food poisoning does not have a smell

Enjoy!

While LG launched its InstaView Door-in-Door technology in its super-premium Signature fridge freezers a few years ago, if you weren’t an early adopter (or had £6k to burn), you may have not come across it before.

Related: Why you should never place your fridge in this part of the kitchen

Since then, the company has won a raft of awards for their design, while expanding the range of models available with its ingenious technology. Now the clever tech is available on a host of smaller (and more affordable) models.

What is InstaView Door-in-Door?

As the name suggests, it's basically a rather ingenious door. The fridge door on the right hand side features a special mirrored glass panel that gives you two unique ways to access the contents without having to actually open it (and waste energy).

Firstly, InstaView allows you to see inside the fridge without opening it. When not in use, the panel is dark. Knock on it twice and – hey presto – it becomes completely transparent, allowing you to view the contents.

Buy now: LG InstaView Door-in-Door GMX844MCKV Slim Multi-Door Fridge Freezer in Matt Black, £2,799.99, Currys

Meanwhile, the same magic panel also features a double-layered door system, a.k.a. Door-in-Door, giving you easy access to your most used fridge items, like milk, juice, butter, etc, without having to open the entire fridge door – again, saving on energy and keeping the contents cool.

What’s so great about the latest model?

Instaview Door-In Door technology was originally introduced in the LG Signature fridge freezer, a super luxe appliance measuring over 91cm in width.

LG’s latest launch is a slimmed down version, still with the American-style double door construction, but with a narrower profile of 83.5cm, which is a lot easier to squeeze into the average British kitchen.

Any other clever features?

The fridge features an handy function called LinearCooling which reduces temperature fluctuations, guaranteeing round the clock even cooling throughout. Storage-wise, aside from the 423 litre capacity (that's a roomy 280 in the fridge and 143 in the freezer), there’s a retractable shelf on one side of the fridge that slides back out of the way. Perfect if you happen to have an excess of taller items to store.

Meanwhile, the ice and water dispenser is built into the door with a super slim profile. So it doesn’t encroach on the shelving space.

Related: From smart fridges to facial recognition – this is what the Ideal Home of the future will look like

As it has Wi-Fi connectivity, there's also the added convenience of being able to control your fridge freezer via your smartphone. Simply download the free LG SmartThinQ app and you can reduce your fridge temperature by a few degrees while you’re out at the shops. This ensures it’s cold enough to handle all the extra shopping when you arrive home.

There's no such thing as too much storage, we think you'll agree. And PARTICULARLY not in the kitchen. So hurrah that Big Chill – famous in the USA for its enormous retro refrigeration – has decided to bring its wares to the UK for the first time.

Related: Kitchen trends 2020 – the latest kitchen design trends and ideas for the new year

Retro-style appliances are nothing new here, with Smeg, Swan and Gorenje among the brands to offer 1950s-influenced models. However, the BIG difference with Big Chill is size. These statement pieces have a capacity of 680 litres, the equivalent to more than 40 bags of shopping. By comparison, the 80cm-wide Smeg FAB50R holds 440 litres, or 27 bags.

The brand was launched in the States back in by uncle-and-nephew team Thom Vernon and Orion Creamer, who were unsatisfied with concealing fridges with cabinetry.

Their statement freestanding fridge freezers have since become a hot celebrity favourite, with Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds apparently among a legion of fans.

Signature features of the Big Chill design include stamped metal doors, chrome trim and styling inspired by the motor cars of the 1950s. Each one also has a solid cast, chrome handle that echoes back to the vintage fridges of the era.

You'll be able to buy the Big Chill in six colours, including best seller Beach Blue, pastel Pink Lemonade and good old-fashioned Black. And despite it's old-school looks, you'll benefit from a decidedly modern A+ energy efficiency class and auto defrost fridge and freezer.

There's also a matching built-in oven and cooker hood, and an induction cooktop is in the works.

Coming soon: Original Retro fridge (with freezer), £2,995, Big Chill

Read our buying guides to find the best appliances, reviewed and rated

'We co-founded Big Chill with the desire to merge retro interiors design and modern appliance capabilities,' says Orion, who is thrilled that Big Chill fridges are now launching into the UK this year after popular demand.

'The retro aesthetic is popular all over the world and the variety of colours allows the buyer to purchase a bespoke fridge to suit their stylish home. We are looking forward to seeing Big Chill fridges in kitchens around the UK!'

There's only one little bit of bad news for Big Chill fans – the giant appliances won't hit our shores until September. But look on the bright side. That leaves us with plenty of time to get saving!

Unless you have a handsome budget, quite often fridges are limited on colour choices. Like most white goods, they are come as standard in white, silver or black. But what do you do if you want a baby blue or candy pink fridge, and can't afford to buy one of Smeg's prestigious retro designs? Reach for the spray paint, that's what.

Here's how to paint a fridge, to give your kitchen essential a colourful makeover.

Related: Mum refreshes tired-looking kitchen counters and doors for £50 with B&Q self-adhesive film

Follow this simple step-by-step guide by Rust-Oleum, to give your fridge a new look for the new year...

How to paint a fridge: step-by-step

From plain white fridge to fab-u-lous blue fridge in next to no time. This look has been achieved using Rust-Oleum Mode, a premium spray paint with an outstanding ultra high gloss finish. It delivers a factory-like enamel finish which is why it's ideal for kitchen appliances. It's suitable for indoor use on wood, MDF, melamine, rigid plastics, metal and more.

Step 1 – Clean surface

As with all painting jobs, you'll get a better finish by ensuring the surface is prepped first. Clean to make surfaces are free from wax, oil and grease. Mask off any sections that are not being painted, at your discretion.

Be sure to protect surrounding areas with dust sheets or newspaper – you don't want kitchen worktops or floors being painted in the process. For total ease of mind, we'd recommend taking outside in dry weather of course. It's better for ventilation and you needn't worry about spillage.

Step 2 – Prime

Once clean, prime surface with Rust–Oleum Mode Prime spray.

Step 3 – Paint colour

Using spray paint, start to add your chosen colour. Hold can approximately 25cm from the surface to ensure optimum coverage. Spray in a steady side to side motion, being careful not to layer the paint on too thick.

Apply two coats, allowing a 15 minute break between each coat. Leave for at least an hour once finished, to make sure the surface of the fridge is dry enough to touch.

Step 4 – Make any corrections

Spray painting a perfect finish is easier than it looks, so fear not if you make a mistake. If you have drips or bubbling, often common with spray paint finishes, you can gently sand them back with sandpaper. Once corrected simply reapply a top coat.

Painted fridge after

Job done. Now you have a fridge that makes a statement, in the colour of your choice.

Feeling brave? Why not introduce a pattern using a stencil?

Step 5 – Stencil on a pattern

Use masking tape to affix a stencil onto the newly painted fridge. The same spray paint techniques apply, take care not to overload the paint. You could always paint the pattern on with a brush by hand, if you're not feeling confident enough to spray paint.

Clouds give this Fridge a dreamy finish that really makes a statement.

Related: Check out this incredible £80 kitchen makeover – you won't believe the results!

What colour will you be painting your fridge for 2020?

Mode is available from B&Q, Homebase, The Range with a RRP £9.

When investing in a big expense like a washing machine, you want it to last for as long as possible. Now thanks to new EU regulations, your washing machine warranty should extend to 10 years.

The minimum statutory warranty for electrical goods sold in the EU is currently two years.

Related: Laundry lifesaver – meet the ultimate caring washing machine for busy families

The new legislation will come in from 2021 and applies to lighting, washing machines, dishwashers and fridges. Under the European Commission's new standards, all manufacturers will need to make spare parts such as door gaskets and thermostats, available to professional repairers.

New EU washing machine warranty regulations

Not only is this good news for your bank account, especially as – fingers crossed – you won't need to be able to shell out on replacing your appliances as frequently. But the new washing machine warranty is also great news for the environment.

The new measures were introduced as part of the EU's Ecodesign Directive. This aims to reduce waste and carbon emissions by cutting demand for new products to be created and distributed, and the need for old ones to be disposed of.

Evidence suggests that extending the lifespan of a washing machine by just five years could be the equivalent of taking half a million cars off the road a year.

It is hoped that the new measures will ensure appliances have a longer life. Plus, provisions have been included in the new rules to make appliances more energy efficient.

It might not have slipped your attention that these new measures are part of an EU regulation. While all 28 EU governments agreed to the rules in January. By the time they come into force in 2021, Britain will (probably) have left the EU.

So, what does Brexit mean for your washing machine?

The good news is British films who want to sell to the EU after Brexit will have to follow the rules. So, even after Brexit if you're buying from a well-known household appliance manufacturer your new washing machine or dishwasher SHOULD have a 10-year warranty.

However, at present, we can't guarantee that will be the case.

The government has said that after Brexit the UK will continue to 'match and even exceed EU eco-product regulations' as part of a commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Hopefully, that means some version of the EU rules will exist over here.

Related: Love a Smeg fridge? Hoover has just launched a MUCH cheaper alternative!

If you're hankering after a new washing machine, maybe wait until 2021 before investing.

There is no point tiptoeing around it – the iconic Smeg fridge is at the top of most if not all of our kitchen lust lists. If you don’t know someone who has one, then you probably know at least three people who’d love one.

Related: Love a Smeg fridge? Hoover has just launched a MUCH cheaper alternative!

If you are obsessed with the retro curves of the Smeg appliances, then we have some truly exciting news for you. The Italian brand has now launched matching Smeg taps!

Retro Smeg taps

Yes, you heard that right, matching Smeg taps. If you’re scratching your head, wondering how a modern tap can be retro, then let us enlighten you.

These taps are nothing like we’ve ever seen before. The body of the elegant curving tap mirrors the soft curves that have made the brands iconic FAB fridge  so popular.

The body and spout are coloured, with the neck and lever handle of the tap finished in chrome. The tap is available in seven finishes that match the brand's collection of fridges – including red, pastel blue, pastel green, white, chrome, cream and black.

But the MDF50 retro tap isn’t all style, it has some serious substance, too. The tap is elegantly designed with a single lever mixer to flip the water on and off, and a 360-degree swivelling spout.

It is equipped with a flexible hose and pull-out jet spray to reach into tricky to clean objects like narrow vases or reusable water bottles. It is also a lifesaver when it comes to blasting food remnants from your best non-stick pan.

Coming soon: MDF50 retro taps, £379.99, Smeg

We can just imagine how eye-catching the pastel blue tap will look paired with a butler’s sink in a country style kitchen. Or if you’re looking to add a splash of colour to a stylish monochrome kitchen space, the vibrant red number will draw the eye.

Priced at £379.99, one of these taps is sure to make a statement in the kitchen all on its own. But of course, it will look even more fabulous when matched up with a Smeg Fab fridge, washing machine and/or dishwasher.

All we need now is for Smeg to bring out the tap in pink.

Related: This Smeg Mickey Mouse fridge will bring some Disney delight to your kitchen

Will you be adding this retro tap to your kitchen wist list?

When it come to retro style fridge freezers, Hoover isn't the brand that immediately springs to mind. A ruby red or pastel coloured Smeg fridge, maybe, but Hoover, no. Well, it might now be time for a rethink, and possibly a little jiggling around on your dream kitchen Pinterest board.

Related: The iconic Smeg fridge is getting a spring makeover with launch of three striking new colours

Hoover's new model is not only oozing in retro charm, but is also less than half the price of a Smeg fridge! At last you can achieve that charming 50s kitchen look without breaking the bank.

Hoover retro fridge freezer

Buy now: Hoover Retro double door, £699, Currys

The fridge is available in two sizes – the largest stands at 1769mm, with a 311 litre capacity and includes a built in freezer. But the best bit is that it comes in at just £699! However, if you are looking for something a little more petit, a smaller fridge, measuring 960mm, with a 124 litre capacity is also available, and will squeeze in under a kitchen worktop.

Both come in cream and brilliant fire engine red, complete with a special-edition Hoover logo. Which ever model you go for, we're sure it will leave your kitchen rock'n'rolling with some serious American diner vibes. The style continues inside with four adjustable shelves in the fridge and three crystal-clear door shelves made out of glass, finished in silver frame.

You'll be happy to know that despite the retro design, the technology inside is all modern. The lighting inside the fridge is provided by LED lights, which not only laster longer than a standard bulb, but consume 15 times less electricity. The tall fridge freezer has an A+ energy rating, and the small version, an A++ rating.

Coming soon: Hoover Retro fridge 960mm, £TBC, Currys

'Kitchen appliances of the future are actually heading back in time when it comes to looks as we’ve seen the rise in statement appliances,' says Steve Macdonald, business director, Freestanding Division, Hoover Candy UK. "They are either vintage or look vintage, and instead of attempting to blend into their surroundings, they become a stylish focal point and instantly demand attention.'

'With plenty of heritage in retro products, the Hoover retro fridge has combined 21st century technology with a design that looks at home in both traditional and modern kitchens,' he adds.

Related: Sainsbury's Home retro kitchenware celebrates 150 years – and it's selling like hot cakes

However, we should issue you with this one small warning – you might catch yourself humming the theme from Grease every time you reach for the milk.

Save laundry day with one of our pick of the best washer dryers. Provided you have space for one, you'll find it a worthwhile purchase. Particularly if you don’t fancy draping damp garments over every available radiator, chair and banister on a rainy day.

Over the years, washer dryers have earned themselves a bad reputation. Instead of living up to their promise of being the ideal two-in-one space-saving appliance, many models didn’t clean or dry clothes especially well. But times and technology are changing fast. Shop smart, and you can find brilliant washer dryers that live up to their potential and make laundry day effortless.

Our experts at Ideal Home have put the hard work in, and found washer dryers that tick every box. You'll also find a buyer's guide on what to look for when choosing a new washer dryer.

Best washer dryers

There's nothing worse than musty laundry. Well Beko thinks so, as this machine does everything it can to make sure your clean washing comes out smelling of roses... or fabric conditioner. Its IonGuard technology reduces humidity in the drum, and there's also a cleaning programme you can run to keep things fresh.

Can't get to your dried laundry straightaway? The anti-crease function will occasionally rotate the drum and inject a blast of warm air for up to eight hours to keep nasty odours – and creases – at bay.

Buy now: Beko WDR854P14N1 IonGuard washer dryer, £429, AO.com

You don't need to be a genius to work this water-dryer, so if dials and buttons fill you with fear, it's the one for you. Press the 'Push&Wash+Dry’ to immediately start a mixed, 30°C wash and sensor dry. Now no one has an excuse not to help with the laundry.

Stretched for space? This shallow design won't stick out from under the worktop, and though it's not going to handle a week's laundry in one go, you'll be hard pressed to find a better bargain.

Buy now: Indesit XWDE751480XW INNEX washer dryer, £300, Save £30 with AppliancesDirect.co.uk

Its myriad functions include several steam cycles – use the Steam Refresh to remove any smells and creases from barely worn clothes, and the Allergy Care mode for sheets and baby clothes. There are also Gentle Care and Delicate programmes, and a Sports Wear option for dirty football or gym kits.

Can't find the cycle you need? It's possible to add up to 20 more through the LG Smart Thinq app. You can control your machine away from home or even diagnose any problems with it using your phone, too.

Dropped a sock? Press pause on the wash, wait three seconds and then open the door to drop it in.

Buy now: LG F4J8JH2W TrueSteam washer dryer, £929, AO.com

Move a mountain of dirty laundry with this high-capacity model, which can wash a mighty 13kg of laundry and clean and dry 8kg of clothes in one go. That's as good as it gets, capacity-wise for a washer-dryer. The only compromise you'll have to make is the depth of the machine. At 640mm, it might stick out from under a standard worktop.

Features wise, there's sensor drying and the excellent Hoover Wizard app that you can use to control the machine. If you're not sure what cycle to use, the app can tell you. Just input what you've got to wash and/or dry, along with how dirty it is and what fabric its made from and it will suggest the ideal programme.

Buy now: Hoover Dynamic Next WDWFT4138AHB washer dryer, £749.99, John Lewis

Coffee, grass, red wine – whatever stain you're faced with, this machine has the tools to deal with it. How? By cleverly managing detergent, water, drum rotation and temperature. It pre-mixes the water and detergent into a foam before it hits the drum. This foam gets to work quicker and breaks down stains faster, so the machine can banish the most stubborn marks in as little as 60 minutes.

The triple threat of Woolmark approval, sensors and steam make this an excellent dryer, too. It can wash and dry a 1kg load in 45 minutes, should you need something to wear, fast.     

Buy now: Hotpoint RD1076JD Ultima S-Line washer-dryer, £549.99, Currys

Integrated models don't come cheap and are often short on features when compared to their freestanding counterparts. This one is no exception in the former department, but it doesn't shirk on features. Benefits include sensor drying, a 15-minute quick wash and a convenient Night Wash feature. This runs the machine in the wee small hours when electricity might be cheaper, and is much quieter than a standard cycle.

There are also cycles for wool, sportswear, delicates/silk and mixed loads.

Buy now: Bosch WKD2854GB integrated washer dryer, £1,139, Currys

A buyer's guide to washer-dryers

Pick the right capacity

Washer-dryers used to have rather stingy capacities, but more and more of our rainy day friends seem to be bucking the trend. Although no model can wash and dry a full load in one go – drying capacity is always around 2kg less – they can wash and dry more than ever before. It's now not unusual to find dryers capable of drying 10kg of wet laundry. That's space for around 20 bath towels.

Measure up

The typical freestanding washer-dryer has dimensions of H850 x W600 x D550mm. But check the depth carefully, as some models can be 10cm deeper and potentially stick out further from the worktop.

Pay less on energy bills

Traditionally one of the worst energy wasters in the home, washer dryers tended to use more electricity and water than standard washing machines and significantly more than standalone dryers. Even today, a few models still dry using large volumes of cold water to chill the heat exchanger, as opposed to the heat-pump technology employed by the most efficient tumble dryers.

The heat-pump system works like this. Hot air absorbs the water from the clothes, before being vented, and the resulting hot water is used to drive another cycle. And as components continue to shrink, brands such as LG, Siemens and Bosch have managed to squeeze in this technology into their washer dryers. What does that mean for you? Running costs that are around 40% lower than that of an old condenser dryer. Hurrah!

Save time and money with clever functions

Quick wash/dry Most washer dryers will have a small 1kg or 2kg fast cycle, which can wash a full load in less than 15 minutes. Some will offer a full wash-to-dry programme so you can have a favourite outfit clean and dry in between 30 and 60 minutes.

Handwash and delicate cycles Will wash and dry clothes more gently to avoid shrinkages. Look for 'Woolmark’ approvals for extra peace of mind.  Some designs even have variable drum movement patterns to treat individual fabrics better.

Reverse tumble A big benefit to look for, as this reduces creasing by keeping clothes loose and untangled as they dry.

Steam Can help to improve both cycles. It penetrates fabrics faster than water, helping to shift stains easier, and by injecting steam into the drying cycle clothes can be ‘refreshed’ without needing a full wash. A steam function also helps to reduce ironing. It normally runs at the end of the cycle, so comes in handy if you forget to remove your clothes immediately.

High spin speed The faster the spin, the drier your clothes will be, and quicker and less costly the drying cycle. Look for at least 1400rpm and variable control for handling delicate items like silk/cashmere.

Timer/delay start Make the most of off-peak electricity or when the house is quiet; 2-24hr delays are available.

Choose how dry you want your laundry to be

Many machine have sensors to measure the humidity and moisture levels inside the drum, and will stop as soon as your laundry reaches the right level of dryness. This saves energy and ensures your clothes aren't too dry to be ironed, or too damp to be stored straightaway.

An iron dry setting leaves clothes slightly damp, while cupboard dry ensures clothes are bone dry and ready for storing away immediately. Extra dry is particularly good for more bulky items, such as sheets and towels.

Buying a new suite of appliances? Best American fridge freezers for chilling in style

Follow our guide and we're certain you'll find the perfect machine to cure your washday blues.

At first glance, this probably looks like a regular French door fridge-freezer. So what's so special about it?

More from LG: Would you let the LG CLIo home robot loose in your house?

Your first clue is that we spotted this fridge on a tour of LG's Busan factory in Korea.

Can't work it out? Maybe it will help if we showed you a little more...

Now that doesn't look like the interior of your standard fridge, does it? And that's because it's not. This is in fact a kimchi fridge, and you'll find one in most Korean homes.

Kimchi is a Korean food staple. Just as we eat potatoes in various forms with most meals, the Koreans will serve different types of kimchi.

It's a popular side dish made by fermenting vegetables – typically cabbage, Korean radish or cucumber. And it's often VERY spicy as it's flavoured with potent red pepper.

LG's kimchi fridge keeps the food stored inside at a temperature of 6.5°C. This creates the perfect growing conditions for kimchi, allowing the necessary lactic acid bacteria to develop.

Because the temperature is so constant, it's been known to keep milk for months at a time, provided you never open the door.

Any kimchi inside can be stored for months – door opened or not – thanks to  three LG technologies that keep it fresh.

The first blast-cools the kimchi to preserve its texture and flavour, the second preserves and the third prevents any 'freezer burn' from affecting the taste.

Related: The 1990s technology comeback that's sending everyone bananas

Many Koreans will fill this to the rafters with kimchi, but that's not all it's good for. You can also use the fridge to store frozen and chilled meat, fish and vegetables, as well as rice and grains.

An LG kimchi fridge costs the equivalent of £2,200 – though you can't yet buy one in the UK. Still, we always find it fascinating to understand how appliance needs vary between cultures. Can you imagine ever owning kimchi fridge?

Usually, the most exciting thing about a fridge is the food inside. But this Smeg Mickey Mouse fridge is about to change all that. It's been launched to celebrate three milestones, the first two being Smeg's 70th year and the first anniversary of its London flagship store. It also commemorates the Disney icon's 90th birthday – although we do wonder how old he is in mouse years...

More Mickey memorabilia: Could this be the most unlikely designer Disney collaboration in history?

Smeg is already known for its daring collaborations, having previously paired up with Dolce & Gabbana, Mini and Veuve Cliquot, but this is certainly the cutest.

Smeg has literally taken the Mickey... and plastered him on the front of a Fab28 fridge. The bespoke sketch is extremely endearing, showing Mickey playfully reaching for the fridge’s handle. And to make it even more special, only 90 – one for each of Mickey's birthdays – will be made.

Each will have its own silver plaque showing its unique number, and will be available to buy exclusively from Smeg’s flagship store at 14 Regent Street, London.

In store only: FAB28RDMM3 Mickey fridge, £1,699, Smeg

'Both brands are synonymous with bringing the family together,' says a Smeg spokesperson. 'For Smeg, at the heart of the company lies a focus on food, family and entertaining. Meanwhile for Disney, at its core lies the ability to bring people of all ages together.'

Hey Mickey, you're so fine... Disney fans rejoice! Mickey Mouse is back for another winning Cath Kidston collection

What we love about this statement fridge is its timeless quality. Mickey hasn't aged in nine decades, and the Fab has been a style icon since the 1990s, so you can be fairly confident this design will last the distance.

Nor is this a case of style over substance – inside, there are adjustable glass shelves, chrome shelving supports, metal wine racks, LED strip lights, an ice compartment and a Life Plus drawer, which keeps fruit and veg fresher for longer.

We wonder if they've already sold out?!

Every kitchen needs an oven, even if it only sees serious action at Sunday lunchtime. That said, the class of 2017 are so simple to use and so loaded with precise programmes, they might just spur you on to be more adventurous with your cooking. Best of all, some even clean themselves.

Here's our pick of the best ovens out there, compiled by our very own appliance experts, who have put in hours of research to find you the perfect options.

And scroll down for a buyer's guide that will point you to the key features to look for.

Want something bigger? Best range cookers – our top ovens for preparing a full-on feast

Proving that even an affordable oven can come with time-saving features and flexibility, the Aria is sure to change your mind about opting for a budget buy. Its Turn&Cook feature, for example, automatically sets the cooking time and temperature for more than 80 recipes with just one turn of the control knob, while Multilevel means you can cook different dishes on several shelf levels simultaneously, without your cake ending up smelling like chicken. Plus, thanks to the magic of steam, all it needs is a quick wipe to clean.

Buy Now: Indesit KFW 3844 H IX Aria built-in oven, £244, Kitchens247

Whether it's a weekend roast or a midweek feast, this oven delivers dinners that the whole family will love. A meat probe and rotisserie take care of perfectly browned meats and juicy roast chicken, plus they're twinned with a multi-flow heat distribution system that ensures even results on every shelf and precise electronic temperature controls, Plus, its tip-proof shelf extends out to minimise mealtime mishaps.

Buy Now: Hotpoint SI9 891 SP IX Class 9 built-in pyrolytic multifunction oven, £559, Homebase

Imagine being able to watch a video cooking tutorial on your oven door or peek inside it while you're in another room and the benefits of the Vision start to become clear. Not only is it Wi-Fi connected, with a camera inside the cavity, the door has been transformed into a 19-inch touch screen that controls everything, can save recipes and access selected websites. So all you need to do is swipe and scroll your way to smarter suppers.

Buy now: Hoover VISION Wifi-connected built-in electric single oven, £1,499, AO.com

For times when you need the versatility of two ovens but only have the space for one, you need a clever solution. That remedy comes in the form of Beko's Split & Cook oven. Equipped with a partition that turns a single cavity into a double delight so you can cook dishes at different temperatures with no blending of scent or flavour, it's truly an appliance that divides and conquers. It's also a win when it comes to space saving, with a cavity that's 15% larger than a standard oven, while taking up a similar sized housing.

Buy Now: Beko BVM34400 multifunction Split & Cook oven, £349.99, Currys

Inspired by the iconic Artisan stand mixer, design devotees will spot several signature details on the Twelix Artisan oven, from its knurled bar handle to branded red end caps and sleek lines. Expect no compromise on the inside either as this multi-tasking marvel combines convection, steam-assisted, and pure steam cooking for perfect results. Even the door has been thoughtfully designed, with a soft-close system that prevents the annoying bang once it reaches a certain angle.

Buy Now: KitchenAid Twelix Artisan oven, £2,200, John Lewis

While older pyrolytic ovens had to be stripped of their shelves, racks and accessories before running the high temperature programme, making it more of a chore, this model requires nothing of the sort. It features high temperature-resistant PyroFit accessories that allows the side racks, combi racks and FlexiClip telescopic runners to stay in place, meaning cleaning the oven really is as easy as pushing a button. Budding bakers will also love this one for its Moisture Plus technology, which increases humidity when proving dough, so your baked loaves are consistently covetably crusty.

Buy Now: Miele H6260BP oven , £1549, John Lewis

A buyer's guide to built-in ovens

Thanks to smart new programmes, upgrading your oven could change the way you cook and make life in the kitchen a whole lot easier. So, you can spend less time slaving over 
a hot stove, and sit back as clever foodie functions give your dishes a professional edge.

Check the capacity

While many people dream of owning a beautiful range cooker, and the big kitchen to match, most of us have to squeeze in a single 60cm built-in oven, but that no longer means you’re missing out.

Still built to fit inside a 60cm gap, single ovens are magically getting bigger inside. This is thanks to more efficient insulation that allows the oven walls to be thinner, along with better-designed shelving. Anything in excess of 70 litres of usable space is deemed generous.

You can make even more of this space if your oven comes with a divider. Use it to cook two different dishes at different temperatures, with no transfer of flavours.

Add an extra: Best microwaves for tasty meals in minutes

Choose an oven with lots of functions and programmes

Multifunction ovens now come with a choice of conventional heating, fan cooking, grilling and top/bottom heat. These functions can often be combined to help cook specific dishes to perfection.

Bottom heat and fan cooking can be used in tandem to create the perfect flan or pizza while steam injected during a cooking cycle can help retain moisture while baking or roasting meat.

Ovens are getting smarter and can come with dozens of programmes for cooking everything from sun-dried tomatoes to baked Alaska. They help take the guess work out of cooking by adjusting cooking mode, times and temperatures. Some ‘sensor cooking’ modes can even weigh the food, set the timer and turn the oven off when it’s done. Just be sure you’ll use them before spending the extra.

Cut down on cleaning

Keeping your oven clean has never been easier. Choose a catalytic or – better yet – a pyrolytic oven, and you can ditch the Brillo pads and industrial-strength cleaner.

Catalytic liners break down any dirt that hits them whenever the oven is turned up to a high-ish heat.

The ultimate in cleaning, however, is a pyrolytic programme. This raises the temperature inside the oven cavity close to 500°C, reducing grime to ash that can be swept out afterwards. It's a feature that was once confined to top-of-the-range models, but as oven technology has developed, you no longer have to spend big to get it.

Don’t forget about the exterior, either. Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is more difficult to smudge, and check the glass door panel can be removed for cleaning – some can even go in the dishwasher.

Control your oven from your phone

Save your bakes while sitting on the sofa with a wi-fi connected oven. They can be controlled with an app, and send notifications to your phone – for example, when the cooking time's up on your Victoria sponge.

You can then decide whether to turn the oven up, off or down, so you've really no excuse for ruining anything ever again.

Up your Sunday lunch game with a rotisserie or meat probe

More masterful appliances: Best American fridge freezers for chilling in style

Rock at roasts by investing in a oven with a rotisserie. This spit is inserted into your meat or poultry and slowly rotates it in the oven. No basting is required as the juices roll across the meat as it turns, and the results are very even and succulent. Things cook around 20 per cent faster, too.

A meat probe is another great feature for carnivores. Pop your joint or bird in, select the type of meat, its weight and how you want it cooked on the control panel, insert the probe and the oven does the rest – your meat won’t come out dry or raw, as the probe has measuring points along its length for accurate results. Most ovens will give you an estimated cooking time, so you'll know when to add any veg or other trimmings.

Surely you’d rather be curled up on the sofa with a box set than arguing over who dons the rubber gloves and who dries. If you’re even offered help, at all. Figures from Bosch suggest that a dishwasher could save you up to 15 days every year. Thats a lot of extra free time! Washing by hand can be wasteful, too. You can get through 40 to 80 litres of water, which costs money to heat.

By comparison, a dishwasher will use as little as 6 litres to wash 13 place settings. That’ll save you bucket loads of H2O and cash. From deep drawer versions to semi-integrated options, sometimes it can be difficult to cut through all the jargon and understand which model might be best for you. These days there are many different features and functionalities from ultra silent technology to super fast wash options.

But whatever you are looking for, it’s is important that your new dishwasher fits into your kitchen scheme and works well with your busy family life. Take a look at our guide to the best designs around, from 1950s-inspired high-tech options, to slimline space-saving versions, we’ve got it covered!

For more helpful product reviews, see our other carefully compiled buying guides 

Best dishwashers

When space is at a premium, a counter top dishwasher is a must. To some it's deemed a luxury, to others a necessity. For tiny kitchens, this is a great buy.

Ideal for busy households. 

Buy now: Indesit ICD661 Freestanding Compact Dishwasher, £195, Currys 

Embrace colour with this bold 1950s inspired dishwasher complete with matching cutlery basket and colour co-ordinated internal trimming.

Buy now: Smeg DF6FABR2 Retro Freestanding Dishwasher in Red, £979, Currys

You can use an app to control this dishwasher remotely and help you pick the best cycle, depending on how dirty your plates are. It's even clever enough to send an alert to your phone if you’re low on tablets or rinse aid. It's ace at drying – particularly plastics, which can so often come out dripping wet – and has a 29-minute 'fast' wash.

Buy now: Bosch SMS88TI26E Wi-Fi freestanding dishwasher, £1,019, Bosch

This double drawer marvel has 15 programmes for any eventuality. Each drawer holds a ‘true’ half load and the Extra Dry mode tackles Tupperware a treat.

The appealing feature here is the fact that the drawers can be controlled and programmed independently with their own dedicated controls. It also has a flexible racking system which allows you to arrange or remove the cutlery basket. You can fold down the cup holders, slide the shelves up or down, and adjust or collapse the racks to accommodate larger items.

Ideal Home's Houses Editor Ruth Corbett has one at home and is a big fan!

Buy now: Fisher & Paykel Double DishDrawer Built-In Dishwasher, £1,099, Amazon

Let's face it – stooping to load and unload a dishwasher is a nuisance. But if you have a bad back, it can be downright painful. That's where AEG's innovative Comfort Lift system comes into play. The bottom basket can be pulled out and up to line up with the top basket, so you don't have to bend to add your dirty crockery.

Buy now: AEG FSS62800P Integrated Comfort Lift Dishwasher, £769, John Lewis

Short on space? This low-cost, slender model can still handle 10 place settings. It's also got way more features than are standard for a slimline machine. 

Buy now: Beko ADFS28R20 slimline freestanding dishwasher, £259, AO.com

Let's cut to the chase – if you are looking for the best dishwasher hands down for blasting away dirt, this is it. It has ten varied programmes, and is just as good as lifting lipstick from your finest cut glassware to sanitising baby bottles to shifting baked-on lasagne. 

It’s also one of the quietest out there, and its separate cutlery tray at the top makes loading easier. It's one downside? It's not the cheapest to run.

Buy now: Whirlpool SupremeClean WIO 3T123 PEF integrated dishwasher, £479, AO.com

Everything you need to know about buying a dishwasher

If it's been a while since you bought a dishwasher, you may be surprised at how much they've moved on. Here are five reasons why a new dishwasher will outperform your old one.

1. It’s now easier to load them

With separate cutlery trays, foldable tines and upper baskets that can be raised or taken out, they’re a doddle to load.

2. They’re fast

Expect them to wash a lightly soiled load in just 30 minutes, and a full haul of filthy plates in less than an hour.

3. Drying has been improved

This is thanks to special features that kick in at the end of a programme, such as an extra-hot drying cycle, a fan or an automatic door that opens to let out damp air.

4. You can wash half loads

Half-load cycles use less energy, so you don’t have to ll the dishwasher to run a guilt-free wash.

5. They’ll pick the right cycle

Intelligent dishwashers detect the load size and dirt levels, then choose the programme that will deliver the best results.

What to consider before buying a dishwasher

Determine the size and style of dishwasher

• A dishwasher needn't take up acres of space. Compact designs no bigger than a microwave will sit on your worktop. Built-in 60cm-wide versions slot in at eye level. These smaller models usually have around six place settings, or eight at best. One place setting is equivalent to a soup bowl,
  dinner plate, dessert bowl, cup & saucer, drinking glass and a knife, fork, soup spoon, dessert spoon and teaspoon.
• Usually the most inexpensive option, freestanding dishwashers can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. You can choose models in stainless steel or white to match your existing appliances. Slimline 45cm dishwashers with eight to 10 place settings are ideal for smaller families. But for the best features, you can't beat a full-size 60cm version. This can hold anything up to 17 place settings (though 12-13 is average).
• Integrated models are discreet and at least as spacious as their freestanding counterparts. There are two types of integrated dishwasher: semi-integrated models have a visible control panel, with the furniture door mounted below it. Fully integrated models are concealed behind a full-size furniture door. The control panel is positioned on the top of the door, so it is visible only when opened.

Kit out your whole kitchen: Best range cookers – our top ovens for preparing a full-on feast

What programmes does it have?

• A quick wash is perfect for dinner parties – for example, when your starter plates are also needed for serving desserts. Most last 30 minutes.
•  Intensive settings blast burnt-on food like beans and bolognese, and tackle stubborn starch deposits on pans.
•  A delicates mode cares for glass and fine china by lowering the water pressure, and sometimes using steam to lift dirt.
•  Most impressive, though, is the sensor wash, which works out how mucky your plates are automatically, then adjusts the time and amount of water used accordingly, saving you money by never running a cycle that's longer or hotter than needed.
• You might think a half-load programme will be handy. However, they save less than 25% of the energy and water used to run a full load. To economise, wait until the dishwasher is full before running a cycle.
• With a delay start, you'll be able to come home from work to clean crockery. Or take advantage of cheaper electricity to wash your dishes at night by setting your dishwasher to start up to 24 hours in advance.
• Installing your washer in an open-plan space or planning to use it at night? Choose a model that runs close to 40dB - the volume of a library. Some models have extra quiet programmes that keep the noise down.

Related: How to clean a dishwasher – for sparkling crockery every time

Is it efficient with water, energy and space?

• Washing up by hand can be an inefficient process. Especially when you consider a dishwasher can deal with a single dinner party-sized load using as little as 6 litres of water. In contrast it can take 20 litres of water to fill a single sink. Compare the water consumption before you buy. It's usually given as the number of litres used for a fully loaded machine on a normal 50°C programme.
• Dishwashers also clean to a higher standard, as the water reaches hotter temperatures than hands can tolerate. To reach these temperatures, a dishwasher uses approx 1.5kW of energy per cycle. Yet a hot water system uses 2.5kW to heat the water to fill a sink.
• Also check the energy ratings of the appliance before you buy. The letters refer to energy efficiency, washing performance and drying performance. A+AA-rated models are the best. For energy costs, allow 11p per cycle, before detergents.
• Arranging a dishwasher can feel like a Krypton Factor-style challenge, but the best now come with more flexible baskets. These can be raised or lowered to make room above or below. Racks that fold down make way for cumbersome pots and pans. Also look out for dedicated cutlery trays.

Need a new fridge freezer? Don't lose your cool over what model to buy with our ultimate guide. It’s a place to keep all your fresh (and frozen) foods, from ice cream to fruit and veg and the meals you’ve prepared for the week - if you’re that organised. 

Arguably, a fridge freezer is the hardest working, and most expensive appliance in the kitchen, so choosing one that’s right for you and your home should be a well-thought-out decision. There are freestanding and integrated fridges, American-style and even fridges that boast smart technology. And if you’re wanting to find a refrigerator to fit within your kitchen aesthetic, then there are retro styles and brands that offer bespoke design, too. So aside from price, there are plenty of specs to sort through. 

Luckily for you, we’ve done our research and filtered out the best from the rest, to find you the top fridge freezers for any situation, style and budget. All with good energy ratings, since you’ll need to consider how much it costs to run a fridge freezer too. 

The best fridge freezers

If you’ve been yearning for a fridge freezer to fit in with your modern kitchen ideas, you’ve come to the right place. 

The cool stuff
Samsung’s Bespoke collection is a brilliantly versatile range of fridge freezers, standalone fridges, and freezers, that can not only be joined together seamlessly to create an unbeatable wall of cool, but the colour and finish of each door front is entirely up to you. There are currently 12 colour options to choose from including whites, black and silver, but also navy, peach and even beige. They’re all wonderfully complementary and look fantastic together.

Features
But style is nothing without substance, and thankfully Samsung’s Bespoke fridge freezer has loads including dual compressors for accurate temperature control, an Optimal Fresh + box, which is essentially a fridge compartment that can be set to two different temperatures - one for meat maybe, one for fruit and veg - plus a freezer drawer that can also be used as extra fridge space, or three other temperatures, if needs be. There's plenty of reasons why this is our best overall rated fridge. 

This is a classic side-by-side American fridge freezer updated with the latest in hi-tech cooling and smart control.

The cool stuff
If you've not seen it before, LG has included their superb Door-in-Door feature here, which allows you to easily get anything stored in the top fridge door by opening a secret door. Great for grabbing a drink or condiments, it is quick, easy and energy efficient as you don’t let all the cold air out the main fridge. That said, when you do need to access the main cavity, a jet of cold air is pumped out at the front of the fridge from top to bottom and across the entire width, which helps to maintain the temperature inside without harmful fluctuations. 

Features
The freezer is No Frost as you’d expect, but there’s also water and ice on demand, and a UV light kills any bacteria build-up from the spout It’s also app-controlled, and Wi-Fi connected, allowing temperature adjustment and Express Freeze models to be done remotely, as well as monitor energy usage and alert you if the door is left open. There’s even voice control using Alexa and Google Home devices, allowing you to ask it to fast freeze for instance. A nice touch but not essential, which explains the bump in price. 

There’s no escaping the fact this is a very expensive 60cm wide fridge freezer, but Miele tests its home appliances to the equivalent of 20 years of use, which is why we’re happy to recommend it as a best integrated investment buy.

The cool stuff
Thankfully it is also packed with practical design. We love the flexible storage, particularly the FlexiTray glass shelf that rotates from back to front for easy access and the automatic Ice Maker with plumbed-in connection, while all the shelves can be cleaned in the dishwasher, which is a rarity, and great for ease of use.

Features
Inventive layouts aside, the biggest reason to buy this built-in model is the quality of the cooling - very few models offer the same consistency of temperature throughout, with a fan ensuring excellent circulation and distribution of the cold air. The plumbed-in water connection also helps keep your fruit and vegetables in great condition by spraying a fine mist waterfall onto the contents of the crisper drawer, just like you find in supermarkets. The D energy rating is better than most too, and it has Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, plus smart diagnostics for engineers if something does go wrong.

Fridge freezers are practical appliances - that’s the point of them - and annoyingly many stylish options available are expensive and sometimes lack the same level of hi-tech innovation you’ll find on a similarly priced standard design. Kenwood however has managed to include a few modern extras here that make it the best cheap fridge freezer you can buy. 

The cool stuff
The headline feature is the clever fast freeze technology which is designed for when you know you’ve got a big shop to do. The fridge compressor will drop the temperature extremely quickly (40% faster than usual) , ensuring your shopping stays fresher for longer, and your existing food isn’t compromised either.

Features
More affordable freezers are less likely to be huge, and the 106 litre freezer section is no exception, but the drawers are easy to access, and will never need manually defrosting. The fridge section is also impressively adjustable, and we like the fact the glass shelves have been reinforced, meaning you can load them up, even squeeze in serving trays and casserole dishes without worry. Amazingly they can take up to 100kg load, which is one enormous Sunday roast!

Water dispenser fridge freezers are extremely convenient, but do tend to cost a fortune, which makes this Beko model refreshingly affordable and great for anyone who needs loads of storage. 

The cool stuff
The two generous pull-out baskets hide something Beko calls HarvestFresh, which uses different coloured LED lights to replicate the sun’s natural 24-hour cycle to maintain optimal freshness for your fruit and veg. It sounds fanciful, but the claims have been backed up by independent tests, and studies have shown that even after harvest, the phytochemical composition of fruit and vegetables continue to alter in response to light. Clever!

Features
As well as this, the large fridge has three full-width shelves and a separate chiller compartment that maintains a low temperature at around 0ºC. Pull-out freezer drawers are a revelation too, making it quick and easy to get to the food, even the stuff that usually gets forgotten at the back. While not the most energy-efficient design available, it does have twin compressors for accurate temperature control as well as No Frost for effortless maintenance.

There are quite a few other brands offering ‘retro’ style refrigeration these days, but for our money, Smeg remains the original and the best. 

The cool stuff
With its wonderful FAB range, on-trend colourway options and classic Italian style, retro fridge freezers like this are gorgeous and timeless. You pay handsomely for the privilege, but we’re pleased Smeg has upgraded the tech inside to keep a pace with the more advanced hi-tech alternatives.

Features
At 80cm wide this 524litre design will take centre stage in your kitchen, and with XX fridge space spread across a full-width zero-degree drawer for your most perishable goods and three other shelves it’s a haven for veggie lovers. There’s no need to manually defrost, which is always a bonus - and a recent upgrade for the FAB range. Smeg has also included a Fast Freeze function which helps keep all your frozen food in fabulous condition.

A buyer’s guide to fridge freezers: what to look for 

Our appliance experts have pulled together this must-read list of things to consider for before you start shopping.

Features

Did you know that the average family throws away around £60 of food a month? Thankfully appliance brands are addressing this mountain of food waste with technology that can keep your groceries fresher for longer:

Humidity-controlled drawers: Vegetables, fruit and salad like humidity, so an appliance with a humidity-controlled drawer will stop them from icing up or going soggy. So long, mushy cucumbers! Occasionally the whole fridge compartment might be humidity controlled.

Cool zone: A fridge drawer that’s at a lower temperature of 0°C or 2°C to store meat, fish and dairy more effectively. Some have a choice of temperature settings (0°C, 2°C or 4°C for meat, dairy and veg accordingly)

Fast freezing: This increases the speed at which your food is frozen, locking in more flavour and nutrients of any fresh food.

Twin Cooling: Separate air circulation compressors in the fridge and freezer ensures the cold air from the freezer doesn’t dry out the contents of the fridge.

Ice on demand: An ice and water dispenser are a convenient feature, as it can serve ice for a drink or a glass of chilled water at the push of a button. Before you buy, check if it’s a plumbed or non-plumbed model. If you go down the plumbed route, you’ll likely have to pay more to have it installed. But on the up side, you’ll never need to replenish the water tank.

Smart tech: With a wi-fi connected fridge-freezer, you’ll be able to put it into holiday mode when you’re at the airport. Or activate the fast-freeze mode as you leave the supermarket. In truth, you don’t need to connect your fridge to the internet, but we do love the fact that some brands can identify possible faults before they happen, saving you the potential disaster of a rapidly thawing freezer.

Style and design 

Integrated fridges will seamlessly fit into your kitchen space - you won't even know they're there. So if this is the look you'd like, then consider a built-in option fitted with the same doors as the rest of your kitchen cabinets. Otherwise, free-standing fridges can be stylish too, with Smeg being the obvious choice. The prettier, the higher the price though unfortunately. So if design is lower on your list of priorities, a simple standard silver or white finish will work fine. 

Filling a fridge after a big shop can be a lot like playing Jenga. However, handy storage solutions can make the game – sorry – task a whole lot easier. This is useful design detail to look for.

How we chose these fridge freezers 

There are many fridge freezers on the market, all with varying features and at different price points. And with more than a few top brands to contend with, such as Beko, Smeg, Samsung, and LG, it's hard to rank just based on reviews alone. 

Included in this guide then are 6 different types, to help narrow down our selection, so you can find one that suits you, and your kitchen needs. To make sure we're recommending honestly and reliably, we've cross referenced factors such as style, size and of course energy rating - to guarantee you're getting the most for your money. Cost of living is at an all time high and understanding how much it costs to run a fridge freezer is key. 

Our writer and researcher is an award winning consumer journalist too, having tested everything from chainsaws and washing machines to robotic lawnmowers (you can find out the details on our how we test page). Otherwise, he knows what he's looking for when it comes to big ticket household goods.

Promotional feature with Currys

There are lots of ways to breathe new life into your kitchen, but if you're looking to make a big impact instantly, look no further than the Bosch Vario Style fridge freezer. Its exchangeable colour fronts allow you to update the look of your appliance, taking your kitchen from tired to on trend in a jiffy!

Restyle your fridge freezer whenever you feel like it

Nine different colour doors are available for the Bosch Vario Style. Choose the shade that best complements your interior, or mix things up depending on the season. Greet the spring with panels in Sunflower yellow, create a sophisticated feel with Pearl Night Blue doors or celebrate Christmas with festive Cherry Red fascias.

Switching them is easy as pie. Using a clever combination of invisible hooks and magnets, you simply clip off the doors, and swap them for those fresh new fascias.

Enjoy a fresh look outside and fresher food inside

Always fresh. Always in season. With the new Bosch Vario Style fridge freezers, not only does your appliance also look and feel fresh – so does the food inside. Its VitaFresh freshness system keeps your food fresh for up to three times longer using a variety of clever technologies.

Different foods need different environments to keep them fresh and vitamin-rich. Bosch VitaFresh fridges are designed to allow you to control the temperature and humidity in individual compartments to create the perfect environment for all your fresh foods.

In the special vegetable zone, for example, VitaFresh keeps humidity levels high so that celery stays crunchy, lettuces don't go limp and tomatoes stay plump, firm and full of vitamins. Meat, cheeses and other deli items, on the other hand, can be stored for longer in the low-humidity zone.

Pick a size to suit your kitchen

The Vario Style comes in two different configurations. The 186cm high version with 60/40 split offers plenty of freezer space for batch cooking and those three-for-two offers. There's also a taller 203cm version with extra fridge space for those that like to cook from scratch as much as possible.

We think the Vario Style is a perfect combination of good looks and great features. But don't just take our word for it. Vario Style owners are singing its praises.

Decide on your perfect size and colour combo now in store and online at Currys.

What shade will your fridge freezer be wearing this season?

They’re the ultimate kitchen status symbols, offering up plentiful storage and making a big style statement. No wonder sales of American-style fridge freezers continue to grow. What’s more, they’re packed with technologies that preserve fresh food for far longer than ever before, so you’ll throw less away.

In short, if you have space for one, it’s worth chilling the USA way. That's why our appliance experts have put in the hours to bring you our edit of the very best American fridge-freezers.

Scroll down, and you'll also find a buyer's guide with an explanation of new American fridge freezer technologies. Get ready to tuck in to some tasty appliances!

More statement appliances: Best range cookers – our top ovens for preparing a full-on feast

Say goodbye to playing fridge-freezer Tetris after every big family shop thanks to this super-spacious design. It'll swallow around 30 bags of groceries, plus it has lots of clever features to make your food last longer, including antibacterial door seals, twin cooling and vents to rapidly restore the temperature inside after you've opened the door. Non-plumbed in-door ice and water is another bonus, encouraging the kids to drink more.

Buy Now: Beko ASGN542 side-by-side American fridge freezer, £799, AO.com 

When you're wondering how much milk you've got left or whether the kids have eaten the last of the Petits Filous, you don't even need to open the fridge to find out. Knock on the door, and the opaque glass turns transparent, so you can see inside without having to let cool air escape. It's handy when you have sticky hands, and saves both you and the fridge energy! And when you do open it, it's actually a door-in-door design that keeps all your most-used items at the front of the fridge.

It's got a non-plumbed water and ice dispenser, and masses of storage, so it's a good choice for large families. Plus if the fridge freezer isn't working property, you can use an app on your phone to 'talk' to your fridge and diagnose the problem. It could save you a heap of cash in unnecessary call-out bills.

Buy Now: LG GSX961NSAZ American fridge freezer, £1599.99, Currys 

If you're plumping for a handleless kitchen, why compromise its clean, modern look with a pair of chunky bars on your fridge freezer? Caple's A+-rated side-by-side solves the problem with its recessed handle model, which also features electronic touch controls with an LED display. One for healthy eaters and fresh food fans, it boasts plenty of versatile storage, from spill-capture adjustable glass shelves to dual salad crisper drawers.

Buy Now: Caple CAFF27 side by side fridge-freezer, £719, Appliance City

It might be especially affordable for a side by side, but this pocket-friendly model doesn't skimp on features. Not only does it have a plumbed ice and water dispenser for endless chilled drinks, its inverter compressor saves energy, ensures it's quiet in an open-plan kitchen and keeps the temperature inside stable with constant monitoring. And for those who like to stand out from the crowd, it comes in this deliciously dramatic black, as well as stainless steel.

Buy Now: Hisense RS696 side-by-side American fridge freezer, £719.99, Argos

Saving pennies? Budget kitchen furniture – our pick of the best

Bottles can be a space hog in the average fridge so for perfectly chilled Prosecco any day of the week, turn to this all-in-one model. Functioning as a fridge, freezer and wine cooler, this Liebherr design also packs in a host of clever kit, such as smooth-running drawers on telescopic rails, an internal ice maker and its VarioSpace storage system, which allows room to be created easily for large items, such as the Christmas turkey. Entertaining? Nailed it.

Buy Now: Liebherr SBSES7165 PremiumPlus side by side fridge freezer, £4599, Appliances Direct 

The answer to the age-old problems of running out of fresh milk or discovering a jar at the back with its own ecosystem, the Family Hub includes some seriously clever tech. Three cameras inside allow you to check inside for things you're running low on when you're out shopping while you can track expiry dates from your phone to see what's about to be less than its best. There's also a section that can switch between being a fridge or freezer and it'll even function as a family note board and entertainment system.

Buy Now: Samsung RF56K9540SR Family Hub multi-door fridge freezer, £3999, John Lewis 

Two doors are good but four can be better, especially when it comes to this fab fridge freezer. Not only does it include a multi-zone section that can be used as either a fridge or freezer, its touch-screen electronic display is discreet enough not to intrude on its sleek stainless-steel good looks.

Plus, if you fancy a cold drink but forgot to restock your fridge, its Q drink function will chill it down in a flash.

Buy Now: CDA PC900SS Premium quad fridge freezer £1259, Amazon 

A buyer's guide to American fridge-freezers

If you've decided to make space for one, here’s what to look for in an American-style fridge freezer.

Decide on your layout

These giants of the kitchen come in various guises, the most traditional being the Side by Side. This has a tall fridge on one side and a freezer on the other. The main benefit of this layout is you won’t always have to bend down to reach frozen food.

Some Side by Side models now come with an innovative Door-in-Door fridge, which gives quick access your most-used items without letting too much cold air out. Open the outer door to access items you use regularly (we’re thinking condiments, chocolate and wine), or the inner door to get to larger items.

Door and Drawer fridge freezers like the one above are made for entertaining. Their wide fridges behind double doors are ideal for party platters, and the freezer drawers below give easy access to groceries and ice.

Focus on storage

They’re known for their generous capacities, but American-style models vary in the ratio of fridge to freezer space available. So if you like to make meals from scratch most evenings with fresh ingredients, go for a big fridge, but if you prefer to batch cook, prioritise freezer space.

Still unsure? Buy a design with a ‘multi-zone’ that can be switched between a fridge and freezer. That way, you could use it to chill meat and drinks for summer barbecues, then freeze soup and casseroles in winter.

Look for food-preserving features

American–style fridge freezers won’t just store more food, they’re packed with features to preserve it. Let’s start with some disco lighting – no, it’s not there for parties, the flashing blue LEDs in models from the likes of Panasonic and Smeg are actually designed to encourage photosynthesis in your fruit and veg, making them last longer.

Just as supermarkets store different foods in different ways, so should your fridge-freezer. A cool zone in the fridge, set at a temperature of 0-5°C, will keep meat, fish and dairy fresh, and will defrost food slowly and safely. Some have a choice of temperature settings (0°C, 2°C or 4°C for meat, dairy and veg, accordingly). A humidity-controlled drawer, meanwhile, will put an end to mushy cucumbers and frosty lettuce.

In the freezer, look for a fast-freezing function that will chill your fresh food at a rapid rate to lock in more nutrients, and twin cooling – separate air circulation in each compartment so the cold air from the freezer doesn’t dry out the contents of the fridge.

Invest in just a few of these features and you’ll quickly notice that you’re throwing fewer groceries away. According to Whirlpool, a modern fridge-freezer with these features could save the average family over £1,600 in wasted food over a lifetime.

Save energy

Fridge freezers guzzle more energy than any other appliance in the kitchen, as they’re working 24/7 to keep your food cold. Therefore, it’s important that it is energy efficient, especially if you’re considering a large, American-style model. Go for at least an A+ rating, and look for these key features to help keep bills down.

• A no-frost model is a time saver as your fridge and freezer will never need defrosting
• A holiday mode will cut your electricity bill, either by shutting the fridge down when you go away, or bringing it up to around 14°C to keep butter and eggs fresh.

Think about plumbing

Related: How to plan a kitchen – your step-by-step guide to the perfect space 

An ice and water dispenser is a real convenience, letting you grab ice for a drink or enjoy a glass of chilled water whenever you want, but check whether it needs to be plumbed into the mains. If it does, you may have to pay for extra plumbing work to be done when it’s installed, but you won’t then have the hassle of refilling the water tank.

Save your kitchen from looking like a scene from The Poseidon Adventure by choosing a water dispenser with a child lock.

Our list of the best washing machines is based on the reviews from our friends at Trusted Reviews who thoroughly test machines with the typical stains we all hate to get. Ketchup, coffee, wine, juice and oil are all included. So is blood, but we don’t want to ask the boffins where they get that from.

All the technical tests required to compare freestanding washing machines have been done so we’re casting our Ideal Home eyes over the looks and design of a product that’s increasingly prominent in our kitchens.

In this list you’ll also find a range of the best washing machines for all budgets.

The sleek Hotpoint has had some major discounts that makes it hard to beat when it comes to value for money.

The large 9kg drum is good for big loads, and it’s with these that it excels. If you want to use it at its most efficient then you’ll want to use the Hotpoint to its maximum capacity.

As this is a level up from budget washing machines it does come with everything they do, but also features an antibacterial shield to reduce the buildup of mold and musty smells. It also comes with Direct Injection. This uses pre-mixed cleaning foam with special drum rotations to get between the fibres and remove difficult stains.

If you can find it at a discount then Hotpoint is a superb all-rounder, but it’s solid even at full price.

BUY NOW
Read the full Hotpoint RSG964J review at TrustedReviews

This striking washing machine comes with a huge, black, translucent door that makes it look like it’s come straight out of a sci-fi movie.

There’s a lot more to it than looks alone, though.

The Sharp is one of the best spinners around. It manages to extract a huge amount of water from washed clothes meaning you’ll need less time drying.

You can also tell it how dirty your clothes are, which alters the programme duration. Clever stuff.

While it’s not the simplest washing machine to get to grips with the Sharp is a well specified machine and solid cleaner.

BUY NOW

Read the full Sharp ES-GFD9144W3 review at TrustedReviews

Samsung makes some of the best washing machines around, but you often have to pay a high price for excellence. Happily this machine doesn’t cost a small fortune.

It comes with a big tinted door, like the Sharp, which makes it stand out. You really won’t want to hide this beauty behind a cupboard door.

If getting the perfect wash is your biggest priority then you can’t beat the Samsung at this, or any other, price. Packing Samsung’s Ecobubble tech and an intensive stain removal system this washer managed to even shift engine oil from the test strip. That is impressive.

Samsung’s Smart Check error system can send alerts to your phone if there’s a blocked filter or other minor error so you don’t have to guess if something goes wrong. Oh and it’s nice and quiet too.

BUY NOW

Read the full SAMSUNG WW80H7410EW review at TrustedReviews

If you want a washing machine that doesn’t disturb the tranquil bliss of your home then Whirlpool has the answer.

Yet another entry on our list that could win a beauty contest, the Whirlpool also has a lot going for it when it comes to clever tech. Firstly it’s properly quiet, quieter than any other machine tested.

There’s a bit of a price to pay. Washing performance isn’t quite as stellar as other machines here, although things get better if you use one of the more intense cycles. The huge 10kg capacity means it can work for big families too.

BUY NOW

Read the full WHIRLPOOL FSCR10432 review at TrustedReviews

Are we cliche enough to leave the best until last? We sure are.

The Samsung Addwash has a party piece that leaves us slapping our heads as to why no-one had thought of it sooner.

You see you can pause the Samsung while it’s washing, open a small drawer built into the door and add small items of clothing you forgot about or that dropped on your way to the wash. It’s pure genius.

This washing machine excels in every area and has all the other mod cons you’d expect from a top-of-the-range model, and some you won’t. You can start or stop it from your phone and it can even ping you a message when a load is done. That is very smart indeed.

It’s the most expensive machine on our list, but it’s also our favourite.

Read the full SAMSUNG ADDWASH WW80K6414QW review at TrustedReviews

The Indesit is a budget washing machine, but one that manages to pack loads of features. There are plenty of standard programmes and a clever light indicator to let you know where the wash process is at. It also comes with sensor load adjustment that automatically adjusts the use of water and electricity based on the size of the load. All this is combined with a fast spin that’s surprisingly quiet.

The 8kg capacity is decent, however while it can handle that weight you might find it tricky to fill it to the max since the drum is a little small. Thankfully wash results and energy efficiency are both solid for a washing machine that cost less than £250.

BUY NOW

Read the full Indesit My Time EWD 81482 review at TrustedReviews

Hisense may not be a brand you’ve heard of much, but don’t let that perturb you. This is a washing machine that costs less than £300, washes well, doesn’t use much water or power and has sensor load technology.

What we like best about this Hisense machine, though is its handsome looks – you don’t often get style at this budget. The stylish door makes this an appliance you won’t be ashamed to feature in your kitchen.

It’s also efficient. If you have a large family and regularly wash heavy loads you will save on electricity and water.

BUY NOW

Read the full Hisense WFH8014 review at TrustedReviews

We'll be updating this list of the best washing machines as new models surface and are fully reviewed.

How many times have you struggled to squeeze a few bottles of Chardonnay into the fridge when friends are popping round? Too many to count? Then invest in one of our pick of the best wine fridges.

Wine coolers aren’t just brilliant for freeing up prime real estate in a busy family fridge. Slightly warmer and more humid inside, they’ll keep every bottle of Chardonnay and Sauvignon in cellar-like conditions, and without you having to excavate the basement.

Treat yourself this summer: Ice cream makers – our pick of the best

If you’re under the illusion that a wine fridge is one of life’s luxuries that you either can’t afford or don’t have the room for, think again. There’s a growing range of countertop styles, freestanding units and even slimline built-in versions out there, and they don’t always cost as much as you might think.

Coming next is a round up of our favourite wine fridges. Scroll down, you'll also find a handy buyer's guide to help you find your perfect match. Bottoms up!

Caple has a range of more than 20 wine coolers, and you'll find one to fill almost any size gap. Make good use of that tricky space at the end of a run of cabinets – or plug a gap between units – with this super-slim model. It may be small, but it still offers all the latest features such as LED lighting and UV protection. It's a flexible pick, too, as you can install it built-in or freestanding. If you're renting or planning to move, that could be crucial.

Buy Now: Caple Sense Wi154 wine cabinet, £299, Appliance City

Digital Editor – and wannabe wine buff – Amy has this model at home and has been super-impressed with its performance. It's designed to hold 50 bottles on its sturdy oak shelves, and has two temperature zones and humidity controls to prevent corks from drying out. The low-vibration compressor is good for both your wine and your ears – it's a must-have feature if you're planning to install your fridge in an open-plan kitchen.

Buy Now: Haier WS50GDBI wine cooler, £729, AO.com

We like the double door design of this undercounter model. It means that, when choosing a red, you won’t disturb your whites.

Buy Now: JLWF608 38-bottle under counter wine cooler, £899, John Lewis

This 45cm-high fridge can be slotted in at eye-level, so you don't have to stoop to inspect and select your vintages. It's a good option if you don’t have room for a standard 60cm-wide fridge but you still need space for a decent collection. It's a beauty, too. Designed in Italy, the black glass can be complemented by your choice of steel or copper trim.

Buy Now: Smeg CVI618NX Dolce Stil Novo wine-cooler, £1,599, John Lewis

Not sure if you're cut out to be a collector? This holds 20 bottles or red, white or sparking wine at any temperature between 5°C and 27°C – we think it's a great size and price for beginners. It may be at the affordable end of the sale but you still get some top features, including a UV-protected smoked glass door to keep ageing sunlight at bay, and a humidifier that stops your corks from drying out.

Buy Now: CDA FWC303ss wine cooler, £299, Currys

Need more cool storage? American-style fridge freezers – our pick of the best

Swisscave offers Champagne-standard storage at – well, not quite lemonade, but certainly Prosecco prices. Its coolers mimic cellar conditions, with features like charcoal features and humidity controls helping to age your wine consistently. This model can hold up to 220 bottles over seven levels, if you choose to have horizontal shelves only.

Alternatively, you can show off your most prized vintages on tilted racks that hold six bottles each. Behind each of these is space for 10-12 more bottles. Like the idea of displaying your wine but worried party guests might help themselves to you best bottles? Don't, as a lockable door will keep them from snaffling your Dom Perignon.

Buy Now: WLB-450FLD Black Edition wine cooler, £2,131.44, Swisscave

This really is the Cristal of coolers. Bottles of all shapes and sizes are gently cradled by its FlexiFrame shelving system, and there are magnetic strips coated in blackboard paint that you can use to label each shelf. Three separate temperature zones ensure your champagne, red and white wines can all be served at just the right temperature, and of course, there's a UV-resistant door keeps your vintages safe from the sun.

One quirky feature is the SommelierSet box of accessories. You'll find a knife, corkscrews and chalk inside, as well a glass holder and two decanting racks. The idea behind this is that you can decant your red wine inside the conditioner, or chill your white wine glasses to the perfect temperature for serving. Fancy! And if you only enjoy a glass or two in one sitting, the ConvinoBox will keep any open bottles in perfect conditions until you're ready to finish them off.

Buy Now: Miele KWT 6834 SGS wine conditioner, £4,595, RDO Kitchens & Appliances 

Budding buffs can store just over 10 cases of wine inside this dual-zone cooler. There’s a presentation shelf up top that tilts to show off your favourite five bottles, while UV glass and anti-vibration technology protect your plonk. There's also a fan that ventilates the cabinet, keeping musty smells at bay.

Buy Now: Fisher & Paykel RF306RDWX1 wine cabinet, £1,679, John Lewis 

A buyer's guide to wine fridges

What size wine fridge do I need?

Wine fridges are available in anything from slimline, six-bottle 300mm wine fridges that can slot into an awkward gap between kitchen units to those capable of holding 200-plus reds or whites. You can also buy models that combine a regular fridge and freezer with dedicated wine storage.

Anyone new to the world of wine will probably only be buying a few bottles at a time, so a 6 to 18-bottle capacity will be just fine. If you’re more serious and buying by the case, we recommend a wine fridge with space for at least 40 bottles.

Just remember that the capacity of any fridge is given by the number of Bordeaux bottles it will hold, so you’ll fit less in if you’re storing Champagne or Burgundy. However, some models will come with wider racks or a tall shelf to store these larger bottles.

Wine temperatures – a quick guide

Unlike a standard fridge, a wine cooler gives the precision chill needed to keep your bottles at their best. A proper wine cabinet has one or more temperature-controlled zones that allow you to store your white, red and/or rose at exactly the right temperature to keep it in tip-top condition. Otherwise, if it’s too hot it will age faster and if it’s too cool, sediment will build up in the bottle.

If you only drink white, you can stick to a single-zone cooler, but if you love red and fizz, too, look for a model with two or three compartment that can be set to independent temperatures. Ideally, red should be stored at around 12-16˚C, and white at 10-12˚C.

Top Tip: To enjoy a strong red wine at its best, decant it into a carafe before serving.

What features will help preserve my wine better?

Any wine fridge worth its salt should have:

• UV-protected glass doors that keep out the sun’s rays. Exposure to sunlight will speed up the ageing process and potentially ruin your wine.
• Humidity controls, so that there’s enough moisture in the air to stop corks from drying out, but not so much that mould will grow. 'Wines should ideally be stored at 60 to 70% humidity, which it’s possible to control in a wine cooler,' says Twarita Arya, product manager for white goods at Haier. 'Standard refrigerators are usually dry, with an average humidity level of 30 per cent.'
• Anti-vibration technology that stops the compressor in the cabinet from vibrating as it cools, so that bottle sediment is undisturbed and the wine tastes better.
• Charcoal filters remove any odours from the air that might taint your vino.

Entertaining outdoors? Read: Outdoor kitchens – ideas, designs and tips for the perfect al fresco space.

Is shelving important?

According to Liebherr’s Mark Bristow, all wine should be stored horizontally to keep the cork from shrinking or cracking and allowing air to enter. Less expensive models will have fixed shelving, but top-range models boast telescopic shelves – these sit on rollers so they can be pulled right out of the fridge while remaining supported, so you can inspect your vintages more easily.

Look out, too, for a tilting presentation shelf where you can show off your prized vintages.

Don't get in a spin about choosing a washing machine, instead take a look at our comprehensive guide on how to buy a washing machine. Before you buy, make a list of your 'must-have' features - large-capacity drum, hand-wash programme, and so on - before you get bamboozled by the choice.

The current trend is for washing machines to have large load capacities, high spin speeds and top energy ratings to make the washing process more energy efficient. To help you, here's our guide to some of the most important features.

Related: Best Washing Machine

What features are available on washing machines?

RATINGS

AAA or A+AA (for energy efficiency, washing and spin drying performance) rated washing machines may cost more, but are more economical to run and leave your washing drier.

DRUM/LOAD SIZE

6kg
machines are very popular and some even have drums that will hold from
7kg-10kg loads. Clever design means many models with larger drums can
still fit into a standard space. Don't forget, with any size of machine,
it's more economical to wash a full load than do lots of small washes.

SPIN SPEED

Faster spin speeds reduce drying times and keep fabric creasing to a minimum. An rpm of 1200 is perfectly acceptable.

FUZZY LOGIC/AUTO SENSING

A
facility whereby sensors adjust the water intake, wash and rinse times,
and so on, to ensure optimum performance with minimum energy and water
use. A good feature if you have a water meter, or you want to wash
economically.

CONTROL PANELS

Digital LED displays are
usually straightforward to read and use. A 'time left to run' display is
useful and worth having. Delay timers mean you can set the machine to
start and finish when it suits you.

NOISE LEVELS

Manufacturers
quote the noise level in decibels. Those rated in the 40s are
considered particularly quiet. Check the decibel level if your washing
machine is to be used in an open-plan room.

WASHER-DRYER

If
you only want a dryer for occasional use, a combined machine is a good
option. Drawbacks are that you can't wash and dry at the same time, so
may end up with a backlog. Usually drying needs to be done in smaller
amounts, but some can dry up to a 5kg load.

Special washing machine features to look out for

Today's latest washing machines will often offer several useful cycles on top of the standard ones we are used to, although the terms different manufacturers use to describe them may vary slightly.

For example:

Hand Wash

For clothes that are labelled 'hand wash only' - not the same as the delicates or woollens programmes.

Freshen Up

A recent introduction to some washing machines. It basically rinses and spins clothes that may just need a spruce up rather than a complete wash.

Stains Guide

Siemens' latest models have a built-in guide to the right programmes to use for specific stain removals.

Use our product guide to find the right washing machine for you.

Bring your kitchen up to date with our collection of inspiring built-in and freestanding ovens. Short on space? Work around this by choosing a single multifunction oven with more than enough cooking functions to get you by. Alternatively, go for a freestanding cooker complete with a hob, oven and grill - these all-in-one cooking stations won't eat into a compact kitchen too much and are easy to use. If you have a spacious open-plan kitchen with a vintage vibe, anchor the scheme by opting for a cream, Victorian design featuring all the latest mod cons. Cater for all your cooking needs with our pick of the best ovens.

This traditional, cream, multifunction oven has a large 70ltr main oven with 10 cooking functions and 20 auto-cook functions. It would look perfect in a vintage-style kitchen. Not only is it beautiful in design, it features all the latest mod cons, satisfying the cook in me. The second 36ltr conventional oven has four functions and a variable grill. Vapour clean system. Easy-clean enamel interior. Triple glazed doors.

Smeg DOSF6920P Victoria Built-In Double Oven, £899, John Lewis

This stainless-steel double oven comes with a main fan oven, plus a conventional version and variable grill. It features a programmer with LED digital display, a programmable timer and an easy-clean enamel interior. 58ltr capacity.

Belling Built-in Double Electric Oven, £445, Screwfix

This oven features pyrolytic cleaning and is finished in stylish black glass and stainless steel. It has 10 functions including a conventional oven, a fan oven, electric and fanned electric grills, plus defrosting. 54ltr capacity.

CDA SK650SS Pyrolytic Single Oven, £599, Homebase

This electric cooker is a great investment for those who love to cook, but are short on space. On top are four ceramic zones to cook on and underneath is a 65ltr electric fan oven and a second 35ltr conventional oven and grill. Easy-clean enamel interior. Double-glazed door.

Indesit Advance ID60C2KS Twin Oven Electric Cooker, £374, AO

This sleek black oven features three cooking functions, fan grilling, a variable grill, a programmer with LED digital display, a timer facility with minute minder and an air-flow cooling fan. Easy-clean enamel interior. Double-glazed door. 58ltr capacity.

Hotpoint SH 33K Built-in Single Electric Fan Oven, £330, Screwfix

This built-in electric double oven offers an impressive 71ltr main oven featuring a timer clock, 3D hot air technology and five shelf positions. The second 35ltr conventional oven also operates as a variable grill. The whole unit has standard control dials and a white display with blue indicator lights.

Catering for parties is a piece of cake with this extra-large oven, and its programmable timer means a perfectly-baked dinner will be waiting for me at the end of a hard day - lovely!

Siemens iQ100 HB13MB621B Electric Double Oven, £625, Currys

Add a modern touch to your home with this stainless-steel gas oven, which features a fan, grill, rotisserie options, animated interactive control panels, NeroVista glass panels and automatic ignition. Easy-clean enamel interior. 60ltr capacity. 

Smeg SF6341GVX Classic Built-in Single Gas Oven, £430, John Lewis

This high quality double oven offers modern styling in a stainless steel finish that will complement any kitchen. The elegant dial control knobs, 'U' form door design and curved bar handles are colour coordinated with the metallic control panel and the oven has excellent visibility, thanks to its extra-wide viewing windows. The top oven is a conventional oven with 2 operation modes for conventional heat and grilling. 35L capacity, perfect for cooking smaller amounts of food quickly. 

Neff U12S52N3GB Double Electric Oven, £519, John Lewis

This conventional oven has a graceful stainless steel exterior and plenty of cooking convenience for a pleasant and affordable cooking experience. The single oven design offers a family-friendly 61L capacity, plenty of room for a large meal. Also comes equipped with a combined variable grill. Built with easy to use dial controls and 6 different oven functions for more cooking flexibility. Easy-clean enamel.

Essentials CBCONX12 Electric Oven, £100, Currys

Enjoy cooking again with this built-in electric double oven from Hotpoint. The five functions, and LED display are easy to use. The 59L oven capacity is designed for everyday cooking. A double oven gives you the extra space to cook larger meals and combinations of food. The ability to use both ovens at separate temperatures gives you added flexibility to make your cooking experience easier. Stainless Steel.

Hotpoint UBS537CXS Electric Double Oven, £534, B&Q

The fridge freezer is one of the most important appliances in the kitchen and as technology has moved on, you'll want to consider new designs to make the right choice for your home. As entertaining at home becomes more popular, so have American-style fridge freezers. The main difference between traditional fridge freezers and American style is that the fridge and freezer sections are often side by side, or alternatively with double doors at the top and deep freezer drawers beneath. Some models have extra features such as integrated water and ice dispensers at the front for added convenience. Do you like salad crisp to the bite and your wine chilled to perfection? Ample interior storage and stay-fresh technologies make the latest large-capacity models an attractive choice. Clever extras, such as handy built-in ice and water dispensers, are tempting and add a level of convenience and luxury. All-singing, all-dancing, large American-style designs often include this function. Let us help you find your perfect design.

This fridge freezer has elegant double-door refrigeration and plenty of room in the deep pull-out freezer. Humidity controlled drawers safely and effectively channel out excess humidity, keeping fruit and vegetables crisp and fresh for longer, and there's a smart touch control panel that makes it easy to adjust the settings. 

Fisher & Paykel RF610ADX4 Fridge Freezer, £1999, John Lewis

This smart Manhattan silver fridge freezer has ample food storage space, and double doors. It has a huge fridge space with adjustable shelves that will contain spills and a water and ice dispenser. This appliance is also has an A+ energy rating. Five-year manufacturer’s warranty. 

Samsung RSG5UUMH American-style Fridge Freezer, £1250, Currys

This sleek design from LG has horizontal easy-open handles, keeps moisture at an optimum level for fresh, crisp food and a huge fridge space with adjustable shelves that will contain spills. It also features a water and ice dispenser. Energy efficiency rating A+ and a two-year warranty. 

LG GSL545NSQV American Fridge Freezer, £939, Debenhams Plus

One of the more affordable American-style fridge freezers, this still packs a punch with its 373-litre fridge and a 204-litre freezer. While this model does not have a water dispenser - it does have a chiller that cools your favourite drinks in double-quick time. Its A+ rating for energy will also keep your bills low, too. 

Daewoo FRAX22B3B USA-style Fridge Freezer, £700, Very

With three fridge shelves and six freezer drawers, this four-door fridge freezer has added technology that maintains a level of humidity that keeps fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. A+ Energy Rating and comes with a five-year guarantee. 

Servis FD91185SS American Style Fridge Freezer, £1179, Tesco Direct

The Siemens KA62DV00GB is a good option for busy families. With a large capacity, you can stock up for those family meals! It has a dispenser and frost free technology, which prevents the build-up of ice and means no manual defrosting, saving you time and energy in the long run. 

Siemens IQ-300 KA62DV00GB American Fridge Freezer, £1318, ao.com

We love the smart black finish and LCD display on this American-style fridge freezer. It has an A+ energy rating and the auto defrost fridge section offers 340 litres of usable fridge storage and 175 litres of frozen food storage. This fridge-freezer has frost free capabilities so you'll never have to worry about defrosting this appliance. 

Hotpoint SXBD925 American Fridge Freezer, £800, Argos

This Samsung RS7667FHCWW American-Style Fridge Freezer has an impressive 361-litre fridge capacity. The ice and water dispenser on the front also means you can easily serve up cool drinks. With five fridge shelves you can keep your meat, fish and dairy perfectly organised, and there's two drawers to keep salad and vegetables crisp and fresh. The freezer has a huge 184 litres of space. 

Samsung RS7667FHCWW American-style Fridge Freezer, £1430, Littlewoods

From Rangemaster's premium range of french-door style fridge freezers, this fridge is frost free, has a filtered water dispenser, automatic ice maker, flexible shelving and LED lighting. It has an A+ energy rating and two-year guarantee. 

Rangemaster 10815 DXD15 American-style Fridge Freezer, £2058, Homebase

As a stylish alternative to stainless-steel fridges, why not opt for this gloss cream design? This fridge is A+ rated for energy efficiency. The fridge section has three slide-out glass shelves, sealed clear crisper and adjustable humidity crisper, adjustable and standard door compartments and one dairy compartment. 

Britannia Montana American Style Fridge Freezer, £1528, John Lewis

Fridges contain harmful Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and must be disposed of safely. There are two simple ways to do this safely:

Recycle it

Your local authority recycling department can tell you if there is a disposal scheme in your area. Try the postcode search on www.recyclenow.com to find your nearest service.

Donate it

If it is in good working order there are also community organisations who accept donations of used white goods, try the Furniture Reuse Network or the British Heart Foundation for more information. Of course you can always ask family, friends and neighbours if they have a use for it or find a new home for it on Freecycle.

Consumer group Which? has uncovered 280 cases of exploding washing machines, with experts blaming larger doors, faster spin speeds and cheaper glass.

Terrified families explained how the doors exploded narrowly missing young children and pets.

Experts say the problem was being caused by coins, keys and belt buckles hitting the glass door at high speed and potentially weakening it over time.

Some 115 issues (41 per cent) of the 280 reports that Which? uncovered are about Beko machines, far more than the next brand (Hotpoint, 10 per cent). The figure is much higher than Beko's market share, which they estimate to be 10 to 20 per cent. If glass doors shattering affected all brands equally, you wouldn't expect to see this many complaints about Beko machines.

While the 280 reports may be tiny compared with the tens of millions of washing machines in UK homes, the potential danger posed by a shattering glass door is huge. And for those whose machines have exploded, it can be an extremely traumatic experience.

'There's no single clear and obvious reason why these glass doors are shattering. We've talked to several experienced repairers who suggested several possible factors. These ranged from people not using their machines correctly, to increases in the size of washing machine doors, to machines being made with lower-quality components,' according to Which?

It comes just months after tumble dryers were found to be Britain's second-biggest cause of house fires, with almost one bursting into flames every day.

You can reduce the odds of the glass shattering by washing items which have metal parts, such as buttons and zips, in a laundry bag, using a lower spin speed and by not overloading the machine - this can put too much pressure on the glass door.

Have you had any appliance disasters? Tell us all about it!

Ovens are an essential piece of kitchen kit, so make sure your cooker can stand the heat, be it a chic, built-in oven or a traditional range-style model. With countless programmes, easy-clean functions and huge capacities, cooking has just got a whole lot simpler.

Check out our buyer's guide on how to buy an ovens for everything from pricings to pros and cons.

How to buy a range cooker

What is it?
Range and range-style cookers are a versatile choice for larger kitchens, but before you buy, it's important to understand the difference between them.

A traditional range constantly radiates heat into its ovens and hob plates, so it's always ready to use, and in some cases can provide heating and hot water for the household. On the other hand, a range-style cooker works like a conventional oven, so it won't heat your home and you turn each oven and hob on and off as you use it.

ProsRange-style cookers offer a multitude of functions for the keen cook, such as large-capacity ovens, up to six hob burners, grill plates and a fish kettle. They come as standard gas and electric models, but for even greater flexibility, consider a dual-fuel option that offers a gas hob combined with electric ovens.

Cons
They can be expensive to buy and run.

Head to
Rangemaster, AGA, Belling, Rayburn

How to buy a fan oven

What is it?
Also called convection ovens, these have a fan (or two) set into the rear wall and surrounded by
a heating element. Many have a grill and a defrost setting, too.

ProsThey heat up quickly and ensure an even cooking temperature throughout. As fan ovens can reduce cooking time by around 10 per cent, they save energy and offer good value.

Cons
Convection cooking can dry food out, particularly cakes.

What's new?
‘Standard fan ovens are not changing in performance terms but, as customers want the flexibility of extra space, we are seeing models with larger capacities,' says Vic Sinclair, buyer for John Lewis.

Head to
Beko, Electrolux, John Lewis, Samsung, Zanussi.

How to buy a multifunction oven

 What is it?
With heating elements at the top and bottom, plus a grill and fan, these ovens cover a variety of cooking options. Some even have functions for pizzas, defrosting, and (on top-end models) steaming.

Pros
Cooks food in the most appropriate way, eg conventional for cakes, fan grilling for a roast. Will please old-school chefs, while the automatic programme technology will appeal to busy cooks.

Cons
Some offer a mind-blowing list of settings, from rotisserie to keep-warm, so you may feel you're paying for functions you won't use.

What's new?
Top-of-the-range multifunction ovens can select the perfect cooking sequence for your food through ‘intelligent' automatic programming technology, eg defrosting meat and then cooking it or cooking and then crisping the top of a dish.

Head to
Beko, Electrolux, John Lewis, Smeg, Wolf.

How to buy a steam oven

What is it?

Usually featuring a removable, integral water tank (although some are plumbed in), steam ovens use water vapour to cook food - fast. Pressurised models cook at 1000˚C higher than conventional ovens.

Pros
A speedy, healthy way to cook, as steaming seals in flavour and vitamins. Great for vegetables and fish, steam cooks gently, allowing dishes to retain their nutrients and texture.

Cons
Steam-only ovens can't brown or crisp food. Pressurised models can be too powerful for fish and desserts.

What's new?
Steam cooking is becoming popular as an option in combi-microwaves, multifunction and compact ovens. So what started as a specialist product is moving into the mainstream.

Head to
De Dietrich, Electrolux, Gaggenau, Hotpoint, Miele, Neff.

How to buy a single oven

What is it?
Single ovens are made up of one single cavity. A compact 45cm design offers around 40 litres of space - more than enough for a roast chicken. A regular oven can now squeeze in 70 litres - the capacity of old double ovens. Professional designs can offer 100 litres plus.

Pros
Not only does it slip seamlessly into your fitted scheme, but the latest designs also offer unrivalled capacity and features to make your mealtimes much easier. As well as the basic fan cooking, grilling and top/bottom heat, single ovens can boast rotisserie spits, pizza stones, steam injection, microwave, self-cleaning modes and even pre-programmed timers, temperature settings and sensors to take the guesswork out of cooking.

Cons
Only having one oven to cook with has its limitations, particularly if you need to grill and bake at the same time.

What's new?
Thanks to standardised dimensions, the vast majority of new single models will fit into your existing oven cavity, making it quick and easy to update without starting your kitchen from scratch. Some ovens now even come with pre-set temperatures and timings for a selection of popular dishes.

Head to
Beko, Hotpoint, John Lewis, Miele, Siemens, Wolf.

How to buy a double oven

What is it?
Double ovens are made up of two separate cavities - usually a conventional oven and grill above (with a 30-35l capacity) combined with a multifunction or fan oven below (with a 45-70l capacity).

Pros
Each oven works independently so they can be used together at different temperatures, or alone
to cook small meals economically. The joint capacity is greater than that of a standard 50-60l oven.

Cons
If you have two ovens, you're likely to use both of them, which will increase your fuel costs.

What's new?
‘Compact ovens that deliver both capacity and flexibility are becoming a popular alternative to standard double ovens,' says Les Wicks, head of product and buying at Beko. These include rows, blocks and columns of everything from steam ovens to warming drawers.

Head to

Beko, Hotpoint, John Lewis, Miele, Siemens, Wolf.

Take a look at our pick of the best ovens on product finder for more inspiration.

1 Best for... Delicates

The 11 drying programs, including Woollens and Silks Handcare, in this TKB 540 WP Condenser tumble dryer (H85xD63.6xW59.6cm) combine with Miele's famous Honeycomb Plus drum, that's specially designed to cushion and protect garments,to ensure your most precious clothes are dried safely.

2 Best for... Ironing-phobes

Boasting a Fast-Iron cycle - a short, heated, conditioning cycle that helps relax fabrics that may have become tangled or stiff - the DYC9913AX model (H85xW60xD60cm) takes the effort out of ironing. Hoover's innovative Aquavision in-door water reservoir also makes it easy to judge when collected condensed water needs emptying.

3 Best for... Speed

6th Sense technology in this HSCX 10443 dryer (H84.5xW59.6xD65.9cm) senses the level of moisture in each load and adapts to deliver excellent results, dramatically reducing energy use and drying time, for those that don't need it. A patented SteamCare system can be used to refresh garments that are not quite dirty enough for a wash.

4 Best for... Open-plan kitchens

With Twinair heat-pump technology, the D76SY2B tumble dryer(H85xW60xD60cm) is whisper quiet and returns negligible condensation back into the room, making it the perfect kitchen appliance for those without a separate utility. Its sleek jet-black finish will look smart, too, in a modern country scheme.

5 Best for... Low maintenance

Condenser dryers are a great option for those without the ability to externally vent, but keeping the condenser reservoir clean is a pretty tedious task. This clever WTY86791GB model (H84.2xW59.8xD63.4cm) avoids this thanks to its SelfCleaning system, which automatically cleans the condenser up to four times per drying process.

Looks will matter when it comes to choosing a new fridge-freezer, but capacity is every bit as important. Gone are the days when having a generous fridge meant wrestling with a minute freezer and vice versa - the latest wave of flexible refridgeration has one or two compartments that can be fridge or freezer on demand.

It's clever stuff that gives you ultimate flexibility. As we all know, our refrigeration needs are not the same day in, day out. If you are making bulk meals to freeze or want to take advantage of offers at the supermarket, you'll need extra freezer space. In summer, you're more likely to want more chiller space for meat for the barbecue and let's not forget the beer to go with it. Likewise, just after doing a big shop or when you are entertaining, you'll want more fridge space.

Pioneers of this kind of flexible refrigeration include AEG, Samsung, Haier and Beko. And the good news is, these appliances are not as expensive as you might think. Beko's Multi-Zone fridge freezer (shown above) starts at just under £500.

The big drawer

Such flexibility is not just for upright models. Fisher & Paykel's CoolDrawer (below) switches from refrigerator to freezer at the push of a button, offering an impressive five temperature settings - freezer, chill, fridge, pantry and wine - which makes it one of the most versatile options on the market. Frequent entertainers might consider installing a single drawer as an additional fridge to keep ingredients cold in the run up to an event then switching to chill mode to for serving beers and soft drinks.

Get the best from your appliance

Standard fridge-freezers also some great features to help tailor refrigeration. Many good-quality fridges have a fish/meat/dairy compartment, which maintains a constant temperature between zero and five degrees. Some offer precision-controlled humidity that's designed to keep food fresher for longer, preserving the nutritional value of fruit and vegetables. The official term is ‘zero-degree compartment' but manufacturers often have their own names.

Effective storage

And you can make the most of your appliance by selecting the correct humidity level and temperature for what you're storing - fresh vegetables need more humidity, while meat should be stored at zero degrees. Whirlpool's
6th Sense Fresh Control continually checks the humidity throughout the entire fridge, maintaining levels at 70 to 85 per cent. Look for cooler buttons, which let you to bring the temperature of the fridge down quickly if you've just filled it with a fresh shop.

Quick checklist

• A family of four requires around 250 litres of fridge-freezer space for a weekly cooking/shopping cycle

• The average side-by-side fridge freezer offers 340 to 380 litres of fridge
space and 160 to 180 litres of freezer capacity

• Fridge temperature should be set below 5° to keep food fresher for longer

• Most multi-zone compartments can be adjusted from -24° to 10° at the touch of a button

• According to Whirlpool, a modern fridge freezer can save the average household around £1,600 on food waste and energy during its lifetime

• Premium manufacturers offer modular units so you can create your own cooling wall. See Gaggenau's Vario Cooling series and Sub-Zero's integrated collection

You know the feeling... you come home ravenous and open the fridge, only to be confronted with an out-of-date yogurt, a brown lemon and a Tupperware container of unidentifiable furry leftovers.

Well, not any more, thanks to Samsung's latest innovation, the T9000 fridge-freezer.

Yes, it may sound more like a Terminator than a kitchen appliance, but this futuristic fridge and its army of apps could change your life.

Set an expiration date on its LCD screen as you put groceries or leftovers away and it'll remind you when they need to be eaten. 

Find yourself in need of culinary inspiration? It will search the Epicurious database of recipes and come up with suggestions based on the ingredients you've got to hand. 

It also runs the Evernote app, so you can add to your shopping list while your partner is at the supermarket and it will update the list on their smartphone accordingly. We have to admit, we like the idea of sending them out for a pint of milk, then sneakily adding extra items until they're unwittingly doing the entire weekly shop.

And that weekly shop might work out cheaper than usual, as you can expect coupons to pop up on the fridge's screen from time to time.

The T9000 isn't available in the UK yet, but when it does launch, we'll be first in the queue. Now, if it could just do the cooking for us, too...

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