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Essential Appliances You Should Never Scrimp On

There are a few household appliances we really can’t live without. They help us store food and make nutritious dinners for our friends and family. They heat our homes, clean our clothes and keep our kitchen kit hygienic. As a key part of our daily lives, it’s worth spending a little more on these items so you can be sure they’ll serve you well and stand the test of time. Save money elsewhere but these are the four appliances you should never scrimp on…

Oven

The oven is arguably the heart of any home, and at the very least, the kitchen. The first official one was built all the way back in 1490. That fact alone tells you just how essential this kitchen gadget is. Unlike the first makeshift model made with brick and tile, today we have much more sophisticated set-ups. If you’re a big foodie, love to cook or have to feed a growing family, you’ll need an oven that’s powerful, reliable and ideally, easy to clean.

Your options

Best time to buy

The ideal time to bag a top-quality oven, for less, is September-December. This is when brands tend to release their newest models. In November, there’s also Black Friday which is a good time to see what discounts are available. And as winter gets closer, Christmas deals start popping up to entice consumers. Cost comparison site PriceRunner thinks December and January are cheapest.

Washing machine

Are you up for cleaning your clothes the old-fashioned way with a washboard, scrubbing brush and mangle? Or can you afford to splurge on weekly dry cleaning? We didn’t think so. That’s why a washing machine is an essential part of every household. Sitting in the kitchen or tucked away in the utility, they clean our clothes at the click of a button. They aren’t 100% effort-free but they do help us an awful lot. These timesaving appliances are younger than ovens, but the first one with a drum was made in 1851. Not long after, a British inventor was responsible for the first commercially successful model in 1868.

Your options

Best time to buy

The jury is out on the perfect time to buy. Some sources say springtime is when you’ll find lots of good deals. This might be because stores are getting rid of their older models to make room for the latest ranges, popping up ready for people to buy the following year. Black Friday in November and January sales might have some surprising discounts too.

Dishwasher

Some people are adamant they don’t need a dishwasher. They prefer good old soapy water and cleaning their crockery by hand. If that works, go for it. But if you would prefer a machine, it doesn’t mean you’re lazy. A dishwasher gives you unbeatably hygienic cleaning – often using less energy and water than a full sink after dinner. The hot water and powerful disinfectants you chuck in kill of bacteria and leave plates sparkling. Choose one that’s the right size with the right settings for your lifestyle.

Your options

Best time to buy

Every Summer, dishwasher makers release new products. So there’s deals to be had in May as they start to make space. You might also spot discounts in September and October. This is down to manufacturers clearing their warehouses of older models to make room for Christmas sale products. If buying outright is too expensive, you can even rent appliances. It’s similar to finance but there’s no hefty deposit and lots of extra benefits like free delivery, repairs and servicing.

Boiler

You might not think of a boiler as a household appliance. That’s because in our modern world, they are so crucial you forget about them. They’re a key source of heat, pumping warm water through your pipes into your radiators and central heating. Buying one that’s reliable, effective and efficient couldn’t be more important. Nobody wants a noisy one that clunks all night either. But they are a pricey investment so a long warranty helps too.

Your options

Best time to buy

You’re unlikely to get a real bargain on a boiler because they’re always in demand. However, as temperatures drop in Autumn, companies do see a big increase sales. If you think yours needs replacing, try and pre-empt a breakdown. Source and get a new one installed in the quieter spring and summer months to avoid inflated prices or long waiting lists.

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