Before buying any new white goods appliance, it pays to do your research. Brand names can be misleading – many are made by the same manufacturer to the same specification. Our engineers’ buying guides cover what to look for, what to avoid, and how to get the best value for money across washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, fridge freezers, and more.
Read This Before You Buy Any Appliance
Most people spend more time choosing a new phone than a new washing machine – yet a washing machine is used every day, costs several hundred pounds, and is expected to last a decade. Getting it wrong is an expensive mistake.
Our engineers’ buying guides are written from 40+ years of repair experience. They look at what actually matters – reliability, repairability, and long-term value – not just the features listed on the box.
Our buying advice is written by repair engineers who see which brands fail most often – and which hold up over time.
Whitegoods Help does not sell appliances. Our advice has no commercial interest in which brand you choose.
We cover the things that appliance retailers and manufacturers rarely mention – including the pitfalls of integrated appliances, brand ownership, and extended warranties.
A cheaper appliance that fails in four years is more expensive than a reliable one that lasts twelve. Our guides help you understand the true cost of ownership.
Vital Safety Warning – Fridge and Freezer Buyers
Some fridges and freezers on sale in the UK have rear panels made from flammable plastic, which can significantly increase fire risk if the appliance develops a fault. Which? have tested and identified models that failed their fire safety checks. Though relatively rare, fires involving fridges and freezers do occur – and having a flammable plastic back should be unacceptable in any appliance sold to UK consumers.
Always check independently before purchasing. See our fridge freezer buying guide for more information.
Five Things Engineers Know That Buyers Usually Don’t
After 40 years in appliance repair, our engineers have seen the same buying mistakes made repeatedly. These five tips address the issues that cost UK households the most money.
1. Many competing brands are made by the same manufacturer
A large proportion of the appliances on sale in UK retailers are built by a small number of global manufacturers – and sold under dozens of different brand names. If you had a bad experience with one brand, there is a real chance its apparent competitor is made to the same specification by the same factory.
Read our full guide: who really makes your appliance?
2. Integrated appliances have significant downsides
Built-in appliances are desirable in fitted kitchens, but they are more expensive, harder to repair, and more disruptive to replace. When an integrated appliance fails, you may find yourself paying for cabinetry work as well as the appliance itself. Read our full guide: pros and cons of built-in appliances.
3. Extended warranties are rarely good value
Retailers push extended warranties aggressively because the margins are high. For most appliances, your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 already provide meaningful protection for premature failures – potentially without the need to pay for extra cover. Read our full guide: should I buy an extended warranty?
4. Repairability matters as much as reliability
Some brands are designed to be repaired by independent engineers using widely available parts. Others use proprietary components, restrict parts availability, or design appliances that are difficult to work on. If long-term ownership matters to you, repairability should be part of your buying decision.
5. Where you buy matters for consumer rights
Under the Consumer Rights Act, your contract is with the retailer – not the manufacturer. This affects what happens when something goes wrong. Buying from a large retailer with a clear returns policy and a track record of honouring statutory rights matters more than most people realise. Read our guide: two types of online appliance website.
For the full version of this advice, read our detailed guide: five tips for buying a new appliance.
Buying Guides by Appliance Type
Each section below links to dedicated buying advice for that appliance category – covering what to look for, what to avoid, and which brands our engineers consider the most reliable.
🫧 Washing Machines
What to look for, which brands to consider, and how to choose the right capacity and programme range for your household.
🌀 Tumble Dryers
Vented, condenser, and heat pump – the differences explained, with advice on which type suits your home.
❄️ Fridges and Freezers
Buying advice for fridge freezers, including the fire safety warning about flammable plastic backs.
🚪 Built-in Appliances
The full pros and cons of integrated appliances – and why free-standing is often the more practical long-term choice.
Appliance Reviews from Whitegoods Help
There has never been so many different appliances to buy – but most brands are nothing special and extremely similar to their competition. In fact much of the so-called competition is often just other brands made by the same big manufacturer, sharing many parts. If you were unhappy with your last appliance, make sure you don’t inadvertently buy from the same manufacturer.
Washing Machine Reviews
- Which is the best washing machine to buy?
- Washing machines to avoid
- Miele washing machines
- Are there any downsides to Miele washing machines?
- Miele washing machine user review
- Miele direct enamel coating
- Are Samsung Ecobubble washing machines any good?
- Panasonic washing machines
- Smeg WMFABAZ1 Washing Machine Review
- Gorenje washing machines
- ISE Washing Machines Overview
- Indesit Moon washing machine
Tumble Dryer Reviews
- Most energy efficient tumble dryer
- White Knight gas tumble dryers
- Electrolux tumble dryer tries ironing too
- The amazing Dryer Balls?
Other Reviews
More Buying Advice
- Five tips for buying a new appliance
- Should I buy a washing machine extended warranty?
- Free 5 year parts guarantees – are they worth having?
- Two types of online appliance website – which is best to buy from?
- Buying an appliance for a rented property
- Should I buy a smart appliance?
- Who really makes your appliance?
- How do you pronounce Miele?
Never attempt to install or reconnect a gas or electrical appliance unless you are qualified to do so. Gas appliances must only be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Electrical installation should be carried out by a competent person. For appliance safety recalls and notices, visit the OPSS product safety database on GOV.UK.
Whitegoods Help has free fault guides, error code lookups, and spare parts advice covering over 50 common appliance faults.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which washing machine brand is most reliable?
Reliability data from independent repair engineers points consistently to Miele as the most durable brand, followed by Bosch and Siemens. Budget brands tend to use cheaper components and have shorter typical lifespans. However, reliability also depends on usage – a heavily used machine in a large household will wear faster than one used lightly. Read our guide to which washing machine to buy for detailed brand guidance.
Are budget appliances worth buying?
Sometimes – for low-use situations such as a second home or a single-person household, a budget machine may be perfectly adequate. However, budget appliances typically use cheaper components, have shorter lifespans, and may be uneconomical to repair when they fail. For a busy family household, mid-range or above is usually better value over five to ten years.
Is it worth buying an integrated appliance?
Integrated appliances look neater in a fitted kitchen, but they cost more, are harder to repair, and are more disruptive to replace. When an integrated appliance fails, you may need to refit cabinetry as well as replace the appliance itself. For most households, free-standing appliances offer better long-term value. Read our full guide: pros and cons of built-in appliances.
Should I buy an extended warranty?
In most cases, no – particularly for mid-range and premium appliances. Your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 already give you meaningful protection if an appliance fails prematurely, without any additional cost. Extended warranties also carry significant limitations. Read our detailed guide: should I buy an extended warranty?
Are smart appliances worth buying?
Smart features can be useful in specific situations – for example, if your appliance is in a garage or outbuilding, or if you want to track energy use. For most households, smart features are rarely used after the first few weeks. More importantly, smart appliances depend on ongoing manufacturer software support – if the app is withdrawn, smart functions stop working permanently. Read our full guide: should I buy a smart appliance?
What are my rights if a new appliance develops a fault?
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and durable. If a fault develops within 30 days you are entitled to a full refund. Within six months, the fault is presumed inherent and the retailer must repair or replace it. After six months, you can still make a claim but must demonstrate the fault was not due to wear or misuse. Read our full guide: faulty appliances and the Consumer Rights Act.