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I am putting in a brand new kitchen in a flat and would appreciate all the advice I can get! Most of the time, the property will be used by my 2 student sons who are rather useless when it comes to housework so I need appliances that are fairly robust and reliable. I need a microwave, a dishwasher, a tall fridge-freezer, a washer-dryer (space is limited), an extractor, an oven and a hob. Although they are more expensive, built-in appliances would look neater and it would be easier to keep the kitchen looking clean (less gaps for food to fall in), but I have heard they are less reliable and cost more to repair. A built-in microwave would free up work-surface area, but I only need a basic one – most seem to come with grills etc. A frost-free fridge-freezer sounds like a good option, as I can’t see students defrosting the freezer. Although space is tight, a full-sized dishwasher is necessary as they never wash up! Is it true that the vibration from built-in washer-dryers damages the units? The glass hobs with touch controls look as though they would be easy to keep clean but I wonder what they are like to cook on and maintain – and which is best; ceramic, radiant or induction? – and do the touch controls work properly? I used to think German-engineered products were the most reliable, but now discover many of them are made in Spain! I am completely bewildered. Please help – general advice would be very useful and actual product recommendations would be even better. THANK YOU!!
Re: HELP! (in choosing student-proof kitchen appliances)
WOW where do you start?
Well for a microwave it has to be Sharp or Panasonic IMO…either built in or free standing.
As to built in appliances generally they are just as reliable, or unreliable as their freestanding counterpart…they are basically the same thing but in different skirts 😉 Of course free standing are significantly cheaper though.
I would definitely recommend separate washer and dryer if you can squeeze it somewhere, so much more practical for getting any real quantity of laundry done for students on the run 😆
Yes, frost free for the fridge/freezer too…no worrying about defrosting with sharp objects writing off the machine!
For a dishwasher i would certainly look at a Bosch in this case, yes probably built in spain but to german specifications…quality with value.
Others will no doubt chip in with their preferences of makes but there’s a start.
I would add though that whatever you buy will not be completely bomb-proof and a little student education about filters, salt in dishwashers, maximum load sizes etc would be a good investment too 😆
Re: HELP! (in choosing student-proof kitchen appliances)
Oh dear.
My business survives on maintaining the appliances in student properties around Leeds, and I can only say that the level of incompetance beggars belief. I don’t mind – it’s how I earn a living, after all.
There are no student-proof appliances. There are some machines with a better chance of survival than others, but they’re not the cheap and cheerful rubbish which most landlords provide.
You will pay much more for integrated appliances than the equivalent free standing ones, for little advantage. Given that students are far more interested in beer, girls (or boys) and Sky sports, appearance is the last of your concerns.
So….
A washing machine without a door handle is a good start.
Vented tumbledryer – much simpler.
Separate fridges and freezers rather than combi units; again much simpler.
A basic gas hob.
Single box electric fan oven.
Hood – why? they’ll stop using it when the bulbs fail, and it has to be vented to the outside to be of the slightest use.
Same with he vacuum cleaner, BTW – once the bag is full, it’s broken…….Have a bit of a think about what you’re trying to do. This is not meant to be a negative post, but you have to balance your investment and expectations against what is actually going to happen!
Penguin45.
Re: HELP! (in choosing student-proof kitchen appliances)
Thank you for your comments.
Unfortunately it would be impossible to squeeze in a separate dryer and washer, so I have to have a washer-dryer. Any suggestions for make/model for built-in or freestanding would be gratefully received. Also for oven, fridge, freezer make/model.
I appreciate that a gas hob is cheaper and simpler to use, but they can be awkward to keep clean and I can’t help wondering about the glass ones……
I realise that students are not bothered by appearance, but I hope to use the flat myself sometimes – this is not a student property as such – it will not be rented out – and I hope to reclaim it after 3 years, if it’s still standing!!
Thanks once again for taking the time to pass on your very useful advice.:DRe: HELP! (in choosing student-proof kitchen appliances)
TBH honest I have to agree with Chris.
Having seen some of the results caused by general student mayhem I suspect that a herd of drunken chimps would take more care of the property and appliances. 😉
Microwaves, what Clive says. There as idiot proof as you’ll get and likely to put up with at least a bit of torture and eminently capable of heating and re-heating pizza etc.
Oven, a basic fan oven preferably without a clock on it although you may be pressed to find that.
Washer dryer, well I dislike them all so I’m not really the person to ask although probably the best compromise on budget/quality in this instance is a Zanussi/Tricity one or a Bosch.
Fridge freezer, anything a keg of beer will fit into without damaging the fridge? 😉
Seriously, I’d go for a basic frost free if that’s what you’re after, again Zanussi/Tricity, Bosch or maybe even one of the better Beko machines.
Ceramic top and students… bad idea. They’re almost bound to smack it one and that will be the end of the hob. I’d stick with solid plates if you want electric.
If you could guarantee that the appliances would be treated with some respect then the choices may be a bit different but, what’s been suggested should (we hope) get you past the 3 year mark without too much trouble or expense. But, I very much doubt that any sane man (or woman) would guarantee that students will behave in their own flat, with beer and friends.
K.
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