Moving into a new home is expensive enough without discovering the oven doesn’t fit the gap or the washing machine is a decade past its best. I’ve watched enough buyers sink thousands into emergency replacements within weeks of moving in to know that appliance planning is rarely treated with the seriousness it deserves. Cut your laundry costs by £184 this year — that’s the kind of saving possible when you choose wisely from the start, rather than grabbing whatever is available on moving day. Here’s what you actually need to know.
Getting the appliances right before you move saves money, time, and a lot of frustration. I’ve seen too many people assume they can sort it later, only to end up overpaying for rushed choices. If you’re still working through the bigger picture of your purchase, it’s worth reading about avoiding buyer’s remorse with a proper checklist — appliances are just one piece of that puzzle. A carbon monoxide alarm is one of those small purchases that makes a big difference in safety from day one.
What standard appliance sizes actually mean for your new kitchen
The most expensive mistake I see is buying an appliance that simply doesn’t fit. UK kitchens are built around standard dimensions, but “standard” doesn’t mean universal. A single oven is typically 60cm wide. A built-in hob is usually 60cm or 90cm. Fridge freezers range from 50cm to 70cm in width. Washing machines and dishwashers are generally 60cm wide, though slimline dishwashers come in at 45cm. These numbers look straightforward until you realise your new kitchen’s cabinet gap is 59.5cm.
My advice is to measure every gap yourself with a tape measure — don’t rely on the estate agent’s details or the seller’s word. Write down width, height, and depth, including space for ventilation and connections. If you’re unsure about the legal side of what’s included in the sale, it’s worth understanding property ownership rights around fixtures and fittings before you assume anything stays.
Why energy efficiency saves you more than you think
The new UK energy label, introduced in 2021, rescales everything from A to G. An appliance that was A+++ under the old system might now be a B or C. That sounds like a downgrade, but it’s just a stricter scale. What matters is that appliances rated A or above under the new system will cost significantly less to run over their lifetime. If you’re buying a washing machine, for example, the difference between a D-rated and an A-rated model could save you well over £100 in electricity and water bills across a few years.
Consider a typical household running a washing machine four times a week. An efficient model uses less water per cycle and requires less energy to heat it. Over 10 years, that saving adds up to real money — money you’d rather keep than hand to the utility company. I’d always prioritise energy rating over brand or aesthetics, because the running cost is what you’ll feel every month, not the colour of the control panel.
If you’re buying a home with an older kitchen, the existing appliances may be from before the new labels existed. That’s a negotiating point. You can factor the cost of replacing inefficient models into your offer or ask the seller to contribute. A smoke alarm with a long-life battery is another small upgrade that pays for itself in peace of mind.
Where buyers get appliance decisions wrong
I’ve seen the same patterns repeat. Buyers rush, assume, or prioritise the wrong things. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Buying before measuring the space properly
This is the number one error. You find a great deal on a fridge freezer, snap it up, and then realise it’s 2cm too wide for the alcove. Returns on large appliances are a hassle, and many retailers charge restocking fees. Measure the space, including the door swing and any overhead cabinets, before you even open a browser tab. If the gap is tight, look for models with adjustable feet or reversible doors.
Ignoring the energy label entirely
Around half of buyers I’ve spoken to don’t check the energy rating until after installation. By then, it’s too late. The new label is designed to be clearer, but you still have to look. An A-rated dishwasher might cost £100 more upfront than a D-rated one, but over 10 years the saving on your electricity bill will more than cover the difference. Check the label before you check the price tag.
Assuming the seller’s appliances are included
Some sellers take everything, including the integrated washing machine. Others leave a 15-year-old model that’s on its last legs. The safest approach is to ask explicitly and get it written into the contract. If the appliances are staying, ask for the model numbers and check their age and efficiency. If they’re going, factor the replacement cost into your budget. A leasehold vs freehold understanding can also affect what you’re responsible for replacing in some properties.
Overlooking drum size and spin speed
A washing machine’s drum size (8kg, 9kg, or 10kg) determines how much laundry you can do in one load. A 10kg drum handles larger loads, which means fewer cycles and lower energy use overall. Spin speed (1400rpm or 1600rpm) affects how dry clothes come out — higher spin speeds mean shorter drying times. If you don’t have a tumble dryer, a 1600rpm machine is worth the extra cost.
→ Scroll right to see all columns
| Appliance | Standard Width | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single oven | 60cm | £250 – £1,500 |
| Built-in hob | 60cm or 90cm | £150 – £1,200 |
| Fridge freezer | 50–70cm | £300 – £2,000 |
| Washing machine | 60cm | £250 – £1,200 |
| Dishwasher | 60cm or 45cm (slimline) | £250 – £1,000 |
If you’re replacing multiple appliances at once, delivery and installation logistics matter. Some retailers charge for removing old units, and not all will connect the new ones. Check what’s included before you pay.
Writing about topics like this takes real time and research. If you buy something through an Amazon link on this page, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It’s one of the things that makes it possible to keep BritWealth free to read. I only link to products that are genuinely relevant to the article.
How to choose the right appliances for your new home
This section walks through the practical steps I’d take if I were moving into a new UK property tomorrow. The goal is to avoid regret and get the best value for your money.
Measure everything twice before you buy anything
Start with the spaces where appliances will go. Measure width, height, and depth. Note where the power sockets and water connections are — they may dictate which side of the appliance the cable or hose needs to be. If you’re buying built-in appliances, measure the cabinet housing, not the old appliance. Old appliances can be smaller than the housing if they were installed with filler panels. Write the measurements down and keep them with you when shopping.
Prioritise energy rating over brand
Under the new UK energy label, aim for A or above. The label shows estimated annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which you can multiply by your unit rate to get a rough running cost. A dishwasher rated A might use 220 kWh per year, while a D-rated model uses 290 kWh. At 28p per kWh, that’s nearly £20 a year saved — and the gap widens with higher-use appliances like fridge freezers that run 24/7.
Match the appliance to your household size
A couple in a one-bedroom flat doesn’t need a 10kg washing machine or a 70cm American-style fridge freezer. A family of five probably does. Think about how you actually live. If you cook from scratch daily, invest in a good oven and hob. If you eat out often, a basic model will do. The same logic applies to dishwashers — a slimline 45cm model works for two people, but a full-size 60cm is better for a family.
Check what the seller is leaving and negotiate accordingly
If the seller is leaving appliances, ask for the model numbers and check their age. Most appliances last 10–15 years depending on usage. A 12-year-old washing machine is near the end of its life. Factor replacement into your offer. If the seller is taking everything, you’ll need to budget for a full set of appliances before or just after moving day. A look at affordable financing options can help if the upfront cost feels steep.
- 1Measure every appliance spaceWidth, height, depth, and location of power and water connections. Write it all down.
- 2Check the energy labelA or above under the new UK system. Calculate annual running cost using the kWh figure.
- 3Confirm what the seller leavesGet it in writing. Check model numbers and age. Negotiate replacement costs if needed.
- 4Budget per applianceUse the price ranges in the table above. Don’t overspend on one item at the expense of another.
- 5Arrange delivery and installationCheck if the retailer removes old units and connects new ones. Book delivery for after you have the keys.
Frequently asked questions about buying appliances for a new home
Should I buy appliances before or after I complete on the house? ▾
What if the seller’s appliances are old but still working? ▾
How do I know if an appliance will fit through my door? ▾
Is it worth paying more for a higher energy rating? ▾
What’s the difference between integrated and freestanding appliances? ▾
Can I claim VAT back on appliances for a new home? ▾
The key takeaway is simple: measure first, check the energy label, confirm what the seller leaves, and budget realistically. Don’t let the excitement of a new home push you into rushed decisions that cost you for years. If this was useful, you might also want to read is now a good time to buy? Debating the UK property market’s future.
Sources and Further Reading
Escaping the estate agent game: UK home buying hacks you never knew — Practical strategies for navigating the buying process beyond just the appliances.
Understand mortgage approval factors for first-time buyers — Essential reading if you’re still securing your financing before the move.
The ultimate kitchen appliance buying guide for UK homes 2026 edition. Core Appliances, 2025.
How to choose the right kitchen appliances for your home UK. The Kitchen Box, 2025.
Appliances news and reviews. Which?, 2025.
