Capacity: The kg rating is the maximum dry laundry weight for a specified programme.
Your loads: Choose for how much and how often you wash, allowing space for bedding. Only go larger if you need it.
Programme limits: Quick, wool and delicate washes may take smaller loads than cotton programmes. Check the model’s programme table.
Measuring & fitting
Appliance type: Freestanding washing machines and washer dryers are designed to stay visible. For a cupboard door, choose a compatible integrated model and check the cabinet, door and hinges. Similar dimensions alone do not confirm a fit.
Measure the opening: Check clear internal height, width and usable depth. For integrated models, measure behind the cupboard door, not the door itself.
Check full depth: Similar-width machines—even 8 kg and 9 kg models—can differ in depth. Quoted measurements may exclude projecting doors, handles or controls. Check what the exact model’s dimensions include.
Rear space: Allow the specified clearance for hoses, connections and ventilation.
Need help?: Bring your measurements, current model number and a photo. Browse our range for features, dimensions and availability.
Washing & care
Quick washes: Best for lightly soiled laundry. Use a full programme for heavier soiling or larger loads, following its load limit.
Avoid overloading: Do not pack clothes tightly. Overloading reduces movement, cleaning and rinsing, and repeated overloading strains the drum, bearings, suspension and motor.
Eco cycles: Lower temperatures and controlled water use allow longer washing with less energy spent heating water. Eco 40–60 is for normally soiled cotton labelled washable at 40°C or 60°C; it is not a guaranteed sustained 60°C wash.
More washing & care advice
Programmes & maintenance
Short, cool washes: Used correctly, quick washes are not inherently damaging. Frequent cool washes without maintenance, excess detergent and trapped moisture can lead to residue, mould and smells. A 30°C wash can suit everyday laundry but does not replace machine cleaning.
Eco temperatures: Heating the same amount of water from 15°C to 40°C takes less energy than heating it to 60°C. Eco savings are not simply slower heating, and there is no fixed 60°C–40°C reheating cycle. Follow your manual for a specific temperature or hygiene result.
Maintenance washes: Use a normal 60°C cotton wash for suitable laundry when care labels allow. For empty-drum cleaning, use Drum Clean or a 90°C cotton cycle only where the manual permits, following its cleaner instructions. Aim for at least three maintenance cleans yearly, or more if recommended. Eco 40–60 is not a substitute.
Door seal: Remove debris from the folds, then wipe and dry the rubber. Leave the door and detergent drawer ajar between washes where safe.
Detergent in soft water
Dosing: Soft water generally needs less detergent. Follow packet guidance for hardness, load and soiling. Excess detergent or softener can cause foam and poor rinsing; avoid extra splashes and never exceed the drawer’s maximum line.
Powder, liquid or pods: We recommend measured powder or liquid for soft water and smaller loads so the dose is adjustable. Pods are not automatically too strong: follow their load, dosing and placement instructions. Never cut or split a pod.
Common mistakes & simple checks
Shaking after installation: Transit bolts must be removed before use. Keep them for future transport, and have the machine levelled correctly. Ask the installer if unsure.
A quick wash is not always a full load: Check the programme’s own weight limit. A large drum does not mean the shortest cycle can wash it full.
Foam or poor rinsing: Check the detergent dose against load size, soiling and water hardness. Extra detergent does not mean cleaner clothes.
Follow your exact model’s manual. If a problem continues, contact the shop with the model number and any error code.
Compare dryer types, energy use, ventilation and room requirements.
Choosing
Three types. One quick guide.
Heat pump
Reuses heat
How it works
Recycles warmth. Water goes into a tank or compatible drain.
What to check
Energy use, cycle time and room temperature limits.
Condenser
Collects water
How it works
Water goes into a tank or compatible drain.
What to check
Tank access, ventilation space and running costs.
Vented
Vents outside
How it works
Warm, damp air leaves through a hose to the outside.
What to check
An outside vent route and the correct hose setup.
Energy use and cycle time
Energy and cycle time: Heat pump dryers reuse warmth and generally use less electricity than conventional condenser or vented dryers, but their programmes can take longer. Compare the energy labels and cycle information for the actual models you are considering.
Measuring & fitting
Check the room
Measure the appliance space and the route into the room.
Follow the ventilation clearances in the manual.
Allow room to open the door, empty the water tank and clean filters.
Optional drainage: Check plumbing compatibility for heat pump and condenser dryers. Not applicable to vented dryers.
Cold rooms: Heat pump dryers can take longer to dry clothes in cold rooms and may not work properly below their permitted temperature range. Choose a suitable indoor space, not an outdoor location or a garage that gets too cold. Many models require at least 5°C; check the exact limits in the model’s manual before buying.
Common mistakes & simple checks
Slow drying: Clean fluff filters after every use, empty the tank if not plumbed to a drain, and keep ventilation clear.
Condenser care: Follow the exact model’s instructions. A removable condenser and a heat-pump heat exchanger need different care; do not remove or rinse parts unless the manual permits.
Still damp?: Check the load limit, care labels and selected drying level. Iron-dry deliberately leaves laundry slightly damp; cupboard-dry is intended for putting away.
Follow your exact model’s manual. If a problem continues, contact the shop with the model number and any error code.
Compare typical 60 cm single, 70–72 cm built-under and 90 cm built-in double oven heights, and check the fit.
Choosing
Typical oven heights
Approximate appliance heights. Always check the exact model and housing.
Single oven
60 cm
Suitable housing under a worktop or in a tall unit.
Built-under double oven
70–72 cm
Fits a suitable space below the worktop.
Built-in double oven
90 cm
Fits a suitable tall kitchen unit.
Cooker oven layouts
Main oven and separate grill: One main oven with a dedicated grill compartment above it.
Double oven: A larger main oven below and a smaller second oven above, often with a grill function. Check the exact model to see which cooking functions each cavity provides and whether they can be used at the same time.
Need a freestanding cooker?
Freestanding cookers: A freestanding cooker combines an oven and hob in one appliance. When browsing our ovens and cookers, choose the appliance type and fuel to compare the right products. Bring measurements and a photo to our Carlisle showroom if you are unsure.
Measuring & fitting
Appliance height and fitting size
Check the housing: The sizes above are approximate product groups, not installation measurements. The housing opening and ventilation requirements can differ from the oven’s outside dimensions. A built-in double oven should not be assumed to fit a built-under double oven space.
Measure your space
Measure the actual cabinet opening’s internal height, width and usable depth. Do not use the oven’s front panel or a cupboard door as the fitting measurement.
The existing oven’s model number and installation arrangement.
Space for the door to open and for ventilation.
The position of any hob above the oven and its required clearances.
Connection and installation
Fitting requirements: Electrical requirements vary by model. Check the manufacturer’s installation instructions and speak to our team about suitable fitting arrangements before ordering. A similar-looking replacement can require a different connection.
Common mistakes & simple checks
Protect the oven floor: Do not line the base with foil or put trays directly on it. Trapped heat can damage the oven.
Check the selected function: Oven and grill settings are different. Use the correct function and shelf position, and follow the manual’s grilling door position.
Cleaning: Use products suitable for the oven lining. Follow the model’s instructions for catalytic or pyrolytic cleaning and which accessories to remove.
Follow your exact model’s manual. If a problem continues, contact the shop with the model number and any error code.
Check fridge/freezer splits, cabinet measurements and hinges before replacing an integrated appliance.
Choosing
Match the fridge/freezer split
Match your doors: 50/50 and 70/30 describe the layout; 70/30 gives more fridge space. Check the exact door alignment against the installation drawing—matching split labels alone do not guarantee a fit.
Measuring & fitting
Cabinet & hinges
Measure the cabinet opening’s internal height, width and usable depth—not the cupboard doors.
Record cupboard-door sizes and their dividing point separately.
Photograph the hinges and existing model label. Confirm sliding or fixed hinges are compatible; cabinet dimensions alone do not guarantee a fit.
Check ventilation openings and door-opening clearance.
Help before ordering
Bring photos, measurements and your current model number to 114–116 Botchergate, Carlisle, or contact us for help choosing and arranging installation.
Matching the split label alone: A 70/30 label does not confirm cupboard-door alignment. Compare the exact installation drawing with your existing doors.
Measuring cupboard doors instead of the opening: Use the cabinet’s internal dimensions to check the appliance fit, and record the door sizes separately.
Overlooking hinges or ventilation: Confirm the sliding or fixed hinge arrangement and the specified ventilation openings before ordering.
Follow your exact model’s manual. If a problem continues, contact the shop with the model number and any error code.
Compare solid plate, ceramic and induction hobs, with practical advice on fitting and pan care.
Choosing
Which hob suits you?
Solid plate: Traditional electric metal plates heat the pan by contact. Usually the budget option, but slower to heat up and cool down. A typical four-plate hob is around 6kW and normally hard-wired.
Ceramic: Electric elements heat zones beneath a smooth glass-ceramic surface. Works with most suitable flat-based pans; the glass stays hot after use. Typical four-zone models are around 6–7kW and normally hard-wired.
Induction: Magnetic technology heats the pan directly for fast, responsive cooking. Needs induction-compatible pans with magnetic bases. Standard four-zone models are often around 7.2–7.4kW and hard-wired; selected 13A plug-in models are also available.
Measuring & fitting
Power, connection and fit
Hard-wired hobs: Connect to a suitable cooker circuit, commonly 32A for standard four-zone models. A qualified electrician must check the exact hob rating, existing circuit and manufacturer’s instructions, including any oven sharing the supply. These hobs must not be fitted with an ordinary 13A plug.
13A plug-in hobs: Only models specifically approved for a UK 13A socket can plug in. Usually limited to about 3kW in total, they share available power between zones, so several pans cannot all heat at full power together. Check whether a plug is supplied.
Measure before ordering: Check the worktop cut-out, hob depth, ventilation and clearances above and below against the installation drawing. Bring your measurements, model number and a photo of the existing connection.
Using & caring
Protect the glass and your pans
Lift, don’t slide: Do not drag or slide pans across ceramic or induction glass. Dirty, gritty or rough bases, especially on older pans, can scratch the surface. Keep pan bases and the hob clean, and use smooth, flat-based cookware.
Clean with care: Follow the model’s cleaning instructions and avoid abrasive scourers. Ceramic and induction glass can remain hot after cooking; check the residual-heat indicator.
Common mistakes & simple checks
Scratched glass: Keep pan bases clean and smooth. Lift pans instead of sliding them over ceramic or induction glass.
Induction will not detect a pan: Check that the pan is induction-compatible, correctly centred and meets the zone’s minimum base size in the manual.
Less power with several pans: Some hobs share power between zones, especially 13A plug-in models. Check the model’s power-management instructions.
Follow your exact model’s manual. If a problem continues, contact the shop with the model number and any error code.
Hobs in store & to order
We hold a limited selection of hobs in store and can order others in. Contact our team to discuss suitable models, availability and fitting.
Choose the right fit and get better washing and drying results.
Choosing
Size and layout
Slimline or full size: Slimline models are usually about 45cm wide; full-size models about 60cm. Compare place settings, basket layout and space for your largest plates.
Useful features: Look for an adjustable upper basket, a cutlery tray or basket, and programmes that suit your routine. Check whether a quick programme includes drying.
Measuring & fitting
Measure the space
Freestanding or integrated: Measure internal height, width and usable depth, allowing for hoses and door opening. Integrated replacements also need compatible cupboard doors, hinges and plinth clearance.
Connections: Check the model’s water, drainage and electrical requirements. Keep connections accessible and have the installation checked before ordering if unsure.
Using & caring
Everyday care
Load for water flow: Scrape off loose food, place cups and bowls facing down, and leave gaps between items. Check that spray arms turn freely and the detergent dispenser can open.
Salt and rinse aid: Set water hardness to your local supply and follow the manual for dishwasher salt. Rinse aid helps drying and reduces water spots; all-in-one tablets do not automatically remove the need for separate products.
Clean the filter: Regularly clear the filter and spray-arm holes as the manual directs. Refit the filter properly before running another wash.
Common mistakes & simple checks
Poor cleaning or tablet left behind: Check for blocked spray arms, items covering the dispenser and a dirty filter before assuming there is a fault.
Wrong detergent: Use dishwasher detergent, never ordinary washing-up liquid. Use proper dishwasher salt where required, not table salt.
Wet dishes: Check rinse aid and whether the selected programme includes drying. Avoid assuming every quick wash gives the same drying result.
Follow your exact model’s manual. If a problem continues, contact the shop with the model number and any error code.
One appliance for washing and drying, with two different load limits.
Choosing
Understand the two capacities
Wash capacity versus dry capacity: An 8kg wash / 5kg dry model can wash up to 8kg on the appropriate programme, but only dry up to 5kg. Both figures refer to dry laundry weight; individual programmes may allow less.
Continuous wash and dry: Keep the load within the selected combined programme’s limit. After a full wash load, you may need to remove some items and dry in batches.
Measuring & fitting
Space and connections
Measure full depth: Allow for the door, hoses and required clearances. Integrated models must suit the cabinet, cupboard door and hinges.
Water during drying: Many condenser washer dryers use water while drying, so the supply must remain on. Follow the exact manual; do not assume a dry-only programme needs no water.
Using & caring
Get better results
Prepare the load: Check fabric care labels, separate unsuitable items and use an appropriate spin before drying. Leave room for laundry to move.
Routine cleaning: Clean the door seal, drawer and any user-accessible filters as directed. Follow the model’s drum-clean and lint-removal instructions.
Common mistakes & simple checks
A full wash load will not dry properly: Reduce it to the drying programme’s limit; do not pack the drum tightly.
Drying seems slow: Check the water supply where required, selected drying level and load size. Use the model’s stated programme time as your reference.
Quick wash-and-dry limits: Very short combined cycles are often for small loads. Check the programme table before adding a full basket.
Follow your exact model’s manual. If a problem continues, contact the shop with the model number and any error code.
Everyday advice for freestanding and integrated refrigeration: storage, temperatures, garage suitability and care.
Choosing
Choose your storage
Capacity and defrosting: Compare usable litres and shelf or drawer layout. Frost-free reduces routine freezer defrosting; low-frost and manual-defrost models still need defrosting as instructed.
Measuring & fitting
Fit and first switch-on
Measure the full space: Allow for doors, handles, ventilation and enough door opening to remove drawers. Measure the delivery route too; a quoted cabinet width alone does not confirm a fit.
After delivery: Follow the manufacturer’s standing time before switching on; it varies by model and how the appliance was transported. Let it reach the correct temperature before loading food.
Integrated replacement?: Use our separate integrated fridge freezer guide for cabinet measurements, door splits and hinge compatibility.
Garages & cold outbuildings
Check the exact model: Frost-free means automatic defrosting, not garage suitability. Check the permitted room temperatures and garage-use label. If “Not confirmed”, ask us before buying.
Cold can affect cooling: Below the permitted temperature, freezer contents can thaw even with power on, and fridge food can freeze. A power light does not confirm a safe food temperature.
Freezer-only protection: Some freezers work down to −15°C; this does not automatically cover the fridge compartment. Follow the exact manual and any cold-room settings.
Suitable location: Keep it dry, sheltered and ventilated, within its temperature limits. Garage approval does not mean weatherproof. Integrated models still need the specified cabinet.
Using & caring
Temperature and care
Check the actual temperature: Aim for about 4°C in the fridge, keeping it at 5°C or below, and normally −18°C in the freezer. A fridge thermometer helps check the real temperature.
Understand the control: Numbers on a dial are often cooling levels, not degrees: a higher number commonly means colder. Check your manual and allow time for the temperature to settle after adjustment.
Airflow and defrosting: Keep internal vents clear and doors properly closed. Defrost manual-defrost models as directed; never chip ice away with a knife or other sharp object.
Frost, droplets & drainage
What is normal?: In many auto-defrost fridges, light frost on the inside back wall melts between cooling cycles. Water drains to a rear tray, where compressor heat evaporates it.
Keep it clear: Leave space between food and the back wall. Clean an accessible drain hole as your manual directs.
When to check: Persistent thick ice, pooled water or food freezing in the fridge need checking. Heavy ice in a frost-free freezer is not part of this normal cycle.
Food freezing in the fridge: Check the temperature setting and move food away from the rear wall.
A light is not proof of cooling: Check the actual temperature if food seems warm or freezer contents soften. A powered appliance may still not be cooling correctly.
Ice building up: Check the door seal and that drawers or packaging are not holding the door open. Persistent heavy ice in a frost-free freezer needs checking.
Follow your exact model’s manual. If a problem continues, contact the shop with the model number and any error code.
A few simple preparations help our fitters complete your delivery smoothly.
Choosing
Tell us before delivery
Access and timing: Tell the shop about steps, stairs, narrow doors, tight turns, parking restrictions or other access difficulties. Flag essential arrival or leaving times when arranging delivery.
Fitting details: Send your current model number, measurements and photos if replacing an integrated appliance or changing appliance type. Tell us about any known plumbing or electrical issues.
Old appliance: Let us know if you want the old appliance recycled so the team can plan the job.
Measuring & fitting
Get the space ready
Clear the route: Move loose items out of the delivery route and clear the working area. Keep children and pets away while the fitters work.
Empty the old appliance: Remove laundry, dishes and belongings. For refrigeration, arrange suitable food storage and have the old appliance emptied and defrosted before collection; ask us about timing if unsure.
Leave disconnection to the team: For an agreed full-service installation, our fitters handle the old appliance’s disconnection where safe and suitable. Gas work needs the arranged qualified fitter. Tell the shop beforehand if anything is damaged, inaccessible or seized.
Using & caring
Before the fitters leave
Demonstration and first use: Ask the team about controls, suitable programmes and routine cleaning. For refrigeration, confirm when to switch on and load food.
Keep the details: Keep your receipt, model number and manual. Complete any registration required for a promotional or extended guarantee.
Common mistakes & simple checks
Do not measure only the final gap: The appliance also has to fit through the route into your home.
Mention changes early: Contact the shop if access, fitting details or an essential time requirement changes.
Leave disconnection to us: We disconnect your old appliance as part of our installation service. If it’s a gas appliance or wired directly into the electrics, contact the shop beforehand so we can confirm the arrangements.
Follow your exact model’s manual. If a problem continues, contact the shop with the model number and any error code.
