Appliances are where kitchen budgets can spiral without warning. The range of choice is enormous — from budget brands that do the job adequately to premium German engineering that will last 20 years. This guide helps you decide what’s worth spending on, what you can save on, and what the best options are at every price point in 2026.
Ovens: Built-In vs Range Cooker
The first decision is whether you want a built-in oven (set into a tall unit) or a range cooker (a freestanding appliance combining hob and oven). Built-in ovens are the more popular choice in new kitchen installations — they free up worktop space and allow you to position the oven at eye level, which is both practical and safer.
Built-In Ovens: What to Look For
- Fan-assisted (multifunction): Essential — fan ovens cook more evenly and are 20–30% more energy efficient than conventional ovens
- Pyrolytic self-cleaning: Worth the extra cost if you roast frequently — the oven heats to 500°C and burns off grease. Saves significant cleaning time
- Capacity: 70–75 litres is ideal for most families
- Steam function: Increasingly popular — adds moisture and produces better bread, pastry, and vegetables
Recommended Built-In Ovens by Budget
- Budget (under £300): Hotpoint SI4854HIX — reliable, well-reviewed, decent feature set
- Mid-range (£400–£700): Bosch Series 4 HBA534BS0B — excellent build quality, great cooking performance, Bosch reliability
- Premium (£800–£1,500): Neff Slide & Hide B6ACH7HH0B — the slide-and-hide door is genuinely useful, exceptional cooking results
- Luxury (£1,500+): Miele H7164B — outstanding build quality, will last 20+ years, pyrolytic cleaning, excellent fan distribution
Hobs: Induction vs Gas vs Ceramic
This is one of the most debated choices in kitchen planning right now. Gas has been the traditional preference of serious cooks for decades, but induction has overtaken it in both sales and critical acclaim.
Induction Hobs
Induction uses electromagnetic technology to heat the pan directly rather than the hob surface. This means near-instant heat, precise temperature control, and a glass surface that doesn’t burn (spills don’t cook onto it). Energy efficiency is excellent — only the pan gets hot, not the air around it.
You’ll need induction-compatible pans (anything with a magnetic base — most modern pans qualify). Induction hobs range from £200 to £2,000+. For most homeowners, a mid-range Bosch, Siemens, or AEG induction hob at £400–£700 is the sweet spot.
Gas Hobs
Gas provides instant visual feedback — you can see the flame, adjust it intuitively, and use any pan. Professional chefs often prefer it for wok cooking. However, with the UK’s push toward electrification and rising gas prices, gas is increasingly less cost-effective to run. New-build homes are now being built without gas connections in many areas.
Ceramic (Electric) Hobs
The budget option. Ceramic hobs are cheaper than induction and work with all pan types, but they’re slower to heat, harder to clean (spills cook on), and less energy efficient. Avoid unless budget is the only consideration.
Our recommendation: Induction for almost everyone in 2026. The technology is mature, prices have come down, and the cooking performance is exceptional.
Dishwashers: Do You Need a Full-Size?
A 60cm full-size dishwasher holds 13–15 place settings and is the right choice for families. Slimline 45cm models hold around 9 place settings and suit couples or small kitchens. The best all-round dishwasher at mid-range is consistently the Bosch SMS4HVW01G — quiet (42dB), efficient, and reliable. At the premium end, Miele G7110SC offers exceptional longevity and wash performance.
Key features to look for: energy rating (A or A+ is now the standard), noise level (under 44dB for open-plan kitchens), half-load option, and adjustable upper basket.
Extractors: How Powerful Do You Need?
An extractor fan is often underspecified. The rule of thumb is that your extractor should cycle the kitchen’s air volume at least 10 times per hour — more if you cook frequently or have a gas hob. For a 25m³ kitchen (average for a UK extension), you need at least 250m³/hour extraction capacity.
Decide between ducted (extracts air outside via a duct — most effective) or recirculating (filters and returns air — no duct required, easier to install). If possible, always choose ducted. Island extractors, ceiling extractors, and integrated downdraft extractors are premium options that work well in open-plan spaces.
What to Save On
Not every appliance needs to be top-of-the-range. Here’s where experienced renovators tell us you can safely spend less:
- Fridge-freezer: Unless you want an American-style unit for the look, a good mid-range fridge-freezer from Samsung or LG will serve you excellently for 15+ years at £400–£600
- Microwave: A £150–£250 Panasonic or Sharp will do everything you need
- Washing machine: Keep it separate from the kitchen discussion — a Samsung or Beko at £450–£600 is excellent value
What to Spend On
- Oven: You use it every day — buy the best you can afford. A Bosch or Neff at £500–£800 is the sweet spot for most
- Induction hob: This is your main cooking surface. Don’t compromise here
- Extractor: A genuinely powerful extractor makes your kitchen more pleasant to cook in and protects your new cabinets from grease damage
Have a specific appliance question? Our community has real experience with hundreds of brands and models — ask in the Kitchen Design Ideas UK Facebook group and get honest answers from homeowners who’ve used them.