Intelligent appliances and how to buy the best for your home

Kya deLongchamps applies a cool clean eye to the latest and best in washers, fridge freezers and dishwashers and sifts best value from the varied offerings.

You have that limousine of a cooker parked in position, so what about the other three vehicles to civilised living, the fridge-freezer, dishwasher and washing machine?

Budget or luxury with energy efficiency is now pretty much standard, so choice is down to quality and detailing. Consider your available space to place the machine; essential features you cannot do without and simple ergonomic improvements that could make all the difference when buying an appliance.