Laundry

Drum size is measured in kilograms and refers to the weight of dry laundry the machine can handle per cycle.

6kg — suitable for 1 to 2 people. Compact and energy efficient.

7–8kg — ideal for a small family of 3 to 4. The most popular choice.

9–10kg — suits larger families or those who do big loads less frequently.

If in doubt, go a size up. A larger drum gives you flexibility and is no less energy efficient when running smaller loads on the right programme.

Freestanding machines stand alone and can go anywhere with the right plumbing. They are easier to install, easier to replace, and generally better value. Most homes in Shropshire are suited to freestanding.

Integrated machines sit behind a kitchen cupboard door for a seamless built-in look. They cost more and require a specialist fitting, but are ideal if a clean kitchen aesthetic matters to you. Our team can advise on fitting and recommend local installers.

Spin speed is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). A higher spin speed removes more moisture from your clothes, reducing drying time.

1000–1200 RPM — adequate for most households, gentler on fabrics.

1400 RPM — the most common choice, a good balance of drying efficiency and fabric care.

1600 RPM+ — maximum moisture removal, best if you use a tumble dryer and want clothes as dry as possible before they go in.

Washing machines are rated from A to G under the current EU energy label system. A-rated machines are the most efficient and the most expensive. Most mid-range machines today sit at B or C.

For a typical family running 4 to 5 washes a week, stepping up from a D-rated to a B-rated machine can save a meaningful amount on energy bills over the life of the appliance. Our team can help you work out whether the upfront cost difference pays off for your usage.

Vented dryers push warm, moist air out through a hose to the outside. They are the cheapest to buy but need to be positioned near an external wall or window. Fast and effective.

Condenser dryers collect moisture in a removable tank that you empty after each use. No external vent needed, so they can go anywhere. Slightly more expensive than vented but much more flexible on placement.

Heat pump dryers are the most energy efficient option — they use significantly less electricity than condenser or vented models. Higher upfront cost but lower running costs over time, making them the best long-term investment for regular dryer users.

Tumble dryer capacity should match or exceed your washing machine drum size, as clothes expand slightly when wet.

7–8kg — suits most households with a 6 to 8kg washing machine.

9–10kg — ideal if you have a large washing machine or regularly dry bulky items like duvets and bedding.

A washer dryer combines both functions in a single machine, making it ideal for smaller homes, flats, or utility rooms where space is limited. You only need one set of plumbing and one plug socket.

The main limitation is that the drying capacity is typically smaller than the wash capacity — a machine that washes 8kg may only dry 5kg in one go. If you regularly do large loads, separate appliances will be more practical. For one to two person households, a washer dryer is often the perfect solution.

For smaller households, yes. A washer dryer handles everything in one cycle with no need to transfer clothes between machines.

For families doing multiple loads per day, separate machines are more efficient — you can wash one load while the previous one dries. If you are unsure which suits your household, pop into our Ellesmere or Whitchurch store and our team will talk it through with you.

Yes. We offer local delivery and professional installation across Shropshire, Cheshire, and the North Wales border areas — including Ellesmere, Whitchurch, Oswestry, Wrexham, and surrounding villages.

Our delivery team will connect your new appliance, test it, and remove your old one if needed. Call our Ellesmere store on 01691 624427 or Whitchurch on 01948 662463 to arrange.

Yes. Both our Ellesmere and Whitchurch showrooms carry a range of washing machines, tumble dryers, and washer dryers from brands including Bosch, Siemens, Blomberg, Hoover, and more.

Our staff are on hand to answer your questions, compare models, and help you find the right appliance for your home and budget. No pressure, just honest advice from people who know their products.