Ease of cleaning is well worth considering at the outset. Stay clean liners resist dirt build-up but pyrolitic cleaning is the ultimate. It burns off all baked-on debris at 500°C so that all you have to do is sweep out the resulting ash. Look out for ovens with a steam cleaning facility, too, and remember that some ovens have removable inner doors that are easy to clean.

If you enjoy eastern cuisine, you can buy a speciality hob with a wok burner. Similarly if you are a BBQ fan, choose a BBQ grill. If you are left handed, go for front rather than right hand side controls as this eliminates the risk of reaching across the heat. If you cook for a large family, more than four rings may be useful, and if you have young children it may be worth considering paying a little extra for a hob guard or in the case of gas, choosing an automatic re-ignition or cut off device should the flame blow out.

The three-way tap delivers hot and cold water independently or mixed just like a normal kitchen mixer. For purified water in some cases, the centre lever or handle on the tap body is selected, and cold water is diverted to the purification unit which is fitted neatly away under the sink. After purification, the water is channelled through its own waterway inside the tap to deliver purified water at the point-of-use. Alternatives to this delivery system are also available.