If you enjoy washing by hand, no! However modern machines use less water, detergent and power than ever before and wash hotter using really powerful cleaners giving a hygienic wash result. You can save around 500 hours a year so it is worth thinking about. If you have a small kitchen or live alone, choose a slimline model.

Added features such as ice making and drinks dispensers can all add to the appeal of certain models. Ice making is an option on many American style fridge-freezers, sometimes available without opening the door, as are cold water dispensers. Zoned models offer several storage areas, all at different temperatures, designed to keep a variety of foods fresh for longer. Most manufacturers now offer adjustable shelf heights and storage units which simplify food storage.

Of course the market for bottled water is still massive, but you might be interested, even surprised to know that one of the largest growing sectors in water consumption at home is in the installation of water filter systems, that provide virtually unlimited quantities of pure water, straight from the mains, through a dedicated tap that provides water, pure and simple.