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.

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.

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.