A large number of freezers have eliminated defrosting by continually circulating the air inside the freezer compartment, thus avoiding frost build-up -- a feature well worth paying a little extra for.

Dual-flow mixers provide independent hot, cold or mixed water after leaving the end of the spout. They can be deck-mounted on the sink or pillar/bridge-mounted for a more traditional look. Alternatively, choose a monobloc tap, which is a single-hole fitting that usually has two handles for hot and cold water supply.

The choice of sink materials is huge. Stainless steel is self-healing, hygienic and co-ordinates with the latest trend in appliances. Fireclay or ceramic sinks are solid and traditional with the latter being available in a core range of colours such as blue and green as well as white.