Kitchen appliances: compare quotes and prices

Define the job you want to commission

You may need a new appliance supplied and fitted, replacement of existing devices or installation of a product you have already bought. Advice before purchase and delivery without fitting can also be separate jobs. Replacing several appliances does not automatically require a whole new kitchen.

Repairing an existing appliance is a different service from replacing it. Assembly of an entire set of kitchen cabinets belongs to kitchen fitting. If additional work is needed, describe the interfaces and ask the contractor to confirm what they will undertake.

Start with use and functions

State the appliance types involved and your priorities. For an oven these might be usable capacity, controls or cleaning; for a dishwasher, loading and noise; for a fridge, storage volume and layout. A combination appliance remains one physical unit, even if it provides several functions.

Compare the applicable energy information within the same appliance category and for similar capacities. Labelling is not identical across every category. Declared consumption reflects specified conditions; actual consumption also depends on use. Extra functions are most useful when you expect to use them regularly.

• Everyday operation. Consider reach, door opening and understandable controls together.
• Combinations. Check oven, hob and extractor together where their installation conditions affect each other.
• Choice still open. You do not need an exact model for the first enquiry. State your priorities and ask for suitable alternatives.

Check cabinet space, fronts and cut-outs

For built-in appliances, the clear width, height and depth of the recess matter. The outside dimensions of the old appliance do not replace this check. Labels such as 55 or 60 cm provide a reference but do not guarantee interchangeability. Ventilation, fixings and door movement also depend on the model.

For an integrated fridge or dishwasher, the existing furniture front must suit the new fixing system and cabinet arrangement. A hob depends on the cut-out and worktop; an extractor also on its position and air route. Changes may require separate cabinet, worktop or ventilation work.

Approximate dimensions already known, in centimetres, help with the enquiry. If they are unavailable, arrange a fit check before placing a final order. You do not need to remove heavy appliances or open concealed connections. The responsible contractor confirms ordering dimensions and technical suitability.

Agree connections and professional responsibility

An existing connection does not automatically mean the new appliance can be connected without alteration. The contractor checks the product requirements and conditions on site. For a dishwasher, water, drainage and hose routes matter; cooking appliances depend on electricity supply and gas appliances on the appropriate gas installation.

Fixed electrical connections and work on gas connections belong to appropriately authorised professionals. Ask whether this work is included or needs separate coordination. Not every appliance supplier undertakes changes to building services or kitchen furniture.

For an extractor, the intended operating mode, existing air route and any filters need to work together. State what you already know. You do not need a connection drawing or your own technical diagnosis to make an enquiry.

Account for supplied products and old appliances

State which appliances will be replaced and whether the new products are already ordered or available. Known model references help preparation. The contractor should confirm whether they fit customer-purchased appliances and which accessories are needed.

Clarify removal, disconnection, collection and disposal of the old appliance. Retaining a furniture front or altering trim panels may also matter. Returning a device to a suitable collection point differs from collection out of the kitchen: carrying and transport are not automatically free.

If you are weighing repair against replacement, a separate assessment of the existing appliance can be useful first. A replacement enquiry does not require you to diagnose the fault.

Describe the delivery point and access

Delivery to the kerb, inside the building and to the final position cover different work. Agree the receiving point explicitly. Floor, usable lift, stairs, narrow passages and vehicle access can change handling effort and staffing.

A combined delivery may be practical when appliance availability and the fitting date align. Confirm both before fixing dates for other work.

For a refrigeration replacement, coordinate the interruption: when will the old device be removed and when will the new one be usable? Transport and commissioning instructions depend on the specific appliance.

Compare complete quotes

The total price depends on the products selected and the services commissioned. An appliance price may exclude delivery, fitting and collection. An installation package may assume a suitable recess and already appropriate, accessible site connections.

Ask for purchase, delivery, removal, fitting, connection work, additional materials and collection to be itemised. Check VAT, travel and necessary alterations. Quotes need matching models, accessories and scope for a useful comparison; a national average would obscure these differences.

Agree how additional work will be reported and carried out only after your approval. Any separately charged visit or fit check should also be clear beforehand. Alternatives must identify equipment differences and their complete price.

• Product and accessories. Exact variant, included furniture-front or connection components and availability.
• Work. Receiving point, fitting, connections and function check, with responsibilities.
• Extras. Cabinet and cut-out alterations, materials, additional specialists and old-appliance collection.

From enquiry to handover

A coordinated sequence avoids an appliance arriving before its space and connections are clarified.

1. Describe the job. Give appliance types, number, requested services and known models or preferences together.
2. Check suitability. Have recesses, fronts, cut-outs and connections confirmed for the specific product.
3. Agree the quote. Record delivery, fitting, other trades, collection and approval of extra costs.
4. Coordinate the date. Agree availability, access and necessary preparatory work with those involved.
5. Complete handover. Check agreed operation, door movement and visible fitting together; clarify use, documents and the contact for questions.

Information for a first quote

The information you already know is enough for an initial enquiry. Missing technical details can be clarified during the fit check.

• Appliances and task. Types, number of physical units and whether supply, replacement, fitting or advice is needed.
• Supplied products. Appliances already bought, known models and desired functions in one shared description.
• Installation setting. Approximate recess or cut-out dimensions with units and known connection or furniture-front details.
• Place and timing. Work or delivery location, access for physical jobs and preferred period.
• Additional work. Removal, collection and apparent alterations, without your own technical diagnosis.