Studio renter with limited space
You need to cover your everyday needs without overcrowding the kitchenette or bathroom. Measure every space and check the connections before choosing between compact and standard-sized models.
Different needs for different homes
House share with shared appliances
Several people use the same fridge or washing machine. Compare the storage volume, washing capacity and stated noise level for each model, and don’t forget to allow enough space for installation.
Family household buying its first appliances
Match fridge and freezer capacity to your shopping habits, and washing capacity to your usual laundry loads. For the models you’re considering, also compare the stated energy consumption and repair options.
What to consider before you buy
When furnishing an unfurnished rental, first work out what’s already usable, then rule out appliances that won’t fit the space or connect to the available services. Next, compare the capacity and usage information for the remaining options.
| What to consider | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid buying duplicates | Compare the tenancy agreement and inventory with the appliances provided; make a list of the functions you still need to cover. | If an appliance is already there, I want to know whether it meets my needs before ordering another one; around 31% of consumers make this a priority. |
| Space and connections | Measure the appliance and the clearance it needs; check sockets, the water supply and drainage, depending on the model. | In a small kitchen or bathroom, I need to be able to install and use the appliance without making changes to the property. For around 31% of consumers, this compatibility comes before other considerations. |
| Volume and capacity | Compare storage in litres with your shopping habits, and laundry capacity in kilograms with your usual washing loads. | When several people share appliances, I want enough space for food and laundry without choosing an unnecessarily large capacity; this would be a priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Usage and lifespan | Compare energy consumption on the same basis and check the model’s repair terms. | If the appliance is used regularly, I want to compare its energy consumption and plan for its maintenance. Around 19% of consumers would give these points top priority. |
Mistakes to avoid when buying your first appliances
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Ordering before checking what’s already provided
An unfurnished rental may still include some appliances. Buying without checking could mean doubling up or finding that there’s nowhere suitable for your new appliance.
Before ordering, compare the tenancy agreement and inventory with what you can see in the kitchen and the spaces intended for laundry.
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Measuring the alcove but not the access route or clearances
A fridge might fit in its intended space but be impossible to get into the property, ventilate properly or open easily.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check which way the door opens and the clearances required for the model.
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Choosing a washing machine without checking the installation
Its capacity won’t make up for a missing water supply or suitable drainage. In a bathroom, the position of the appliance and electrical safety also need particular attention.
Check the available connections. For a bathroom installation, also get confirmation of the appliance’s position, earthing and 30 mA residual-current protection. Promotelec notes that, in particular, a washing machine must be kept outside the relevant electrical safety zones.
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Comparing an old A+++ rating with a current rating
A letter on an old energy label can’t be compared directly with a rating on the current A to G scale. For washing machines, the European Commission says this scale has applied since 1 March 2021.
Compare models using the same scale, and check their energy consumption using the same unit and usage basis.
Brands to consider by appliance type
These brands offer ranges worth exploring for different needs. Their inclusion here doesn’t guarantee that a particular model is available or suitable for your home.
Beko
Beko offers appliances for refrigeration, laundry and cooking in a range of sizes, worth considering if you’re choosing these appliances separately.
- The brand’s ranges include several appliance categories and sizes.
- Check the dimensions, energy label, connections and service terms for each model. The range alone isn’t enough to distinguish between models.
Bosch
Bosch offers several types of washing machine and washer-dryer, with different series and capacities.
- The range of sizes makes it possible to explore laundry options to suit the space available.
- Features and warranties highlighted by Bosch vary between ranges. Check the exact model, including its capacity, dimensions and stated noise level.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers guidance on choosing a fridge based on the space available, its capacity in litres and the type of installation.
- Its guide distinguishes between under-counter, standard and built-in models.
- This guidance doesn’t replace measuring the space, clearances and access route for the model you choose.
Appliances for food storage, laundry and cleaning
These Joybuy appliances are for storing food, doing laundry and everyday cleaning. Consider them after checking what’s already included in the rental and what space you have available. Cooking is a separate need to assess.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L silver fridge-freezer
A food storage and freezing option for kitchens where width is a key consideration. The title lists 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the height, clearances and delivery route before choosing this model.
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Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), 174 L white fridge-freezer
A good option for a household looking for two cooling compartments and a space that can accommodate an appliance 150 cm high. The title lists a freestanding design, a reversible door, 39 dB and an E energy rating. Also measure the width, depth, clearances and delivery route.
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Sonlu CD‑400RW, 355 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if your household stores a larger amount of food and has a suitable space. The title lists 252 L of fridge capacity, 103 L of freezer capacity, a width of 60 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the other dimensions and clearances before ordering.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg top-loading washing machine
A top-loading machine may be worth considering if space is tight, provided there’s room to open the lid. The title lists a 6 kg capacity, a 1,400 rpm spin speed and a B energy rating. Check the space needed to open the lid, the water supply and drainage. For a bathroom installation, also get confirmation that the electrical setup is safe.
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Monsga ME03, cordless stick vacuum cleaner that converts to a handheld
A cleaning appliance to consider once you’ve covered the kitchen and laundry needs of your home. The title states a runtime of up to 55 minutes, depending on the mode used. Check the runtime for the floors in your home and allow for filter maintenance. Don’t use it to vacuum liquids, building dust, sharp objects or hot materials.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to buy every appliance for an unfurnished rental?
No. Start by checking which appliances are actually provided and usable. ANIL distinguishes between unfurnished and furnished rentals. To work out what to buy, compare your tenancy agreement and inventory with what you find in the property.
Can you install a washing machine in a bathroom?
Yes, provided the space and electrical supply are suitable. Promotelec notes, in particular, that the appliance must be outside zones 0, 1 and 2 and the hidden volume, earthed and connected to a circuit protected by a 30 mA residual-current device. Get confirmation of the exact setup before buying, and check the water supply and drainage too.
How do you compare appliance energy labels?
Compare appliances in the same category using the current applicable scale, and check their energy consumption on a like-for-like basis rather than focusing only on the letter. For washing machines, the European Commission says the A to G scale replaced the old classes from 1 March 2021. The QR code on the label can provide access to detailed model information in EPREL.
What should you do with an old appliance when choosing a replacement?
Before your new appliance is delivered, ask the retailer about the options for taking away your old one. If it could instead be repaired, ADEME outlines the conditions for the Repair Bonus. Check that both the appliance and the repair professional are eligible before committing.