What should you look for when buying an appliance?

First it was the electrics in the washing machine, then the rotating plate in the microwave, and now, the thermostat in the fridge… If your domestic appliances start to break down one after another, it might be time to renew them. But which ones to choose? What features should they have? Which will give the best results? At what price?

After the heating, these devices are the greatest source of power consumption in your home… and the one that does the most damage to your electricity bill. The fridge, for example, is the king of consumption: as it is constantly connected, it can account for up to 20% of the total electricity consumption of the household, while the cost of others, such as the washing machine and dish washer, depends on other elements such as the cycle we use, the water temperature…

That is why before buying an appliance it is essential to pay attention to some aspects related mainly to consumption, but also to ease of use, noise, technology, environmental friendliness, design and, of course, price. Because the true merit of a manufacturer is in offering the best value for money, or in other words, creating appliances that have good features at a competitive price.

Energy efficiency label

This is one of the first elements you must look at when choosing an appliance. The energy efficiency label lets you know very quickly the ability of an appliance to carry out its task in an efficient way. It is mandatory in Europe for all large domestic appliances and is based on a letter and colour-based classification system, which goes from A and green for the most efficient devices, to D and red for the least efficient. It includes up to 3 additional energy efficiency classes: A+, A++ and A+++. Although this is a general classification, the label is personalised for each type of domestic appliance: for example, extractor hoods include different elements, such as the efficiency of the extraction system, the filtering of grease and the lighting. On this label you will find all the information you need about the device.

• Consumption. They say that the price of electricity is like your age: it never goes down. That is why you must ensure that, as well as being efficient, your new appliance consumes little energy. Devices labelled A+++, such as the WMF-1208 washing machine from BOJ, are designed to use only the water and electricity strictly necessary in each washing cycle which, as well as reducing consumption, helps care for the environment. The same goes for its extractor hoods: they are equipped with low-consumption LED Eco light bulbs to offer you the perfect light for cooking with minimal consumption.
• Noise. Noise is one of the most common causes of discontent; it can even be harmful for one’s health. This is one of the reasons why the majority of appliances include noise level information on their energy efficiency label. To give you an idea, the CH-90X extractor hood from BOJ has an acoustic output of 50 dB when operating at full power. Do you know what this means? It is a noise level similar to that which we create having a normal conversation.

Technology

Technological advances make the difference nowadays. We live in an age of automation and appliances have to be ready to make life easier for us. That is why, as well as being efficient and silent, they must offer safety and warning devices and meet our needs. For example, BOJ has a fridge specifically created to work in warm climates.

Ease of use

What good is a modern device if we have to check the instruction booklet every time we want to turn it on? Efficiency should not only be measured in terms of consumption, but also in ease of use. An appliance must work almost instinctively so that it takes up the least amount of time possible. We must be able to get the most out of it just by having a quick look at it, and this requires simple, clear and functional control panels.

If we add competitive prices to these elements, you have efficient and reliable appliances that are great value for money, such as those designed and marketed by BOJ-Global for decades. See for yourself.