Aquarius tumble dryer

The Aquarius tumble dryer is the entry level drying appliance from Hotpoint. To find the Hotpoint appliance which is right for you, look at the models in groups. There are three:

1. Aquarius
2. Ultima
3. Aqualtis

As you move from Aquarius to Aqualtis you’ll notice subtle changes in load capacity, amount of programme choices and of course, price. Aquarius tumble dryers sit at the lower end of the Hotpoint price spectrum. Similarly, you will probably find they have a smaller load capacity and less programme choice.

This should not necessarily deter you from buying an Aquarius tumble dryer, but before you buy, it is wise to examine your washing machine needs as well as your budget.

Couples or smaller families need not worry about buying a huge capacity tumble dryer so an Aquarius, with its 6kg drum size, is likely more than adequate. 6kg machines are perfect when teamed up with a 5kg washing machine as it will dry the entire wet load at once.

What programmes feature on an Aquarius tumble dryer?

In terms of programmes Aquarius tumble dryers offer a variety depending on the model. Cheaper options will only offer timed drying but the top end Aquarius+ TVF760 model includes sensor drying, delicates, bed and bath programmes and an airing cycle.

The down-side to these machines is their “C” energy rating, which is about average for a tumble dryer – these are not the most energy efficient appliances. The highest energy rating in a Hotpoint tumble dryer is the Aqualtis’ “B”, so if efficiency is high of your list of requirements Aquarius might not be for you.

Hotpoint Aquarius tumble dryers are great basic models and if you need a few more options you can still upgrade within the range to a dryer which has multiple functions alongside a reasonable price tag.

The Bosch SRS55C02GB slimline dishwasher for example boasts a whole host of features despite its smaller stature, so you don’t miss out of any of the brand’s best bits. Bosch was voted as the best Domestic Appliance brand in the 2009 Which? awards.

This 45cm slimline dishwasher gives you the choice of five programmes (Prerinse, Quick Wash 45°C, Daily/Eco 50°C, Normal 65°C, Intensive 70°C) to ensure your crockery is properly cared for.

It takes nine place settings which is perfectly adequate for a couple or small family operating the machine once a day.

The freestanding slimline dishwasher has adjustable racks to cater for larger pots and pans as well as a changeable water softener so you can get the best results with the water available in your area.

Who benefits from a 45cm slimline dishwasher?

45cm slimline dishwashers are the perfect solution for busy families who don’t have the time to wash up without vast amounts of kitchen space. They are a great time saving device and also save water on handwashing the dishes.

The Bosch SRS55C02GB is both a top selling dishwasher and a top rated one by Appliances Online customers. It currently has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 and users have commented on its ease of use, quietness and good build quality.

There is an alternative.

You no longer have to 60cm space in which to place the standard size tumble dryer, there are many smaller models on the market from which to choose. One of these is the Creda T323VW tumble dryer which stands at just 49.0cm wide and 67cm high. It is a 3kg tumble dryer and so it will easily dry as many as 15 shirts in a single load – perfect for singles or couples.

The Creda T323VW tumble dryer is a vented model so if you live on an upper floor without outdoor ventilation you may wish to invest in a condenser tumble dryer instead. However, vented machines are known to be the more reliable and they require less upkeep.

With the Creda compact tumble dryer you can easily and quickly dry smaller loads of laundry, without resorting to hanging items on radiators – which often makes clothes stiff and causes condensation in rooms.

This morning before attempting to dig my neighbours car from underneath 6innches of snow I thought I’d do the sensible thing and get out my ski-wear. I’m unfortunately not going skiing this year which means my gear has been in storage for the last 12 months. And it certainly smelled like it it’d been in storage for the last 12 months – all damp and musty.

That’s where a refresh function comes in handy.

Without the time to air your clothes, wash them properly or take them to the dry cleaners, a refresh function can be a great asset to any household. The refresh function features on many tumble dryers including the Indesit IDV65 vented tumble dryer allowing you to simply freshen up your clothes quickly.

It works by tumbling fabrics without heat to simply air them and get rid of odours. Great for bulky items such as ski wear which are worn infrequently, can’t be washed very easily and often require dry cleaning. It is also unlikely to affect the waterproof quality of the items. 

In addition to clothes which have been kept in storage the refresh programme is great for freshening clothes worn in a smokey environment or which have absorbed food smells. Because this is not a full wash it saves energy whilst still allowing you to enjoy clothing which is as fresh as a daisy!

Find out more information about Richmond1100DF range cookers from Stoves in the following video from Appliances Online.

“Create home appliances that consider shrinking domestic spaces. Your ideas will shape how people prepare and store food, wash clothes, and do dishes in the homes of 2050 when 75% of the world’s population are predicted to live in an urban environment. Growing populations living in concentrated areas dictate a need for greater space efficiency. This year, special consideration will be given to designers that submit a design within the context of a range or suite of solutions/appliances. Your design ideas should address key consumer requirements; being green, adaptive to time and space, and allowing for individualization.”

To enter you must be an undergraduate or graduate industrial design student and enter by the 1st May 2010.

1st prize is €5,000 plus 6 months’ paid internship at an Electrolux global design center. 2nd prize is €3,000 and 3rd prize is €2,000.

Think you’ve got the creative edge? Find out more about Electrolux Design Lab 2010 here. Or find out more about last year’s design lab winner.

The CastOven has a 10.4-inch LCD display that plays YouTube clips which fit your cooking time – so now you have something else to watch other than your illuminated, rotating food.

So if you’re ready to run out and buy one of these hi-tech microwaves let me give you some ideas for what to watch. These videos are made by online kitchen appliance retailer Appliances Online and they could help you redesign your kitchen or find out how to clean your dishwasher in the time it defrost a chicken breast:

About Appliances Online

How to clean your dishwasher

Beko D533W Electric cooker

Multi Wok burner on the Cannon 10455G Range Cooker

Range gas cookers can create a stunning focus point in a modern or classic kitchen. The timeless piece offers a fast and responsive cooking method due to its gas fuel source. Gas is often used by top chefs for these reasons.

In terms of design range gas cookers can be found in classic ceramics in a range of colours from cream to back. The Leisure range cooker products for example offer this classic ceramic design.

On the other hand you may wish to invest in a more contemporary piece in silver or stainless steel. The Cannon Professional 1000 Gas 10750GF gas range cooker comes in stainless steel and offers three cooking cavities and a storage compartment in addition to six gas burners.

A range gas cooker can be a very useful asset to any kitchen whether contemporary or classic, just be sure to measure properly before ordering. These appliances can be rather large!!

However, in recent years many advances in technology have ensured condenser tumble dryers are stepping into line with vented models. They offer more efficient drying capabilities and have obvious benefits for households that have difficulties venting outside.

Upper stories in apartment blocks, for example, often cannot vent their appliances very easily so a condenser dryer is the obvious option. In the past there has also been the fear of escaped condensation from condenser dryers, causing damp, mould and other issues. However these problems have been rectified in newer machines which are equipped with far more effective condensers.

The Beko DRCS68W has been reviewed as four out of five by shoppers from Appliances Online. Its sensor drying was highlighted as a useful feature because it stops the machine when clothes are dry. It has been noted however, that you must remember to empty the condenser every time!

Do you have a condenser tumble dryer? Or are you considering buying one? I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

Baby Belling cookers are a great asset to a student pad, granny flat or bedsit for all the cooking capacity one person needs. They offer an electric solid plate hob, grill and oven space and the Belling BABY321R Electric Cooker even allows for use of both rings and the oven at the same time.

To raise the compact cooker off the ground you can invest in a special stand. This particular model does require hard wiring but other Baby Bellings can run off the mains supply through a standard plug socket.

The fantastic Belling mini kitchen range also features the tabletop cooker (pictured) and mini induction hob. The table top cooker includes all of the features you’d expect from a full size cooker; two sealed hotplates, a conventional oven, an electric grill, glass door and oven timer.

The mini induction hob (TTi300) is a portable hob with touch controls that delivers fast, responsive heating for energy efficient, safe cooking.