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Appliance buying questions, answered briefly

Short answers, with a link to the full guide when the details matter.

Why does a fridge that used to be A+++ now show class D or E?

The EU and UK rescaled the energy label to A–G in March 2021. The appliance did not get worse; the scale became stricter. Compare annual kWh instead. Label guide

Is motor wattage a good guide to vacuum suction?

No. Motor watts measure power drawn, not suction. Air watts and dust pick-up tests based on IEC 62885 methods are better indicators. Vacuum specs

What size washing machine do I need?

A 7–8 kg drum suits most households of two to four. Larger drums only save energy when filled.

How do I size an air purifier?

Smoke CADR in cfm should be at least two-thirds of the room area in square feet, or aim for about five air changes per hour. CADR sizing

Is a heat pump tumble dryer worth the extra cost?

For households drying several loads a week, usually yes: heat pump models typically use around half the electricity of condenser dryers.

What is Matter in smart home devices?

A standard from the Connectivity Standards Alliance that lets one device work across Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and SmartThings, often over a Thread mesh network.

Do air fryers really save energy?

For small portions, yes, because they heat a much smaller cavity than a full oven.

How often should I clean my washing machine?

Run an empty maintenance wash at 60°C or hotter monthly, wipe the door seal and leave the door ajar. Full schedule

Do you accept payment for rankings?

No. Manufacturers cannot pay to change placement or wording. Our method