Dubai: Buying home appliances involves substantial investment, both monetarily and in terms of the home space. These appliances become an integral part of our overall home experience. The ever-growing portfolio of brands from all over the world has consumers spoilt for choice. Here are some things to consider while navigating through the confusion:
While your own home could allow for greater flexibility to change fixtures and replace interiors, a rented place may be bound by developer’s regulations. For an expansive villa that is the owner’s propriety right, consumers can explore built-in products that integrate a range of appliances into a singular panel, from refrigerators and ovens to dishwashers and coffee machines. A world-class kitchen fit-out is also a prudent investment that can improve the perceived value of the owned property. A well-maintained built-in panel that is in sync with the décor of the kitchen and home can at times become the leverage when negotiating deals while renting or reselling the property. More compact apartments can make good use of space by opting for freestanding appliance solutions.
Home appliances mirror the lifestyle of individuals. So before making a purchase, identify your primary expectations - do you want a product that features the latest and best-in-class technology, or one that adds to your home’s style statement? Brands that are reputed for their consumer-driven innovation offer excellent functional capabilities that significantly improve lifestyle and make kitchen activities less of a chore. On the other hand, brands with a distinct design legacy focus on state-of-the-art design, aesthetics and attention to detail that transform the ambience of a kitchen. Price points of the products may vary.
Tags and labels are easy to be missed in the excitement of making a purchase. However, in case of large home appliances, labels are important. In the UAE, the label of Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Meteorology (ESMA) is a validation of ‘energy efficiency’ amongst other parameters. The ESMA mark carries details of power consumed by the electrical appliance. You can compare different products on their energy efficiency credentials which are denoted by ‘star’ ratings.
- The writer is general manager, Better Life
