Here’s What Homeowners Look Out For When Buying Home Appliances

Cracking the code on shopping for home essentials.

Should you settle for the classic gas stove you had in your childhood home for your own house, or make the switch to an induction hob? When it comes to choosing a washing machine, what factor matters the most?

Fret not – you aren’t alone in these dilemmas. We turned to our community of homeowners on Telegram for their insights (join our channel if you haven’t!) via a series of polls, so you can get a better idea of what to look out for when deciding on home appliances.

Here’s what they had to say!

Top considerations for home products in the kitchen and bathroom

What to look out for when deciding between a gas stove and an induction hob

Between a gas stove and an induction hob, which would you choose? It’s a debate that ends in a deadlock for various reasons, as this poll proves, with respondents who chose a gas stove tying with the number who chose an induction hob.

For proponents of gas stoves, you might relate to how food just seems to taste better with wok hei (‘breath of the flame’; whether imagined or real, we’ll leave that up to you). On the other hand, they can’t beat how much easier induction hobs are to clean.

It all boils down to choosing the practical option for your needs. A gas stove provides more flexibility for different cooking styles if you cook regularly. Meanwhile, an induction hob is a breeze to clean and much safer to use.

Explore: Should You Get A Gas or Induction Hob?

What to look out for when choosing a water dispenser

If you’re not one for drinking straight from the tap, you’re probably considering a water dispenser at home. They come with functions like built-in water filters/purifiers for filtering out bacteria and other small particles/microorganisms for clean and drinkable water. This is also what seems to matter the most to nearly half of our respondents.

Besides that, you don’t have to wait for water to boil (or chill), which can be a real chore. Just imagine, you can easily adjust the temperature settings to instantly dispense warm water for formula milk, or hot water that’s just right for your morning cup of tea/coffee.

Interestingly, aesthetics don’t seem to matter as much as price and the features of water dispensers since homeowners are looking to get the best bang for their buck.

Explore: Here Are The Best Water Dispensers to Get in Singapore, and Why

What to look out for when choosing a dishwasher

Dishwashers aren’t a typical sight in Singaporean households — particularly in HDB flats — since they can be costly to start with. Many also still believe they contribute to terribly high utility bills (which isn’t always the case). That would explain why water and energy efficiency matters the most for those who decide to get dishwashers.

This factor is followed by the size and price of dishwashers; it’d be difficult to justify paying so much for an appliance that’s too bulky for your space – or ironically doesn’t have much space for dishes.

What to look out for when choosing a water heater

Judging by how the majority of homeowners consider water pressure foremost when it comes to choosing a water heater, we can agree that a low-pressure shower makes for a rather dissatisfying bath experience.

Other things that homeowners consider include how fast the water heats up, energy consumption and the consistency of water temperature – all of which vary depending on whether you go for a storage water heater or an instant one.

Top considerations for laundry-related appliances

What to look out for when choosing a washing machine

Given the workhorse of an appliance it is, it’s no surprise that respondents are most concerned about the energy efficiency of a washing machine to help manage their utility bills.

Conversely, getting a 2-in-1 washer-dryer is the least important consideration, since homeowners may prioritise using separate washer and dryer units for their effectiveness over saving space (or just rely on air drying).

What to look out for when choosing an automated laundry rack

Since we have our fair share of rainy weather, drying clothes on such days is a pain. For such days, an automated laundry rack which often comes with features such as indoor drying (with a fan and/or heater mechanism), would be immensely helpful to dry your clothes and keep them from getting musty. Some even have UV disinfection functions to remove allergens/bacteria.

They typically have motorised lifting functions too, so you don’t have to haul hefty laundry poles around.

You also get to save precious square feet that a dryer would take up, and you don’t have to worry about damaging delicate fabrics because many such automated laundry racks mimic natural air drying conditions.

An automated laundry rack comes with a steep price tag compared to a foldable rack at your local sundry store though, so it’s understandable that for most homeowners, the price comes first before their features, followed by considerations about how much electricity they use.

Explore: Where to Shop for… Must-Have Automated Laundry Racks

What to look out for when choosing an iron

Love it or hate it, an iron is essential. With how frequently you reach for it, you’d probably appreciate having one that’s easy to use, like most of our respondents.

As for what makes an iron easier to use, think ergonomic design and a comfortable weight to effortlessly iron out wrinkles and get a crisp finish for pleats. If they aren’t right for you, ironing will be inconvenient and you could even end up with aches while trying to clear a pile of laundry.

Explore: Expert Iron Buying Guide for Crisp, Wrinkle-Free Clothes

Top considerations for general home appliances

What to look out for when choosing an air conditioner

In this tropical heat, air conditioners are a must-have, but what matters the most when you get one? For a little more than half of our respondents, the answer is energy efficiency; after all, the appliance will be switched on for hours.

When you blast your air conditioner to beat the heat, the ideal one keeps energy usage low while effectively cooling your spaces. Be sure to look out for energy efficiency and the BTU rating (the air conditioner’s cooling power), among other factors.

If you need tips to cut down your energy usage, here are six ways to keep your home cool without using an air conditioner.

What to look out for when deciding between a TV and a projector

You might have seen more homeowners using projectors instead of TVs because they’re a budget-friendly solution for a large screen, but TVs still come out on top for their sharp resolution.

If you’re getting a TV in the living room, but would still like the option of enjoying a show in the comfort of your bedroom, you could opt for a projector; it’s a much more affordable and space-saving option for a second screen.

Explore: TVs VS Projectors: Is One Better Than The Other? Here's the Breakdown

What to look out for when choosing a cordless vacuum cleaner

Unsurprisingly, suction power is the most important consideration for homeowners when it comes to cordless vacuums, since it determines how effectively a vacuum picks up dirt and dust from the floors.

Still, do check out weight and battery life, since a heavier vacuum can cause strain on your body over a long period of use, and a battery that doesn’t last while you clean your home will interrupt your cleaning flow.

In summary: the best home products are energy-efficient and easy to use

While everyone’s lifestyles and needs differ, we can agree on one thing based on the poll results: savvy homeowners value practicality, and they’re turning to products that save them time and energy without breaking the bank.

For those of you on the lookout for such products, here’s a handy directory of home brands and the great deals you can claim.

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