Before you buy,
get to know your next appliance.

Does your room get a lot of sun?

Top-floor rooms, hot roofs, large windows or many occupants may require more capacity. Have a technician assess the room before buying. Do not choose by floor area alone or buy the largest unit just in case.

How can you tell if it is really an inverter unit?

An inverter adjusts how hard its compressor works according to the room's cooling needs.

1. Ask for the exact model and confirm “inverter compressor” or “variable speed” in the manufacturer's page or specifications. A sticker alone is not enough.
2. 12K, 18K, 24K or 36K does not mean the unit is an inverter: those figures describe cooling capacity.
3. To perform well, it needs suitable sizing, proper installation, clean filters and closed doors and windows.

Inverter technology does not guarantee a fixed saving. An inverter unit may still turn on and off under certain conditions.

Do you wash comforters and bedspreads?

Weight is not the only consideration: bulky items need room. Check whether the model supports your comforter size and follow the bedding cycle limit. Laundry must move freely without being forced in.

What about the dryer?

Choose a capacity that fits the load you want to dry in one cycle. If you usually wash 8 kg of dry laundry, choose a dryer that accepts those 8 kg on the appropriate cycle. Do not calculate capacity using wet laundry weight.

Check whether it uses gas or electricity, its voltage, and whether it needs an air outlet or drainage. Confirm your space is ready before buying.

For a combined washer-dryer

Read both figures: one is for washing and the other for drying. Drying capacity may be lower.

Before paying, confirm cycle capacities, dimensions, door or lid opening, connections, consumption and warranty.

Do you shop weekly, every two weeks or in bulk?

If you store many groceries, cook for several days or often have guests, consider more capacity. Smaller, frequent grocery trips may suit a smaller refrigerator.

Do not look only at total cubic feet

Two refrigerators with the same capacity may have different layouts. Check freezer space and whether your pots, containers, bottles and trays fit. Prioritize freezer space if you freeze a lot of food.

Confirm it fits and the doors can open

Measure the space's width, height and depth, plus entry doors and corridors. Leave the ventilation clearances in the manual and room to open doors and remove drawers.

Compare consumption and the total cost

Compare energy labels across similarly sized models. Ask about delivery, warranty and technical support. For dispensers or ice makers, confirm water supply requirements and filter costs.

Check each compartment's usable capacity before deciding. Keep air outlets clear when organizing food and follow the appliance manual.

Four, five or six burners?

Four may be enough if you use few pots at once. Consider five or six for several dishes at a time. Check whether large pots fit together without interference: more burners do not always mean more usable space.

What oven capacity should you look for?

Capacity is listed in liters or cubic feet. Compare interior dimensions and rack sizes with your trays, pans and dishes. One cubic foot is about 28.3 liters.

For several dishes or large items, look for room with the manufacturer's recommended clearances. If you rarely use the oven, prioritize the cooktop and available space.

Gas, electric or induction

Confirm what your home supports. For gas, check LPG or natural gas compatibility and installation requirements. For electric or induction models, check voltage and electrical requirements. Induction also requires compatible cookware.

Do not choose by power alone

Gas burner BTU describes power, not food capacity. Choose a mix of burners for gentle heat and higher-temperature cooking based on your routine.

Ask about warranty, parts, delivery and installation costs. Also check the model's ventilation or extraction requirements.