A guide to choosing the best whiteware for your home

When choosing whiteware appliances for your home, one size does not fit all; the flourishing cook may require additional functionality within an oven, and a growing family may need a washing machine with a larger capacity. 

Locally owned and operated, Selectrix Wānaka is a family business with a long history in the industry, spanning over 50 years. The company is fully invested in the Wānaka region and is part of Australasia's largest buying group, offering competitive prices despite being a small, local business.

"Every customer is different depending on user requirements, their passion for their kitchen or laundry, and, of course, budget requirements," Ben Bagley of Selectrix Wānaka shares. "It's important that, when speaking to our customers, we understand how they use their appliances and help guide them towards products that meet these factors."

With your specific needs in mind, there are several consistent factors to consider when choosing whiteware: energy efficiency, quality and durability, budget, design, technology, and sizing. 

Whiteware refers to the large domestic goods that keep life running smoothly. Staples include washing machines, ovens, fridge-freezers, and dishwashers, but modern technology has vastly expanded the category. 

"Today, these appliances have improved so much with technology that they are capable of far more than was dreamed as close as a decade ago," Ben explains. "In addition to companion products such as warming drawers and vacuum sealing drawers, we have steam combination ovens, advanced cooktops, extraction systems, and laundry and refrigeration systems."

With long-term costs and environmental conscientiousness ever-pressing concerns, energy efficiency is a top priority. There are several important considerations to keep in mind regarding energy efficiency: the manufacturer's policies, the appliance’s life cycle, and finally, the characteristics of the product itself. 

Appliance manufacturers play an essential role in this area, and consumers can support the proliferation of sustainable practices through their purchasing behaviour. Choosing a reputable brand with a solid sustainability framework is a great start.

Reputable brands have established their reputation through quality products. High-quality appliances go hand-in-hand with a longer product life cycle, which ultimately reduces the need for the use of more appliances, and with it, more resources. 

Finally, choose a product that uses technology to improve its use of resources. "For example, multi-zoned refrigeration will increase the life of food stored and reduce wastage," Ben explains, "and an oven that is insulated better with more accurate thermostats results in less electricity use."

High-quality, durable products not only have longer life cycles which reduce the need for additional resources, but they also alleviate worry. Fewer issues with a product equate to fewer concerns. 

Selectrix Wānaka recommends choosing an appliance that can be serviced locally, made by a brand that cares about its users. “Fisher & Paykel, Miele and Gaggenau are great examples of this,” Ben adds. “They are always incredibly helpful in making sure the end user’s issues are rectified. This also has a lot to do with the quality of your retailer and how much they understand the system.”

Regardless of your budget, there's no need to compromise on quality. While a larger investment buys streamlined design and additional functionality, a smaller budget can still deliver a fantastic product. 

While budget-friendly brands like Haier offer competitively priced options, state-of-the-art design and additional functionalities are embedded into the ethos and products of premium brands like Gaggenau, Miele, Falcon, and Fisher & Paykel. These brands integrate the latest technology into their products, including remote monitoring.

In the last two decades, whiteware design has undergone a tremendous shift. The term ‘whiteware’ evokes images of this design history: freestanding, white appliances. But the higher-end brands offer a vast range of options for their designs. 

“From various oven finishes to handle choices and fully integrated appliances, this diversity allows homeowners to find appliances that complement their kitchen's style seamlessly,” Ben shares. “It's very exciting to go through this process with clients starting their new project.”

To begin, establish the aesthetic for your space, which will be defined by your preference on colour, finish, integration into your space, and whether you’d prefer handle-less or handled appliances.

Commercial-style kitchens can incorporate Fisher & Paykel’s Professional Series, with sturdy stainless steel finishes and solid handles, while a sleek, darker kitchen lends to Gaggenau’s 200 Series in Anthracite.

Much like design, technology is rapidly advancing in home appliances, making daily tasks far more convenient and efficient. “Connected appliances are becoming increasingly popular and something everyone should be considering,” Ben shares. These developments include remote monitoring, the addition of cameras and guided user interfaces.

Set the time your Miele oven starts cooking your meal, and check its progress using an integrated camera without disrupting the temperature. Turn on your appliances from the office, so when you arrive home, you can simply relax.

“More technological advancements are on the horizon,” Ben adds. “My thoughts are that a lot more will focus on not only how to get the best from your appliances but also how to make better use of them in a sustainable way. It's very exciting.”

Choosing the right size appliance and ensuring a proper fit is crucial, especially when replacing existing appliances. There is a huge range of options available on the market to fit various sizes of spaces, so Ben’s advice is simple: “I would always encourage clients to come in early in the design phase, so all the pieces of the puzzle join together nicely.”

“There are so many choices available these days that the process may seem daunting at the beginning, but we are here to help. It's such a fun process, we can't wait to help you out!”

Learn more about Selectrix Wānaka