Which white goods to buy for my family?

[Deleted User]

We have found out today that our insurers are going to pay out and provide us a cheque to buy a new washing machine, freezer (4 drawer) and tumble dryer. We are going to get approx £450 so we will top this up to get models with functions we want. However I would appreciate some advice from people who also use these appliances as to what to choose.

Bearing in mind cost of repairs, longevity and I'll be washing,catering for a husband and 2 babies, which models would you recommend?

1. Washing machine - I require a decent spin, 30 deg wash, quick wash and about a 7kg capacity, programmes that don't take forever......

2. A 4 drawer freezer that sits under a work unit, will be placed in the utility so can't be frost free.....

3. A tumble dryer, which is better the ones with a pipe or the condensing ones? I have no idea with these as we were given ours from freecycle.

Ideally the appliances need to be really good for energy A star. I had thought about getting a combined washer/dryer but that would limit the amount of washing I could do, whereas two seperate means I could get another load going whilst one drying. I have a 9 month old, another on the way and a grubby hubby.

I would really appeciate any advice and best shops to look in too. I am currently without these appliances so although time is of essence, we don't want to rush buy and make a mistake.

Also any makes to avoid would be handy too. I know Bosch is good but I don't know much about Hotpoint, Indesit, Zanussi or Beko etc, which seem to be on the currys/comet websites.

Thanks a lot.

Bay