Terminology Guide

Appliance Terminology Guide A quick guide to the most commonly used appliance terminology. You will notice that the appliance terms below turn up again and again in our “Product Features” sections so if you ever get stuck because you do not understand a feature just have a scroll through this section and hopefully all will be explained. If the appliance term you are looking for cannot be found here or if you have any other questions you can always call our help line on 020 70017605. Washing Machines Wash Load Larger machines will be better at washing bulky items like towels, whilst machines with smaller wash load capacities will make ironing easier as items will be less creased. Energy Rating Ranging from "A" to "G", the higher the rating, the less money the machine will cost to run. Energy Consumption The lower the number, the less electricity the machine uses. Wash Performance Graded from "A" to "G" with "A" being the best.  The higher the rating, the more efficient the machine is at removing stains. Spin Performance Ranging from "A" rated to "G" rated, with "A" being the best.  The higher the rating, the less time your items will need to be dried after being run through a wash cycle, as more water will be extracted. Spin Speed The higher the spin speed, the more water will be extracted from your wash following the rinse cycle.  A faster spin speed will mean less drying time. Variable Spin Useful for delicate items, as you will be able to select a lower spin speed. Half Load Use this option if you only have to wash a small number of items. Hand Wash A gentle cycle for clothes marked "Hand Wash Only" Wool Program For delicate fabrics like wool and silk. Rinse Hold Holds the rinse cycle to reduce creasing. Delay Timer Enables you to set the wash cycle to begin at some point in the future to take advantage of cheaper electricity. Time To End Of Programme Gives an instant progress check on the wash load and how much time is left. Digital Display Easy to read display, giving information about the wash programme being run at that time. Quick Wash Suitable for lightly soiled items, this programme runs quicker than a regular wash load. Water Consumption Amount of water used in a wash load.  The lower the water consumption, the less money each load will cost. Electronic Programme Selector Use buttons instead of dials to make your wash selections. Mechanical programme selector Use dials instead of buttons to make your wash selections. Drum Capacity The size of the drum determines how much clothing can be held in the washing machine. Pre-Wash extra cycle to remove stains and ground-in dirt. Anti-crease Option The drum will continue to turn intermittently at the end of the wash programme to stop the clothing creasing and folding. Time Saver Option Enables you to shorten the time of certain programmes if you only need to refresh clothes Overflow Protection leak protection. Tumble Dryers Drying Capacity The higher capacity, the more items you will be able to dry at one time. Energy Rating Graded from "A" to "G" with "A" being the best.  The higher the rating, the more efficient the machine is at drying clothes in a quicker time. Energy Consumption The lower the number, the less electricity your dryer will use. Condenser This machine will not need an outside wall for venting.  These machines work best in flats or where space is an issue. Reverse Action The dryer drum will rotate in two directions to prevent creasing. Sensor Control Will automatically stop the machine when clothes have reached the desired level of dryness.  This will prevent the machine from running longer than needed, which will save time and money. Fluff Filter A screen to collect loose fibres from items in the dryer. Electronic Control Panel A touch button control area which is easy to use. Noise Level The lower the number, the quieter the tumble dryer will run. Stacking Option A kit can be purchased so that the dryer can be stacked safely with a washing machine. Final Cool Tumble This reduces creasing to make ironing easier. Drying Temperatures These can be adjusted depending on the type of fabric being dried in the dryer. Cookers/Ovens Single oven One space in the oven, and usually combined with a grill.  Single ovens can fit under a worktop or can be at eye level. Built-In Double Oven Two spaces in the oven, and normally fits into a tall spaces.  May also have a combined grill. Built-Under Double Oven An oven with two spaces that fits under a worktop in the kitchen. Fan Oven/ Fan Assisted Oven A fan in the oven cavity makes sure that heat is spread evenly through the oven space.  This reduces cooking time and enables food to cook at a lower temperature. Conventional Oven An oven with no fan.  Heat is provided from elements at the top and bottom, or left and right sides.  Generally warmer at the top and cooler at the bottom. Multifunction Oven A single oven that can be used as a conventional oven, fan oven or grill.  Pyroclean A high heat cleaning technique.  The heat in the oven burns off any deposits from the cooking process.  Hydro-Clean A steam cleaning process for ovens.  Pure 1/2 pint water and washing up liquid into the oven base and heat the oven to 60 degrees to produce steam which will loosen built-up grease.   Oven Temperatures Below is a temperature conversion chart for standard ovens: Conventional Oven         Gas Oven (Mark)    250°F / 120°C     1/2     100°C 275°F / 140°C     1        120°C 300°F / 150°C     2        130°C 325°F / 160°C     3        140°C 350°F / 180°C     4        160°C 375°F / 190°C     5        170°C 400°F / 200°C     6        180°C 425°F / 220°C     7        200°C 450°F / 230°C     8        210°C 475°F / 240°C     9        220°C Hobs Induction This type of hob has an electro magnet positioned below the glass surface. When the hob is switched on the magnet will heat the pan placed on the surface. The pan must be made of ferrous metal (if a magnet sticks the pan is suitable). Ceramic Hob This type of hob radiates heat from under the surface. Halogen Hob This type of hob heats using a halogen light combined with radiant heat. Flame Failure In the event that a flame is extinguished, the sensor will automatically shut off the gas supply. Wok Burner A high speed gas burner. Hoods Chimney An extractor above the cooker, usually finished in stainless steel or glass.  Air can be extracted or recirculated through it. Canopy Hood Designed to be installed into a chimney breast or bespoke feature. Integrated Hood This is usually installed between two units and concealed by covering it with a door that coordinates with the rest of the kitchen. Conventional Hood Free standing extractor with glass/plastic visor. Recirculation Hood If it is not possible to remove steam and odours completely, a recirculation hood uses charcoal filters to purify the cooking air before it re-enters the room. Microwaves Built-in (Integrated) This type of microwave is built in to a fitted kitchen and covered with coordinating door covers. Combination Uses heat and microwave technology at the same time. Refrigerators Built-in (Integrated) This refrigerator is designed to be covered with coordinating kitchen furniture. Built-under This refrigerator fits under a kitchen worktop, and is designed to be covered with coordinating kitchen furniture. Total Capacity The total storage space inside the refrigerator or fridge freezer. Energy Rating Ranging from "A" to "G", with "A" being the best, this will give you an idea of how much it will cost to run your refrigerator/ fridge freezer. Annual Energy Consumption The lower the number, the less it will cost to run this appliance. Freezing Capacity This will tell you how quickly food can be frozen in the freezer compartment. Adjustable Shelving This increases storage flexibility. Auto Defrost Fridge This will regulate the temperature of your refrigerator automatically to prevent icy build-up. Bottle Retainer Indicates whether the door will hold different sized bottles. Salad Crisper An area of the refrigerator which will keep vegetables like salads fresher for longer. Frost Free Guarantees the freezer will stay clear of icy build-up. Egg Rack A rack designed specifically to hold eggs. Twin Thermostat The temperatures of both refrigerator and freezer can be controlled separately. Temperature Warning Light A device that gives a warning that the temperature of the refrigerator is too high and needs to be lowered to keep food safe. Dishwashers Number of Place Settings One place setting = a soup bowl, dinner plate, salad plate, cup, saucer, glass and 5 pieces of cutlery. Energy Rating Ranging from "A" to "G", with "A" being the best.  A higher rated machine will save money by using less electricity and water. Energy Consumption The lower the number, the less electricity the dishwasher will use. Cleaning Performance Alphabetically rated from "A" to "G" with "A" being the best, the higher the rating, the cleaner you can expect your dishes to be at the end of a cycle. Dry Performance Rated from "A" to "G", the higher the letter, the better the dishwasher will be at drying your dishes at the end of a cycle. Wash Temperatures Lower temperatures are more economical, while higher temperatures will cut grease and clean very dirty dishes the best.     Rinse Aid Indicator This will tell you when the dishwasher needs to be refilled with rinse aid. Salt Indicator A reminder to add salt, which aids in water softening. Half Load This is best for smaller loads.  It will use less water, saving you money. Delay Timer The wash cycle can be pre-set in order to take advantage of lower priced electricity. Adjustable Water Softener This helps to soften water, which will give a better result in the wash. Adjustable Racks Enables larger items to fit into the machine and be cleaned thoroughly. Cutlery Basket Will safely hold all cutlery, usually removable to make more space for larger items.       Pre-rinse To be used on very dirty dishes.          Time Remaining Indicator Lets you know how much time is left in a cycle.              Noise Level The lower the number, the quieter the appliance will run. Water Consumption The lower the amount of water consumption, the more money you will save by running this dishwasher. Overflow Protection Will protect you against leaks.