8 things to see and do in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah offers 7,000 years of history and culture – a truly Arabian experience.
The post 8 things to see and do in Ras Al Khaimah appeared first on The Travel Magazine.
How much does it cost to run a dishwasher? And how can you save?
Freeing yourself from the washing-up is easy thanks to the convenience of dishwashers. But how much does it cost to run a dishwasher?
You might be aware that the latest models aren’t the water-guzzling appliances they used to be. Plus modern smart meters help households monitor the usage. So exactly how much energy does a dishwasher use? According to the Energy Saving Trust’s At Home With Water report, hand-washing dishes accounts for around 4% of the average household’s water use, while a dishwasher is only 1%.
But will using a dishwasher cause your utility bills to increase dramatically? We’ve worked out how much you can expect to spend each cycle – as well as tips to reduce your energy usage.
Image credit: Future PLC
How much does it cost to run a dishwasher?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, the national average price (as of November 2021) per pence/kWh of electricity is 20.33p. We have rounded it to 20p for illustration purposes.
The main factors that affect how much energy a dishwasher uses are its efficiency rating (machines are rated A-G for energy), and wash length and temperature.
- An example B-rated 14-place full-sized dishwasher with an average annual energy consumption of 214 kWh would cost £42.80 a year to run.
- Whereas an example F-rated 14-place full-sized dishwasher with an average annual energy consumption of 266 kWh would cost £53.20 to run per year.
Bear in mind that energy labels are usually based on the eco programme, meaning that auto or standard programmes may be more expensive to run.
Are some dishwashers cheaper to run than others?
If you’re looking for ways to save energy at home, these clever dishwasher features will come in handy:
Dishwashers are available as full-sized models for a 60cm-wide space or slimline, which fits a 45cm gap. Which size you choose will have an impact on running costs. For example, slimline dishwashers tend to be lower rated for energy efficiency – typically D-F are available – but if they’re being used at the same frequency, they can be more cost-effective than washing half-loads in a full-sized model.
An example D-rated slimline 10-place dishwasher could have average annual running costs of 211 kWh, meaning that it’ll only cost £42.20 to run over a year.
Over the lifetime of a dishwasher, the energy savings can be significant. ‘The B-rated Hotpoint HIP 4O539 WLEGT UK has up to a £301 lifetime energy saving, compared to the least efficient model in the UK,’ says Kimberley Garner, Hotpoint Brand Manager. ‘It’ll cost £31.58 to run for a year, according to energy savings tool Youreko, based on it being used five times a week with an energy tariff of 18.86p per kWh.’
Image credit: Future PLC/ Richard Gadsby
What energy saving features should I look for when buying a dishwasher?
1. Air drying
Rather than use heated air to dry dishes, this feature opens the dishwasher door so the contents can dry naturally. ‘Hotpoint ActiveDry technology automatically opens the door by up to 10cm at the end of the cycle,’ explains Kimberley Garner. ‘This not only offers up to 99 per cent better drying results on integrated models, but also reduces energy consumption by up to 22 per cent.
2. Eco programme
Most dishwashers feature an eco setting. This is a longer, low-temperature wash cycle that uses time rather than high water temperatures to get your crockery clean. Plus, as dishes are soapy for longer, the detergent has more time to work, decreasing the amount of effort, and energy, that your dishwasher has to put in. Which? estimates that eco programmes save around 20-40% less energy and water.
3. Auto programme
If you’re not sure what programme to choose, the auto setting takes away the guesswork. It uses sensors to detect how dirty your dishes are, choosing the optimal temperature and amount of water for that particular load. This saves energy if you tend to choose an intensive 60C when your crockery only needs 40C, for example.
How can I cut the cost of running a dishwasher?
- Fill it up – Wait until your dishwasher is full before you run a cycle. A half empty appliance uses a similar amount of energy to clean fewer dishes. If you really need to run it, look for features that allow you to wash a half load more efficiently. ‘Hotpoint’s 3D Zone Wash technology makes sure the right amount of water is used throughout the selected basket for 40% more energy efficiency for smaller loads,’ says Kimberley Garner.
- Load like a pro – Rewashing dishes is a waste of energy. While overloading can cause this, often, water from the spray arms may not be able to reach dishes because they’re not in the right place. Make sure that large items sit at the back and sides, with pans at the bottom so they get an intensive clean. Use supports for plastic containers so they don’t flip over (or lean a heavier item against them) and mix up cutlery in the basket so that spoons and forks don’t ‘nest’.
- Wash your dishwasher – A clean dishwasher is an efficient one, so keep it as sparkling as your sink. Pop in a dishwasher cleaning tablet or solution on a monthly basis to whisk away food debris and limescale.
The post How much does it cost to run a dishwasher? And how can you save? appeared first on Ideal Home.
Reading time: 4 min
Sofa deals: the up to 40% off sales well worth shopping this week
Looking for sofa deals? Although officially the Boxing Day and January sales haven’t yet begun, there are still some great sofa deals to be found right now, with many retailers currently offering pre-Christmas discounts and winter sales.
If you don’t want to miss out on up to 40% off sofas at MADE, plus up to 30% off savings at John Lewis, Darlings of Chelsea, and great discounts at Sofa.com, Barker and Stonehouse, and many more, you’ll need to move fast though, as most deals won’t be around for long.
You’ll find our picks of the best sofas and best sofa beds in our dedicated buying guides, but if you’re looking to furnish your living room for less, or grab a bargain sofa bed for your office or spare room, here’s the place to find all the top sofa deals in a one-stop destination.
You’ll find our A-Z of all the sofa sales taking place at our favourite retailers below, along with the Ideal Home edit of the best buys further on down.
Sofa deals: the top sofa sales this month
Our A-Z of the sofa deals and sofa bed deals that are most worth shopping. Don’t delay though, as most won’t be around for long.
Darlings of Chelsea | SALE NOW ON
Starting the discounting early, Darlings of Chelsea has up to 30% off sofas, sofa beds, and seating right now, with savings running until the end of December.
Furniture123 | SALE NOW ON
The brand’s sofa sale is now on, with discounts on selected seating including some great value velvet upholstered two and three-seater sofas and low-priced sofa beds.
John Lewis & Partners | SALE NOW ON
The John Lewis furniture and lighting sale is now on and offering up to 30% off sofas and armchairs, including a great discount on the high-backed and supportive Draper sofa that features in our guide to the best sofas you can buy.
Sofa.com | SALE NOW ON
Sofa.com has 15% off sitewide right now, including even bigger discounts on selected lines, such as the super good value Jack three-seater sofa, a collaboration between Sofa.com and Jack Wills that is currently reduced from £1199 to just £599.
The top sofa deals: the Ideal Home edit
A velvet three-seater with up to 50% off and a great deal on a versatile corner sofa. These are the best sofa deals on the Ideal Homes team’s radar.
Prices from low to high:
Holly sofa | from £850 £723 at Sofa.com
Smart, compact, comfortable, and available in a great choice of upholstery options, the Holly sofa also comes in a hugely versatile selection of sizes – from two-seater all the way through to space-saving corner sofa and more spacious builds. Plus there’s currently 15% off in Sofa.com’s winter sale.
Orson chaise end corner sofa | £1149 £749 at MADE
A popular choice, the Orson sofa from MADE is a compact option that delivers classic design at an affordable price point, and the velvet upholstered ‘Autumn Green’ chaise version is currently a great deal with over 30% off.
Bluebell sofa | from £1115 £948 at Sofa.com
One of Sofa.com’s bestselling styles, the Bluebell sofa is a great option for a period property, with scrolled arms, turned wooden legs, and castor feet adding a traditional touch. The design also comes in a wide range of size options, with useful half sizes available and the option to have it built in situ for those with tricky access.
Draper sofa | from £1449 £1159.20 at John Lewis
This high-backed sofa has just the right mix of firmness and support, along with a whole host of size options, from two-seater to a generous three and four-seater, plus chaise and corner sofa options. The extra-long seat cushion also means no-one gets stuck with the gap.
The top sofa bed deals: the Ideal Home edit
In need of some multifunctional seating? Host guests without the need for a dedicated guest bedroom with our top picks from the sofa bed sales.
Prices from low to high:
Chou sofa bed | from £399 £199 at MADE
There’s no denying that this clic clac sofa bed is pretty firm, both for sitting and sleeping, but if price is the most important factor then it’s hard to beat the deal on the grey version of the Chou sofa bed right now. It also comes in a cheerful yellow, teal blue, or navy colour option, although these selections have slightly less discount applied.
Bluebell sofa bed | from £1325 £1126 at Sofa.com
The sofa bed version of Sofa.com’s Bluebell sofa is also in the sale, and offers a more classic take on an often contemporary styled piece of furniture. Again, the design comes in a wide range of size options, with love seat, two-seater, two-and-a-half-seater, and three-seater option available.
Weymouth sofa bed | From £1552 £1086 at Darlings of Chelsea
Now with over £500 worth of savings and available in loveseat, 2-seater or 3-seater sofa bed, along with matching non-sleeper sofas of the same size, the Weymouth’s curved scrollback arms add refined elegance to an interior. A 12cm deep pull-out mattress offers enhanced comfort for your guests.
Boxing Day and January sofa deals: our predictions
These retailers don’t have a sale at the moment, but, based on previous years, we think they may well offer sofa or sofa bed discounts either on Boxing Day or in the January sales.
We’ll keep this page updated as all of the January sofa deals go live, but for now, it’s well worth doing your research, checking measurements, and adding items to your wishlist ready to pounce when discounts appear!
Dreams
Although it specialises in all things bedroom, Dreams also offers a good selection of reasonably priced sofa beds, including our favourite, the Galway sofa bed, a mid-Century inspired sleeper sofa available in a range of statement upholstery.
Furniture and Choice
Home to a wide range of furniture styles at affordable price points, Furniture and Choice’s prices are likely to get even better when the brand’s January sale kicks off. You’ll find a huge selection of living room furniture to shop, including leather, velvet, and fabric upholstered sofas and recliners.
Furniture Village
The Furniture Village is a one-stop destination for all of your furniture needs, offering dining room, bedroom, home office, and living room furniture alongside essential storage, and home decor. The brand’s sale usually offer big discounts, so we’re waiting to see what January holds.
Home Essentials
Home Essentials offers very affordable sofas and sofa beds, with the brand’s entry-level three-seater sofa starting at just £329. Prices are likely to get even better in the New Year sales though if the brand’s Black Friday discounts are anything to go by.
Oak furnitureland
Oak furnitureland offers a great selection of solid wood furniture, but its sofa and seating collections are strong too, with affordable fabric upholstered couches and spacious recliners for kicking back and relaxing.
Snug
If you’re looking for a sofa or sofa bed to be delivered fast, then Snug is your go-to. The brand offers next-day delivery on all of its seating and has a wide range of styles to choose from, all of which are delivered flat-packed with super simple assembly to make delivery to the room of your choice hassle-free.
The post Sofa deals: the up to 40% off sales well worth shopping this week appeared first on Ideal Home.
Reading time: 7 min
Aldi is selling a dupe for Oliver Bonas’ velvet armchair for under £90 – it’s going fast
Aldi is selling a stunning navy velvet armchair for £89.99 that looks just like one from Oliver Bonas. The grey version’s sold out but if you’re quick, you can still pick up this cute accent chair in navy!
The stylish piece of furniture would work brilliantly as a living room idea. It will look lovely perched next to a coffee table or nestled by the fireplace.
Image credit: Aldi
The Kirkton House navy velvet armchair is a real bargain given that a similar item by Oliver Bonas is £445. We think this little chair would bring a lovely splash of colour to your space and will work with any existing grey living room ideas you might have.
Embrace the blue! We’ve been seeing a growing trend for dusty blues, so this could be great in a blue bedroom or spare room.
Kirkton House Navy Velvet Chair | £89.99 at Aldi
Update your space with this dark blue velvet armchair from Aldi. Providing extra seating for living spaces, landings and bedrooms, it’s sure to add a touch of glamour.
Velvet Indigo Blue Tub Chair | £445 at Oliver Bonas
This similar velvet chair from Oliver Bonas comes in a huge range of colours and also has a matching footstool. Perfect for evenings in with friends and for bringing some colour and classic style into your space
The petite chair measures 74 x 66.3 x 64cm (approximately) and has sleek black wooden legs.
Image credit: Aldi
The Aldi armchair is an online exclusive available to pre-order now on the Aldi Special Buys website. If you order now, the estimated dispatch is Thursday, December 23rd.
So while you wouldn’t want to pin any hopes on it, the chair may arrive in time for Christmas. We’re big fans of the tufted design, simple buttons, and sleek silhouette.
Image credit: Aldi
This occasional chair will look right at home in the corner of a bedroom, offering a comfy place to pause. It’s a great way to introduce a new texture into your living space, making it feel more cosy.
Plus, it’s light enough to carry around if you need extra seating over the festive period. As with many Special Buy products, blink and you’ll miss it.
Will you be picking one up?
The post Aldi is selling a dupe for Oliver Bonas’ velvet armchair for under £90 – it’s going fast appeared first on Ideal Home.
Reading time: 2 min
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