Modern kitchen design in Ireland has led to the situation where the entire laundry element of the house is incorporated into the kitchen layout. Modern and efficient appliances are located in or near the kitchen. New technology has produced washers and dryers that are as good as industrial laundry equipment was a decade ago. These appliances blend into the kitchen and the utility room - a room that adjoins the kitchen usually with rear door access – and make for very convenient laundry management.

Years ago in Ireland the tumble dryer was relegated to an obscure outhouse or garage. Now however, modern design and cutting-edge technology combine to give these hard working labour savers an ascetic appeal that leads to admiration and allows be placed at the heart of the kitchen or utility room.

In addition, clever design of panels and doors can camouflage the items if that is so desired by the homeowner.

In Ireland, the trend for the last decade has evolved towards washer/drier combos for efficiency and space. These come in two types – the front-loading machine and the top loading version.

The difference is in cost and efficiency. The top loader is becoming much more common in Ireland. Although more expensive than its counterpart, it gives a better wash and is less harmful to clothing because of its tumble rotation mechanism. It also uses less water to achieve comparative loads with the front load version.

The front loader machine is the old favourite in Ireland and is cheaper than the top load comrade is. It comes in a variety of colours and sleek faces, but it is more difficult to conceal with doors or panels. It uses more water per load and is worked by an agitator system that will not allow it carry as heavy a load as the top- loader, It is also more prone to causing damage to more sensitive wools and fibres.

If you starting from new, Kitchens Ireland would recommend the top loader for the reasons stated above.

All appliance manufacturers provide a range from the economy priced Zanussi, Beko and Hotpoint to the expensive Neff, Miele and Siematic and other ranges.

At the end of the day, you get what you pay for in terms of quality and capacity.