Start with what the flat already provides
Moving into your first rented home often means a long shopping list in a short time. Before you buy anything, read the tenancy agreement and inventory, because many flats and houses already include a cooker, fridge freezer, washing machine or cooker hood. Buying a duplicate wastes money and cupboard space, and it can leave you with an appliance that does not fit once you move on.
Focus first on what you cannot cook, store or clean without. A kettle, a toaster, basic pans, a vacuum cleaner and, if missing, a fridge come before decorative extras. Electronics can wait: a working router and a phone charger matter more than a large television. Measure gaps under worktops, note the sockets and water connections, and keep receipts and manuals in one folder.
How to choose appliances that fit the property
Start with the practical details. Measure the space, the doorways and the plug or water connections before you compare models. Look at the energy rating and the running costs, and choose a capacity that suits the number of people in the home. Check whether delivery and installation are included, and whether the retailer will take away an old appliance. Also confirm that the voltage and plug type suit UK sockets, especially for imported products.
There are trade-offs between new, refurbished and ex-display items. Ex-display goods can save money but may have shorter or different warranties, so read the terms carefully. Simple, sturdy models with fewer features are often better in a rental, because there is less to go wrong and fewer settings to learn. For electronics, check whether your broadband contract already includes a router before buying one, and consider whether you really need every accessory on offer.
Measure the space, check what the flat already has, and buy the essentials first rather than everything at once.
From the editors
Common mistakes include buying before reading the inventory, ignoring measurements, and choosing a large fridge for a small kitchen. Many people also forget installation and disposal costs, or pay for extended warranties without reading what they cover. Avoid buying gadgets on impulse. A short list of essentials, bought in order of need, usually works better than a single large shopping trip.
What you really need first
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Fridge freezer
Choose a size that fits the recess and suits how many people use the kitchen. Check the energy rating and whether the landlord already provides one before you buy.
Search termsfridge freezer for rented flat · compact fridge freezer · energy efficient fridge
Our recommendationappliancecentre.co.ukBest for kitchen basicsWashing machine
A freestanding model is usually the simplest choice for a rental, but measure the space and water connection first. Confirm whether the property already has one.
Search termswashing machine small space · freestanding washing machine · washing machine UK
Our recommendationtheappliancedepot.co.ukWide household rangeKettle and toaster set
These are the daily essentials most first-time renters need straight away. A matching pair from a single range keeps the worktop tidy.
Search termskettle and toaster · small kitchen appliances · first home kitchen
Our recommendationshop.swan-brand.co.ukSmall kitchen essentialsPortable DAB radio
A radio is a practical, low-cost way to fill a quiet kitchen or bedroom. It does not need a large setup or extra cabling.
Search termsDAB radio · portable radio kitchen · bedside DAB radio
Our recommendationrobertsradio.comKitchen and bedside radioCompact cooker or oven
Measure the space and check the gas or electric connection before choosing a model. Ask whether the landlord supplies a cooker to avoid buying a duplicate.
Search termscompact cooker · electric oven small kitchen · freestanding cooker
Our recommendationcomet.co.ukLarger appliancesUSB flash drive
A reliable drive is useful for storing scanned tenancy documents, inventory photos and important records. Keep a second copy somewhere else.
Search termsUSB flash drive · memory card storage · backup drive documents
Our recommendationmymemory.co.ukDigital storage extras
A practical order for your first shopping trip
Begin with a written list. Separate items the property already has from items you need to buy, and mark what must work on day one, such as the fridge, washing machine and kettle. Measure every space before you browse, and note the sockets and water connections.
For major appliances, appliancecentre.co.uk is a sensible place to compare kitchen products and ask about delivery and fitting. If you want to see a wider range of household appliances and consumer electronics side by side, theappliancedepot.co.uk is useful for comparing options. Once the essentials are in place, robertsradio.com offers a simple way to add a radio for the kitchen or bedroom. Keep every order confirmation and manual together so you can deal with warranty questions later.
Before you order
- Read the tenancy agreement and inventory for supplied appliances.
- Measure the kitchen space, doorways and any gaps under worktops.
- Check plug sockets, water connections and voltage for UK use.
- Compare energy ratings and running costs before choosing a model.
- Confirm whether delivery, installation and old appliance removal are included.
- Check whether your broadband contract already includes a router.
- Keep receipts, warranties and manuals in one folder.
The stores at a glance
appliancecentre.co.uk
Best for kitchen basicsAppliance Centre at appliancecentre.co.uk covers kitchen appliances from major manufacturers, such as washing machines, fridges and ovens, and offers delivery and product advice that helps when you are unsure what fits your kitchen.
Recommended for Fridge freezer
theappliancedepot.co.uk
Wide household rangeThe Appliance Depot at theappliancedepot.co.uk is useful for comparing household appliances and consumer electronics in one place when you are building a first-home shopping list.
Recommended for Washing machine
robertsradio.com
Kitchen and bedside radioRoberts Radio at robertsradio.com suits renters who want a dependable radio or DAB set for the kitchen or bedroom without buying a larger home audio system.
Recommended for Portable DAB radio
shop.swan-brand.co.uk
Small kitchen essentialsSwan sells kettles, toasters and microwaves, which are often the first purchases a new tenant needs when the flat has no small appliances at all.
Recommended for Kettle and toaster set
comet.co.uk
Larger appliancesComet sells washing machines, fridges and cookers, which is useful if the property is missing a major appliance and you want to compare options quickly.
Recommended for Compact cooker or oven
mymemory.co.uk
Digital storage extrasMyMemory at mymemory.co.uk sells USB flash drives and memory cards, handy for backing up tenancy documents, photos and inventory records.
Recommended for USB flash drive
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Frequently asked questions
Should I check what the landlord provides before buying appliances?
Yes. Read the tenancy agreement and inventory first, as many properties include a cooker, fridge freezer or washing machine. Buying a duplicate wastes money and space.
Which appliances should I buy first?
Start with items you need every day, such as a fridge, a kettle and a toaster if they are not supplied. Electronics like a router or phone charger usually come before a television.
Is a refurbished or ex-display appliance a good idea?
It can save money, but check the warranty, the condition and the return terms. Make sure the size and energy rating suit the property before you buy.
What should I measure before buying?
Measure the space and the doorways, note the plug socket and water connections, and check the height under worktops. Confirm the voltage suits UK sockets.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money
