The chest freezer is ideal for those who like to freeze in bulk. With a large capacity, it features more storage space, is often more energy efficient and has excellent temperature and humidity control that keeps food cold for longer if there’s a power outage. But it does take up more room (which is why most end up in the garage) and finding certain items may require digging to the bottom.

A fridge-freezer is a more obvious choice for smaller households looking for convenience. Particularly if you don't freeze in bulk and don't have the budget and space for two appliances. The drawback is that its energy consumption is higher compared to a chest freezer. Although the fridge-freezer does not offer the same energy efficiency technology as a chest freezer and offers less storage, the adjustable shelves and baskets provide easy access and extra freezer space, with defrosting and cleaning being simpler too.

There are pros and cons for both, it depends on personal choice and budget.

Most modern or minimalist kitchens have built-in cooking appliances as part of the design. They offer space-saving benefits and a sleek, seamless appearance, yet they do tend to be more expensive to both buy and repair. Plus they are permanently installed in the kitchen so can’t be relocated.

Free-standing appliances are better suited to a more traditional or industrial kitchen design. These appliances require more floor space, but are generally more affordable and easy to install. Access for repairs is simple and if you move, you can take your favourite kitchen appliances with you.

There is no easy answer as people are motivated by different things.

A brand promotion with cost-savings may prompt a purchaser to buy only that brand’s appliances. One brand may have a particular type of refrigerator, another offers certain multi-function oven or freestanding cooker with must have gas cooktop features, or there’s a type of dishwasher required to upgrade your dishwashing game, so the discerning buyer may choose to mix and match.

If opting for integrated or built-in appliances, different brand choices don't matter from a design perspective as many of the appliances will be hidden within kitchen cabinetry. With free-standing appliances, the look of different brands is more obvious particularly the stainless steel finishes or handle styles, so check these out before you buy.

Side-by-side refrigerators offer upright freezers with a top-to-bottom fridge and top-to-bottom freezer right next to each other.

French Door models have more traditional styling and provide one large refrigerator space on top, which is accessed by two doors with one or two freezer drawers below. For frequent entertainers, the French Door refrigerator may be more suitable, with the extra width useful for chilling large platters of food.

A side-by-side fridge generally offers more interior freezer storage than a similarly sized French Door, particularly on the freezer side (up to 25% more space), with both often offering a water dispenser.