Baumatic BL 18 A

Advantages: Good looker, large fridge (60:40 ratio), relatively quiet, value, tough design.
Disadvantages: Black sheen does attract fingerprints, wine rack slightly annoying.

...The BF340BL [340 litre capacity in Black] is fantastic and good value at £420 in May 2008. I was a little sceptical about ordering this particular fridge-freezer online from Boots Appliances without seeing it as I thought that the black sheen may look rather 'plastic-y' and cheap, but it looks great. Unlike similar refrigerators this one also has matching black side panels (though not in gloss plastic but metal), which is important if the whole system is going to be in-view and the back of this model is very tidy compared to others I have seen. However, whilst I love the black and the retro-styled Baumatic logo on the top door of the fridge-freezer, it has to be said that the glossy front is a bit difficult to keep clean so if you do buy this try to keep your fingertips on the chrome-handles only or you'll end up with prints all over... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: nice looking
Disadvantages: terrible quality - lousy customer service

...I bought a Baumatic BT3500SS Range Cooker, and despite very light use, the main heating element has burned out twice in two years. The cooker is now out of warranty and Baumatic want a £75 call-out charge to replace the part. Despite explaining to them that there is obviously a defect in the cooker and that it is not fit for purpose, Baumatic don't want to know. short sighted customer service from Baumatic - the product looks very solid but obviously the components are shoddy. Despite the part itself still being under warranty, Baumatic insist that they will only replace the part if replaced by their own "qualified" engineer - hence the &75 quid callout for a part not worth £20. I wouldn't buy Baumatic again!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Speed, looks, facilities, price
Disadvantages: Keeping it clean

...We've had this hob for about 18 months now and it is superb. Very fast warmup and response time. Works best with heavy pans which hold the heat. In common with all hobs of this type the halogen system has only 2 settings: on and off, so half power setting is achieved by the zone being on for 50% of the time and off for the rest. The many different size zones makes it easy to select the right one for the pan and the rectangular zone is a great match for a cast iron griddle. Being 77cm wide it sits well beneath a 90cm hood without too much steam etc escaping as tends to happen with a 90cm hob under a 90cm hood. The timer is versatile and can be used alone or to switch off zones after a predetermined time. Compared to the many German branded equivalents which can cost twice as much, at around £310 this hob is a bargain. Highly... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful