Buying a new washing machine or tumble dryer isn't just about capacity and spin speed anymore. Today's appliances come packed with features promising to save energy, protect your clothes and make laundry less of a chore.

However, not every feature is going to be useful for every household. That's why we've picked out the upgrades that can make a true difference to everyday life, using appliances from Hotpoint, trusted by UK families for more than a century and with more 5-star Trustpilot reviews than any other domestic appliance brand*, available from AO, the UK's most trusted electrical retailer.

1. Heat Pump drying

If you regularly use a tumble dryer, Heat Pump Technology is one upgrade worth considering. It dries clothes efficiently at lower temperatures, helping to reduce energy consumption while being gentler on fabrics.

While Heat Pump drying cycles are longer, the Hotpoint Fabric Care 9kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer also comes equipped with a FastDry 5kg in one hour cycle for when you’re in a hurry. Plus, the PetHairCare function is a must if you’re the owner of a furry friend, as it’s designed specifically to remove pet hair from clothes and fabrics.

And if you’re looking to install your appliances in a garage or unheated utility room, ColdGuard also allows the dryer to perform effectively in temperatures as low as 0°C. For more delicate items, there's also a DelicateDry setting and a dedicated Wool cycle.

2. Continuous Wash & Dry

If moving wet clothes from one appliance to another is a job you could happily do without, Continuous Wash & Dry is particularly useful.

Available on the Hotpoint Fabric Care 10kg / 6kg Washer Dryer, it can wash and dry a 6kg load in one seamless programme. It also features Fabric Care technology to help protect fibres and colours, alongside Anti Stain cycles for tackling common household stains without pre-treatment.

3. Steam Refresh

Not every piece of clothing needs a complete wash after you've worn it, which is where Steam Refresh comes in.

The Hotpoint Fabric Care Washer Dryer can freshen lightly worn clothes in around 20 minutes without running a full wash cycle. It's a simple feature, but one that could quickly become useful for shirts, trousers and other clothes that just need a refresh.

4. Features that solve everyday annoyances

Sometimes it's the smaller features that make the biggest difference. Crease Care helps when you can't empty the tumble dryer immediately, Fast Dry programmes come in handy when you're in a rush, and Anti Stain cycles tackle common stains without the hassle of pre-treatment.

These aren't necessarily features you'd buy an appliance for individually, but together they can make laundry considerably less demanding.

It's not just laundry

Useful appliance upgrades extend beyond washing and drying. For example, Hotpoint’s HydroForce Integrated dishwashers have a third rack with integrated spray jets in providing targeted cleaning for mugs, bowls and utensils that you'd normally load in the lower rack. Alongside a 3D Zone Wash for additional cleaning power to remove stubborn burnt on food.

There's also ActiveDry, which automatically opens the door after a cycle to improve drying, while the MaxiSpace interior and height-adjustable upper basket give you more flexibility when loading larger cookware.

The most useful appliance features are usually the ones you stop thinking about because they quietly make life easier. Maybe that’s a tumble dryer that uses less energy, a programme that gives your clothes a bit more care, or simply being able to throw a load in and come back when it’s washed and dried.

It’s worth thinking about the practical side of buying a new appliance too. AO can install your new appliance when it arrives and take the old one away for recycling, while its Price Match Guarantee means it’ll match a cheaper price you find elsewhere. AO Members also get perks including free unlimited delivery and 100-day returns.