Appliances for a Granny Flat: Complete Buying Guide

Granny flats are booming across Sydney as homeowners add income-generating secondary dwellings or house family members. Whether you're setting up a new granny flat or upgrading an existing one, choosing the right appliances requires balancing size, efficiency, and cost. Here's exactly what you need.

The Challenges of Appliances in a Granny Flat

• Limited space — kitchens and laundries in granny flats are typically compact
• Lower ceiling heights sometimes restrict tall fridges
• Single-phase power limitations mean you need to be careful with air conditioner capacity
• Budget constraints — furnishing a whole new dwelling adds up quickly

Fridge for a Granny Flat

Recommended size: 220–320 litres

Standard full-size fridges (400L+) are often too big for granny flat kitchens. A 280–320L fridge is the sweet spot — large enough for a person or couple to store a week's groceries, while fitting in a standard 600mm cavity. Look for bottom-mount models (fridge on top, freezer on bottom) for easier daily access.

Top picks: LG 300L bottom mount, Samsung 275L bottom mount, Westinghouse 310L bottom mount.

Washing Machine for a Granny Flat

Recommended: 6–7kg front loader OR a washer-dryer combo

If the granny flat has a separate laundry area, a standard 6–7kg front loader is ideal. For compact laundries or combined bathroom-laundry spaces, a washer-dryer combo unit (single machine that washes and dries) is the best solution — it uses one power point and one water connection and takes up the same space as one machine.

Top washer-dryer combos: LG 8/5kg, Bosch 8/5kg, Samsung 8.5/6kg.

Dryer for a Granny Flat

If you have a front loader without drying function, a small 4–6kg condenser dryer (no venting required) is a practical addition. Heat pump dryers are more expensive upfront but save significantly on electricity.

Air Conditioning

Recommended: 2.5kW – 3.5kW reverse cycle split system

For a granny flat of 25–45m², a 2.5kW reverse cycle split system is usually sufficient and uses only a 10-amp circuit. For 45–60m², choose 3.5kW. Ensure the system is reverse cycle so it provides both cooling and heating year-round.

Top brands: Daikin (Cora series), Mitsubishi Electric (AP series), Fujitsu, LG.

Dishwasher for a Granny Flat

Standard 60cm dishwashers are often too big. Consider a 45cm slimline dishwasher if bench space is tight, or skip the dishwasher entirely if the flat has limited counter and floor space.

Package Deal: Total Appliance Cost

Setting up a granny flat from scratch? Here's a typical budget using quality used appliances from Oceania:

• Fridge (280L): $249–$349
• Washing machine (6kg front loader): $299–$399
• Dryer or washer-dryer combo: $299–$499
• Air conditioner (2.5kW split): $299–$499
• Total: $1,146–$1,746 — all free delivery

Compare that to buying all new from Harvey Norman: $3,500–$5,000+ before delivery fees.

Get a Package Quote

At Oceania Appliances, we regularly help landlords and homeowners set up granny flats with a full appliance package. Call us at 0450 700 001 for a package quote or browse online at oceaniaappliances.com.au. Free delivery across all Sydney suburbs.