For the kitchen in general, Stainless steel is a real PITA to clean.
Don't do it to yourself.

Washing machine - 7kgs at least, probably front loader but PLEASE tell me why they're better than top loaders?
Front loaders use less water, and are gentler on clothes. You also get far less lint on your clothing with them as a rule.
You generally pay more for detergent, but use less per cycle.
The pitch of the noise in the spin cycle can make them sound loud.
miele, bosch, maytag, electrolux or asko

Dryer - small, as most of my stuff will be line dried...
not sure, but they use a lot of power. condensers are good but exxy
Cooktop - not sure yet, please let me know how yours is... preferably gas, don't like electric.
Westinghouse are pretty good, my mum has one and I love it.
Ours is technika and I dont love it.
If I had unlimited funds Id get omega/smeg
Oven - electric - don't know brands
As above. St George are very good also.
Fridge - NFI, don't need a huge one, just one that works...
I have a huge french door bottom mount electrolux, but I am a self confessed fridge snob. I prefer bottom mount freezers as they tend to be bigger, plus you open the fridge more often, and I hate bending to the floor to get the vegies out.
Dishwasher - like the idea of the two-drawer option, as there's only me and the two kids, so a half-size one would be ok?
Not sure on half size depends how many dishes you have? We have 2 adults and 1 mess making kid, the other is b/f but we can easily do 2 loads some days.
Again, dont get a technika.