Yay Div!
For my 2 cents worth i reckon it is worth putting your list of everything together and seeing if you can wangle a package deal on everything. We did that when we bought our stuff for our place 10 years ago and saved between 20 - 30%. We did pay cash though after saving our behinds off, not sure if this is an option for you given the time you have.

IMHO the cheapest place to go is the good guys, we go to one out in bayswater which is a bit of a hike but worth it pricewise even taking into account extra delivery fees.

We were students when we bought our bits and pieces and 10 years on my comments are:

Dishwasher and Washing machine - both Lg - both very ordinary and I would def not buy again. Have had problems with both from about the 5 year mark.
Dryer - we have a simpson - basic low end model - has been great (but like you I don't use it that much).
Looking at new dishwasher and love the look of asko models they seem quiet and very water efficient.
Fridge I have a fisher paykel top freezer bottom fridge one. Very happy with it we got it second hand when we moved in now about ready to changeover. I have been looking at those and my one issue with upside down is that you get much less fridge capacity than freezer on top in cases where externally the unit s are both the same size. I personally wanted the fridge capacity more than freezer but that's because I have already got a separate freezer.
Can't comment on the rest but will look on with interest as in my dream world I would love to renovate my kitchen soon!
Good luck
B xo