Appliances

[fisherofmengirly]

Specifically, kitchen appliances.

Paul and I are on the hunt for a fridge for our new house. We''d like a nice one, but we''re not at the "stainless steel phase" just yet. (IE-we need to get a washer and dryer, too, and pay for a new house!)

What brands do you suggest? Any bells and whistles you can''t imagine life without? What about extras you wish you''d not given up the cash for?

We''ve been mostly just searching where various brands are made, as that is a BIG factor, especially for Paul.

Suggestions, anyone?

 

[Elmorton]

I love having water and ice in the fridge door, but we have a brita pitcher, so not having water isn''t really a big deal - and that''s just one more thing that can break.

Honestly, the only dealbreaker for me when we buy appliances is that I want a fridge that has clear shelves and clear crisper drawers - if I can''t see what''s in the crisper, I totally forget what''s there and everything will rot. Gross!

The other thing - I know people will totally disagree, especially those who are hard-core gourmets, but I love, love, love having a flat-top porcelain stove. Not cleaning burners is pretty much the best thing ever.

I don''t know where things are made, but look into the "minor" brands - many of the name brands have a "lower line" with the same quality but less design. For example, my washer/dryer is "Inglis" by Whirlpool - the design of the buttons and machine doesn''t look as nifty as the other whirlpools (it''s a little more industrial, squarish), but it''s made in the same place with the same materials as the more expensive ones. I''ve never had problems with them, and they cost $600 for both with installation and delivery - which is slightly less than the lowest of the line Whirlpool - and mine has a larger capacity but same quality...a pretty good deal.

Another thing to think about if you''re really looking to save is check out Craigslist or local condos/apartments. One of my girlfriends bought a mid-grade Whirlpool washer and dryer that was 8 mos old from someone who had posted a flyer in our then apt building - she paid $450. It had literally been used about two dozen times since the couple worked for airlines and spent very little time in the apt before they moved. I''d be wary of buying something more than a couple years old if it was used, but honestly, you can get some really excellent finds.

 

[crown1]

i have been married for 37 years. we bought a whirlpool fridge within two months and just had it hauled out of our basement about four months ago. we replaced it about fifteen years ago because we wanted double door water and ice on the door and an updated look. it worked great so we took it to the basement for overflow cold storage. just four months ago we again wanted to update a perfectly good fridge so we had the 37 year old whirlpool hauled out and the fifteen year old whirlpool moved to the basement and a new whirlpool installed in the kitchen. i can recommend whirlpool. we also have had equally good luck with whirlpool washer/dryers. our first set went with our daughter while in college and when she left the house she sold them for $150. to the new girls taking over the house.

i don''t know if you have best buy but we found them to have far cheaper prices on whirlpool and they were offering free delivery at the time and that is not offered much around here anymore. there is an old thread on here about appliances it might afford you more help.

 

[lyra]

I still love my Whirlpool fridge. It's 13 years old now. It could use a new door gasket, but really, the interior set up is perfect for us and it just fits our lifestyle.

I have a bit of a phobia about in the door water/ice thingies. How do you clean out the water lines? Don't they get gunky? This has always stopped me from buying one. Well, plus you seem to lose some space interior going that route.

 

[fisherofmengirly]

Looks like whirlpool is a favorite around here.... I''ll make note of that.

Thanks, everyone!

 

[sumbride]

If you have a Sears Outlet around you, go there! I know many many people who have found amazing deals there because the fridge has a scratch on the side (which is usually hidden) or some other small cosmetic issue. One of my friends got a great stainless fridge for a steal because there was a dent in the side panel, low, which again is hidden. Check the yellow pages and see if you have one near you! It''s worth your time to take a look.

 

[fisherofmengirly]

Thanks for the hint, Sum.

The cheapest we''ve seen so far is "Brandsmart." They rock for low prices around here. I''ll check on the sears idea, though.