My knowledge on Appliances, if you need it.

[mobius8]

Everyone here has been so helpful in sharing their knowledge on DIAMONDS, and several other things, I would like to try and give back.
I have been selling major appliances for a national retailer for almost 7 years. I know a decent amount about features and finishes. I know a bit about service, but not much. Anything I don''t know I will try and find out for you.

If anyone has any questions that I could assist with I would be glad to help.

Thanks!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

That is so kind of you! I know people post questions about appliances under "Family & Home" from time to time. I am sure you will be a great help.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 9/6/2008 1:01:32 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
That is so kind of you! I know people post questions about appliances under ''Family & Home'' from time to time. I am sure you will be a great help.

Ditto, very very sweet!! thanks!

 

[Dee*Jay]

I have a question! When we redid our kitchen the sales person said that we need to have our SubZero refrigerator serviced twice a year. We've had several SubZero's in the past and no one has ever told us this. Do we really need to have it serviced, and if so, truly every six months?

It's very kind of you to offer to help like this! Thanks Mobius!

 

[mobius8]

Date: 9/6/2008 1:01:32 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
That is so kind of you! I know people post questions about appliances under ''Family & Home'' from time to time. I am sure you will be a great help.

Sorry, Is there a way to move my post to the correct category?

 

[Tacori E-ring]

If you hit "report post" you can ask Ali. She would be happy to do it.

 

[mobius8]

Date: 9/6/2008 1:06:05 PM
Author: Dee*Jay
I have a question! When we redid our kitchen the sales person said that we need to have our SubZero refrigerator serviced twice a year. We''ve had several SubZero''s in the past and no one has ever told us this. Do we really need to have it serviced, and if so, truly every six months?


It''s very kind of you to offer to help like this! Thanks Mobius!

I have not directly sold this brand, but all refrigerators can benefit from regular cleaning/dusting of the condenser to help them run more efficiently. Also a good step for your outdoor central A/C condenser.
I suppose it is suggested highly on SubZ''s due to the cost of the appliance.
This is a task that can be easily done yourself but I think it is a service that the retailer typically offers themselves vs farming it out and therefore it helps them to keep their in-house service team busy and keep profits up.
It''s much easier to justify a $50 - $100 maintenance trip charge on a $5k appliance vs. a $500 appliance.

The compressor and condenser on your SubZ is located on top vs. on the bottom for a traditional freestanding refrigerator and due to the 84" height you may need a step stool to complete this task.
Refer to specific instructions from the manufacturer in your use and care guide.

 

[mobius8]

Date: 9/6/2008 1:22:47 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
If you hit ''report post'' you can ask Ali. She would be happy to do it.

Done

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 9/6/2008 1:06:05 PM
Author: Dee*Jay
I have a question! When we redid our kitchen the sales person said that we need to have our SubZero refrigerator serviced twice a year. We've had several SubZero's in the past and no one has ever told us this. Do we really need to have it serviced, and if so, truly every six months?

It's very kind of you to offer to help like this! Thanks Mobius!

if i buy one of their frig.... my saving account balance would be SubZero!!

 

[Efe]

I need to replace my dishwasher now and my refrigerator and stove in the somewhat distant future. I want to buy a stainless steel dishwasher, but my current appliances are white. My question is, does anyone make a magnetic "cover" in white that I could put over the new dishwasher until I can replace the other appliances in stainless steel? Does this make any sense, ''cause the guy at Home Depot looked at me like I was crazy?

 

[mobius8]

Date: 9/6/2008 1:48:11 PM
Author: BizouMom
I need to replace my dishwasher now and my refrigerator and stove in the somewhat distant future. I want to buy a stainless steel dishwasher, but my current appliances are white. My question is, does anyone make a magnetic ''cover'' in white that I could put over the new dishwasher until I can replace the other appliances in stainless steel? Does this make any sense, ''cause the guy at Home Depot looked at me like I was crazy?

Here''s my thoughts.....
First, the dishwasher. There are 4 kinds of "stainless" out there.
1: Stainless (duh) most of which is NOT magnetic so your magnet idea would be out.
2: Coated stainless. Fingerprint resistant real stainless coated in polyurethane.
3: Stainless look. "CleanSteel", "Satina", "UltraSatin", "Platinum" each brand has their own name for this laminate look alike. This is what I have on my REFRIGERATOR. It IS magnetic.
4: Painted stainless look. It is what it sounds like. It is magnetic.

A: Now, even if you don''t get a dishwasher with a magnetic front you could use a temporary adhesive like 3m command perhaps. You could try using a sheet aluminum backsplash in white. It would be cheep at around $20 but would look sort of ghetto and unfinished.
B:There are companies that do custom panels like Frigo Designs that will make you a white panel kit for the new dish but this will be kinda pricey.
C: My top recommendation would require you to be moderately handy with a screwdriver. Buy your stainless dish. Get the model number for the same exact model in white. Order a front panel for that model as a replacement part. Switch the front panels and keep the stainless stored in a safe place.
The only drawback to this idea is that the trim/control panel will be black or silver and your front panel would be white. But perhaps a decent compromise. And at a more reasonable cost of approx $50 to $75 dollars.
I can help you get a good deal on this part if you decide to this route.

 

[Efe]

Date: 9/6/2008 2:02:48 PM
Author: mobius8

Date: 9/6/2008 1:48:11 PM
Author: BizouMom
I need to replace my dishwasher now and my refrigerator and stove in the somewhat distant future. I want to buy a stainless steel dishwasher, but my current appliances are white. My question is, does anyone make a magnetic ''cover'' in white that I could put over the new dishwasher until I can replace the other appliances in stainless steel? Does this make any sense, ''cause the guy at Home Depot looked at me like I was crazy?

Here''s my thoughts.....
First, the dishwasher. There are 4 kinds of ''stainless'' out there.
1: Stainless (duh) most of which is NOT magnetic so your magnet idea would be out.
2: Coated stainless. Fingerprint resistant real stainless coated in polyurethane.
3: Stainless look. ''CleanSteel'', ''Satina'', ''UltraSatin'', ''Platinum'' each brand has their own name for this laminate look alike. This is what I have on my REFRIGERATOR. It IS magnetic.
4: Painted stainless look. It is what it sounds like. It is magnetic.

A: Now, even if you don''t get a dishwasher with a magnetic front you could use a temporary adhesive like 3m command perhaps. You could try using a sheet aluminum backsplash in white. It would be cheep at around $20 but would look sort of ghetto and unfinished.
B:There are companies that do custom panels like Frigo Designs that will make you a white panel kit for the new dish but this will be kinda pricey.
C: My top recommendation would require you to be moderately handy with a screwdriver. Buy your stainless dish. Get the model number for the same exact model in white. Order a front panel for that model as a replacement part. Switch the front panels and keep the stainless stored in a safe place.
The only drawback to this idea is that the trim/control panel will be black or silver and your front panel would be white. But perhaps a decent compromise. And at a more reasonable cost of approx $50 to $75 dollars.
I can help you get a good deal on this part if you decide to this route.

Thank you, that might just solve my problem.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Thanks Mobius!

And Dfire, I know what you mean... I have had clients remodel their entire kitchen for what we paid in appliances alone on just this one remodel... SubZero fridge, Viking cooktop and hood, Thermador double oven with warming drawer, Viking (?) microwave...

But the kitchen is to my HH what jewelry is to me so I am more than happy to let him have whatever he wants.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

mobius, Curlygirl posted an appliance question in "Family & Home" maybe you know the answer

 

[Ellen]

mobius, this is one of the nicest posts I''ve ever read on here. Thank you.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/7/2008 12:10:35 PM
Author: Ellen
mobius, this is one of the nicest posts I''ve ever read on here. Thank you.

Ditto - thank you Mobius!

 

[TravelingGal]

Mobius, I think you are my new best friend! What a lovely offer.

Timely too, because I hate my fridge! Vent below - if you want to skip the vent, go directly to the bolded question...

I got a GE french door fridge that I researched to apparently no avail. I hear GE is getting out of the appliance business because their stuff has been seriously going on the fritz. Within 6 months, our temperature display went out. We didn''t call for service immediately because we figured the fridge was working. Then a few months later, we noticed that while things were frozen, our ice cream was soft!

Well, that was it. I draw the line at bad Haagen Daas. We called service through the place we bought it as they threw in an extra year''s warranty.

They replaced the main PC. The display came up and when all settled, the fridge/freezer was reading 48/48.

2 more calls later they had to refer us to the vendor, who sent A&E service out. They had to come 5 different times, during which:

- they went into the sealed system and replaced the compressor...a 5 hour job. They were going to replace the evaporator but Sears sent the wrong part. After this the fridge vacillated between 37-48 degrees and the freezer between -13 and 4.
- The motor/fan
- The temperature sensor
- And something else I can''t remember

All in all, it *seems* to be working now, but this has taken 3 months!!

OK, so there''s my vent. My question:

Is GE normally that bad when it comes to fridges and in case it goes on the fritz again and GE agrees to either give me a new fridge or money back, which brand of fridge do you recommend?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 9/7/2008 12:38:04 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Well, that was it. I draw the line at bad Haagen Daas. We called service through the place we bought it as they threw in an extra year''s warranty.

LOL

 

[mobius8]

Date: 9/7/2008 12:38:04 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Mobius, I think you are my new best friend! What a lovely offer.


Timely too, because I hate my fridge! Vent below - if you want to skip the vent, go directly to the bolded question...


I got a GE french door fridge that I researched to apparently no avail. I hear GE is getting out of the appliance business because their stuff has been seriously going on the fritz. Within 6 months, our temperature display went out. We didn''t call for service immediately because we figured the fridge was working. Then a few months later, we noticed that while things were frozen, our ice cream was soft!


Well, that was it. I draw the line at bad Haagen Daas. We called service through the place we bought it as they threw in an extra year''s warranty.


They replaced the main PC. The display came up and when all settled, the fridge/freezer was reading 48/48.


2 more calls later they had to refer us to the vendor, who sent A&E service out. They had to come 5 different times, during which:


- they went into the sealed system and replaced the compressor...a 5 hour job. They were going to replace the evaporator but Sears sent the wrong part. After this the fridge vacillated between 37-48 degrees and the freezer between -13 and 4.

- The motor/fan

- The temperature sensor

- And something else I can''t remember


All in all, it *seems* to be working now, but this has taken 3 months!!


OK, so there''s my vent. My question:


Is GE normally that bad when it comes to fridges and in case it goes on the fritz again and GE agrees to either give me a new fridge or money back, which brand of fridge do you recommend?

I''m sorry to hear of your trouble. I know it can be frustrating dealing with these problems on something you expect to last 20 years. I had a GE countertop convection microwave that just crapped out after 20 months.
Truth is that all the neat new gizmos that make your appliances so cool and easy to use really are extra parts to tear up, that''s just the way it is. And it''s also that they really "don''t make them like they used to".
I would like to know some specifics of the model of GE that you purchased so that I can make a good recommendation. GE is a master of ''subbing out'' and having other companies make products for them and then putting their logo on it. Your refrigerator could be made by GE, Samsung, or possibly LG.

One easy way to tell who made your unit is the refrigerator door seal. In between the two refrigerator doors is there a little flap that the rubber gasket grabs on to, or do the rubber gaskets just bump up together?
Also, what capacity is it?
Does it have any type of dispenser?
Does it have 1 or 2 freezer drawers?

If it''s a GE made unit it would have been made in Mexico and I am not particularly crazy about these units. I would not be surprised if that''s what you have.
If it''s a Samsung made unit it would have been made in Korea and it would have had a Dual Evaporator. I love Samsung refrigerators. Own one myself and they are my top recommendation.
If it''s an LG made unit it would have also been made in Korea and it would have had a traditional single evaporator. I don''t know a whole lot about LG appliances. They seem okay but I don''t like them as much as Samsung personally.

In regards to GE getting out of the appliance biz because of a decline in product quality. That really had nothing to do with it. GE still makes (or ''subs out'') a lot of good products. GE has a decent market share in the US but does not on a global level. They thought that rather than trying to focus alot of time, energy, and money on their appliance division to strengthen that they might just sell and focus more on things they are excited about like wind energy, jet engines, etc.
At this time it does NOT look like they will be selling, but they considered it.

 

[mobius8]

Date: 9/7/2008 11:15:49 AM
Author: Tacori E-ring
mobius, Curlygirl posted an appliance question in ''Family & Home'' maybe you know the answer

AGSHF gave suggestions and links that are as good or better than anything I could come up with.
Thanks!

 

[TravelingGal]

mobius, thanks for your detailed response! I will check out what model it is and get back to you. None of the techs could tell me what it REALLY was (as I finally did figure out that GE subs their stuff out). My suspicion is that it is an LG or a "real" GE.

 

[:)]

Mob, what a sweet offer from you! Perhaps I shall refrain from throwing things at you in the future!

Would you recommend what, in your opinion, is the best stainless steel cleaner? TIA!

 

[mobius8]

Date: 9/8/2008 4:16:47 PM
Author:
Mob, what a sweet offer from you! Perhaps I shall refrain from throwing things at you in the future!

Would you recommend what, in your opinion, is the best stainless steel cleaner? TIA!

I have not tried a plethora of different brands. I have always been happy enough with STAINLESS STEEL MAGIC, but I''m sure there are plenty just as good out there.

 

[Lynn B]

Mobius,

What a sweet and thoughtful thread!!! I, for one, am totally jazzed to have an appliance expert to consult! THANK YOU! *kiss!*

OK, my question is about the GE Clean Steel finish in particular. The guy at Home Depot told me it was real stainless with a clear laminate... is that not true? And how does it hold up? Would you recommend it?

I am going to be in the market soon for new appliances and I love the look of stainless, but I just don''t want to hassle with the upkeep of it. Although I will if I have to!

THANKS!

Lynn

 

[mobius8]

Date: 9/9/2008 7:56:40 PM
Author: Lynn B
Mobius,


What a sweet and thoughtful thread!!! I, for one, am totally jazzed to have an appliance expert to consult! THANK YOU! *kiss!*


OK, my question is about the GE Clean Steel finish in particular. The guy at Home Depot told me it was real stainless with a clear laminate... is that not true? And how does it hold up? Would you recommend it?


I am going to be in the market soon for new appliances and I love the look of stainless, but I just don''t want to hassle with the upkeep of it. Although I will if I have to!


THANKS!

Lynn

Yes, what you were told is incorrect. It is NOT stainless with a laminate.
There is such a thing, Frigidaire makes it and it is called "Easy Care Stainless"
As far as the durability of the Clean Steel, I have a version of it from Samsung called "Platinum" on my fridge and I am pleased.
If you scratch regular plain old stainless you just scratch through to more stainless.
If you scratch Clean Steel or something comparable you can scratch through the laminate finish to the base metal and that would be a darker color. Is it easier to scratch, probably not. But that''s what happens when it IS scratched.

Hope that helps.

 

[scarleta]

How nice of you Mobius.Thanks I am not sure if I qualify to ask ,
but just in case.We have gas stove that is quite old working ok except the thermostat in the oven ( electric convectional) does not seem to be accurate and I have been putting a little oven thermometer to keep proper temperature.I am not ready for new one as yet is it worth fixing or ?
When I do get a new one ( I won''t pay expensive repairs to my old one)
Which one should I look for? I want to stay with gas for my stove.Any suggestions? If I don''t qualify to ask just ignore this post.
Thanks

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 9/6/2008 12:48:16 PM
Author:mobius8
Everyone here has been so helpful in sharing their knowledge on DIAMONDS, and several other things, I would like to try and give back.
I have been selling major appliances for a national retailer for almost 7 years. I know a decent amount about features and finishes. I know a bit about service, but not much. Anything I don''t know I will try and find out for you.

If anyone has any questions that I could assist with I would be glad to help.

Thanks!

That is so nice of you!!! I have a question. I love my Bosch dishwasher, but the racks are soooooo cheaply made, why is that? They come un snapped and are a PITA. I love how it runs, so quiet, but they could have done a better job on making the racks, or whatever they are called.

 

[mobius8]

Date: 9/9/2008 9:40:49 PM
Author: scarleta
How nice of you Mobius.Thanks I am not sure if I qualify to ask ,

but just in case.We have gas stove that is quite old working ok except the thermostat in the oven ( electric convectional) does not seem to be accurate and I have been putting a little oven thermometer to keep proper temperature.I am not ready for new one as yet is it worth fixing or ?

When I do get a new one ( I won''t pay expensive repairs to my old one)

Which one should I look for? I want to stay with gas for my stove.Any suggestions? If I don''t qualify to ask just ignore this post.

Thanks

Are you going with all gas or dual-fuel (gas cooktop/electric oven)?
What kind of budget do you have in mind?

 

[mobius8]

Date: 9/9/2008 9:45:15 PM
Author: Kaleigh
That is so nice of you!!! I have a question. I love my Bosch dishwasher, but the racks are soooooo cheaply made, why is that? They come un snapped and are a PITA. I love how it runs, so quiet, but they could have done a better job on making the racks, or whatever they are called.

I am guessing you mean that you have rows of tines that have a fold away function, but that they fold away when you do not want them to?
If this is the case then you may just be able to bend the tine that locks in to the notch so that more tension is placed on that point. That may resolve your issue, if that makes sense.
If that''s not it, please try to describe the problem a little further and I will try not to be dense.

Also, what is the age of the product?
Bosch has some great customer service.....I had a customer with a complaint that was related to their rack but not even necessarily caused by the rack. The unit was right on the cusp of the warranty and when I contacted my rep he offered to send a new rack just to see if that would correct the problem.
New racks run about $80-$125 on average. Pretty good support I thought.

I have a Bosch dishwasher also which I have had for approx 2 years and have been pleased with it. I have personally not experienced any problems with the racks.

 

[asscherisme]

Oooh, I have a question! I have a sears brand front loading washing machine. It cost a boatload and was top of the line (in 2005) when I bought it. It has major mold prolbems. For some reason, it gets mold stored in the front rubber area, in the soap area, and areas I can''t see. I need to run empty bleach cycles on sanitary AND spray the whole thing with tilex ever week (I do tilex first, then bleach cycle, then an emty cycle, both on sanitary). If I don''t do those things, my whole first floor smells like mold and my clothes and kids smell like mold and mildew and awful horrid smell. I have the repair guy from sears out many times and he finally confessed its a flaw in the machine and he can''t help me with it

So....I am selling my house next year and in my new home I am very wary of buying front loader again. But with a lot of kids, front loader fits more clothes. Is the mold issue common in front loaders? My firend has the same issue with hers. I am thinking next time to just go top loader.

Are front loaders really worth the hype? I despise the mold issue, it so grosses me out and it takes a lot of work to keep it so the mold stays out of the machine.

When I sell my house, I am going to have to run a bleach cycle every other night to keep the mold smell out

YUCK!