Need recs for value AND functionality!!

17 years ago

I've been purusing this forum for awhile now (I usually lurk around the kitchens forum), but I'm more confused than ever! We're about to embark on our DIY kitchen renovation. I've got the cabinet design all drawn up and sample doors on the way, but we can't move forward with our order until we decide on appliances. We are working on a budget (hence the DIY cabinets), but I don't want complete crap when it comes to appliances, either. We'll only be in this house another 2-4 years, so resale value is important. However, this is a lower-end home in a high-end area, so it's important we don't go over the top with spending or potential buyers will move on to the next bigger house.

All that said, here's what I *know* I want (but am always open to suggestions):

Stainless steel or stainless-look (we don't have kids)

French door fridge (haven't decided on CD or not)

Slide in electric range

OTR microwave (I know those aren't popular here, but it's what will work best with the space)

Dishwasher (possibly one that will fit a cabinet panel)

Does anyone have any great suggestions for brands/models that will give me the biggest bang for my buck? Of course they have to look good, but I really want the best quality I can get for the least amount of money (but then who doesn't?).

I'd appreciate any suggestions-- Thanks!

Katie

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Comments (2)

clubcracker
17 years ago
We did a fairly budget, partially DIY kitchen reno in our last house with stainless appliances. I will say that once we had kids, I hated the stainless - but it looks like you know that already. :)

For the range, we did a GE Profile slide in and it worked really, really well for us. Had a higher end looking design than some of the other brands we could afford, and like you, we were planning on selling so not ready to fork over the $$$ for a real pro range.

We did the matching GE Profile OTR Microwave/vent and that also was trouble free. Had a Maytag bottom freezer fridge that was totally fine, again my budget wasn't sub zero and we were not staying so...it kept things cold and looked nice in its space. :)

Last, the dishwasher was a Whirlpool, the only thing I didn't research to pieces, and the only thing we skimped on, and I HATED it. It was noisy, the "stainless" front used to pop off (!) from time to time, and it didn't dry anything, ever.

I hope this is helpful. In our new kitchen, where we hope to stay a long time but still don't have budget for high end, we did a Bosch range (like it, but the Profile interface was easier for me to figure out), Jenn Air FD CD fridge with glass panel front (like it), and Bosch OTR microwave (works fine). The dw came with the house (see my other post on replacing). This kitchen is smooth white appliances and I like them a lot better than the stainless.

Good luck and let us know what you're thinking and what you choose!

Mary
kmgard
Original Author
17 years ago
Mary,

Thank you so much for your response! I have a feeling it's going to be very easy for me to get carried away "justifying" why we might need a "nicer this" or a "bigger that." It's nice to know that someone could make it work on a budget. I will be sure to check out your suggestions! (And thanks for the info on the Whirlpool dishwasher-- we were leaning in that direction, but now I will seriously re-think that idea).
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