need help choosing kitchen appliances

16 years ago

Hello everyone. I need to pick out new kitchen appliances (refrigerator, range, dishwasher) and was hoping for your help. I'm looking for mid-range brands but it seems every brand I look at, there are significant issues of one sort or another.

The refrigerator is probably the biggest challenge. I would like counter-depth but don't want something too wide (36" might be too big). I found a Fisher & Paykel fridge but it's gotten poor reviews. I also found a Samsung that is exactly what I would like in a fridge but it too seems to have reliability issues. I was thinking Kitchenaid/Jenn Air but it's wider than I want and so far, the reviews haven't been particularly glowing either. Basically, what I want is stainless and reliable.

As for the range, I need a slide-in electric range that will go into an island. Also thinking about the Kitchenaid but there seem to be a lot of complaints about the front-venting (heat coming at you when you cook, condensation dripping, etc.).

As for the dishwasher, I think I'm going with a tall tub, euro (no macerator), panel-ready Blomberg. Anyone have experience with Blomberg?

Finally, the problem I'm having is other than Kitchenaid/Jenn Air brands, no other seems to have a decent fridge and matching slide-in, electric range. It's getting way too complicated and I was hoping for feedback on other brands I should be looking at for quality and nice clean lines.

What are your thoughts on these appliances? Anyone out there have good experiences with their mid-range applicances who can perhaps direct me in the right direction?

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Comments (10)

hidroman
16 years ago
Blomberg *was* a "niche" german brand. I say niche cause it has never been so common as Bosch/Siemens, AEG, Miele and Bauknecht. Today is owned by the Turkish corporate Arcelik (not a prank, check here) . Not a case they don't use this brand outside of Turkey :)

BLOMBERG is still marketed as "german" mostly in Germany, while elsewhere they badge as BEKO
Their washers are in the entry level price range, anyway many owners report they perform better than competitors same priced machines.

There's very little feedback about their dishwashers : you can read here some reviews from ciao.co.uk. Anyway they seem to do as well as washers
kenjwan
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank hidroman re: Blomberg dishwasher. Here in Canada, the Blomberg name is used and definitely marketed as Turkish. They were pricing their appliances very competitively when they entered the market a few years ago so that seems to be why their prices are affordable. Seems to be great machines so it was nice to get info from you that confirms the positives.

As for the refrigerator, I'm trying to decide between a Samsung counterdepth model and a Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Jenn-Air model. The Samsungs seem to be really good fridges (despite reports of ice-machine problems) while the fit/finish/interiors of the WP/KA/JA brands seem nicer. What would you vote for or do you have any suggestions for an alternative?

Now, the hardest is the slide-in range vs cooktop/oven. I prefer the cooktop/oven look but the cost will be higher. Having said that, I found a decently priced GE Profile cooktop and a nice touch-control Faber, both 30". I would need to find a relatively affordable but good quality convection wall oven.

Alternatively, I would like a nice electric slide-in range with clean looking lines and a quality cooking surface, preferably without a stainless border. I'm leaning towards a KA/JA model unless someone else suggests otherwise.
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kenjwan
Original Author
16 years ago
Okay, so I think I've made up my mind. This is what I picked:

Samsung Refrigerator: RF197ABRS, bottom freezer, French doors, counter-depth
Blomberg Dishwasher: DWT36200, tall-tub, panel-ready
Fagor Cooktop: VFA-78S, radiant heat, touch-controls
Bosch Wall Oven: HBL5045AUC, convection

Anyone have direct experience and would like to comment?
thepond2007
16 years ago
I have a BLOMBERG HIDDEN-CONTROL DISHWASHER DWT37220 . It is whining like a trumpet. Pump is bad. Blomberg said they are having trouble with pump and are sending new one. Buy with caution! Leaked water on our new floor, DH had to re-attach a hose in the tub that had popped off.
numbersjunkie
16 years ago
Since you are planning to buy a Fagor cooktop, did you consider their DW? I am planning on going with Fagor's induction cook top, and found their DW specs to be very attractive. I'm planning to go look at one soon (no one close by carries their products). Reviews I saw were all good. If I like the inside layout, that's probably what I will buy.
rlane
16 years ago
We've had our Blomberg panel ready tall tub for 2 yrs. It's our 2nd with Miele being primary. Every bit as good as Miele, no problems, just as quiet. Half the price.
kenjwan
Original Author
16 years ago
Here's my renovated condo with new appliances. I ultimately chose:
Fagor radiant cooktop
Blomberg panel-ready dishwasher
Samsung counter-depth, French-door refrigerator
Bosch convection oven
drrust
16 years ago
Initially I did not see that this was an update to an old thread, so I was going to say I have had very little issues with a counter depth KitchenAid unit other than some minor freezing of some liquids when the icemaker has to work hard.

In terms of Kitchen design it looks very open. My only design comment is that it may have looked cleaner to have a below the counter shelf for you microwave to sit.
kenjwan
Original Author
16 years ago
Yeah, the table where the microwave and toaster oven are on is temporary. I thought of places where I could incorporate it into the space but ultimately decided I prefer the clean look without the microwave visible. I have a spot for it, tucked away in the back.
gayl
16 years ago
Your finished kitchen is beautiful, and I'm glad you are going to put that micro hidden somewhere! I think you should post this kitchen on the Kitchen Forum, as well as the finished kitchen blog. No one really knows you are posting your completed kitchen project from the title of your thread...go on the Kitchen Forum and start a new thread saying, Finished Kitchen, and lots of people will be able to see what you've done.