What class of appliance are you looking for? If stainless steel is your prime concern, take a look at the Frigidaire Professional line-- they are very good for the price (and would certainly come in lower than the prices you quoted.

Mine were higher, so I'm no help there. If you don't want a trash compactor, take a look at using the space for an ice maker or a narrow wine/beverage fridge. You might try using the compactor for a while and see how you like it. A lot of people who use one love them. No reason you have to replace immediately.

I would also wait to replace the cooktop until you have used it in that location. Moving it might change the specs you need. I'd give it at least a few months.

Lascatx has great advice. I was thinking that a bev center could replace compactor as well.

By your phrasing Im guessing that you don't enjoy (or don't have the time) to cook? There are many inexpensive or less costly options out there. But you must learn to search and research.(CL, ebay, scratch/dent,floor models, re-store, rebates, etc.)

How do you use your kitchen? Do you cook? If yes, what and how? Frequency and for how many? Could a double oven work, or do you require a micro and single? Examining your habits and likes will give you great insight. Ask yourself these questions.

Current appliances don't necessarily require being replaced by the same items. Get a feel for things. Use your creativity. You'll love the space even more.

Are the current appliances non-functional? If not, don't rush into it and make all your decisions at once. The old phrase is so true- Haste makes waste.

You will find better deals and nicer quality appliances by taking your time and learning about your preferences in your new home.

That said, don't dilly dally around and miss the opportunity to own a lovely home that's fantastic (you've already stated in another thread).

Ask yourself this question. Would I be upset or sad if someone bought this house while I was stewing over the cost of upgrading appliances? If so, get a move on. Once its yours, signed, sealed delivered. That's the time to figure out the little details.

Best to you in your purchase. I personally think the kichen is lovely the way it is and would be a knock-out with a few of your own personal touches.

-September

BTW- you're fortunate it has a SS Profile dishwasher. That would have added another 1k

Take a look also at the Fisher & Paykel refrigerator and Bosch ovens. They are a bit less expensive yet good quality.

September Home has some good advice. You don't want to miss out on a home you otherwise love. Live in the kitchen a little. You can replace items one at a time, and sometimes scratch and dents that don't show when you install can be a good value. For example a new fridge with a scratch on the left side panel would not show in your kitchen.

The one item I would replace as soon as possible would be the fridge, as an older one would use much more energy. However, you should spend a little time in the space first. Just maybe you would be happier with a range instead of the double oven, then you could relieve the issue of the cooktop location (you were concerned about in a past post. You could put a large piece of butcher block over the cooktop opening until you could afford to replace your countertop. (Inexpensive at Ikea.) But you won't know about appliances and your preference until you live with the kitchen a little while.

You may want to also visit some high end appliance stores that you might dismiss because of price - we have a couple around here that have a clearance area open on Saturday mornings. You can get a good deal that way.

Good luck!

I can't tell for sure, but it looks like you don't have a cabinet panel to the right of that refrigerator. That means the side is exposed to view. Today, most SS refrigerators D0 NOT have stainless steel on the sides. They have a grey look that is supposed to emulate the stainless, but does a poor job, in my opinion.

Refrigerators with real SS sides are available, but they cost more. Not all models have that option.

There are also refrigerators that sort of look like stainless (at a distance) but have none. One name for them is platinum. At least one major retailer refers to them as "stainless look" refrigerators.

Shop carefully.

"Today, most SS refrigerators D0 NOT have stainless steel on the sides. They have a grey look that is supposed to emulate the stainless..."

Some just have black sides also.

What I found while researching to get my appliances is the single oven/ micro combo made the purchase alot more expensive. You can get a single oven in SS for about $1000 and mount a micro oven it. Some even come with trim kits to make them look built in.

In the end I got the exact appliance I had been dreaming of by buying a refurbished model for half the price. Since it is refurbished it came with a longer warranty (16 months instead of 12). I currently have it sitting in the DR.

Right now GE is doing a promotion: 'select' appliances are available for upgrade to SS at same price as traditional finish . . .

Here is a link that might be useful: GE appliance website

If you have a Sears Appliance Outlet anywhere close, you can sometimes get scratch and dent versions for half the price you find in the stores. I have a friend who took her time and furnished her kitchen with high(er) end appliances this way.