Appliance suite

11 years ago

Having trouble choosing appliances for our new build. It's slightly overwhelming-how in the world can I choose a "suite" when each piece is rated drastically differently? Is a suite necessary? My inner OCD is not happy with choosing different brands, but I certainly don't want to purchase poorly rated appliances because they are the same brand.

Ugh!

If I had unlimited funds, I could easily outfit our home with Wolf and subzero, but our budget doesn't allow for that. We are looking at 12k max for kitchen and laundry, and obviously any savings are welcome.

Any advice?

Featured Answer

plllog

11 years ago

Plus, Wolf/SubZero only make cooking (heating) and cooling appliances. :)

Is there any way you can convince your OCD streak to concentrate on best quality for the price, rather than on the badges?

IF you must have them all of one maker (and if it's going to constantly bug you if they're not all the same it might be worth it), Electrolux is probably the best for mid-range, or maybe KitchenAid, though their ovens (one of the most important things) aren't as well thought of. I don't know if you can get everything you'll need from them in your budget. By buying a whole suite, you should be able to negotiate a good discount, and your builder can probably get you a good rate as well, so if it's not hugely over when you add it up, you might still come in under (or at least cover the tax).

If you can deal with shopping separately, look for the oven and cooktop you like best, even if you have to steal a little from the rest of your budget, and go with them. That'll have the biggest impact on how well you enjoy your new kitchen. Next, choose a dishwasher, since there's a big difference in those, then the washer and dryer (though for your usage perhaps you'll flip them in importance) and cooling last (there's a difference between cheap and pricy, but it's not as big or impactful as for the other things).

A good deal is always a good thing, but appliances aren't the place to scrimp. If you need to, take money from finishes that aren't better, but just prettier. E.g., forgo the glaze on the cabinets, or get smaller tiles.

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Comments (6)

rmoberle
Original Author
11 years ago
Perhaps should mention:

Looking for a gas cooktop, double wall ovens, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and washer and dryer. Thanks!
charon70
11 years ago
There a few threads on gardenweb about this subject. Have you done a search? You will see most people's opinion is to purchase what is best in the category of appliances. If your budget doesn't allow that I recommend selecting the appliance that is most important to you. Splurge on that item only. Spend less on the others.
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charon70
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Another factor is how do you plan to use the oven and cooktop. This will help you determine what manufacturers to look at. They all have different features and strengths. For example, one GW member loves Wok cooking....uses it everyday. He decided to purchase a Blue Star because the burners had higher Btus than Wolf and other manufacturers.
Gooster
11 years ago
You should separate out the W/D from the "suite" suggestion. Find the models you want and set aside that budget. I think most people would be comfortable with that decision, since they generally don't live in the same space. Don't forget your ventilation in your budget, it can get pricey.

Next you need to narrow down on sizes and capacities. What size cooktop, oven and fridge (builtin? counter depth? full depth) do you need. Once you determine that, people can make suggestions. Also, what is your cooking interest, style and household composition like?
Gooster
11 years ago
Ha, cross posted with Pillog. You might consider a partial "mental stretch" like getting a cooktop from one brand (e.g Bluestar) and then getting the ovens, DW, MW and CD FD 36" fridge from one source (e.g. Bosch).... (plus ventilation, which perhaps you'd consider another brand like Zephyr or Kobe).