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mmardero71

Need some help choosing kitchen appliances

9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago

We just moved into a new home and after living in it for about 6 months we would like to replace our appliances. The Amana fridges ice maker doesn't work, the Whirlpool gold dishwasher doesn't clean dishes, the Electrolux microwave is falling apart but the GE Spectra oven works fine. I first came here reading about appliance packages as I didn't have a big budget and they seem to give you more for your money, after reading several threads this doesn't seem to be the best option. I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the choices available so looking for some help. Here is what the parameters are for my appliances.

Budget: $3000

Finish: Stainless

Fridge: Needs to be counter depth with water and ice dispenser. Cabinet dimensions are 72h x 36w x 26d

Stove: Gas and would like 4 burners and possibly convection but not necessary. 30in

Microwave: no real criteria as we just use it for basic purposes. 17h x 30w x 17d

Dishwasher: I don't need a ton of bells or whistles, I have 3 kids and we go through a lot of dishes so I'd like to prioritize space and drying ability. 24in

Any advice on specific units to buy or brands to focus on for each appliance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

M

Comments (4)

  • 9 years ago

    Set priorities in order to get the best appliances for your budget. Buy one thing at a time. Analyze your needs over your wants. Wants can wait. Needs are immediate.

    Refrigerator: If the refrigerator still works, but the icemaker and water dispenser is on the fritz, make your own ice cubes. You can limp along with it for a while longer. Counter depth costs extra and you won't get far after you pay up for counter depth. The most frequent thing to fail on a refrigerator is the ice maker/water dispenser. It doesn't matter which brand you select.

    Stove/Oven/Cooktop: Your oven/stove is still working. Hold on doing anything until you have a real problem with it.

    Microwave: It sounds as if it is an immediate need. They are all made by the same manufacturer. They just have different brand badges on them. Your only decision is do I want a countertop unit or an over the stove unit? The consensus at GW seems to be the over the stove unit is a poor idea for a number of reasons. Look for a mid range price countertop unit.

    Dishwasher: After the sink, it's the most heavily used appliance in the kitchen. I suggest a mid range Bosch. I've had many Bosch dishwashers through the years at a variety of price ranges. They've all been good units.

    If you buy the microwave and the dishwasher, you will have a lot of money left over. Wait and see which one breaks first, the stove or the frig. You can start looking at wants. I'd still keep that refrigerator in the garage when you replace it. Old Amana's were built to last. I bet it has more life left in it.

    That's how I would plan it.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    To what homechef said, I would add four points.

    One is to check the already available Black Friday deals. For example, Lowe's (I think) is advertising some very substantial discounts if you purchase two large appliances together.

    Second, the dimensions for your microwave sound like you have an over-the range (OTR) unit. For further research, use "OTR" in your search strings. If the present OTR vents to the outside (as opposed to being set for recirculating), then you might consider replacing it with with a canopy style range hood and a separate countertop microwave (assuming your kitchen space is not so small as to make that infeasible.) Even an inexpensive externally venting canopy range hood can do a noticeably better venting job than an OTR. (The canopy makes the difference in collecting vapors and etc.) The combined price for an inexpensive hood and a countertop MW will likely be less than a replacement OTR.

    Third, a counterdepth (CD) fridge going to be far and away the most expensive replacement especially because you apparently want external ice and water dispensers. Frankly, it is likely to be the budget buster for you. Even with Black Friday deals, the least expensive CD models with external ice and water are likely to be more than $2k, which is more than 2/3 of your budget. I say this from my helping a friend shop for a fridge several months ago. That said, I kind of recall that there might possibly be a sale priced Frigidaire Gallery or Samsung CD/Dispenser model in the $1700 to $1800 price range. I'd search sites such as AJMadison.com, sears.com and Lowes.com for those models. Before buying one, I also would research user reviews for any recurring problems/complaints and longevity issues.

    Fourth, have you considered outlet/clearance (aka "ding-n-bing") departments such as Searsoutlet.com? That might help with the stove and a CD-fridge, the two most expensive items on your list.

  • 9 years ago

    I think homechef gave you excellent advice, especially if you're looking for a counter depth fridge. Either that or you really need to up your budget.

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks for all the great advice, defiantly things I need to consider and account for. I went to a few stores yesterday to check out refrigerator options. There are several stores which have what appear to be good sales for Black Friday. I need to go up in budget but think I can still come in around $4k for everything I want.


    This is what I scoped out and would like to get some reaction on. With some of the sales and other discounts available by the manufacturer I can get everything installed for just over 4K including taxes. That's pretty good but unknown about the quality of the LG stuff over time.


    Refrigerator:

    LG 24 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator

    Model: LFXC24726S


    Stove:

    LG 30" Stainless Steel ProBake Convection™ Double Oven Gas Range

    Model: LDG4313ST


    Dishwasher:

    Bosch 24" Dishwasher

    Model: SHP65T52UC