Originally Posted By t1lersm0m Hey guys, I am going to be in the market for these items soon and I like to be an informed shopper. Can you guys tell me which brands to stay away from, which brands to lean towards, etc etc. I'd like a front load washer, but I need so much stuff for the new house that I am trying to keep costs down. So far I have our bedroom set and Tyler's bedroom set on layaway at two different stores. We don't live a kitchen set, but our living room set is shot and we want a new set. We aren't going to get the dining room and formal living room set this year.... So, the washer can be in the $500 range. I was just looking on Lowes.com and they start at about $317, but I don't want to get something "cheap" that may break in a few years. I'm also leaning towards getting the top load washer because someone here had started a thread on front load washers, and people had commented that they aren't as good as getting stains out because they don't have the agitaters that the top load ones do. The fridge has to be stainless steel because all of our other kithcen appliances are stainless steel. Are the side by side ones better than the ones with the freezer on top and the fridge on bottom? I've never had a side by side one. Is there any downfall to getting the side by side ones? I'm probably looking at spending $1000 to $1500 on the fridge, although the closer to $1000 the better. Help please!
Originally Posted By t1lersm0m <<We don't live a kitchen set>> We don't NEED a kitchen set.....ugh, can't type!
Originally Posted By wahooskipper We got a Kenmore side-by-side stainless steel refrigerator at Sears. Price was in your range and we really like it. There are some issues with space...the "fridge" part is more narrow. As for how much we can "fit in" it might just be perception. I like the ice/water dispenser and the filter is pretty easy to use/replace. Watch for model year ends...they are kind of like cars. There is always a new model coming out and then the old one goes on sale. Also, look for "slightly damaged" or floor models. Sometimes a fridge might have a dent on one side but in your house that side might be up against a wall where noone will see it anyway and it can be a big savings. We haven't replaced the washer/dryer yet (knock on wood) but good luck!
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Oh, one more thing. Several of the different "brands" are the exact same refrigerator but with different "brand names". If you have a good salesperson they might tell you that and you can get the cheaper name but have the same exact fridge.
Originally Posted By SuperDry ^^^ But also beware of a "saleman's trick" in this regard. Sometimes they will say "This <model you've never heard of> is actually made by the same company that makes <well-known brand>." This may be true, but in the same sense that a Chevrolet is made by the same company that makes a Cadillac. Just because it's made by the same company doesn't mean it's of the same quality. I've had this trick pulled on me with appliances as well as tires. Now, there are cases where the units really are the same except for the brand label on the front. Speaking of washers, I have a Whirlpool Calypso top-loader that I've had for 3+ years and I give it a very high recommendation. It supposedly has many of the benefits of a front-loader (lower water usage, easier on clothes as it does't have a full-height agitator) but in an upright form factor. It's kind of hard to explain what makes it good - prior to getting it, I more or less thought all washers were about the same, except maybe for reliability. But this one really does seem to work better and have lots of useful features (again, I used to think that the only feature you needed in a washer was that it cleaned your clothes).
Originally Posted By RoadTrip We've had good luck with both Whirlpool and Kenmore laundry equipment and refrigerators. The Kenmore appliances are made by Whirlpool and in this case I think they are every bit as good as the ones carrying the Whirlpool label. We like side by side refrigerators because you can get ice and water through the door. The space arrangement is not quite as easy to use as in a top freezer model, especially freezer space. A common problem is not being able to store frozen pizzas very well in a side by side. The manufactures must be taking note of this because with our most recent refrigerator this is not a problem. As for washers, we've always had top loaders, so I can't make any comparison between the two styles.
Originally Posted By DVC_dad I warn you against Front Loading clothes washers. I wouldn't so much complain about the ability to clean, but if you get one and place it on the second floor of your home, it will sound like a freight train with John Henry's hammer when it's running. It was SO bad in fact that I sold it cheap (only one month and two visits from the repairman) to my brother-in-law. His laundry room is in the basement of his house. Also, I reccomend that you get a washer and dryer with a stainelss steel drum inside. This doesn't necessarily drive the price up to get this. As for fridge, I have been very happy with GE stuff, but just remember, you will somewhat get what you pay for when it comes to your fridge. I would say ice and water thru the door is fine AS LONG AS THE ICE STORAGE BIN IS NOT ON THE DOOR AS WELL. I have had a horrible experience with this... and the service man even told me "it's just a poor design."
Originally Posted By DVC_dad I know you didn't ask but, when it comes to dishwashers, there is only ONE on planet Earth and that is a Bosch. I have been there, done that with all of 'em, and this is the only one that delivers all that it claims.
Originally Posted By t1lersm0m Thanks for the suggestions. IIRC, Kenmore is only sold at Sears? DVC_dad, unfortunately we don't get to pick our dishwasher. We get the upgraded stainless steel one that comes with the house. But I will keep Bosch in mind if we end up replacing the dishwasher down the line. Thanks for the advice about the front load washer. Our laundry room is indeed on the second floor, so I'm glad you brought that up.
Originally Posted By Labuda Only thing I have to contirubte is courtesy of my friend who brought her laundry to do at my hosue last time she came to visit from Houston. LOL And that piece of advice is this: Don't get a combo washer/dryer. Make sure you buy two separate machines.
Originally Posted By TomSawyer You can get a month's access to the Consumer Report's website for $5. You'll be able to see their reviews and consumer surveys on washers and refrigerators. (And you can look up a bunch of other stuff while you are at it!) The side by side refrigerators use a little more energy. I really like the refrigerators with the freezer on the bottom and the side by side doors for the refrigerator compartment on the top. They use less energy and it's easier to have the food you use most at eye and arm level instead of having to crouch for it.
Originally Posted By t1lersm0m Thanks for the advice Labuda. Since our dryer is only 9 years old, and we need so much other stuff, we are only getting the washer now. But it's great advice. Thanks Tom, I didn't know you can get a month's access to Consumer Reports' website for $5. That is definitely a worthy investment!
Originally Posted By avromark >> warn you against Front Loading clothes washers. I wouldn't so much complain about the ability to clean, but if you get one and place it on the second floor of your home, it will sound like a freight train with John Henry's hammer when it's running. It was SO bad in fact that I sold it cheap (only one month and two visits from the repairman) to my brother-in-law. His laundry room is in the basement of his house. << DVC_Dad was it a Duet or Neptune? I've been extremely happy since i've put my Duets out of service (It's in the garage right now) and switched to LG, the direct drive is amazingly quiet and smooth, no more shake rattle and roll. My clothes smell, feel and look so much cleaner. Switching to the LG was the best decicision. For a fridge Sub-zero, failing that I like my Kitchen-Aid, it's made by Whirlpool, but unlike the Duet it's not a piece of junk. And the blue lighting for the water/ice dispenser is just so classy. My parent's swear by their LG fridge, it's not stainless but looks like it, is very easy to clean. It has a blue LCD panel and makes cool beeping sounds, just like the LG washer and dryer do.
Originally Posted By CrouchingTigger My parents really dislike their side-by-side fridge due to the problem of storing larger items. It wouldn't surprise me to see them swap it out after only a year of use.
Originally Posted By LuLu Ditto on the Consumers Report website, it's the way to go. If there's a good machine at a good price, that's how you'll find it. Not to sound weird, but with the quality of your new home, I'd advise against trying to save a couple hundred on an inexpensive appliance. If it were me, I'd try to keep everything in the same "upscale" category.
Originally Posted By avromark For the washer, there is a way to save a few hundred and buy the model that does not have the built in water heater (HE3/4, Sanitary cycle), unless you really plan on using this feature. But for those of you who do have it, how often do you really use it? You've gotten along without it forever, do you really need it now? Sub Zero does it a lil better, you can get it built into your cabinetry, so your veggie crispers for example are right beside your pots and pans drawers. One thing about the kitchen, even single guys can use every available cabinet space, make sure you get enough pantry in your kitchen. And pick a durable back splash, I have a feeling your the type that cooks. For example those of us who picked the cool looking mirror who shall remain nameless switched it to the much easier to keep clean ceramic
Originally Posted By beamerdog I'm remodeling my kitchen, so I have some of the same choice issues. Stainless steel comes in all different shades, so if that matters to you, try and stick with the same manufacturer or two who have compatible finishes. Also, be aware that handles can also vary tremendously. So, try and keep to similar handles. Okay, I might be the only one who goes bonkers if things in my kitchen don't match. Very good advice about scratch and dent places. In our town, Sears isn't the only game. Ask some of the smaller competitors if they have a scratch and dent. I actually think I'm going to be able to match my oven exactly with a scratch and dent fridge. My parents subZero was awesome. It was a side by side. My SIL had problems from day one. Hers was a fridge only unit.
Originally Posted By DVC_dad <<Sub Zero does it a lil better, you can get it built into your cabinetry>> The new GE Monogram line is a couple thousand less than Sub Zero, is integrated into your cabintry, has more cubic ft and all the same features. (and a better service record so far)
Originally Posted By avromark And when you get a dryer make sure it has a stainless steel drum. Oh and avoid "fad" colours, my Duet is powder blue and white, I doubt I could match anything to them now if I still used it
Originally Posted By t1lersm0m <<Not to sound weird, but with the quality of your new home, I'd advise against trying to save a couple hundred on an inexpensive appliance. >> It doesn't sound weird, and I understand what you are saying. But those new front load washers (ok, so they aren't so new anymore) start at around $1000. Do I really need a $1000 washing machine? Won't a $500 one do just as good a job? No one will see our washer and dryer, as they are on the second floor in a laundry room. They won't be on "display" for people to see. I just don't think a washer that costs $1000 is going to be that much better than a washer that costs $500. As far as the fridge, I thought $1500 was a decent price. There's no way I'm spending $3000 for a fridge with a tv in it. (I only say that because Dave saw one two years ago and said he wanted it). Don't forget also, I live in PA, so prices on appliances out here are probably a lot different than prices on appliances in CA or other parts of the country. I'm assuming when the cost of living is higher, and the housing prices are higher, the cost of just about everything is probably higher? <<For the washer, there is a way to save a few hundred and buy the model that does not have the built in water heater (HE3/4, Sanitary cycle), unless you really plan on using this feature. But for those of you who do have it, how often do you really use it? You've gotten along without it forever, do you really need it now?>> Boy, LPers are full of info. I had no idea they now make washers with built in water heaters! You're right, I don't need it and will keep a lookout for washing machines without it. <<I'm remodeling my kitchen, so I have some of the same choice issues. Stainless steel comes in all different shades, so if that matters to you, try and stick with the same manufacturer or two who have compatible finishes. Also, be aware that handles can also vary tremendously. So, try and keep to similar handles. Okay, I might be the only one who goes bonkers if things in my kitchen don't match.>> Thanks for the info on different shades. No, you wouldn't be the only one going bonkers. If I bought a beautiful fridge and got home and it clashed with my dishwasher and oven, I'd die. The kitchen is such a show piece in the home, I'd die if everything didn't match.
