More than likely, I'll be in the market for a new electric range and refrigerator within the next month. I know what features I want on these such as flat surface on the range and separate ice and water dispensers on the refrigerator but that's about it. What I want to know from you all is are there any features I should look at that I might like? What brands should I look at and which ones should I stay away from? Over-the-rang microwaves have been considered as well. Is there really any advantage or disadvantage they have over counter microwaves? TIA
I don't know too much about ranges, but for refrigerator you should look for the cu.ft (18.2 is probably enough for a family of 4), the size of the refrigerator to see if it'll fit in your space, and power consumption (I don't know too much about this, but I'd look for that energy star rating). If you are buying brand new, I recommend Conn's if you have them where you live. If not, Kenmore at Sear's is a good brand. If you are buying used, CL it is good luck
Get a gas range. The flat tops are hard to keep scratch free and you have to get special cleaner stuff for them... plus, you have more control over the heat with gas.
This. Also, avoid side-by-side refrigerators. I find that it's irritating to store larger items in them, and even smaller items can become "entrenched".
for the fridge just make sure it doesnt use a filter that you can only find in one place and that is super expensive crushed ice is always a nice feature too
If you buy it this weekend (23rd - 25th), then I don't think you have to pay sales tax on it. I think the only requirement is it have the Energy Star label. That is...assuming you are in Texas.
wow i used to work for an appliance distributor but that was like 7 or 8 years ago, i dont remember too much. Some brands i remember that were pretty popular were kitchen aid, Dacor, Kenmore...those are the reasonable ones..if you have plenty of money than the higher end ranges are like Viking, Thermador, those are what the pros use. Maybe you can make sure what kind of convection oven it has, I know back when i was working some had only a bottom and top heating element but no fan in the back to circulate the heat....i forgot what kind of ovens those are called, but anyhoo, I'm talking about Appliances from 2001, maybe all appliances have that feature by now...the only advantages to the microwave over the top is that is saves room.
ok, this is how long i been out of the business...any oven with a fan unti is called a convection oven...like i said, i haven't shopped or looked for appliances in years..this could be a feature on all ovens now.
oh yeah the microwave i would go with the over the over with ventalation fan advantage is having more counterspace unless your kitchen was featured in cribs who cant use extra space
My moniker has nothing to do with my knowledge about fridges and more about the little combo appliance in every UT dorms Also, I recommended Conn's because we got a $1700 black whirlpool side-by-side with water and ice dispenser for $800 because it was a discontinued model on clearance. I had a great experience with them
Get induction if you can afford it and the french door fridges with the freezers on the bottom are awesome. My sister bought an LG one and the inside is huge. You can put 18" pizzas inside of it.
Its a oven that circulates hot air via a fan while cooking and yes they are worth it if you roast a lot.
The French door refrigerators are very nice but the cheapest one that comes with an ice/water dispenser that I have found is still $1700+tax.
