Let’s talk kitchen appliances :excited: (2 Viewers)

[McBokonon]

So we’re looking to replace our dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, oven/range (electric) and microwave. Ideally, we would like them to be the same brand. It’s not mandatory, but if they can be internet connected that would be good - again, not critical, but if we sell and leave the appliances that could be beneficial. 

We’re definitely overloaded with research so paralysis by analysis is in full swing. The FBG’s have never steered us wrong so we’re looking for recommendations. 

Budget isn’t really a factor, but bang for the buck is obviously ideal.

Whatcha got?

 

[DallasDMac]

Just want to say, be prepared to be patient. I ordered a new range (electric rather than gas, just in time for the power outage that rendered me unable to cook on it). I had to wait WEEKS for it as it was a very popular item, which is likely what you will run in to if you are basing choices on reviews. I never considered the effect of COVID on the manufacturing of appliances, but there is definitely a slow down and can result in a subsequent backlog.

 

[The General]

Need a new Range and Dishwasher. 

:black dot:

 

[MAC_32]

We just replaced all 4 of those items too. Crowd sourcing was mixed on stove, fridge, and microwave but Bosch was the over whelming clubhouse leader for dishwasher. We ended up getting Samsung for the other 3 and purchased everything from Best Buy. We didn't get plan A for the fridge (out of stock), but we still got close to what we wanted. 36" stainless steel, 3 french door, and 28 cubic feet. We splurged a bit on the stove (gas - not electric) to get one with an air fryer - stainless steel 30" w/6 cubic feet. Couldn't tell you which microwave we got - it wasn't the cheapest, but close to it. We were out the door for $4K, but their current deal had an option to sign up for a best buy credit card and get 10% in gift rewards. We need a new laptop, so that's the route we took.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

 It’s not mandatory, but if they can be internet connected that would be good - again, not critical, but if we sell and leave the appliances that could be beneficial. 

What are the advantages to having internet-connected kitchen appliances?

 

[McBokonon]

What are the advantages to having internet-connected kitchen appliances?

Personally, none. But a buyer might want them. We have our thermostat hooked up so we can use our phones to set temperatures, and it’s nice, but see no need for anything else.

 

[dkp993]

We just replaced all 4 of those items too. Crowd sourcing was mixed on stove, fridge, and microwave but Bosch was the over whelming clubhouse leader for dishwasher. We ended up getting Samsung for the other 3 and purchased everything from Best Buy. We didn't get plan A for the fridge (out of stock), but we still got close to what we wanted. 36" stainless steel, 3 french door, and 28 cubic feet. We splurged a bit on the stove (gas - not electric) to get one with an air fryer - stainless steel 30" w/6 cubic feet. Couldn't tell you which microwave we got - it wasn't the cheapest, but close to it. We were out the door for $4K, but their current deal had an option to sign up for a best buy credit card and get 10% in gift rewards. We need a new laptop, so that's the route we took.

Bought a Bosch whisper quite DW a year or so ago and absolutely love it.  Barely know when it’s running.  But be wary of Samsung fridges.  I’ve had mine for a few years and it’s a disaster.  Ice maker in particular.  Lots and lots of issues and via some research it’s a really common issue with them.  I’ve even had 2 different repair people out who recommended not fixing it or replacing the parts as it will happen again in short order.  Super bummed as I’ve had great experiences with everything else Samsung I’ve ever had.  We’re now looking to replace or fridge after old a few years which obviously sucks.   

 

[gianmarco]

A few years ago when building our home, we opted for the GE Cafe series. Served us well. Reasonably priced for what it offered. 

 

[The Z Machine]

I second the recommendations for a Bosch dishwasher and NOT a Samsung or LG fridge.  I bought a Whirlpool dishwasher recently, and it doesn't clean as well as my old Bosch.

On a related topic, my 15 year old washing machine is done.  Front loader and the tub bearings or spider arm are likely shot.  Costly replacement at $350+ and a bunch of my time.  Dry is still working fine.  Question: Do I replace both washer and dryer to have a matched pair?

Any recommendations for brand and model?  I have limited space (30" depth, 32" wide, 80" tall max).  I have to stack them unless I spend way more to reconfigure the laundry area (electrical, plumbing, framing, etc.)

 

[wilked]

So we’re looking to replace our dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, oven/range (electric) and microwave. Ideally, we would like them to be the same brand. It’s not mandatory, but if they can be internet connected that would be good - again, not critical, but if we sell and leave the appliances that could be beneficial. 

We’re definitely overloaded with research so paralysis by analysis is in full swing. The FBG’s have never steered us wrong so we’re looking for recommendations. 

Budget isn’t really a factor, but bang for the buck is obviously ideal.

Whatcha got?

Do you have natural gas available to you? 

 

[Kal El]

I never understood the need to have everything connected to the internet, especially not kitchen appliances. Seems like a good way to waste a lot of money, but that’s strictly my opinion. Most of my stuff is Whirlpool, I believe, but as long as it works, I don’t care what brand it is.

 

[El Floppo]

Dot

 

[Mister CIA]

I have a Samsung phone and I think it's the bee's knees; I have a Samsung washer and dryer and it's likely I'll never buy a Samsung appliance again.  They both work fine after three years, but the premature rusting on my washer is a big fail; and the design on the dryer is a big fail too - the dryer door only open 90 degrees. I did not think things through enough that fateful trip to Lowe's..

ETA: Today I learned on Google that there is a lot of chatter on the internet regarding Samsung washers and rust.

 

[Courtjester]

Bought a Bosch whisper quite DW a year or so ago and absolutely love it.  Barely know when it’s running.  But be wary of Samsung fridges.  I’ve had mine for a few years and it’s a disaster.  Ice maker in particular.  Lots and lots of issues and via some research it’s a really common issue with them.  I’ve even had 2 different repair people out who recommended not fixing it or replacing the parts as it will happen again in short order.  Super bummed as I’ve had great experiences with everything else Samsung I’ve ever had.  We’re now looking to replace or fridge after old a few years which obviously sucks.   

This is all spot on.  Bosch dishwashers are great. Our's is getting a little long in the tooth, but we have had zero problems with it and they are super quiet.

Our Samsung fridge was a piece of junk. Sure it lasted 11 years, but it was repaired 4 times. It finally got to the point, that the seals and center podium were so hot to the touch, I was afraid we were going to have a fire. We did a lot of research and replaced it with this ONE  a month ago. It is massive and it is on sale right now. So far so good. Having that little snack drawer for drinks and stuff is really cool. It is a little loud sometimes is my only complaint. 

I know you want to keep them all the same brand, but the salesperson at Home Depot was very informative. She flat out said to us, she wouldn't recommend one brand for all items. Some companies make great ranges, some make great dishwashers. She said it is item specific. The range we are going to buy is probably a GE. As far as wireless ability, our washer is a smart washer and I can't remember the last time we used any feature of this other than it sends a message to mu phone telling me the wash is done. My wife summed it up, the more bells and whistles, the more things that can break. 

 

[El Floppo]

Stuff I spec for high end homes...

D/W- Miele

Range- Wolf. (Lately) Blue star

Fridge- sub-zero

Wall oven, etc- Miele or Wolf

W/D- miele (small) or electrolux

 

[The Z Machine]

My wife summed it up, the more bells and whistles, the more things that can break. 

That's why some swear by Speed Queen washers.  I know some electrical engineers that want mechanical only controls.

 

[Instinctive]

We built our first home last year. All Kitchen Aid, including an awesome 5 burner range. 

Coolest feature on all the appliances that I wouldn't have appreciated, is the inbuilt meat thermometer with the oven. There's an interface and it will convection cook to your chosen internal temperature, at your chosen oven temperature, and then auto turn off and notify you the food is done. Particularly great for chicken when I'm running around doing other stuff but I'm sure there are way cooler uses.

 

[The Commish]

Cant go wrong with kitchenaid. That was the suite of products we did in our previous house. 

Stay away from samsung....never heard a good thing about them

 

[simsarge]

Just bought a Maytag Dishwasher and LG Fridge. Both were delivered inside a week.

We had a limited space for the fridge and that limited our choices. So far so good (knock wood). The LG was the nicest that we saw of our choices

The Maytag was pretty hands down the best that we saw looking in 4 stores at probably 50 different ones. The layout and sturdiness made it standout. The Bosch was a close second choice, but our 13 year old Kenmore finally bit the dust and there's next to no availability for them. So the Maytag won out.

 

[whoknew]

I have an LG refrigerator/freezer. I would never get it again. Because the ice maker clogs every time it is used. Don't get an LG.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

I have an LG refrigerator/freezer. I would never get it again. Because the ice maker clogs every time it is used. Don't get an LG.

I’ll never buy another LG anything after my experience with the washer/dryer I bought. Total garbage that broke within a year. “But at least it’s under warranty” you say?  The staff of the approved repair company they sent should be in jail. Brain dead lemmings. Never again. 
 

Like my Bosch dishwasher though. 

 

[Ron Swanson]

I second the recommendations for a Bosch dishwasher and NOT a Samsung or LG fridge.  I bought a Whirlpool dishwasher recently, and it doesn't clean as well as my old Bosch.

On a related topic, my 15 year old washing machine is done.  Front loader and the tub bearings or spider arm are likely shot.  Costly replacement at $350+ and a bunch of my time.  Dry is still working fine.  Question: Do I replace both washer and dryer to have a matched pair?

Any recommendations for brand and model?  I have limited space (30" depth, 32" wide, 80" tall max).  I have to stack them unless I spend way more to reconfigure the laundry area (electrical, plumbing, framing, etc.)

LG Washtower.

 

[Ron Swanson]

Range-  Blue star

Interesting.  I put in a 48" range and vent hood from Blue Star a few years back.  Kinda like buying a Ferrari. Stupid expensive and it breaks all the time. No repair guy will touch it in my small town so I've had to learn how to keep it going myself. But man, what a cooking experience.  Those open burners throw out some serious BTU's.  Every range I've cooked on since feels way underpowered.

 

[KGB]

We went with Bosch for double ovens, dishwasher.  VERY happy.  not the cost of Wolf, but higher end.

 

[McBokonon]

Do you have natural gas available to you? 

Nope

 

[Wrigley]

Every appliance in our home is maytag, and we couldn't be happier 

 

[The Commish]

I have an LG refrigerator/freezer. I would never get it again. Because the ice maker clogs every time it is used. Don't get an LG.

I’ll never buy another LG anything after my experience with the washer/dryer I bought. Total garbage that broke within a year. “But at least it’s under warranty” you say?  The staff of the approved repair company they sent should be in jail. Brain dead lemmings. Never again. 
 

Like my Bosch dishwasher though. 

Best Ice Maker we've ever had was in the kitchen aid we bought.  A huge tray that is in the door itself and it cranked out ice like a mofo...never clogged.  The current GE one we have clogs all the time and ice gets stuck behind the sensor paddle all the time, so if you aren't paying attention, you end up with no ice.  I plan on going full on Office Space and blowing that bad boy to smithereens when we replace appliances in this house.

Our Kitchenaid dishwasher was fractions of a decibel higher than the Bosch....confident no one would ever be able to tell the difference.  Didn't even know it was on if it didn't have an indicator light and the inside was laid out better IMO.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

We bought all Thermador kitchen appliances when building our new house. Been 1.5 years and haven't had an issue yet. The dishwasher is actually a Bosch (owned by same parent and is usually used in Thermador kitchen appliance packages). We bought a panel side by side refrigerator/freezer, microwave, convection oven, gas stovetop and dishwasher. Haven't had any issues with fridge/stove/microwave/oven but have yet to use the dishwasher...

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

So we’re looking to replace our dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, oven/range (electric) and microwave. Ideally, we would like them to be the same brand. It’s not mandatory, but if they can be internet connected that would be good - again, not critical, but if we sell and leave the appliances that could be beneficial. 

We’re definitely overloaded with research so paralysis by analysis is in full swing. The FBG’s have never steered us wrong so we’re looking for recommendations. 

Budget isn’t really a factor, but bang for the buck is obviously ideal.

Whatcha got?

I couldn't even tell you what brands our stuff is today, but all of it was rated "value" at Consumer Reports (bang for the buck).

Also, we purposely eliminated as many bells and whistles as we could (icemaker, etc) to reduce the number of things that could malfuction.  Keep it simple.

We've been really happy with everything and haven't missed anything we decided to do without. YMMV