Appliances: GE or Frigidaire or Kenmore or Other?

[amnesiac]

I'm getting ready to go buy some appliances this weekend for my new place.

I need a dishwasher, a laundry center (washer/dryer stack), and a refridgerator.

The prices are pretty even between GE @ Home Depot, Frigidaire @ Best Buy, & Kenmore @ Sears, except Sears is having a good sale on Kenmore products.

Anyone have experience with these brands and their long term reliability?

I'm not adverse to trying Amana, Whirlpool, or Maytag, they just don't appear to have models available in the price ranges I'm looking at
Dishwasher < $200
Laundry Center < $800
Fridge < $550


RossMAN - got any ideas?

 

[conjur]

<---- biased toward G.E.

My dad worked there for almost 30 years. Friend of mine works for their Corporate IT dept.

That, and they make a great product. The house I had (sold back in Feb.) was all G.E. appliances.

 

[Justorq]

I talked to a lot of appliance experts and all of them told me to stay away from Frigidaire... GE and Kenmore are pretty good.

 

[Squisher]

Consumer reports ratings on dishwashers from best on down 5/03:

Bosch SHU66C0[2] $850.00
Bosch SHU43C0[2] $600.00
Viking DFUD140 $1,375.00
Kenmore (Sears) Elite 1698[2] $850.00
KitchenAid KUDI01IL[BL] $550.00
Frigidaire PLDB998C[C] $500.00
KitchenAid KUDP01DL[WH] $800.00
KitchenAid Superba KUDS01FL[SS] $1,120.00
Maytag MDB8600A[W] $600.00
Kenmore (Sears) 1563[2] $400.00
Kenmore (Sears) 1651[2] $520.00
Kenmore (Sears) Elite 1669[2] $800.00
Maytag MDB7600A[W] $500.00
Maytag MDB9150AW[W] $700.00
Miele Novotronic G841SC Plus $850.00
Whirlpool Gold GU1500XTL{Q] $570.00
GE Profile PDW7800G[WW] $575.00
Whirlpool DU943PWK{Q] $450.00
Whirlpool Gold GU1200XTL{Q} $500.00
Fisher & Paykel DD603[W] $1,200.00
Kenmore (Sears) 1552[2] $330.00
GE Triton XL GSD6600G[WW] $485.00
Maytag MDB6650AW[W] $600.00
Amana ADW862EA[W] $530.00
Jenn-Air JDB9910A[W] $880.00
Maytag PDB4600AW[E] $370.00
Whirlpool DU900PWK{Q] $370.00
Whirlpool DU920PWK{B] $370.00
Hotpoint HDA3700G[WW] $280.00
Frigidaire FDB345LB $215.00



REFRIGERATORS

Nearly any model in the Ratings will be at least moderately energy-efficient. The Ratings overall score gives most weight to efficiency and temperature performance.
Some models have been discontinued since we tested them; the similar model listed in the Ratings should perform as well.

Top-freezers: For a spacious, quiet, great performer from a reliable brand, choose either the GE Profile Arctica PTS22LBN[WW] or the Kenmore (Sears) 7325[2]. A narrower model that performed very well: the Kenmore (Sears) 7398[2], a CR Best Buy at $820.

Side-by-sides: Quiet and from a reliable brand is the CR Best Buy GE GSS25JFP[WW], $1,000. Not as quiet and somewhat basic, the Kenmore (Sears) 5350[2] is also a CR Best Buy at $800.

Bottom-freezers: Efficient, spacious choices from reliable brands include the Amana ARB2217C[W], and the 36-inch "armoire"-style Kenmore (Sears) Elite Trio 7350[2]. Two CR Best Buys to consider: the Maytag Plus MBB2254GE[W], $1,000, and the Kenmore (Sears) 7283[2], $950.

Built-in models: Among side-by-side built-ins, the Viking DFSB423, Jenn-Air JS42FWD, and GE Monogram ZISB420DM were similar in performance. Among bottom-freezer built-ins, the Sub-Zero 650/F outscored the GE Monogram ZIC360NM and Viking DFBB363, but Sub-Zero has been among the most repair-prone brands (as a group, built-ins appear to have higher repair rates than freestanding models, though Sub-Zero is the only brand for which we have sufficient data to comment on reliability).

A cabinet-depth model is a freestanding fridge made to look like a built-in. The Amana ARB8057C[W] is a bottom-freezer version from a reliable brand. Others, all side-by-sides, are the LG LRSPC2031[W], Jenn-Air JCD2389GE[W], and the Whirlpool Gold GC5THGXK{Q].





TOP-FREEZER MODELS
GE Profile Arctica PTS22LBN[WW]
Profile Arctica PTS22LCP[ ] $980.00 21.7/16.6 68 x 33 x 32 475 40
Kenmore (Sears) 7398[2] CR Best Buy 7397[ ] $820.00 18.8/14.8 66 x 30 x 32 392 33
Kenmore (Sears) 7325[2] $850.00 22.1/17.5 68 x 33 x 32 468 39
Maytag MTB1956GE[W] $800.00 18.5/14.4 67 x 30 x 30 440 37
Maytag MTB2156GE[W] $900.00 20.7/15.1 67 x 33 x 29 463 39
Kenmore (Sears) 7396[2] $870.00 19/14.5 66 x 30 x 32 443 37
Whirlpool ET9FTTXL{Q] $750.00 18.8/14.5 67 x 30 x 32 440 37 GE GTS18KCM[WW]
GTS18KCP[ ] $650.00 17.9/14.0 67 x 30 x 31 478 40
Whirlpool ET8MTEXK{Q] $600.00 18.2/14.1 67 x 30 x 30 434 36
Whirlpool Gold GR9SHKXK{Q] $830.00 18.8/14.1 66 x 30 x 32 440 37
LG LRTPC2031[W] $850.00 20/16.1 69 x 30 x 31 450 38
Frigidaire Gallery GLRT186TA[W] Gallery GLRT184TC[ ] $530.00 18.3/14.3 67 x 30 x 31 479 40
GE GTS22KCM[WW] GTS22KCP[ ] $750.00 21.7/16.5 68 x 33 x 32 528 44
Whirlpool ET1FTTXK{Q] $800.00 20.8/16.5 66 x 33 x 31 514 43
Whirlpool Gold GR2SHTXK{Q] GR2SHKXK[ ] $1,200.00 21.6/15.9 67 x 33 x 32 472 40
Frigidaire FRT18P5A[W] $500.00 18.4/14.5 67 x 30 x 30 479 40
GE GTS18HBM[WW] $450.00 17.6/12.9 68 x 28 x 31 471 40

SIDE-BY-SIDE MODELS
Kenmore (Sears) 5365[2]
5366[ ] $1,400.00 25.4/17.2 70 x 36 x 32 617 52
Kenmore (Sears) 5468[2]
5469[ ] $1,650.00 25.6/16.2 70 x 36 x 33 582 49
GE GSS25JFP[WW]
CR Best Buy
GSS25JEM[ ] $1,000.00 25/16.9 70 x 36 x 32 715 60
Whirlpool Gold GD5SHAXL{Q] $1,330.00 25.5/16.3 70 x 36 x 31 653 54
Kenmore (Sears) 5350[2] CR Best Buy 5450[ ] $800.00 25.3/16.6 70 x 36 x 32 724 61
LG LRSPC2031[W] $1,500.00 19.5/12.9 69 x 36 x 28 578 49
Samsung RS2555S[W] $1,400.00 25.2/16.6 70 x 36 x 33 633 53
Amana ARSE66ZB[W] $1,150.00 25.6/16.6 71 x 36 x 31 653 55
Kenmore (Sears) 5156[2]
5363[ ] $1,400.00 25.5/16 70 x 36 x 32 654 55
Maytag MSD2456GE[W] $1,350.00 23.6/13.3 69 x 33 x 32 625 53
Frigidaire Gallery GLRS237ZA[W]
Gallery GLRS237ZC[ ] $950.00 22.6/14.6 70 x 33 x 33 686 58
Maytag Plus Wide-by Side MZD2766GE[W] $1,600.00 26.8/17.7 71 x 36 x 32 660 56
Jenn-Air JCD2389GE[W] $2,000.00 23/14.7 71 x 36 x 28 621 52
Whirlpool Gold GC5THGXK{Q]
GC5SHGXL[ ] $2,300.00 24.5/14.8 72 x 36 x 28 643 54
GE GSS20IEM[WW]
GSS20IEP[ ] $975.00 19.9/13.3 68 x 32 x 32 650 55
Whirlpool Sidekicks EL7ATRRK{Q] (fridge), EV170NYL{Q] (freezer) $1,330.00 33.5/23.8 67 x 60 x 29 1079 90

BOTTOM-FREEZER MODELS
Amana ARB2217C[W] ARB2214C[ ], ARB2257C[ ], ARB2259C[ ] $1,250.00 21.9/16 70 x 33 x 31 520 44
Kenmore (Sears) Elite Trio 7350[2] $1,800.00 24.8/17.8 71 x 36 x 32 534 45
Maytag Plus MBB2254GE[W] CR Best Buy $1,000.00 21.9/15.9 70 x 33 x 31 520 44
Kenmore (Sears) 7221[2] $1,200.00 21.9/16.7 70 x 33 x 31 520 44
Kenmore (Sears) 7283[2] CR Best Buy $950.00 18.5/13.8 67 x 30 x 31 504 42
Amana ARB1914C[W] $1,050.00 18.5/13.2 67 x 30 x 31 504 42
Amana ARB8057C[W] $1,900.00 19.9/13.5 70 x 36 x 27 509 43
Samsung RB1855S[W] $750.00 18.8/14.2 70 x 33 x 29 547 46

 

[cyclistca]

Consumers Report always seems to put Kenmore right up there.

 

[amdskip]

We got a new Kenmore refrigerator this past summer and a whirlpool dishwasher and both have worked great.

 

[amnesiac]

I appreciate the data, Squisher, but I already have a subscription to ConsumerReports online.

The problem is, as you will notice, is that they only review the high end equipment. None of their reviewed models are within my price range.

Also, their data collection / cataloguing method for repair history is flawed.

I was hoping to get some opinions from people w/ firsthand experiences.

 

[dirtboy]

I'm going to be getting a Kenmore washer and dryer when my new house is done being built. Good products and top rated in Consumer Reports. FYI, Kenmore is made by Whirlpool -- considered top of the line Whirlpool.

 

[mpitts]

We have Frigidare appliances (dishwasher/refridgerator/oven) and I like them for the most part.

I would not buy the oven again. It does a good job of cooking, but it takes FOREVER to preheat. The fridge is a side-by-side (26 cu. ft) and I like it. Dishwasher has been great too.

 

[JC]

As someone who installs this stuff, I'm less than impressed by most Frigidaire products. However, their dishwashers are very quiet for the price.

I always have to laugh about Kenmore, as they don't actually make any products......just rebadged items from other manufacturers.

GE refers are okay, but their laundry is less than impressive....

For less than $200, you're not going to get much of a dishwasher. I recommend spending enough to get a Whirlpool GU1100, GU1200, or GU1500. For a laundry stack, the Maytag Neptune is the ultimate. Stacked Whirlpool Duets are great too. But for <$800, I dunno.....the Frigidaires might suffice. For a refer, I stand by Whirlpool products as the best for the money. Although I personally prefer an Amana bottom freezer (just got a nice counter-depth unit, takes nice 1/4" thick acrylic panels ).


JC

 

[amnesiac]

More opinions plz k thx

 

[Anubis]

we have all GE monogram series in our house. IT FUSKING NICE A HELL. i dont know about the others. but our stuff is sweet

we have a GE gas dryer and an oold kenmore washer. replaced teh dryer with the GE when teh kenmore died

 

[Cat13]

We just got a stainless GE side-by-side fridge at home depot 2 weeks ago for $800. Been great so far.

 

[Night201]

I like my Kenmore Fridge

 

[RaymondY]

I personally like the Whirlpool brand. Haven't had any problems with the washer/dryer or refrig that I have from them.

My current house has a kenmore dishwasher and a kenmore range. both seem very nice.