Kitchen appliance recomendations

[UglyCasanova]

So my folks are remodeling their kitchen and getting all new appliances, what are your recomendations on brands, models, etc? Total budget (and it could be more theoretically but I'm just guesstimating on what they want to spend) is maybe like $12k ish.

Their house is all electric and running gas to it isn't an option, but what they will need is:

Refrigerator
Range (needs to be electric, but what are your thoughts on induction cooktops?), and this may be a standup range and not get the oven below or a built in and do the wall mounted oven, not sure what route they want to go yet
Oven, preferably a double oven
Dishwasher
Microwave

The Jenn-Air stuff is nice that I looked at, but I've read some pretty bad reviews on their current models. The GE premium stuff looked nice as well, but the knobs were crap. They were all loose on all of the models that I checked out, whereas the Jenn-Air and Fridgeair models I checked out the knobs were nice and sturdy.

The Samsung models I tried seemed nice enough, but we're crazy expensive and to be honest I just don't trust the brand for this, it just seems they are trying to do everything and when companies branch out like that I question the reliability compared to companies that have been making these for a long time..

 

[Kaido]

Are they open to non-standard designs? For the range area, this is my plan:

1. Best Range Hood
2. Two dual induction burners side-by-side under the hood
3. Built-in heat mats (behind each burner pair)
4. Potfiller

Basically, it presents the burners in a horizontal configuration in front of you. Each burner has a small & large setting so you can do whatever size pot. I don't have a link to the mats, but they make integrated burner mats that you can stick behind the burners to put the hot pots on to cool down. After a lot of research, I settled on the Best brand of range hoods, by far the most expensive part of the setup. This is why:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QplUg2GeDu8

Plus a potfiller inbetween the burners for convenience. As far as ovens go, I would personally get a pair of basic electric ovens that they think look nice rather than a high-end set. Maybe make one of them convection if they're feeling creating. Would NOT do a built-in microwave, had too many of them break, easier to have a standalone for when they do.

 

[yuchai]

The easiest one is microwave - I'm convinced that these things never break regardless of brand.

The only advice is to not go with a Samsung fridge. Have had nothing but problems with mine.

 

[feralkid]

consumerreports.org

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Shop by feature and reliability not, by brand. As a Chef, I have never liked induction burners because they work differently with different pan materials. Ease of cleaning is a major factor in my purchases.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

We bought a house recently and bought all new appliances for the kitchen - the Frigidaire Gallery series; also all electric. It's nice stuff. I have no complaints. French door fridge, glasstop stove (which I actually prefer over gas), microwave, and the first dishwasher I have owned that is actually extremely quiet. It runs at whisper level, you can barely hear it. Cleans great too.

The JD Power appliance survey for 2014 ranks the Kenmore Elite line very highly as well. I have owned those in a previous house and had no problems, though the Frigidaire dishwasher is far quieter, but that may be due to a nearly 10 year age disparity.

btw, 12K seems quite high for an appliance budget. We picked up the Frigidaire Gallery appliances (fridge, range, microwave, dishwasher) for slightly more than 3K.

 

[notposting]

Regarding the dishwasher, we had to buy one last year when we bought our house (none here). Read reviews on the higher end models, checked Consumer Reports etc.

Ended up going with a Bosch 800 series. Err...hang on...the Bosch SHX68T56UC to be precise.

Very quiet, no grinder in it, just filtration. Does need to be popped out and cleaned occasionally, but it's easy to spray off in the sink. It is quiet enough that we have opened it while running on accident, despite the little red light shining on the floor indicating an active cycle. We bought the style with the controls concealed, you can see from the link above. Handy with young kids around. But can't see the time left or anything.

Stainless steel tub which is pretty standard on higher end models, plenty of cycles (rinse only, half load, an Eco mode which is about half as long and not as hot, pots & pans, NSF approved sterilize), delay start.

Probably the real seller is the 3rd rack on the top, we've never used the conventional silverware basket it came with, everything goes up in the 3rd rack including spatulas and small items, and leaves more room below.

Some of the reviews on the other high rated models/brands steered me away - saw some reoccurring complaints about the racks breaking pretty quickly. There were the assorted "Newegg" style complaints for all of them - by that I mean the reviews like the ones on Newegg where someone complained because they stepped on their CPU and it didn't work on the wrong motherboard and oh the power is out.

The main complaint for the Bosch's was about drying, we haven't had any problems with that. We just use the Finish tabs and the Jet-Dry, and leave it closed for a bit after the cycle. They use the condensation drying (versus brute force exposed element) so it does take longer, but never been a problem for us.

We do a load at least every other day, but saying every day probably wouldn't be much of an exaggeration. I think the most we've done is three. We do two pretty often.

 

[notposting]

Oh and if the parents want to get all crazy on the ranges or anything, I have been pondering this for our kitchen someday:

instead of shelling out for the monster, expensive super wide range, and wall ovens, etc etc...why not just buy two regular ranges? Still cheaper, if anything ever goes out you're not totally out of commission, but still get nearly all of the benefits. :hmm:

 

[Howard]

No idea about brands, but my opinions as follows:

1) DEFINITELY go with a French door fridge
2) Put a chest freezer somewhere in the basement. You won't know how you lived without it.
3) Induction cooktop with a nice set of cookware. I don't know which brands have the most even-heating elements but I can't see going back to old tech at this point when induction is already so good.

 

[skyking]

I just installed the zephyr ak2100as under cabinet hood and I was quite pleased. 850 CFM is more than enough to clear the entire room, let alone what is going on at the stove top. I have a 3x10 wall discharge, and it moves the grass in the yard 20' from the house
http://www.amazon.com/Zephyr-AK2100AS-Internal-Controls-Stainless/dp/B000Y8SRD0
We went with LG for the appliances.
Samsung has abysmal reviews, LG did not.
The kitchen layout required a 30" freestanding range, we chose the double oven model with convection in the lower oven and an infrared upper.
http://www.lg.com/us/ranges-ovens/lg-LDE3037ST-electric-range
So far it is OK, but we have barely started using it.
This is the refrigerator, and they have some annoying features.
http://www.lg.com/us/refrigerators/lg-LFC28768ST-french-3-door-refrigerator
The drawer all the way across the bottom seems like a neat idea, till you realize that you always have to open both doors to use it. I'd rather it were split.
The draft seal bar that hinges across the door seam took some getting used to as well. If you have the right door open and then decide you need the left, you can't grab that. It seems natural to do so, but it won't work.
The dishwasher is sitting in the living room, so nothing meaningful to report yet
http://www.lg.com/us/dishwashers/lg-LDF7774ST-integrated-dishwasher

 

[mikeford]

I like consumersearch, its a meta site that aggregates many reviews.

Electric oven, gas cooktop, chest freezer makes on a frozen junky, skip unless it really suits your needs and uses.

 

[Zivic]

fridges are all going to have less than stellar reviews. just pick one they like the look of. I am convinced they are all throw-aways in 4-7 yrs based on my research. chose one with no ice maker or water and you will reduce potential problems by 75% or more. if you went sub zero, you will likely have more life expectancy. counter depth will cost more money... IMHO the fridge is the most frustrating thing to buy.

Definitely go with induction if you don't have gas. buy a NICE hood to go over. modern-aire, higher end vent-a-hood, etc. go 6" wider than your cooktop area. Plan 1500+ for a hood. it will be worth.

I would do wall ovens, but may just want a 36" cooktop/oven combo

any micro that matches the rest of the appliances will be fine.

 

[skyking]

yes, the counter depth thing is a scam. About 10% of the selection for a 40% premium for less space, and never really counter depth. When I remodeled I made sure to eliminate that issue.
We also skipped the ice/water in the door because of the service issues there.
We were not sold on induction.

 

[notposting]

Good points there - if the budget has it, induction is better. We got a new fridge last year as well and bare bones. It has the option for an icemaker, but with those things I see a couple problems:

reliability, both in the unit, and the plumbing connection (often just a cheap vampire tap);
does anyone EVER clean those filters or icemakers? They get gross. Ugh.

Just put a Brita in the fridge and a tray for extra cubes in the freezer and tip in occasionally.

Also, make sure they are planning the purchases wisely - for example Chase Freedom cards have 5% bonus quarterly rewards, if one of them is going to include hardware type stores, boom! pick up a few. Things like that. Make the purchases work for them as best as possible.

edit: if I had to go electric in a "dream" kitchen, it would be induction, but I would prefer gas by a country mile. I appreciate our crappy 30 year old Tappan electric range like a good fungal infection. It's always there and it usually burns.

 

[skyking]

Good points there - if the budget has it, induction is better. We got a new fridge last year as well and bare bones. It has the option for an icemaker, but with those things I see a couple problems:

reliability, both in the unit, and the plumbing connection (often just a cheap vampire tap);
does anyone EVER clean those filters or icemakers? They get gross. Ugh.

Just put a Brita in the fridge and a tray for extra cubes in the freezer and tip in occasionally.

Also, make sure they are planning the purchases wisely - for example Chase Freedom cards have 5% bonus quarterly rewards, if one of them is going to include hardware type stores, boom! pick up a few. Things like that. Make the purchases work for them as best as possible.

edit: if I had to go electric in a "dream" kitchen, it would be induction, but I would prefer gas by a country mile. I appreciate our crappy 30 year old Tappan electric range like a good fungal infection. It's always there and it usually burns.

We always have an ice maker, just not through the door. I have used induction and was not all that impressed with it, and having to change out pans and the like.

 

[RagingBITCH]

I just installed the zephyr ak2100as under cabinet hood and I was quite pleased. 850 CFM is more than enough to clear the entire room, let alone what is going on at the stove top. I have a 3x10 wall discharge, and it moves the grass in the yard 20' from the house
http://www.amazon.com/Zephyr-AK2100AS-Internal-Controls-Stainless/dp/B000Y8SRD0
We went with LG for the appliances.
Samsung has abysmal reviews, LG did not.
The kitchen layout required a 30" freestanding range, we chose the double oven model with convection in the lower oven and an infrared upper.
http://www.lg.com/us/ranges-ovens/lg-LDE3037ST-electric-range
So far it is OK, but we have barely started using it.
This is the refrigerator, and they have some annoying features.
http://www.lg.com/us/refrigerators/lg-LFC28768ST-french-3-door-refrigerator
The drawer all the way across the bottom seems like a neat idea, till you realize that you always have to open both doors to use it. I'd rather it were split.
The draft seal bar that hinges across the door seam took some getting used to as well. If you have the right door open and then decide you need the left, you can't grab that. It seems natural to do so, but it won't work.
The dishwasher is sitting in the living room, so nothing meaningful to report yet
http://www.lg.com/us/dishwashers/lg-LDF7774ST-integrated-dishwasher

I hate to say it as we love our Samsung TV's (and washer/dryer), but our Samsung fridge seems to have some design flaw with it. (RF323TED) Ice maker kept leaking water...we had an ext warranty and 3 diff companies replaced almost all the affected parts and it still kept at it. Lowes refunded us our full money. I ended up fixing it for the time being, which saved us $2600, but almost regret not going w/ the LG now. (Other reviews have the same problem as we do)

That being said, every fridge is going to have issues now and again...the in-laws are loyal to Frigidaire (have it for W/D, dishwasher, and fridge) and are not happy with the fridge. Is what it is though.

 

[Aikouka]

Also, make sure they are planning the purchases wisely - for example Chase Freedom cards have 5% bonus quarterly rewards, if one of them is going to include hardware type stores, boom! pick up a few. Things like that. Make the purchases work for them as best as possible.

There's definitely a lot that you can do to be a cheap ass...

1. Look into finding a coupon. You can generate 10% Off coupons for Lowes, but you're really not supposed to do that. So, I guess that depends on your scruples. However, Best Buy loves to give me 10% Off coupons every few months.
2. Consider buying a gift card. It's really not hard to find discount gift cards online. I usually just check Gift Card Granny and head to one of the sites. I've used Cardpool, GiftCards.com and Gift Card Zen. However, you do need to be careful that you understand what exactly you're buying. For example, some gift cards may be electronic, but they can only be used in the store. I bought a Sports Authority gift card from Gift Card Zen that actually ended up being a merchandise credit, which could only be used at physical locations.
3. Speaking of Chase, they also have an Ultimate Rewards Mall. This is a click-through service where you can receive an additional amount in rewards in addition to your 1%. I don't think it stacks with the bonus 5% categories, but it will supersede it if the Rewards Mall bonus is higher. Keep in mind that the Ultimate Rewards Mall requires you to pay the website's price (normal, sale, or whatever), which means no coupon/promo codes!

Keep in mind that when you buy gift cards, you also get 1% cash back (or whatever your card provides) just for that transaction.

 

[skyking]

I hate to say it as we love our Samsung TV's (and washer/dryer), but our Samsung fridge seems to have some design flaw with it. (RF323TED) Ice maker kept leaking water...we had an ext warranty and 3 diff companies replaced almost all the affected parts and it still kept at it. Lowes refunded us our full money. I ended up fixing it for the time being, which saved us $2600, but almost regret not going w/ the LG now. (Other reviews have the same problem as we do)

That being said, every fridge is going to have issues now and again...the in-laws are loyal to Frigidaire (have it for W/D, dishwasher, and fridge) and are not happy with the fridge. Is what it is though.

I have good experience with Samsung electronics, but the appliances really bomb in the reviews when compared to others.

 

[MongGrel]

I've always wanted to try induction out, but I probably won't in the near future, having the proper hardware to use with it wouldn't be beneficial to what I all ready have.

 

[RearAdmiral]

I bought pretty much all my appliances on clearance from best buy. Hilarious deals on there sometimes. LG electric double oven for something like 850 bucks. I saw an in-wall double oven for around $250, I was gonna buy it and just sit on it until the next house but someone else got it.

While I don't like electric range too much as I was used to gas at my parents, the double oven + convection rules house. I can bake like 5-6 trays of cookies at once.

 

[notposting]

I've always wanted to try induction out, but I probably won't in the near future, having the proper hardware to use with it wouldn't be beneficial to what I all ready have.

Just check what you have already with a magnet.

Cast iron is automatic. Steel and/or triply is a maybe. More recently made is more likely. Nearly everything I have is induction ready if it ever came down to it. Only my 8" and 10" triply skillets aren't induction capable.

All the non stick, the cast iron, enameled cast iron, and the rest of the triply stuff is all good.

 

[notposting]

I have good experience with Samsung electronics, but the appliances really bomb in the reviews when compared to others.

I've seen that a lot - their appliances seem to suck for reliability.

 

[Sully01]

There are so many appliances to have. Which specifically are you looking to replace?

 

[Sully01]

Samsung is also so-so. I've bought new appliances that ive had to have serviced. It kinda is what it is. They dont make things to last anymore so you take it with a grain of salt. But I live in a big city and space is always kinda important and even if its not a space issue for you, smaller ranges around 5 cu. ft are just faster and more like worth it in my opinion. Conn's would be my recommendation with the budget you're looking at.

 

[TXHokie]

I will stay away from Samsung. I've bought their high end washer/dryer and the washer had a big recall on a bad design. The dryer heating element went out after 1.5 yr costing $250 to repair -- just as warranty expired. My nice dual oven Samsung stove has electronic control issues after 2 yrs (one burner is now either off or maximum high but can't lower heat in between). My BIL bought a nice Samsung fridge and his electronic on it went haywire too after couple years. I think they design nice new stuffs but aren't very long lasting.