frustration with choosing appliances

13 years ago

I originally posted this thread in the kitchen section and moved it here where I should have to begin with in case you read both sections.

I'm about to buy new appliances for my new home. I have no problem with mixing brands. I have been researching and checking them out for over two months. Also, I have read so many consumer reviews from various sites including this one and consumer affairs.

I am going with a Kenmore Elite dishwasher but an upgrade for $1300. I've really been happy with it for 4 1/2 years. The new one has a db of 43 which is the same as Bosch and Miele.

The cooktop is a 36" gas Kitchen Aid.

The vent insert is from Vent-a-Hood.

My problem is the double wall oven and refrigerator.

I have a Jenn Air double oven that's been pretty good for this same amount of time. I wanted to go with it again, but the consumer affairs complaints have been awful now that they've been taken over by Kitchen Aid. KA has a class action suit coming up concerning their wall ovens self-cleaning function destroying the ovens and shattering the glass. I like the Frigidaire Pro Series, but their oven relay panel sometimes melts from the high heat of the ovens because they are made of plastic instead of glass. Otherwise, their ovens have had good reviews.

Actually, no matter what brand I read about, the complaints are numerous. Is there a good quality brand out there that will last more than three years?

The same with the refrigerator. I'm looking for a three door cabinet depth refrigerator. I wanted the Jenn Air or Kitchen Aid, but they have continuous problems with the compressors and ice maker.. I have a Kenmore side by side now and have also had no problems, I may just have to stick with it. I'm not sure who makes Kenmore now, though I think it's Electrolux.

I'm not a gourmet cook, just the average get it on the table type . I do know that whatever I go with, I'm going to have to buy the extended warranties. I could really use some help!

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Comments (7)

pricepal
13 years ago
Yep, drove me crazy too! Bad reviews on just about everything.

Since obviously all appliances today are junk, I went ahead and got all Kitchenaid appliances including the steam double oven. The refrigerator is the only thing installed so far, no issues.

But look around trouble everywhere.

Today with all the electronics in appliances, its a crap shoot, you take your chances I guess.

I did what I did, because after month, I was tired of looking and got more confused the more I researched and the more people I talked to.

The "H" with it:)
breezygirl
13 years ago
Boy, I hear you on the frustration. I've been researching for about a year now. Appliances aren't what the used to be. You'll read about problems with just about everything nowadays. I agree with poster above that sometimes more research isn't necessarily better.

KA fridges seem to be regarded well around here. I'm planning one in the new kitchen. Originally I had planned on the KA ovens also, but was finally dissuaded based on all the comments here so ive chosen the Elux non-Icon ovens instead. My appliances salesperson (very respected) said that all wall ovens are prone to malfunctions after self-cleaning so I'll probably use a cold oven cleaner instead. I might even buy the extended warranty just to CMA.

Good luck!! And you've come to the right place for advice.
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mjvbryan
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks to both of you for your input. You know, if these were cars, they all would have been recalled and replaced! How are these manufacturer's allowed to get away with it?
dodge59
13 years ago
One thing you should recall, if you visit a site like "Consumer Complaints" or anything with a similar title, That is Exactly what you will hear. People that don't have problems are very unlikely to post on those type of sites and if they did, more than likely they would be treated as the "Black Sheep" There.

Like mentioned, if you go to that type of site, regardless of the manufacturer, you are going to get an eyefull of complaints.

So you might just want to use such info to ferret out any really bad problems, see if that info jives with CR and JD Powers info.

Still the best source is Good Old GW, most the folks are honest and they share both their good and bad experiences, so select the appliance, then kind of "Tally up" the Yea's and Nay's here----You will win, most of the time.

Good luck on your pending purchases, I got really lucky with mine, cept for a loose door handle on my speed oven, none have required service in 5 years now.

Gary
mjvbryan
Original Author
13 years ago
dodge59, thanks for the good advice.
stdeb
12 years ago
This is my first post and I am in the same situation. I noticed you said KA gas cooktop. Did you get the KFGS366VSS by any chance? That is one I'm looking at and I noticed your post was in February. I'm hoping you can share your opinion on that item. I started out wanting a thermador but the sales guy suggested this one and it is several hundred less...
sskit
12 years ago
Just got a JA French Door cabinet depth fridge. They got good reviews on consumer reports and priced pretty good for CD.

frustration with choosing appliances

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frustration with choosing appliances

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