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Have you purchased large appliances online?

10 years ago

I am considering purchasing my appliances from an online retailer like build.com, AJ Madison, or abt.com. I am wondering if any of you have ever done this and if so, what was your experience?

A little background is that I do not have a large big box appliance store in my town and my local store isn't an authorized dealer for the appliances I am interested in. So, this isn't a situation where I would have local service available if I went with a local seller. The internet sellers do not offer white glove delivery in my area either.

The appliances I am considering are the 27 in. Electrolux Wave Touch Double Oven, Electrolux IQ Touch Side by Side Counter Depth Fridge with Perf. Temp Drawer, 30 inch Wolf gas cooktop, and an Imperial Range Hood.

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Comments (5)

deeageaux
10 years ago
I purchased an appliance from ABT.

They sent a confirmation email.

Then sent a tracking number.

Then confirmed appliance shipped and estimated delivery date.

If you have time and you are not getting a discount for ordering all appliances at the same time maybe order one appliance at a time. If there is a problem you have a problem with one appliance not three.

I ordered a $5k range from a different internet dealer. That was a bit nerve racking until the range arrived.

Below is e'bay link to 30" Bluestar Cooktop. It is $1.2k plus shipping. I would strongly suggest this over Wolf. Google gardenweb + Bluestar or RNB to read up on Bluestar and their burners.

There is nothing special about that Wolf cooktop and therefore a reason to pay a premium. There is something special about the Bluestar.

Here is a link that might be useful: LINK
sreedesq
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you deeageaux! I by no means claim to be a cooktop expert, but my impression was that people really liked the Bluestar range tops more than the cooktops. Unfortunately, due to my layout I need a cooktop. I have researched the issue again and I'm willing to consider the Bluestar. I do like the control of the Bluestar. Does anyone know how much would I be looking at the purchase a 30 inch new retail?

I think I am leery of buying online b/c of an experience I recently had purchasing an expensive recessed medicine cabinet. It arrived 2-3 weeks early and had concealed damage. The seller has not been easy to work with.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply!
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No, I don't think I'm being unduly alarmist if the OP is considering something beyond your basic GE simple appliances. Better to know all of the issues on the front end so that it can be worked out than to have to post questions on here about who can they find to install their appliances sitting in their garage! (Recent post, BTW.) Sure, pretty much anyone with a bit of handyperson skill can install a freestanding fridge or stove. It's the ones with the more complex requirements that you will need to be careful with, and it's those expensive models that a lot of people are focused on bottom line price only searching, not realizing the other issues that go with a built in. The people locally that have experience building in those fridges and paneling them will be the ones who work for the local high end appliance showrooms. And, that's the people you just snubbed by buying online. They don't moonlight. And while a good cabinet installer plus some additional manpower can help with the panels issues if he reads the manual, don't think that it won't take them longer and cost more for them to install your built in than it would if an appliance specialty installer did the work. As far as the warranty issue, there have been plenty of stories about manufacturers, Meile especially, not honoring warranties because the appliance was bought from an unauthorized seller, or out of the authorized seller's territory. Of course, that's only important if you value warranty coverage with your appliances.
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ginny20
10 years ago
I bought my Kobe hood online from ventingdirect.com because no dealer in the area. Very good experience. The delivery guy - don't remember if UPS or Fedex - helped me open the box and pull it out enough to see if it was visibly damaged before I signed for it. It was fine.

I would use AJ Madison if I had to, and I'm sure there are others that give good service. Can you order from a big box online or Sears online? You'd think they would be reasonably trustworthy, too.
sreedesq
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks Ginny for the reply. You have a great UPS guy if he let you open the box and check it out first!

I guess once I knew I would have to buy online, I just started considering all of the retailers by their prices and whether they are authorized dealers. build.com sells Imperial so I am definitely considering using them for that purchase.
sreedesq
Original Author
10 years ago
B/c of this, I have really been considering the Bluestar. It's cheaper than the Wolf and AJ Madison recommends it over the Bluestar. Does anyone have any feedback on their personal experiences with the Bluestar. Do you know of anywhere in or around the DC area (other than traveling to PA) where I could see one?

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