Thanks to all who've chimed in. This sort of general discussion always provides helpful context. However, I am hoping for specific anecdotes about Jenn Air Pro Style and GE Cafe appliance purchases -- should any owners of those products stumble upon this thread. I have a sneaking suspicion we should be purchasing the extended warranty on the two most expensive items: GE Cafe Refrigerator (25.6cf; SxS; Stainless Steel) CSCP5UGXSS Jenn Air Pro Style Duel Fuel Range (4.6cf; Stainless Steel) JDS8860BDP I'm considering pulling the trigger on the GE refrigerator warranty simply because the product line is so new. As for the range, the often-repeated perceptions about Jenn Air's declining reputation for manufacturing quality has me wary. for the most part, I like the Jenn Air products so far, with some caveats. for instance, our old Maytag dishwasher had interior rack inserts with far superior layouts. And already, we've had to replace the Jenn Air microwave door using the basic warranty -- within the first two weeks! The two door latches stick out over an inch from the door frame, and one of them caught on a robe sleeve and broke in half. The latch wasn't steel, as it should be, but a cheap caste metal...

I bought SquareTrade warranties for most of my appliances, (though not my gas range, which ironically had the most problems. But that's another story.) and only had to use it on the fridge, for a really minor repair (cost around $70). They paid quickly. They also give you the option to use your choice of repair companies, not just their contracted partners. That's an important distinction for me.

Happy Holidays I purchased Whirlpool New Hybrid Dryer not requiring venting to outside, and matching front load washer with Steam. The washer gets cloths cleaner than any washer I’ve owned prior, I no longer use additives or bleach. Wash times are longer, but the machines are great quality, 10 year warranty on drum, etc. The dryer gets cloths dry, the set cost more than competitors but those who are buying Samsung or LG, remember they are manufactured in Korea or China, they may have technology, lower prices but when something goes wrong or breaks, parts come from there and often I’ve herd from others who own these appliances, parts are not readily available and they wait months to get the parts delivered and repairs completed. When I read some reviews bout Whirlpools new technologies, people were complaining about routine maintenance. I couldn’t understand why all the complaining, you get your car serviced, oil changed regularly, maintenance insures your appliance wii last. My phone parents still have the same appliances I grew up with, but manufactures cut cost by making the machines not built like they were in the past. I’m loyal Apple consumer, the products cost more, but when they have issues, it cost more to repair than buying new product. It angers me now that I’m retired, I can’t afford new every couple years, and for my loyalty, this is how they have such huge profits. Reality, that’s corporate America. I have learned to do the maintenance myself and repairs are easier going to you tube, watch a repairman show you how to do the repair. Whirlpool offered me a 5 year extended warranty, whirlpool uses qualified repairman to service your products. I pay $80.00 a month for 3 months for my extended warranty. It’s insurance should something major happen, peace of mind. I drove from Los Angeles 2 hours to Dana Point to purchase the set, Orange County Appliance Store offered better prices, I saved $400 on the set. Like all new technology, cost more in the beginning, but I suspect this new technology will become the norm, more manufacturing will follow, lowering prices. Whirlpool now owns Maytag, and Amana which are my kitchen appliances. Whirlpool is the largest manufacturer and made here in America. Americans still make quality products, if more Americans trusted American products above buying cheaper made in China, maybe the prices would be lower. Remember, you all want better salaries, better homes, better schools, multiple homes, new automobiles, yet why are you not supporting fellow Americans working to make you quality products? One last thing I like to mention, as a Veteran who Proudly served, I like it when people thank me for my service. If you really want to thank me, contact your representative and Senator and tell them to provide Veterans with benefits that are not below poverty living. It’s an insult to those who served. The majority of homeless here are Veterans. It’s bad enough we witness the corruption in Washington, but Veterans deserve better. If those serving now knew how they will be treated after serving and become disabled, left to live in poverty, I doubt that many would serve and give their life knowing that the country they fought for cared less about them later. Do your homework, learn all you can about everything in life, you’ll make wiser decisions and better choices! God Bless, good luck, and remember that this current crises we will all get through. In the 90’s, millions of men died from AIDS. The government did nothing for more than 4 years. Because it was Gay men dying. Only after Ryan White, and Rock Hudson died, Elizabeth Taylor was going around speaking out for those dying of AIDS, Ronald Reagan finally did something about getting help to those being infected. I’m sorry about the couple hundred thousand who have died, but millions of men who paid social security, who will never get benefits died. Social Security claims to be broke. Where is all the money they took from the millions who died and will never be given benefits. Like I said,the corruption in Washington, and I won’t mention the one who is fired and only became President to keep NY District Attorney for coming after him for all the crimes he had committed. He got into the White House so they couldn’t go after him! That’s life!

I purchased the top of the line Maytag washer and dryer from Lowe’s. After six months it was leaking under the tub and flooding utility room. I purchased an extended warranty and like so many other customers you’re not told it’s a certain company that used in order to obtain service you must go through them if you can bear to wait two days on holdWaiting for a representative and of course Lowes says we’ve never had anything like that happen with these washers. And of course we are the ones to do the extended service here is the phone number. Goodbye ....So there it is...money wasted both times. LOWES is about taking money from honest, hardworking people with a never ending trail of non-needed supplies for a do it yourself project to say being ripped off by the contractors that they cater to and those of you who have tried to deal with him know what I’m talking about. The maytag warranty contractor scheduled for home service was a lowlife crackhead who ripped me off on a previous service call for a Maytag washer and also a Whirlpool refrigerator. He presenTed a repair bill for fixing both,I paid him and he left with the money.When we tried to use both were left inoperable and in worse shape than before. I tried several times to contact but my calls and letters went unanswered. Areal winner this one... has it all figured out.. . Nothing but a sorry dope head thief,, who thinks he can get by with anything cause his daddy's some big shot lawman ,with that holier than thou, God Almighty, lawman attitude....and worthless ! We’re just humble folks ,not wealthy....truly thankful for all our blessings...Anything owned by this family ...WE GOT IT HONEST ! and damn sure don’t have to suck up to the law. Especially a no good, smart ass,draft dodger like this individual. I’m just a Disabled Vietnam Vet with not much time left. I’m just saying : you can’t treat folks like that ! As for the Maytag’s Extended Service Warranty Plan ; “HELL will freeze over”, before I purchase any Maytag appliances OR spend money at LOWES again !! John R.