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Recommendations for apartment-size appliances

6 years ago

I'm in the market for new appliances for a tiny kitchen in a rental studio. What I need are tenant-friendly appliances that are above all reliable, fool-proof to use, and well-priced. So, Miele, etc. are not in the budget.

Looking for 18" dishwasher, small fridge, probably 24' gas range.

Can anybody comment on the brands below?

The brands I've come across are Danby, Summit (only 22" fridge), Avanti, SPT, Haier, maybe Kenmore or Frigidaire (dishwasher).

Featured Answer

steve_o

6 years ago

My experience in outfitting a smaller kitchen in a rental property of mine a few years ago is that there seem to be two levels of appliances: cheap and nearly disposable or spendy out of all proportion to the size and features. :-s

One quick note that Kenmore is a Sears brand built by other manufacturers.

We did buy an Avanti range for that rental property as a fill-in until we remodeled -- and replaced it with a standard-width range in the remodel. The Avanti had trouble fitting a standard broiler pan and there was no landing spot for hot pots on the top as there would be on a 30" range, so sacrificing half-a-foot of counter space was not as big a problem as one might think. The bigger range also had a broiling element in the oven and a storage drawer on the bottom (the Avanti had the broiler on the bottom), so we got some storage space back there, too.

We had room for a 16-cubic-foot refrigerator but no room for a dishwasher. The only experience I have with an 18" DW was in an office break room, where the Frigidaire there worked only as well as the equivalently-priced full-size Frigidaire (that is, nothing to write home about). You may want to consider whether a dishwasher is worth the effort in a setting like that. Or splurge and go for the Miele.

My $.02.

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Comments (8)

nosoccermom
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
"two levels of appliances: cheap and nearly disposable or spendy out of all proportion to the size and features. :-s"

Afraid you're right. On the other hand, the sizes I'm interested in are pretty much standard in Europe, which, of course, doesn't help me here :(

I only have about 68" per aisle in a tiny galley kitchen.

Any feedback on Fagor DW?
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desertsteph - I am looking at a 12cu ft fridge at the moment. And a 15cu ft. Someone on another thread, just recommended Craig’s List - I’m going to have to check that out. That was some deal you got. Fishcow -I haven’t heard a bad word about the 18” dishwasher yet. I’ll check it out. Glad you are happy with yours. annaship1 - I’m thinking that there may be other family members who would want to live there if it became vacant again. So renters don’t seem likely. I’m actually willing to use the smaller appliances, if they were made by mainstream Brand names and were not 3x the cost of a regular sized appliance, I wouldn’t have a problem. nosoccermom - Check out the Frigidaire FFET1222QW refrigerator - very reasonably priced. 12 cu ft. 60Hx29Dx24W. I prefer the European models that are nice and tall, because I think they look better, but, I can’t pay that price. aptosca - I was actually looking for a 24” wide fridge and it wasn’t as important to me that it be counter depth. So the Frigidaire listed above is the one I’m considering. I hope I don’t have to go with a 30” range. I know it seems odd, but even 6” here and 6” there are sometimes make or break for a layout. cry - I’m going to check out that LG. I like the LG brand. I think I’d like a little larger if possible, so I’ll see if they have another size too. Writers block - I’ll try to do a search of GW for any posts on the Summit Fridges. Thanks. Thanks all. I’ll be looking for awhile, so always happy to hear anyone’s experiences with these apartment size appliances.
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L. Evans
6 years ago
My experience is so dated as to be probably obsolete, but I had an 18 inch Kenmore in my kitchen that I had installed in 2001. I recently pulled it out to put a full size one in my remodeled kitchen. That dishwasher was a beast....ran great, no problems, cleaned well. But, I'm pretty sure they don't build'm like they used to.
nosoccermom thanked L. Evans
writersblock (9b/10a)
6 years ago
there seem to be two levels of appliances: cheap and nearly disposable or spendy out of all proportion to the size and features

So true, alas!
nosoccermom thanked writersblock (9b/10a)
homepro01
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Nosoccermom,

I would look at the Haier 24" fridge. Fisher and Paykel also has a fridge that is almost counter depth in that size. I would get a 24" induction cooktop from Fisher and Paykel. The fagor 24" side opening door oven would be my next selection. The Miele or Bosch 18" dishwashers are your best choices.the budget puts you roughly at $4k for appliances. A good $600 hood if wanted or a microhood if space is a concern.

The fridge I was thinking off is also sold as the Summit. I am pretty sure this is the Vestfrost. Fagor also retails a similar fridge at the same price point.

Are you open to used appliances? Our craigslist always has a Liebherr 24' fridge popping up every so often. There was also an 18" Miele recently. I had not searched for Bosch ina while.
nosoccermom thanked homepro01
nosoccermom
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I saw an open box liebherr fridge on my CL not too long ago, so that's an option.

Also have to say that 4k is more than I'd like to spend. This is not a high end rental, and, unfortunately, many tenants are clueless and/or careless.
sarahawil
6 years ago
Try the AJ Madison website - they're located in New York City, so carry small appliances, and they have moderately priced options. I think I have a 24 inch Summit counterdepth refrigerator, an 18 inch Danby dishwasher, and a 24 inch Summit range. They've all held up well and made a big difference in the amount of counter space in my small kitchen.
nosoccermom thanked sarahawil
nosoccermom
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks, Sara! How long have you had your appliances?

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