I'm a young first time homebuyer and I'm likely going to be needing to buy all new appliances for the kitchen.
I really don't know very much about appliances, so figured I'd try to get some help here.
First of all, I can't really find a very good source of appliance reviews. Some big box dealers like Best Buy have a handful of reviews but with so many models, there really aren't nearly as many reviews on dishwashers as, say, speakers or televisions. So a good database of reviews would be a very useful starting point for me.
If not, here are my needs:
Refrigerator (would like by side by side, ice in door is a must)
Dishwasher (hidden controls not essential)
Range/Oven (might prefer electric, but not opposed to gas; if electric, must be smooth top)
Above range microwave
I want all stainless appliances. It is important to me that the refrigerator is not black on the sides. Many refrigerators seem to have stainless fronts but black sides. I'd like stainless, or at least the stainless look on the sides as well.
My budget is a little flexible but I figure if I shop around I can get pretty good appliances for these prices:
Refrigerator $1000-$1300
Dishwasher $500-$700
Stove/Range - $600-$900
Microwave - $150-$275
So basically somewhere around $3000 for the lot.
I also need a washer/dryer. Don't really need stainless for this. White or black would be fine. Don't need to be top of the line by any means. Maybe $1200-$1500 for the pair.
Is installation of appliances relatively easy? It seems like they pretty much just plug and play. I think that I can find them cheaper online than locally so if they were delivered, I assume installation would be on me.
Also, is there value in buying a "set" all from the same brand. I know builders tend to use the same brand so they sort of match... though I really feel all stainless appliances will match to some extent. Would I be better off finding one brand that fits my needs and getting them all, or is breaking it down one by one the better way to go?
Are there any particular big name brands that tend to have a good/bad repuation (GE, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, LG, etc.)
Thanks in advance,
Steve
I really don't know very much about appliances, so figured I'd try to get some help here.
First of all, I can't really find a very good source of appliance reviews. Some big box dealers like Best Buy have a handful of reviews but with so many models, there really aren't nearly as many reviews on dishwashers as, say, speakers or televisions. So a good database of reviews would be a very useful starting point for me.
If not, here are my needs:
Refrigerator (would like by side by side, ice in door is a must)
Dishwasher (hidden controls not essential)
Range/Oven (might prefer electric, but not opposed to gas; if electric, must be smooth top)
Above range microwave
I want all stainless appliances. It is important to me that the refrigerator is not black on the sides. Many refrigerators seem to have stainless fronts but black sides. I'd like stainless, or at least the stainless look on the sides as well.
My budget is a little flexible but I figure if I shop around I can get pretty good appliances for these prices:
Refrigerator $1000-$1300
Dishwasher $500-$700
Stove/Range - $600-$900
Microwave - $150-$275
So basically somewhere around $3000 for the lot.
I also need a washer/dryer. Don't really need stainless for this. White or black would be fine. Don't need to be top of the line by any means. Maybe $1200-$1500 for the pair.
Is installation of appliances relatively easy? It seems like they pretty much just plug and play. I think that I can find them cheaper online than locally so if they were delivered, I assume installation would be on me.
Also, is there value in buying a "set" all from the same brand. I know builders tend to use the same brand so they sort of match... though I really feel all stainless appliances will match to some extent. Would I be better off finding one brand that fits my needs and getting them all, or is breaking it down one by one the better way to go?
Are there any particular big name brands that tend to have a good/bad repuation (GE, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, LG, etc.)
Thanks in advance,
Steve