appliance buying guide - kitchen views€¦ · pitfalls of buying appliances. our appliance buying...
TRANSCRIPT
1
APPLIANCE BUYING
GUIDE
A step-by-step guide to find the right products for your home
project
Published by Yale Appliance + Lighting
Updated October 2018
22
This buying guide answers common questions and advises on the
pitfalls of buying appliances. Our Appliance Buying Guide will
equip you with all information for dealing with an appliance store
to receive the best deal without losing sleep or sanity.
First, let’s talk about what products work and what could be better.
The average appliance will need service 25% of the time within the
first year according to our own service department records.
Some brands have consistently excelled like Miele, Gaggenau,
Whirlpool, and Bosch. Some have not. Read these articles to
understand both.
A p p l i a n c e s
Overview
The 5 Most
Serviced
Appliance Brands
Photo credit: Creative Design Construction, Inc. via Houzz
3
BrandsWe discuss brands in the Premium,
Affordable Luxury and Affordable brackets
What to KnowAppliance industry terms and
topics to consider in your search
A p p l i a n c e s
Table of ContentsClick the circles to move between sections
44
What’s NewNew technologies and products in
the appliance world
10 Common QuestionsAnswers to commonly asked questions we
hear from customers all the time, and our
best tips to protect yourself
Buying StrategiesHow to buy products by brand
About YaleA little about us
5
BRANDSWe discuss brands in the Premium, Affordable Luxury, and
Commodity segments
Photo credit: Fuse Architecture + Design/ Houzz
6
Brands: Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, Viking, Capital, Miele,
BlueStar, and Liebherr.
What to Expect: Pro or integrated refrigerator, wall oven and
cooktop or pro range, European dishwasher.
B r a n d s
Premium
Photo credit: Kuche+Cucina via Houzz
7
Brands: Bosch, Electrolux, Bosch Benchmark, GE Café, Jenn-
Air, KitchenAid, Frigidaire Pro, and Samsung.
What to Expect: Shallow depth refrigerator, slide-in cooking
with enhanced burners, stainless interior dishwasher.
B r a n d s
Affordable Luxury
Photo credit: Synergy Design & Construction via Houzz
8
Brands: Maytag, LG, GE, Samsung, Amana and Whirlpool.
What to Expect: Regular freestanding gas or electric range,
over-the-range microwave, and a domestic dishwasher.
B r a n d s
Commodity
Photo credit: The Kitchen Shop via Houzz
9
WHAT TO KNOWAppliance industry terms and topics to consider in your
search
Photo credit: Mitchell Barnett Architect / Houzz
10
There have been a number of finishes, Black Stainless Steel,
Black Ice, White Ice, Copper Bronze, Slate, and Cobalt, but
Black Stainless is 20-30% of most purchases. It's darker than
stainless, making it an attractive look, but it scratches easily
and once scratched, it reveals the shinier steel underneath.
Check out the articles below about the different finishes
available and your options:
W h a t t o K n o w
Finishes
Photo credit: Huestis Tucker Architects via Houzz
How
Hard is it to Scratch
Black Stainless Steel?
Is Stainless Going
Out of Style?
11
Before the recession, rebates were solely for commodity
brands but have now included even the best brands. For the
best price, research rebates as they can be up to 35% of the
product value.
The best rebates seem to occur around holidays like
President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, and Black Friday.
W h a t t o K n o w
Rebates
Photo credit: Kitchen Kraft via Houzz
When is the best time
to buy appliances?
12
Buying the same brand is smart, provided you like each piece,
because the handles and aesthetics will match. Most
manufacturers will also offer additional rebates for package
purchases.
W h a t t o K n o w
Kitchen Packages
Photo credit: Urban Kitchens via Houzz
Best Stainless Steel
Packages
Best Affordable
(cheap) Kitchen
Appliance Packages
13
Without question, service is the toughest part of the appliance
business.
Manufacturers have exited the service industry, as have many
independents, so it is incredibly difficult to actually fix an
appliance.
It is important to ask who will actually service the product
before you buy.
W h a t t o K n o w
Service
Photo credit: Five Star Interiors via Houzz
Why Your Broken
Appliance Won’t Be
Repaired
14
Delivery is the second biggest issue after service because it is
handled so differently by retailers. Some companies offer
“curbside” delivery where the product is unloaded at the
sidewalk. There are “in-house” delivery options which may
include removal, power cords and installation.
People tend to compare products (which is good), but delivery
with all the options can be expensive. Compare before you
buy.
W h a t t o K n o w
Delivery
Photo credit: Courthouse Contractors / Kitchens & Baths via Houzz
Delivery: Free, White
Glove and In-HouseOur Free Delivery
Comparison Checklist
15
Appliances will need service within the first year 25% of the
time, so like any insurance it’s a numbers game.
Do not buy a service contract from a company that does not
physically offer service.
W h a t t o K n o w
Service Contracts
Photo credit: Drury Design via Houzz
Are Appliance
Extended Warranties
Worth It?
Increasing
Importance of
Appliance Service
16
WHAT'S NEWNew technologies and products in the appliance world
Photo credit: Mitchell Barnett Architect / Houzz
1717W h a t ’ s N e w
Technology
Photo credit: Miele "Usa
New Jenn-Air Wi-Fi
Wall OvenMiele M-Touch Wall
Oven Video
Smart technology is the future of how you will buy an appliance.
Samsung, Jenn-Air, SKS, LG, and GE have appliances with the ability to
control remotely with basic functions. This Jenn-Air oven has Alexa
capabilities and will be able to scan your refrigerator for ingredients
and program the dishwasher accordingly.
However, in 2018-2019, there are still connectivity issues. The functions
are still basic, so you should make your decision about which one to
buy based on features and prices. Smart technology should not be a
reason yet.
18
The new Samsung Chef Collection offers functionality and style
for a kitchen suite. SKS offers Sous Vide and induction in a
professional range.
W h a t ’ s N e w
New Upscale Brands
SKS Professional Gas
Ranges
Samsung Chef
Collection
Professional Range
1919
Steam is the healthiest way to cook because it adds moisture while not baking out the nutrients in your food. It is not actually new. Miele
and Gaggenau have marketed a steam oven for years.
Jenn-Air, Thermador and Wolf now produce one at lower prices. Thermador introduced steam in their pro range in 2013. Miele has a
steam assist option in their range as of February, 2015. Samsung has also introduced steam in 2018.
W h a t ’ s N e w
Steam Cooking
Photo credit: Yasmine Goodman / Houzz
MIELE 48”
The Best Steam Ovens
20
Sous vide is a precise method of cooking using water immersion
instead of direct heat. It’s great for cooking in large batches or for
consistent results every time you cook.
It’s gaining popularity with Miele, Gaggenau, and SKS offering
different ovens with sous vide capabilities.
W h a t ’ s N e w
Sous Vide
What is Sous Vide
Cooking? [VIDEO]
2121
In laundry, steam has definitely become the hot feature
because it works well in a number of ways. It will power out
stains, de-wrinkle clothes and remove odors.
Speaking of laundry, the laundry room with better access to
the kitchen or bedroom is a definite trend.
W h a t ’ s N e w
Steam Laundry
Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /
Houzz
Does Steam in a
Washing Machine
Really Work?
2222
Speed ovens are really microwave convection combos with
the ability to microwave, convection cook or work in
combination to save time.
The speed oven is a new slant on an older idea. Speed
ovens with a single oven are replacing double ovens for
more customized cooking.
W h a t ’ s N e w
Speed Ovens
Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /
Houzz
Four Best Speed
OvensMiele MasterChef
Wall Oven
Photo credit: Paula Kennedy CMKBD via Houzz
2323
Drawers offer more accessibility, especially in lower areas like islands and base cabinets. Speed ovens, microwaves,
refrigerators and icemakers are now available as drawers or hinged.
W h a t ’ s N e w
Drawers
Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /
Houzz
Photo credit: Erin Sander Design via Houzz
24
If drawers are a trend than side swing hinges for wall ovens
could be as well. It’s a good idea as you will no longer have to
lift a turkey or roast over the oven door.
Look at the new Bosch Benchmark for a really cool side swing
oven.
W h a t ’ s N e w
Side Swing Wall Ovens
Best Side Swing Wall
Ovens
25
Stainless will be the predominant color because it matches
every cabinet finish.
Consider using color to highlight a single piece. La Cornue
offers a variety of colorful finishes for professional ranges.
BueStar also has 750 custom colors.
W h a t ’ s N e w
Heritage Colors
Best Custom Color
Ranges
Photo credit: Terracotta Design Build via Houzz
26
French door wall ovens have been introduced by American
Range, BlueStar, GE Monogram and Viking. French doors allow
easier access to the oven. You don’t have to lift heavier items
like a turkey over the door.
W h a t ’ s N e w
French Door Wall Ovens
Viking vs. BlueStar
French Door Wall
Ovens
27
Companies like Miele, Wolf, Dacor and Viking have started
marketing an upscale 30” induction range. Wolf now has the
only 36” induction range.
W h a t ’ s N e w
Upscale Induction Ranges
New Wolf 36”
Induction Range
28
The three door French door has morphed into four and five
door configurations with different zones of refrigerator and
freezer.
W h a t ’ s N e w
Doors, Doors, Doors
Samsung 4-Door vs.
KitchenAid 5-Door
Refrigerator
2929
Heat pump dryers use compressors to move the existing air in the drum instead a heating element warming new air.
They are 50% more efficient than a normal dryer but do take a longer time to dry.
Whirlpool, LG and Blomberg currently market the heat pump dryer in the US. Miele may have the best and the most
efficient heat pump dryer at only 110 volts.
W h a t ’ s N e w
Heat Pump Dryers
Best Non-Venting
Options for Full-Size
Laundry
3030
Ventless or condenser dryers do not require a vent and turn steam in the drum to water, allowing you to place a dryer anywhere.
Want to relocate your laundry from the basement to the upstairs closet? You can with a ventless dryer. You only need water and 220V
power.
W h a t ’ s N e w
Ventless Dryers
Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /
Houzz
Photo credit: Francesca Owings Interior Design via Houzz
What are the benefits
of Ventless and Heat
Pump Dryers?
31
10 COMMON
QUESTIONS
Answers to commonly asked questions we hear from
consumers
Photo credit: Eastbank Contractor Appliances / Houzz
321 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s
Wall Oven & Cooktop vs. Range
Wall ovens are more accessible but ranges offer more centralized cooking in less space. This is the most important
question in kitchen planning because it impacts so much.
VS
Photo credit: Porcelanosa, Precision Cabinets via Houzz
Free Wall Oven Buying
Guide
331 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s
Front Control vs. Slide-In vs. Freestanding Ranges
Freestanding ranges have the controls on the back, blocking your backgaurd. Slide-in and front control ranges
are similar because you can see your backsplash. Slide-in ranges fit over the counter so there is no seam, for
easier cleaning. Front control ranges have the seam but are easier to install.
VS
Photo credit: Aidan Design, Stewart Thomas Design-Build via Houzz
Freestanding vs. Slide-
In RangesSlide-In vs. Front
Control Ranges
341 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s
Top Load vs. Front Load Laundry
Front load is larger, more efficient and is gentler on your clothes. Read the Yale Washer Buying Guide to
understand all the differences between top and front load washers.
VS
Photo credit: Samsung, Visbeen Architects via Houzz
Free Washer Buying
Guide
351 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s
Front Load vs. Hybrid Top Load Laundry
Hybrid promises the better efficiency of a front load with the convenience of a top load. It’s a good idea, but doesn’t
really work.
VS
Photo credit: Avonlea Homes, Nor-Son Inc. via Houzz
Hybrid Top Load vs.
Front Load Washers
361 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s
French Door vs. Side by Side
With better lateral storage and a cooler appearance, French doors are now 7x more popular that a side by side.
VS
Photo credit: Keiffer’s, Paula Kennedy via Houzz
French Door vs. Side
by Side Refrigerators
37
Induction Gas Pro Gas Electric
1 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s
Induction vs. Gas vs. Pro Gas vs. Electric
Of the 4, induction is the best cooking surface for speed and simmer. If you are buying a pro
gas unit for power, regular gas ranges now have high output burners as well.
381 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s
Updraft vs. Downdraft
Updraft is better for ventilation as smoke naturally rises. You also have way more capture area in a hood than a
downdraft. Do NOT downdraft a pro range as it will not capture the smoke and heat.
VS
Photo credit: Knight Associates, Home Restoration Services via Houzz
Free Ventilation
Buying Guide
39
Regular + Counter DepthThe regular counter depth doesn’t protrude from the cabinets
and looks like a household refrigerator at a much cheaper
price.
Integrated + Built-InDifferent styles of refrigerators with very different prices.
Integrated (left) is hidden, professional (right) is commercial
looking with the compressor on top.
1 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s
Professional vs. Integrated vs. Counter Depth
Counter Depth Buying
Guide
40
Yes (depending on the dishwasher). Under 44 dBA is
considered quiet. Bosch and KitchenAid are the quietest at 37
dBA and Miele is also under 40 dBA.
Here’s a tip. Don’t overpay for an extremely quiet dishwasher.
44 dBA is incredibly quiet. Extremely quiet dishwashers can
cost $1,000 more.
1 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s
Will This Dishwasher
Be Quiet?
Photo credit: Superior Woodcraft, Inc. via Houzz
Quietest Dishwasher
by Decibel Rating
Best Dishwasher
Brands for 2018
41
Miele, Gaggenau, Yale Hoods, Frigidaire, and Whirlpool are the
most reliable based on sales versus service calls over the first
12-month period. Our service department completed 30,761
service calls in 2017.
Read these two articles for more information.
1 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s
What Are The Most
Reliable Brands?
Photo credit: Studio 212 Interiors via Houzz
Most Reliable
Appliance Brands
42
BUYING
STRATEGIES
How to choose products by product category
.
Photo credit: Kitchen Masters, Inc. / Houzz
43
By size, dishwashers are all the same. Refrigerators fit within
standard cabinets, typically 30”, 33” and 36” width.
The biggest choice in premium is between cooktop and wall
oven or a regular range. The cooking choices determine the
layout of the kitchen. Placement of islands, lighting and
cabinets depend on this decision.
Sub-Zero dominates the refrigeration, although integrated
products from Thermador have become popular.
Cooking is very competitive with Wolf, Miele, Jenn-Air, Viking
and Thermador vying for your business.
The best dishwashers are Bosch and Miele. Products can be
paneled or integrated.
B u y i n g S t r a t e g i e s
Buying Premium
Photo credit: Mrs. G TV & Appliances via Houzz
44
This is the most competitive segment in the appliance
industry.
Samsung, LG, Jenn-Air, and Bosch have great products in this
category. Convection cooking, slide-in ranges and over-the-
range microwaves are hallmarks of this segment.
Jenn-Air has really good gas products. Bosch has the best
dishwasher and a very stylish appearance.
For commodity brands only, look for rebate programs to
influence your choices and always try to buy around the
holidays like Black Friday, Labor Day, President's Day, and
Memorial Day.
B u y i n g S t r a t e g i e s
Buying Affordable Luxury
Photo credit: Thompson Remodeling via Houzz
45
Look at overall value. It’s pretty easy to compare different
brands.
Samsung seems to have a lock on refrigeration and basic
stainless steel products. Look at Whirlpool for some decent
cooking products as well.
Rebate programs can influence your choices.
B u y i n g S t r a t e g i e s
Buying Commodity
Photo credit: Sticks and Stones Design Group via Houzz
46
How to Protect Yourself
You may think appliances will be an easy purchase. Unfortunately
with delivery, installation, damage, and the increasing amount of
service, it can be a stressful ordeal.
Read the articles below to protect yourself and make the best
buying decisions.
Remember, you have the most leverage before you buy
anything.
10 Kitchen Appliance
and Lighting Mistakes
B u y i n g S t r a t e g i e s
Why Doesn’t Every
Appliance Brand Offer
Service?
5 Major Problems
Hurting Appliance
Retailers and What
This Means for You
47
Buy where you’re comfortable
There are tons of stores and products, but a limited
number of consumers. Check review sites like Yelp,
CitySearch, Google and the Better Business Bureau
before you purchase.
Remember, any store can sell an appliance; the biggest
issues are shipping and service.
B u y i n g S t r a t e g i e s
Wisdom of Crowds
48E x c l u s i v e O f f e r
Appliance Delivery Checklist
Our free checklist will help you avoid a delivery nightmare. At the
end, you will know what to ask from your local, national, or box
store appliance dealer.
Delivery is one of the biggest causes for your dissatisfaction.
You need to be prepared.
In the Delivery Checklist you’ll learn:
• How to choose a dealer with a first class delivery experience
• Which questions to ask to spot a quality delivery team
• The importance of online reviews to help your appliance
search
Get the Free
Appliance Delivery
Checklist
49
ABOUT USProud to be family owned and operated since 1923.
Photo credit: Eastbank Contractor Appliances / Houzz
50
Yale has been based in Boston for over 90 years and operates two showrooms; in Boston and Framingham. We operate the largest
independent service and repair department in New England with 50 people and 21 service technicians. Our sales staff has an
average of 7 years experience, and our staff chef can help you learn to use your new appliances.
Family owned and operated since 1923. Now with two
locations.
Since 1923
A p p l i a n c e s
About Us
51
VISIT OUR STORESNow you can schedule a free, private showroom visit to go over the needs of your project.
Choose a time that works for your schedule to visit our Boston or Framingham, MA showrooms.
Schedule a Showroom
Appointment
5252
Showrooms
Boston
296 Freeport St
Framingham
215 Worcester Rd
Contact Us
617-825-9253
yaleappliance.com
Social Media
Facebook.com/YaleApplianceLighting
Twitter.com/MyYale
YouTube.com/yaleappliance
A p p l i a n c e s
Contact Us