NEW YORK – Aug. 20, 2014 – At a recent housewarming party, talk turned to renovating the kitchen. My friends wanted to know what they should do about replacing the old appliances that came with the house.
Luckily, they'd invited me.
Not only do I get to use hundreds of them each year in my job as editor-in-chief of Reviewed.com's appliance coverage, I'm also a self-professed appliance nerd. That's right: The machines that tirelessly toil in our kitchens and laundry rooms are both my job and my passion.
While it's impossible to offer a one-size-fits-all recommendation for any particular product, here is some general advice for buying a new home appliance.
Measure twice, buy once
Everyone knows to measure the space where a new appliance will go, including required clearances. But while an appliance might fit in your kitchen or laundry room, that doesn't necessarily mean you can get it into your house.
Today's appliances are getting bigger and bigger. It's not uncommon to see refrigerators that are 35 inches deep or washer/dryer pairs that total 6 feet wide, so make sure you can get them through doorways and around corners. Especially in older homes, doorways can be quite narrow.
A friend ordered a new counter-depth fridge a few years back. She measured the space to make sure it fit perfectly, and even checked to see that it would fit through the kitchen door. But she forgot about her new kitchen countertops. Because they stuck out more than the old ones, the installers couldn't get the fridge into the kitchen without removing a chunk of granite.
Forget brand loyalty
Forget preconceived notions of appliance brands. Due to mergers, acquisitions and the rapid pace of innovation in the industry, products can vary drastically from year to year, even if the label on the front stays the same.
In other words, even if you hate your current washing machine, you shouldn't rule out buying another product from the same brand.
Consider Amana. Maytag bought the brand in 2001. In 2006, Maytag itself was acquired by Whirlpool. Today's Amana refrigerator has nothing in common with its predecessors, but it has a lot in common with a similar Whirlpool fridge.
Kenmore appliances have always been made by different manufacturers: Frigidaire makes the majority of the brand's ovens, LG makes its front-loading washers, and Whirlpool makes Kenmore dishwashers, for instance.
Even brands that haven't changed hands can change how they build products. GE, Electrolux, Whirlpool and Bosch have all invested in major redesigns in the past two years, including new, multimillion-dollar factories and state-of-the-art machinery.
Comfort counts
Today, it's possible to buy appliances online, at an independent retailer, or at a "big box" store. But while getting a low price is important, it's also good to know how you'll be treated after the sale.
If a major online retailer has the best price on the appliance you want, don't be afraid to order sight unseen. Online retailers frequently offer massive inventory and quick shipping. However, be sure to check the item for damage before the delivery company leaves – return policies can be very strict, even for broken products.
Local retailers offer their own advantages. Some feature fully functional showrooms where customers can use appliances and see how they'll look after installation. If you're undertaking a difficult project, an expert sales staff is extremely helpful.
Many independent retailers also offer local repair services. That's why some high-end appliance companies prefer to sell products through authorized specialty stores. The small-town appliance store might be the only place to get a pro-style range or built-in fridge.
Big box stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's fit somewhere in the middle. Because they sell so many appliances, they can often negotiate exclusive deals with manufacturers that keep prices low on top-selling products.
Whatever you're buying, make sure that you like it. Home appliances are there to make life easier, not harder, so it's important to choose products that are easy to use, work as described and look good in your house.
Copyright © 2014 USA TODAY, Keith Barry, Reviewed.com
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