Appliances
Three years ago I bought new appliances for a renovated brownstone. I had done my research and thought I found some decent mid-range appliances. Since then, the OTR microwave (LG) died and was replaced, the washing machine (Kenmore Elite) was totally rebuilt (under warranty), and the 30″ Whirlpool gas range had the computer touch-pad replaced…
Three years ago I bought new appliances for a renovated brownstone. I had done my research and thought I found some decent mid-range appliances. Since then, the OTR microwave (LG) died and was replaced, the washing machine (Kenmore Elite) was totally rebuilt (under warranty), and the 30″ Whirlpool gas range had the computer touch-pad replaced 18 months ago to the tune of $300. Last Friday the replacement died as well. Reading comments on Amazon, AjMadison, etc., it seems like GE and KitchenAid have somolar problems with their touch-pads.
I wonder if appliances are designed to fail so that the consumer will revive the American economy (too cynical?).
I’m now in the market for a new gas range. I was looking for one with knobs, not a touch pad, but these are available only in the high-end industrial ranges, which I don’t like and cannot afford.
Any experience with Bosch? Let’s see if the Germans can do a better job.
We just did a kitchen Reno with all new appliances–I’m thrilled with my Maytag Gemini. It does have two ovens, though, so if that’s not your thing then so be it. We had a Maytag in our previous kitchen with a touchpad and in 6 years of heavy use never had a problem.
We do have a Bosch dishwasher though, and it’s a miracle machine.
We have a bosch range. I am totally anti touch pads, too, but this has one. It did malfunction early on, they replaced it for free, and so far no more problems (5.5 years). Agree that the knobs are cheap and plastic. I love the fact that the iron grill things are one big surface, so I can drag my heavy cast iron pots off the burner without having to pick them up. That’s what sold me on it. It was $1500 vs $3000 for the next kind I liked (those fancy electrolux ones with colored insides), and from there you’re into viking territory….
Have a 6 year old Bosch gas convection range. Good so far.
CGmodern
BSH Home Appliances owns Bosch. This German company also owns Gaggenau and Thermador.
Not sure if that info is good or bad based on the flimsy plastic knob 😉
we have a bosch range that’s pretty good. it works fine i just find some of the material to be a little lame (had it 4 years and 2 of the plastic knobs broke after the 1st year…and we’re not rough on things).
is bosch owned by someone else…whirlpool or someone like that?
designsmitten.blogspot.com
i like bosch. we looked at them when we did our reno. we ultimately went with bertazzoni. very happy with it.
Check out the Garden Web forum on appliances. You can spend hours on there. Also, I second the Bertazzoni rec above, if you can swing it (not from my own experience, but from what I’ve read).
RG,
First off I do sell appliances at discounted prices. With that being said Bosch makes fantastic ranges. I have yet to hear a complaint from a client of mine who has bought Bosch. They have a great reputation and work hard at maintaining it. If your budget allows, you might also want to consider Bertazonni.
Many people have problems with touch pads. Over time the heat has an effect on them. They are very expensive to replace “out of warranty”
Call me at 347 276 6528 or email me at lcapland at gee mail.
Levi