Tuesday, November 9, 2010

US manufacturing on life support

One of the few remaining American laundry manufacturing plants slated to close in the next year... Read more 


That will leave only GE and Whirlpool Corp. as the sole US manufacturers of washers and dryers in the US by 2012. 


Whirlpool has plants in Ohio. Whirlpool markets some of the world’s most recognized appliance brands, including WhirlpoolMaytagKitchenAidJenn-AirAmanaBauknechtBrastemp and Consul, Crosley and its subsidiary, Conservator.


GE has a plant in Kentucky. GE sells appliances under the names of GE, Profile, CafĂ©, and Monogram.

Frigidaire still makes air conditioners and dehumidifiers in its Edison NJ plant.

The Kenmore name is now mostly sourced from the Korean company LG, with a few items made by Samsung. Kenmore's existing ties to US-built Whirlpool products are limited to contracts yet to expire, including a few side-by-side refrigerators (5478x, 4542x, and 4602x made in USA), some top-freezer refrigerators (all now made in Mexico), and most conventional looking top load washer and dryer units (made in Clyde, Ohio, USA).

Saturday, October 30, 2010

GE reinvests in US manufacturing

One of the last U.S. based manufacturers, GE plans to invest another $432 million to establish four U.S.-based refrigeration design and manufacturing "centers of excellence," expected to create 500 new green jobs by 2014.

The new centers for refrigeration products will be located in Louisville, KY; Bloomington, IN; Decatur, AL; and Selmer, TN... more...

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Shopping online can be confusing

You may think shopping online is just as effective as, or even easier than, dealing with a salesperson. Just beware that online database programmers are not as knowledgeable as appliance salespeople, as evidenced by this screenshot:
Obviously, these two Samsung refrigerators are NOT single-door bottom-freezers. You probably would not have found them searching on your own. Come see me in the store--I know how to find what you are looking for.

Update: 09/08/10
It is still not fixed... still listed as a single door.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Kenmore cooking transition

Kenmore is transitioning it's cooking lineup, including microhoods, and ranges. Some good deals can be had on discounted floor models. See what's being sold off at your local store by going to http://www.searsoutlet.com. (clearance items are not eligible for layaway)

Friday, August 20, 2010

Take picures of your situation.

When shopping for new appliances, why not take pictures into the store to be able to better describe your situation? Most cell phones have a camera in them now. The pictures can supplement the measurements you have already taken, and can help your salesperson to better serve your needs.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Save money online?

Maybe. Maybe not. This woman learned a valuable lesson about dealing with an online appliance e-tailer. When you deal with a real person in a real store, you have someone to go to should problems arise.



Here is a follow-up to the original story.


Friday, July 2, 2010

New 2010 Kenmore Elite dishwashers

Coming in August 2010...



Comparison of new Kenmore Elite dishwashers
Kenmore Elite dishwasher 14043 shown above.


Wednesday, June 30, 2010

My favorite coil-top range

is the GE JBP35 (Sears item # 6617), available in white, black, bisque and stainless. Here's why...

The high density 6-pass large coil & 5-pass small coil GE Plug-In Calrod® Heating Elements for more even heat distribution, more dense than any other manufacturer, and they connect using solid chromed connectors rather than curved aluminum; porcelain coated drip-pans that you can put into the self-cleaning oven; hidden oven heating element for easy cleanup, and more.

It was also rated the highest among coil ranges.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Fridge door clearance

Something to think about...

Remember to take into account whether the door can open far enough. To ensure proper ventilation for your refrigerator, allow for 1/2" (1.25 cm) space on each side and at the top.

When installing your refrigerator next to a fixed wall, leave 2-3" minimum on that side to allow for the door to swing open. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, allow extra space at the back for the water line connections.

Fridges in the 24-29 cubic foot range are typically 35.75 inches wide by 68.75 inches high. Your available space should be at least 36 inches wide by 70 inches high. 21 to 23 cubic footers are typically 33 inches wide by 66 to 69 inches high. 18 cubic footers are anywhere from 28 to 30 inches wide by 65 to 68 inches high. Measure your available space carefully.

If one side is against a wall, don't forget to leave an extra 2 inches of room for the handle.

NOTE:
It is recommended that you do not install the refrigerator near an oven, radiator, or other heat source. Do not install in a location where the temperature will fall below 55°F or above 95°F.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Get paid to upgrade

Turning in that old refrigerator or freezer in your garage can save you up to $100 a year on your energy bill. Plus, APS or SRP will haul it away for free, recycle it under the RAD program, and send you a $30 rebate.

Or, let Sears haul it away and recycle it under the RAD program when they deliver your new one. Sears charges an extra $10 to provide this added convenience.

As part of the RAD program, partners recover ozone-depleting chemicals from old refrigerators and freezers.



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Saturday, June 26, 2010

My kitchen picks for a tight budget

Not entry level, not high-end. Just good features for your dollar.  Click here to view them at their current sale prices. 
Kenmore 1346 - nylon racks, sanitary cycle, UltraWash system
Kenmore 9421 - hidden bake element for easy cleanup, coil top, warming drawer
Kenmore 9433 - hidden bake element for easy cleanup, 6/9" dual element, glass top
Kenmore 5942 - a 25cf side-by-side "Recommended" by a leading consumer magazine.
Kenmore 8004 - two-line display for clear instructions

Monday, June 21, 2010

Who makes Kenmore?

That is a frequent question. The best explanation can be found here: http://www.appliance411.com/purchase/sears.shtml

Any printing on the front of the appliance (eg. "Series 90", "Kenmore Coldspot", etc.) is not the model number. Serial numbers are useless when trying to find parts. Kenmore model numbers have three digits, a dot (or period), and five to eight more digits. Example: 106.58906802. The numbers may be separated by white space, but will be on the same level.


Side-by-side Refrigerator model number 106.58906802
Takes Kenmore filter number 9030 or Whirlpool filter 4396710
Canister vacuum. Model number is 116.27915701
Takes bag Type Q/50557 or Type C/50558
Dryer. Sears item number is 62741.
Model number is 110.96274100
A laundry unit. Model number is 110.91278100. Sears item number is 2781.
In the top example, the 106 indicates this is a refrigerator manufactured by Whirlpool for Kenmore, the Sears item number is 58906, and on modern machines, the 802 indicates the series within the production run and can give clues as to which plant made it and in which part of the year. Sometimes they make changes within a model run. Your model number is NOT just 106, etc. The model number is the whole thing!

The Sears item number, the number that is on your receipt, is just the 58906 portion of the model number. In refrigeration, the first digit (5) indicates a Kenmore side-by-side. The second digit (8) indicates model introduction year 2008. You can see by the manufacture date on the label that this fridge was built in November 2009 even though the model was introduced in 2008. Some appliances have a very long production run. The fifth digit (6) is color code for UltraSatin.


Please don't ask the question, "Well, can't you look it up?" The answer is no. Maintaining documentation of product you own is your responsibility, no one else's. There is a web site that can help you maintain documentation: managemylife.com.


I can't tell you how many people come in with their owner's manual and ask me which part they need. When I open the owner's manual to the page where the owner was supposed to write in his/her model number, it is blank. This is usually found on page 2 of the owner's manual, and is a strong indication that the owner has never even bothered to read it. There is a reason it is called the owner's manual, and not the somebody-else's manual.


Rather than bring your owners manual in, just take a digital picture of the item and the model number, like I did for this article.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Refrigerator ratings

     One benefit of my online subscription to a leading consumer magazine is the ability to narrow down choices to only their recommended choices, including the Whirlpool GS5VHAXWQ .
     It costs only $26/year. It sure helps narrow down the choices. Bear in mind that these reports take awhile to aggregate and, therefore, some models listed may no longer be in production. Also, new models on display may be too new to have been included in the ratings. Remember that overall score differences of three points or less are statistically meaningless. In the end, there are very few poor choices, so don't let somebody else tell you what you want.




Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Dishwashing

Automatic dishwasher detergents provide the chemical energy to help remove food soil from all types of cooking and serving items. Unlike hand dishwashing products, these must be very low to nonsudsing. Suds cushion the mechanical cleaning action of the water and result in suds overflow from the machine. In addition, automatic dishwasher detergents should inhibit foam that certain protein-containing foods, such as egg and milk, create. They must also soften water to prevent insoluble deposits, loosen and hold soil in suspension, leave items clean and grease-free so they rinse and dry without spots, and be safe for a wide variety of dishes, glassware, utensils, etc. Read more...

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Sun City: 32-inch cooktops and 24-inch wall ovens

For those folks in the original Sun City with 32" cooktops in the galley style kitchen, there is only one manufacturer of built-in cooktop that is a direct fit replacement without requiring any modifications to your countertop or cabinetry: Frigidaire.  Click here for a comparison of those 32" cooktops that are available.


Luckily, there are more options available for your replacement 24" wall oven, the most attractive of which is the KitchenAid KEBC247VSS, a double-oven with convection baking and the KEBC147VSS, the single oven version.

Click here for important wall oven measurements. I have linked to a Kitchenaid diagram for this example--your chosen model may vary.

Click here for a list of all of the 24" single wall ovens available in white. If you see one you like, click it for more details, including the availablity of other colors.

Some of you may have a "drop-in" range. These are different from "slide-in" and "freestanding" ranges. Many people decide to change to a slide-in or freestanding range when the time comes for a new range, as they are usually less expensive or more feature-laden for the same price, and do not require a installation charge. Doing so, however, WILL entail some cabinet and electrical modification amounting to more than the $150 cost of installation.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Whirlpool refrigerators

I like Whirlpool, no doubt about it. So, today, I am going to put the spotlight on their refrigerators.

At 27 cu. ft., the ENERGY STAR® qualified Latitude™ refrigerator features the most refrigeration space available for fresh food. The MOST fresh food space available!* Includes deeper door bins and extra shelf space, while maintaining the same exterior dimensions. The In-Door-Ice® ice dispensing system moves the ice maker to the ceiling and ice storage bin to the door, creating room for an entire extra shelf within. Deeper door bins, crisper space and a hidden water filter also add to more usable refrigeration storage. The industry-first Measured Fill dispenses the exact amount of water in cups, liters or ounces.

See all of the Whirlpool brand fridges by clicking on their links below.

Whirlpool Bottom-freezer refrigerators.

Whirlpool Side-by-side refrigerators.

Whirlpool Top-freezer refrigerators.

See also the fantastic deal Kenmore-by-Whirlpool top-freezer models 6023 (no icemaker) or 7023 (ice maker included), available in white, black, bisque, and stainless steel. Whirlpool also make the Kenmore models 59422/9 (white/black) and 58943 (stainless only) side-by-sides, among others.

See more at the Whirlpool site: click here.

*Based on fresh food volume in french door refrigerators.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

This dishwasher pre-wash method NOT recommended

Most dishwashers today do a good job of washing your dishes. Pre-washing them before putting them in the dishwasher is not necessary. In particular, the following video shows a method that can damage your dishwasher's door.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

ADA-compliant appliances

Some people need appliances for their disabled family members.

GE has certified some of their appliances as "ADA Compliant"*.

Here is a link to GE ADA compliant appliances

*ADA qualified based on Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards

Friday, June 4, 2010

Read the fine print

I was looking to buy a television and, in doing my online research, this ad appeared over the Sony TV I was looking at...
Enticed, I clicked on the "See details and learn more >" button, which revealed the following text...
Excludes Samsung, Sony, and computers. 
So why tell me that I can save money or get a no interest credit loan when, indeed, I cannot? Only the marketing department knows the answer.

Let this be a lesson to us all. Do not read only the large print that the marketing department wants you to concentrate on. Read the fine print, too.

Also bear in mind that errors happen, as in the case of 612 month financing. This is obviously a mistake, and the store is under no obligation to honor it. A human or computer error obviously dropped a "/" (slash) between the 6 and 12: No Interest financing is offered for either 6 or 12 months, not 612 months. 

Monday, May 31, 2010

2010 Kenmore Trio and SxS refrigerator lineup

The Kenmore and Kenmore Elite Trio refrigerators (click here to compare):
Kenmore Elite 7108: full-door ice caddie, blue LCD display, straight handles, counter-depth
Kenmore Elite 7107: slim-door ice caddie, two freezer drawers, fluted handles
Kenmore Elite 7106: slim-door ice caddie, LCD touch-display, Arctic Frost interior trim, fluted handles
Kenmore Elite 7105: slim-door ice caddie, blue LED display, white interior trim, fluted handles
Kenmore Elite 7104: non-dispensing, no filtration, ice-maker in freezer, fluted handles
Kenmore 7102: full-door ice caddie, straight handles
Kenmore 7101: water-only dispenser, ice-maker in freezer, straight handles
Kenmore 71603: non-dispensing, no filtration, ice-maker in freezer, straight handles




The Kenmore and Kenmore Elite side-by-side (SxS) refrigerators (click here to compare):

Ovens with simple knob controls


Some people do not like the modern electronic oven controls found on todays ranges. Some people need the controls up front due to being confined to a wheelchair.

You can still get some freestanding ranges sans electronic controls. The ones with controls up front also happen to be ADA compliant.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

LG Slide-in range

The new LG slide-in range.



Click an image for full size.

Whirlpool Side-by-Side refrigerators

The 2010 Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators.

Click an image for full size.

Maytag Side-by-Side refrigerators

The Spring 2010 Maytag side-by-side model refrigerators meet CEE Tier 3 efficiency.


Click an image to view full size.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Countertop Preparation for Slide-in Ranges

The cooktop sides of the slide-in range fit over the cutout edge of your countertop.

If you have a square finish (flat) countertop and the opening width is 30" (76.2 cm), no countertop preparation is required.

Formed front-edged countertops must have molded edge shaved flat ³⁄₈" (1.0 cm) from each front corner of opening.

Tile countertops may need trim cut back ³⁄₈" (1.0 cm) from each front corner and/or rounded edge flattened.

If countertop opening width is greater than 30" (76.2 cm), adjust the ³⁄₈" (1.0 cm) dimension.

Countertop must be level. Place level on countertop, first side to side, then front to back. If countertop is not level, range will not be level. Range must be level for satisfactory baking conditions.

These measurements are for planning purposes only. As with any built-in appliance, never make cuts or modifications without having the item there from which to take measurements.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

What is Shop Your Way Rewards?

Shop Your Way Rewards is Sears' way of providing Rewards and benefits to thank and recognize loyal customers. Members are rewarded with custom offers throughout the year based on their shopping. Plus, you'll enjoy sale notifications and a dedicated customer service call center. The program is free — simply shop like you always do and present your Shop Your Way Rewards card.

Please allow up to 30 days for your Rewards to show online or at the register. Your Rewards are being tabulated as long as you are using your Shop Your Way Rewards card each time you make Qualifying Purchases at a participating store. See the terms and conditions for complete details.

Missing Rewards?

If you have receipts that are not reflected in your My Rewards pages and they were purchases made at Kmart, visit the request missing credit page and post your missing purchase.

To request credit for a purchase in a participating Sears store or at sears.com, just call 1.800.991.8708 with your receipt in hand and the representative will take your information. Representatives are available from 8AM - 11PM CST, 7 days a week, except certain holidays.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Which refrigerator filter do you need?

For Whirlpool, Kitchenaid, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, and the Kenmore Wide-by-Side: Whirlpool Filterfinder. Be sure to check out discounts on their automatic replacement program.

For Frigidaire and Electrolux: Frigidaire Filter Search

For GE: GE Refrigerator Water Filters

Click here and here for partial lists of filters to fit most every refrigerator.

If you don't know which filter you need or where it is instaled in your fridge, and you don't know the brand or type of your own refrigerator, and you don't at least bring in a picture of it, please do not expect me to know which filter you need.

Whirlpool puts capacity on top with new Cabrio® set

Laundry Leader Brings Largest Capacity to Market in ENERGY STAR® qualified Washer



LAS VEGAS, Jan. 20, 2010 — Historically, consumers have preferred the look and feel of top-load laundry in their homes, and recent advances have improved both capacity and efficiency. With the launch of the newest Cabrio® high efficiency (HE) top-load washer and dryer, laundry leader Whirlpool brand introduces the largest washer capacity on the market – 5.2 cu. ft. Along with the industry first Eco Monitor, the new Cabrio® washer utilizes the H2Low™ wash system – a low water wash system that uses less water per load, yet delivers better cleaning performance and is more gentle than a traditional top-load washing machine.

“Whirlpool Corporation research shows that nearly three-quarters of American households continue to prefer top load laundry,” said Brandon Buckingham, senior marketing manager, Whirlpool brand laundry. “Driven by consumer insights, we continue to develop innovative features for this configuration that can not only improve laundry performance but save money and energy. The new Cabrio® laundry pair certainly delivers on all fronts.”

Outstanding fabric care performance doesn’t mean compromising energy and water savings. The ENERGY STAR® qualified Cabrio® pair exceeds current CEE Tier III specifications and is expected to meet 2011 Tier III requirements. The CEE tier system is based on the Consortium for Energy Efficiency qualified product listings. The Cabrio® HE washers with the H2Low wash system use 75 percent less water and 65 percent less energy, saving up to more than $900 in lifetime water and energy costs.*

Additionally, both the Cabrio® HE washer and dryer include an Eco Monitor that provides consumers with an instant rating – from good to best – describing how eco-friendly their cycle choices are based on cycle selection.

The washer’s EcoBoost™ option further enhances resource efficiency by adjusting water temperatures and mechanical energy to thoroughly clean in the most efficient way.

The dryer also includes an Eco Normal Cycle, which uses less energy than a conventional dryer's normal cycle when paired with a Cabrio® washer.

The Cabrio® HE washer (WTW7800X) will be available in lunar silver, black and white with an MSRP starting at $999 this spring. The Cabrio steam dryer (electric WED7800X or gas WGD7800X) will be available in the same colors with an MSRP starting at $999 this spring.

Click here to see the WTW7600X.

For more information on Whirlpool brand laundry, visit http://www.whirlpool.com/.

*When compared to pre-2004 conventional washers, based on a 10-year life.