Appliance Information

US manufacturing on life support

2010-11-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

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 Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Bauknecht, Brastemp and Consul.

GE has a plant in Kentucky. GE sells appliances under the names of GE, Profile, Café, 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).

GE reinvests in US manufacturing

2010-10-30T01:16:00.000-07:00

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...

Shopping online can be confusing

2010-08-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

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.

Kenmore cooking transition

2010-08-22T00:50:00.000-07:00

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)

Take picures of your situation.

2010-08-20T01:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Save money online?

2010-07-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

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.

New 2010 Kenmore Elite dishwashers

2010-07-02T23:26:00.000-07:00

Coming in August 2010...

Comparison of new Kenmore Elite dishwashers

Kenmore Elite dishwasher 14043 shown above.

My favorite coil-top range

2010-06-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Fridge door clearance

2010-06-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Get paid to upgrade

2010-06-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

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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My kitchen picks for a tight budget

2010-06-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

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

Who makes Kenmore?

2010-06-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Refrigerator ratings

2010-06-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

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.

Dishwashing

2010-06-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

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...

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

2010-06-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Whirlpool refrigerators

2010-06-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

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.

This dishwasher pre-wash method NOT recommended

2010-06-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

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.

ADA-compliant appliances

2010-06-05T23:50:00.000-07:00

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

Read the fine print

2010-06-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

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.

2010 Kenmore Trio and SxS refrigerator lineup

2010-05-31T12:09:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Click here to see electric freestanding ranges with up-front oven control knobs.

Click here to see gas freestanding ranges with up-front oven control knobs.

LG Slide-in range

2010-05-13T23:35:00.000-07:00

The new LG slide-in range.

Click an image for full size.

Whirlpool Side-by-Side refrigerators

2010-05-13T23:32:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators.

Click an image for full size.

Maytag Side-by-Side refrigerators

2010-05-13T22:25:00.001-07:00

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

Click an image to view full size.

Countertop Preparation for Slide-in Ranges

2010-04-27T00:21:00.000-07:00

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.