Kitchen appliances

[Ashton Crusher]

I've always had good luck with Whirlpool and Kenmore and I think Whirlpool makes some of Kenmore's stuff.

[DanG]

watch the line wrap, when I put on the link, it won't send

We use stainless steel wipes - removes fingerprints, cleans, polishes

If things get bad enough, use 3M scotch brite pads - maroon is the one used by commercial stainless installers for finishing welds, grinding, etc.

[homer]

As far as dishwashers, there's an issue in the news right now with some catching fire. A class action suit has been started.

I'd do a lot of research before buying one.

[gfretwell]

Whirlpool is Kenmore, Roper, Kitchen Aid. Maytag, Amana Jenn Air and some others. There may only be 2 "American" manufacturers these days (GE being the other one) although neither really make much here.

[Betelgeuse]

You could buy a GE

Or an LG

Or Samsung death by electrucution:

Or maybe have Electrolux gas you to death:

[krw]

Kenmore is Sears. Not all are Whirlpool (some we looked at are obviously LG).

Though at least one "foreign" manufacturer (Electrolux - also Frigidaire, Kelvinator, Eureka,...) does manufacture appliances here.

[krw]

Wow! A whole 900 units (I looked because we bought one about six months ago).

[Betelgeuse]

You'll never boost viewer ratings when you phrase it like that. ;-)

[clare]

When I was looking, the only "american made" units were BOSCH.

[krw]

Electrolux has several manufacturing plants in the US.

[DerbyDad03]

...

What difference does it make what state/city my Appliance Store is in? I assume you'd shop at the one closest to you.

It is.

Of course. Everything comes with the same manufacturer's warranty you'd get anywhere.

If you need service, you call the manufacturer's service department and they send out a tech from whatever company they contract with in your area. It's not like Home Depot or Lowes sends out a Home Depot or Lowes employee to service your equipment.

YW

[krw]

Last time we called (dishwasher) it was a Lowes employee (at least the truck was theirs). Turns out there was no problem but no one could find the "error code". Turned out to be low "Jet Dry", or whatever the wetting agent is called, reservoir. Go figure.

[clare]

Perhaps not - but when I buy from my local appliance place they DO send out "their guy" to do the repairs - because they ARE the company that contracts to do the repairs in the area - which in MY books is a convincing arguement for buying from them. If something THEY sold breaks down, they are liable to give priority service as they want you to come back for the next appliance you need as well.

Same with TV and Audio equipment. There are 2 dealerships in the Twin Cities (Kitchener Waterloo) with their own in-house authourized service centers - they are the "repair depot" for every product they sell. Even if they didn't have "price guarantee" and match the big-box store prices, it's a no-brainer where I'll be buying my TV and Audio equipment.

[DerbyDad03]

I agree...that's exactly why I bought my snow blower from the outdoor power equipment dealer that also happens to be the factory authorized service center for Ariens in my area. Well, that, and because I trusted them to assemble it better than the pimply faced kid or laid- off copier salesman at Home Depot.

I've posted on that subject/reason for buying from those types of stores before.

However, in the case of the appliances I've purchased from the Appliance Store, they do not have a service department.

The one time I needed service on an appliance I bought from them, the manufacturer sent a tech from a local company that sells parts and service, but not actual appliances. So I got my appliance at a great price, with great sales service, and had no problem getting service on the unit because the service company has no reason to prioritize customers vs. non-customers, at least from a "purchase of my next appliance" perspective. Obviously a customer with a huge contract with them, like an apartment complex might get priority, but that's a different story. I'll bet even your guy would give them priority also. ;-)

[Ed Pawlowski]

Frigidaire (now owned by Electrolux) makes some of the Kenmore products also. Roper used to make some of their gas ranges, but I don't know if they still do.

Most of the appliance companies have been bought, moved, closed, re-branded and re-named so often it is difficult to keep track. Philco went out of business in the 1960's or so, but I see the name used once in a while for some rebranded stuff.

I used to sell to: Edison Electric, White Westinghouse, White Consolidated Industries, Frigidaire, and Electrolux. Same company, just new owners and names over the years.

They also made Norge, Crosley, and a few other brands that I don't recall right now . Same product, different stickers.

[Ed Pawlowski]

Frigidaire used to have a plant in Canada as well as four in the US. I know one has been closed, but I thought others were still working.

[krw]

As I noted in another post, Frigidaire is owned by Electrolux and, yes, they do have manufacturing plants in the US (Georgia and Tennessee and perhaps some others).

[clare]

And GE does not build any appliances any more - large or small. It is strictly a licencing agreement.Same as RCA.And a whols slew of other "American" brands.

[clare]

See:

a RAPIDLY shrinking list of home appliances made in America.