The second of May, the second of May...

May 02, 2014 07:13

. . . new refrigerator shopping begins today. ::sigh ( Read more... )

homeownership, money

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Comments 14

suricattus May 2 2014, 14:22:05 UTC
Sympathies. My microwave sparked this morning. I join you in the appliance-shopping.

(the fridge has been on warning notice for months, but hasn't died yet. I keep eying it...)

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girasole May 2 2014, 15:15:29 UTC
Take a deep breath. Get a new suite of kitchen appliances. They will be more efficient, you will love using them, and then you will be done with that part. You are the head of your household, let yourself wield that power.
I send hugs. Along with everything else in my life, a number of appliances are currently gasping here at the Yellow Submarine, and we are trying to Deal With Them.

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scarlettina May 2 2014, 16:18:09 UTC
On my way to work this morning, it occurred to me that I've been wanting to renovate the kitchen for years. I can look at this as the first stage of a multi-stage process. When I take that approach, it doesn't seem so bad. It lightens the task a bit, makes it less onerous and a little more pleasant. In the wake of the first unpleasant surprise this morning, I realize that I do have the money to cover this expense. I just have to brace myself for the hit to my savings and plan for replenishment. I can do that.

Funny: You said, "You are the head of your household, let yourself wield that power." It never occurred to me to think of it in quite that way. I like that. Thank you so much.

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scarlettina May 2 2014, 18:34:25 UTC
And see, I talke dabout this on Facebook, and I've got a friend who's all "40-year old fridges were made to be fixed. Call a repair man before you ditch it! You can get it fixed." And now I'm all, "Am I stupid not to do this? Will I be bilked if I do? Does it make sense to wait and have this checked out before I drop cash on a new fridge?" The insecurity hamsters in my head are now officially working overtime. ::sigh::

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bedii May 2 2014, 18:57:24 UTC
There are two parts to this. Yes, a fridge of this vintage can probably be repaired: it will never be as efficient as a newer fridge, but it can be repaired. There is another, more important question, however: DO YOU LIKE IT? If you don't then dump it and get a new fridge and dishwasher, and possibly an old stove. Check Consumer Reports and make a trip to Habitat for Humanity which stocks new AND old appliances, or hit up Second Use for amazing and often unused stuff. (If you'd bought the maybe used once AGA that used to be there you could have invited Neil Gaimen to teach you to use it the next time he came through town.)

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joycemocha May 2 2014, 15:21:02 UTC
I found that Home Depot has a decent midrange set of appliances, which makes me happy as otherwise our local appliance stores have either high end or low end, no midrange. Got spoiled by years of Tom Petersen (who sold a lot of sturdy mid-price range stuff and would cut deals on suite sales).

I bought a nice GE electric stove from Home Depot a month ago; it was the only one that wasn't tinny. Plus you can shop Home Depot on line....

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davesmusictank May 2 2014, 15:40:06 UTC
Know that feeling well.Our cooker is thirty years old and only two rings work on it. The oven no longer works and it is ins final stages of giving up. At least we have a working microwave and a large George Foreman grill.

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scarlettina May 2 2014, 16:12:53 UTC
Hi Dave! You new around here? I don't think I've seen you before. Welcome to the place I think of as the Red Room (it's thematic, you know--scarlettina, red...you get the idea. :) )

My kichen is small with little counter space, so I rely on the appliances I have and try not to crowd my space with other stuff. I don't have a microwave at all (I know!). With this new addition, that may change. I'm just . . . so not prepared for it.

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allanh May 2 2014, 16:33:37 UTC
Start with researching models on Consumer Reports' website. If you don't already subscribe, it's well worth the annual fee, and will save you hundreds of dollars with the first major purchase you make (e.g., said refrigerator).

You may also find that you can get a better deal from some retailers buying two or more appliances at once.

But--seriously--start with CR's website. It'll help you figure out what you want/need and how to winnow down the choices to the few models you do want.

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jkling May 2 2014, 16:48:44 UTC
Print editions of CR are also free at most libraries, I think.

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lisagold May 2 2014, 17:10:28 UTC
You can access Consumer Reports online for free from home if you have a library card from the Seattle Public Library.

You'll find it in the databases list on the SPL website:
http://www.spl.org/library-collection/articles-and-research/databases-a-z

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scarlettina May 3 2014, 12:33:43 UTC
Consumer Reports was my first thought. I've got a couple of friends who are subscribers and, over the course of the last day, have filtered me some reports. Excellent thought. Thanks!

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