Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide

Whether you are moving into a new home, remodeling your kitchen or needing to replace a refrigerator that suddenly stopped working, shopping for kitchen appliances can be overwhelming. With dozens of brands, hundreds of models and countless options and features on the market, walking into a kitchen appliance store unprepared can feel like you are throwing yourself to the wolves. Here are some tips on how to save time, money and worries and ensure that you choose kitchen appliances that fit your needs and will last for the long term.

Buy Right, Buy Once

Kitchen appliances are among the largest and most expensive durable goods you will purchase for your home. A little research goes a long way-you don't want to deal with the hassle of returning a stove that doesn't fit between your cabinets or constantly rearranging things in a refrigerator that's configured in a way you don't like. Talking to friends and neighbors who have recently purchased the items you're shopping for is a good way to find out what's new in the market, what they like and dislike about the appliances they chose and what they wish they'd known before buying. Kitchen appliances are an investment, and a bit of legwork (or keyboard work) can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

A great place to start collecting organized information is online. Consumer Web sites consolidate a great deal of detailed information on kitchen appliances. Many review specific brands and models of a variety of appliances and publish reviews from readers who own them. You'll be warned which store had pushy salespeople, excessive delivery charges or deliveries that didn't show up on time, and you'll find out if the ice maker on that refrigerator really can crank out a gallon of cubes on demand.

First Things First

Measure the space where your new kitchen appliance is going to go. If you are replacing an existing appliance, this is easy: just measure the old one and make sure the new refrigerator, stove or dishwasher is the same size. If you are putting kitchen appliances into a new home or remodel, you should measure not only the spaces where they will sit, but also the space in front of the appliances so doors have clearance. It would really be unpleasant to go to use your new dishwasher for the first time and find out the door only opens halfway because it collides with the center island.

Be an Educated Consumer

Shopping online is a great modern convenience, and it is possible you will find better deals on kitchen appliances on retail Web sites than in brick-and-mortar stores. However, run the numbers on taxes, shipping and other hidden costs before you click the buy button. Also, most people prefer to see the real thing when it comes to kitchen appliances, to open and close the oven door, slide the refrigerator shelves in and out and see what kinds of compartments the dishwasher has inside.

When you're in a store, be armed with questions. Ask the salesperson if they will match their competitors' lower prices and what recourse you have if the refrigerator you pay $1,500 for today goes on sale for $1,100 next week. Ask what the delivery charge for your kitchen appliance will be, and, if needed, ask if they will remove and dispose of your old appliance. Find out what their return and exchange policy is as well. Returning a kitchen appliance is not as simple as returning a pair of pants, and you will avoid unpleasant surprises in the event you are not happy with your purchase. Don't limit yourself to what the salesperson shows you or what's on sale this week. Many stores have separate outlet centers where you can buy floor models or kitchen appliances that have been discontinued at significantly lower prices than new models.

Be aware of additional expenses and work that your kitchen appliances may require. For example, a refrigerator with an ice or water dispenser needs plumbing as well as electricity, and you may need to hire a professional to help with installation if you don't already have the proper hookups in your kitchen.

What About Warranties?

Ask the salesperson to describe the manufacturer's warranty on the kitchen appliances you are considering. Although extended warranties sometimes get a bad rap, on a major purchase like a stove, dishwasher or refrigerator, they are generally worth the additional dollars to protect your investment should something go wrong. You should also ask about the specifics; for example, if your kitchen appliance does require service while under warranty, whom do you contact? Is the service center local? How long should you expect to wait for service? Replacement warranties, if you can get them, are a much better deal than repair warranties.

Energy Advice

You can't miss the Energy Star stickers on the products as you stroll through any kitchen appliances department or flip through advertisements. What does it mean? The US Environmental Agency (EPA) developed the Energy Star program in 1992 as a method to identify and promote energy-efficient products. Refrigerators and dishwashers that earn the Energy Star use at least 15% to 25% less energy, respectively, than federal standards require. You can look at your kitchen appliance purchase as something like a mortgage; the initial purchase price being the down payment and the cost to operate (your utility bill) as the monthly payment.

Design factors may affect a kitchen appliance's energy-efficiency. For example, traditional-style refrigerators with the freezer on top are more energy efficient than side-by-side models. Make sure the doors on any kitchen appliance seal tightly. An energy-efficient kitchen appliance can save a substantial amount of money over time. Keep in mind that refrigerators last an average of 15 years, dishwashers last 11 years and stoves last an average of 18 years. Saving even one dollar a month on operating expenses can save you hundreds of dollars over the life of the appliance.

Shopping for kitchen appliances may not be as much fun as shopping for shoes, but it shouldn't be scary. Know what you want and know how to research prices and products, and you'll be happy with your kitchen appliances for a long time to come.