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APPLIANCE
A step-by-step guide to find the right products for your home
project
Published by Yale Appliance + Lighting
Updated September, 2016
BUYING
GUIDE
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Appliances
Overview
This buying guide answers common questions and advises on the
pitfalls of buying appliances. Our Appliance Buying Guide will
equip you with all information for dealing with an appliance store
to receive the best deal without losing sleep or sanity.
First, let’s talk about what products work and what could be better.
The average appliance will need service 25% of the time within the
first year according to our own service department records.
Photo credit: Creative Design Construction, Inc. via Houzz
Some brands have consistently excelled like Miele, Gaggenau,
Whirlpool and Frigidaire. Some have not. Read these articles to
understand both.
Most Reliable
Appliance Brands
Least Reliable
Appliance Brands
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Appliances
Table of Contents
Click the circles to move between sections
Brands
We discuss brands in the Premium,
Affordable Luxury and Affordable brackets
What to Know
Appliance industry terms and
topics to consider in your search
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What’s New
New technologies and products in
the appliance world
10 Common Questions
Answers to commonly asked questions we
hear from customers all the time
Buying Strategies
How to buy products by brand
About Yale
A little about us
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BRANDS
We discuss brands in the Premium, Affordable Luxury and
Commodity segments
Photo credit: Fuse Architecture + Design/ Houzz
Brands
Premium
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Brands: Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, Viking, Capital, Miele,
BlueStar and Liebherr.
What to Expect: Pro or integrated refrigerator, wall oven and
cooktop or pro range, European dishwasher.
Photo credit: Kuche+Cucina via Houzz
Brands
Affordable Luxury
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Brands: Bosch, Electrolux, Bosch Benchmark, GE Café, JennAir, KitchenAid, Frigidaire Pro and Samsung.
What to Expect: Shallow depth refrigerator, slide-in cooking
with enhanced burners, stainless interior dishwasher.
Photo credit: Synergy Design & Construction via Houzz
Brands
Commodity
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Brands: Maytag, LG, GE, Frigidaire, Amana and Whirlpool.
What to Expect: Regular freestanding gas or electric range,
over-the-range microwave and domestic dishwasher.
Photo credit: The Kitchen Shop via Houzz
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WHAT TO KNOW
Appliance industry terms and topics to consider in your
search
Photo credit: Mitchell Barnett Architect / Houzz
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What to Know
Finishes
Stainless, Slate, White Ice, Black Ice, Clean Steel, Silver Mist,
White, Almond, Black. Stainless has been the color of choice
along with white.
Read these articles about the different finishes available, as
you now have choices:
Is Stainless Going
Out of Style?
Should You Buy Colors
for Kitchen
Appliances?
Photo credit: Huestis Tucker Architects via Houzz
What to Know
Rebates
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Before the recession, rebates were solely for commodity
brands but have now included even the best brands. For the
best price, research rebates as they can be up to 35% of the
product value.
The best rebates seem to occur around holidays like
President’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Columbus
Day, Veteran’s Day and Black Friday.
Photo credit: Kitchen Kraft via Houzz
What to Know
Kitchen Packages
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Buying the same brand is smart, provided you like each piece,
because the handles and aesthetics will match. Most
manufacturers will also offer additional rebates for package
purchases.
Photo credit: Urban Kitchens via Houzz
What to Know
Service
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Without question, service is the toughest part of the appliance
business.
Manufacturers have exited the service industry, as have many
independents, so it is incredibly difficult to actually fix an
appliance.
It is important to ask who will actually service the product
before you buy.
Why Your Broken
Appliance Won’t Be
Repaired
Photo credit: Five Star Interiors via Houzz
What to Know
Delivery
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Delivery is the second biggest issue after service because it is
handled so differently by retailers. Some companies offer
“curbside” delivery where the product is unloaded at the
sidewalk. There are “in-house” delivery options which may
include removal, power cords and installation.
People tend to compare products (which is good), but delivery
with all the options can be expensive. Compare before you
buy.
Delivery: Free, White
Glove and In-House
Photo credit: Courthouse Contractors / Kitchens & Baths via Houzz
What to Know
Service Contracts
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Appliances will need service within the first year 25% of the
time, so like any insurance it’s a numbers game.
Do not buy a service contract from a company that does
physically offer service.
Increasing
Importance of
Appliance Service
Are Appliance
Extended Warranties
Worth It?
Photo credit: Drury Design via Houzz
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WHAT’S NEW
New technologies and products in the appliance world
Photo credit: Mitchell Barnett Architect / Houzz
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W h a t ’s N e w
Technology
We don’t have the Jetson’s/Star Trek voice operated oven
just yet, but Miele, Dacor, Wolf and Jenn-Air have new
interfaces to greatly simplify cooking.
Dacor’s new wall oven can play Pandora or message you
when an oven cycle is complete. Jenn-Air also has wi-fi
capability and guided cooking to make baking a breeze.
Dacor Discovery IQ
Wall Oven
W h a t ’s N e w
Technology
The new Samsung Family Hub. In addition to flat screen
panels, you have cameras to look into your refrigerator while
you’re in the supermarket.
New Samsung Family
Hub Refrigerator
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W h a t ’s N e w
Steam Cooking
MIELE 48”
Photo credit: Yasmine Goodman
/ Houzz
Steam is the healthiest way to cook because it adds moisture while not baking out the nutrients in your food. It is not
actually new. Miele and Gaggenau have marketed a steam oven for years.
Jenn-Air, Thermador and Wolf now produce one at lower prices. Thermador introduced steam in their pro range in 2013.
Miele has a steam assist option in their range as of February, 2015.
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W h a t ’s N e w
Steam Laundry
Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /
Houzz
In laundry, steam has definitely become the hot feature
because it works well in a number of ways. It will power out
stains, de-wrinkle clothes and remove odors.
Speaking of laundry, the laundry room with better access to
the kitchen or bedroom is a definite trend.
Does Steam in a
Washing Machine
Really Work?
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W h a t ’s N e w
Speed Ovens
Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /
Houzz
Speed ovens are really microwave convection combos with
the ability to microwave, convection cook or work in
combination to save time.
The speed oven is a new slant on an older idea. Speed
ovens with a single oven are replacing double ovens for
more customized cooking.
Miele MasterChef
Wall Oven
Four Best Speed
Ovens
Photo credit: Paula Kennedy CMKBD via Houzz
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W h a t ’s N e w
Drawers
Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /
Houzz
Drawers offer more accessibility, especially in lower areas like islands and base cabinets. Speed ovens, microwaves,
refrigerators and icemakers are now available as drawers or hinged.
Photo credit: Erin Sander Design via Houzz
W h a t ’s N e w
Side Swing Wall Ovens
If drawers are a trend than side swing hinges for wall ovens
could be as well. It’s a good idea as you will no longer have to
lift a turkey or roast over the oven door.
Look at the new Bosch Benchmark for a really cool side swing
oven.
Best Side Swing Wall
Ovens
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W h a t ’s N e w
Heritage Colors
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Stainless will be the predominant color because it matches
every cabinet finish.
Consider using color to highlight a single piece. La Cornue
offers a variety of colorful finishes for professional ranges.
Best Custom Color
Ranges
Photo credit: Terracotta Design Build via Houzz
W h a t ’s N e w
French Door Wall Ovens
French door wall ovens have been introduced by American
Range, BlueStar, GE Monogram and Viking. French doors allow
easier access to the oven. You don’t have to lift heavier items
like a turkey over the door.
Viking vs. BlueStar
French Door Wall
Ovens
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W h a t ’s N e w
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Upscale Induction Ranges
Companies like Miele, Wolf, Dacor and Viking have started
marketing an upscale 30” induction range. Wolf now has the
only 36” induction range.
New Wolf 36”
Induction Range
W h a t ’s N e w
Doors, Doors, Doors
The three door French door has morphed into four and five
door configurations with different zones of refrigerator and
freezer.
Samsung 4-Door vs.
KitchenAid 5-Door
Refrigerator
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W h a t ’s N e w
Heat Pump Dryers
Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /
Houzz
Heat pump dryers use compressors to move the existing air in the drum instead a heating element warming new air.
They are 50% more efficient than a normal dryer but do take a longer time to dry.
Whirlpool, LG and Blomberg currently market the heat pump dryer in the US. Miele and Electrolux should debut in the
next 6-12 months.
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W h a t ’s N e w
Ventless Dryers
Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /
Houzz
Ventless or condenser dryers do not require a vent and turn steam in the drum to water, allowing you to place a dryer
anywhere.
Want to relocate your laundry from the basement to the upstairs closet? You can with a ventless dryer. You only need
water and 220V power.
Photo credit: Francesca Owings Interior Design via Houzz
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10 COMMON
QUESTIONS
Answers to commonly asked questions we hear from
consumers
Photo credit: Eastbank Contractor Appliances / Houzz
10 Common Questions
Wall Oven & Cooktop vs. Range
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VS
Free Wall Oven Buying
Guide
Wall ovens are more accessible but ranges offer more centralized cooking in less space. This is the most important
question in kitchen planning because it impacts so much.
Photo credit: Porcelanosa, Precision Cabinets via Houzz
10 Common Questions
Front Control vs. Slide-In vs. Freestanding Ranges
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VS
Slide-In vs. Front
Control Ranges
Freestanding vs. SlideIn Ranges
Freestanding ranges have the controls on the back, blocking your backgaurd. Slide-in and front control ranges
are similar because you can see your backsplash. Slide-in ranges fit over the counter so there is no seam, for
Photo credit: Aidan Design, Stewart Thomas Design-Build via Houzz
easier cleaning. Front control ranges have the seam but are easier to install.
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10 Common Questions
Top Load vs. Front Load Laundry
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Free Washer Buying
Guide
Front load is larger, more efficient and is gentler on your clothes. Read the Yale Washer Buying Guide to
understand all the differences between top and front load washers.
Photo credit: Samsung, Visbeen Architects via Houzz
10 Common Questions
Front Load vs. Hybrid Top Load Laundry
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VS
Hybrid Top Load vs.
Front Load Washers
Hybrid promises the better efficiency of a front load with the convenience of a top load. It’s a good idea, but doesn’t
really work.
Photo credit: Avonlea Homes, Nor-Son Inc. via Houzz
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10 Common Questions
French Door vs. Side by Side
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French Door vs. Side
by Side Refrigerators
With better lateral storage and a cooler appearance, French doors are now 7x more popular that a side by side.
Photo credit: Keiffer’s, Paula Kennedy via Houzz
10 Common Questions
Induction vs. Gas vs. Pro Gas vs. Electric
Induction
Gas
Pro Gas
Electric
Of the 4, induction is the best cooking surface for speed and simmer. If you are buying a pro
gas unit for power, regular gas ranges now have high output burners as well.
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10 Common Questions
Updraft vs. Downdraft
VS
Free Ventilation
Buying Guide
Updraft is better for ventilation as smoke naturally rises. You also have way more capture area in a hood than a
downdraft. Do NOT downdraft a pro range as it will not capture the smoke and heat.
Photo credit: Knight Associates, Home Restoration Services via Houzz
10 Common Questions
Professional vs. Integrated vs. Counter Depth
Integrated + Built-In
Regular + Counter Depth
Different styles of refrigerators with very different prices.
Integrated (left) is hidden, professional (right) is commercial
looking with the compressor on top.
The regular counter depth doesn’t protrude from the cabinets
and looks like a household refrigerator at a much cheaper
price.
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10 Common Questions
Will This Dishwasher
Be Quiet?
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Yes (depending on the dishwasher). Under 46 dBA is
considered quiet. Bosch and KitchenAid are the quietest at 37
dBA and Miele is also under 40 dBA.
Here’s a tip. Don’t overpay for an extremely quiet dishwasher.
44 dBA is incredibly quiet. Extremely quiet dishwashers can
cost $1,000 more.
Quietest Dishwasher
by Decibel Rating
Photo credit: Superior Woodcraft, Inc. via Houzz
10 Common Questions
What Are The Most
Reliable Brands?
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Miele, Gaggenau, Yale Hoods, Frigidaire and Whirlpool are the
most reliable based on sales versus service calls over the first
12-month period. Our service department completed 20,000
service calls in 2015.
Read these two articles for more information.
Most Reliable
Appliance Brands
Least Reliable
Appliance Brands
Photo credit: Studio 212 Interiors via Houzz
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BUYING
STRATEGIES
How to choose products by product category
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Photo credit: Kitchen Masters, Inc. / Houzz
Buying Strategies
Buying Premium
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By size, dishwashers are all the same. Refrigerators fit within
standard cabinets, typically 30”, 33” and 36” width.
The biggest choice in premium is between cooktop and wall
oven or a regular range. The cooking choices determine the
layout of the kitchen. Placement of islands, lighting and
cabinets depend on this decision.
Sub-Zero dominates the refrigeration, although integrated
products from Thermador have become popular.
Cooking is very competitive with Wolf, Miele, Jenn-Air, Viking
and Thermador vying for your business.
The best dishwashers are Bosch and Miele. Products can be
paneled or integrated.
Photo credit: Mrs. G TV & Appliances via Houzz
Buying Strategies
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Buying Affordable Luxury
This is the most competitive segment in the appliance
industry.
Electrolux, Jenn-Air, Frigidaire Pro and Bosch have great
products in this category. Convection cooking, slide-in ranges
and over-the-range microwaves are hallmarks of this segment.
Jenn-Air has really good gas products, Electrolux has great
controls while Bosch has the best dishwasher and a very
stylish appearance.
Look for rebate programs to influence your choices.
Photo credit: Thompson Remodeling via Houzz
Buying Strategies
Buying Commodity
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Look at overall value. It’s pretty easy to compare different
brands.
Frigidaire seems to have a lock on top mount refrigeration and
basic stainless steel products. Look at Whirlpool for some
decent cooking products as well.
Rebate programs can influence your choices.
Photo credit: Sticks and Stones Design Group via Houzz
Buying Strategies
Wisdom of Crowds
Buy where you’re comfortable
There are tons of stores and products, but a limited
number of consumers. Check review sites like Yelp,
CitySearch, Google and the Better Business Bureau
before you purchase.
Remember, any store can sell an appliance; the biggest
issues are shipping and service.
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Exclusive Offer
Appliance Delivery Checklist
Our free checklist will help you avoid a delivery nightmare. At the
end, you will know what to ask from your local, national, or box
store appliance dealer.
Delivery is one of the biggest causes for your dissatisfaction.
You need to be prepared.
In the Delivery Checklist you’ll learn:
• How to choose a dealer with a first class delivery experience
• Which questions to ask to spot a quality delivery team
• The importance of online reviews to help your appliance
search
Get the Free
Appliance Delivery
Checklist
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ABOUT US
Proud to be family owned and operated since 1923.
Photo credit: Eastbank Contractor Appliances / Houzz
Appliances
About Us
Since 1923
Family owned and operated
since 1923. Now with two
locations.
Yale has been based in Boston for over 90 years and operates two showrooms; in Boston and Framingham. We operate the largest
independent service and repair department in New England with 50 people and 21 service technicians. Our sales staff has an
average of 7 years experience, and our staff chef can help you learn to use your new appliances.
Schedule a Free
Consultation with our
Appliance Experts
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Appliances
Contact Us
Showrooms
Boston
296 Freeport St
Framingham
215 Worcester Rd
Contact Us
Social Media
617-825-9253
[email protected]
yaleappliance.com
Facebook.com/YaleApplianceLighting
Twitter.com/MyYale
YouTube.com/yaleappliance