This summer my biggest house project has been a kitchen remodel. This has been quite a busy project, although very rewarding. We are in our sixth week on the project and are now down to the final days.
From this major remodel, I have learned a thing or two about appliance shopping. Our two main appliances we needed to purchase were a gas range and a microwave.
Previous to the remodel we had an electric stove. So when we decided to make the switch to gas I was really excited. Our stove before seemed to be tilted funny, which meant unequal heat on the burners, terrible for boiling and frying. The condition of our microwave was fine, however we decided to switch to the over the stove kind to save on space.
I began my research the first place most of us probably do- the internet. I started to read consumer reviews, look into deals at online and local stores, and basically researched anything I could find on stoves and microwaves.
The information as expected was endless and tiring. There was so much information out there, so many different brands and of course opinions on all the brands and models.
After doing online research for about a week at the beginning of our project, I decided to switch gears a little. Another place we often look for advice- family and friend referrals. I decided to ask around to a few friends and family where they have looked for kitchen appliances.
I came up with a list of about five local places. Two were major home improvement stores I shop at frequently and then three were appliance stores.
Our project was moving along rapidly and about mid-July it was time for me to start looking around in person. I think that looking at products online doesn’t always give you the whole picture of what it is really going to look like.
Looking at appliances in person made all the difference. Items I thought I liked from the online pictures, I ended up not liking in person.
After a few weeks of searching we settled on a gas range and microwave found at a discount appliance store. I was really excited with the purchase and got the salesman to lower the price a hundred dollars. On top of that, when we went to pick up the microwave, we noticed our stove had gone down in price since the week before when we purchased it. Lucky for us the store had a 30 day price guarantee allowing us to receive the difference.
Although researching online was a great way to look into consumer opinions, price comparisons, etc., I found that getting personal referrals from family and friends was more beneficial. Also, looking at your appliance in person before purchasing is really helpful. Unlike shopping online for major appliances, in person you might be able to get better discount.
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