Kitchen Appliances
Berkeley Parents Network >
Reviews >
What/Where to Buy >
Appliances & Electronics >
Kitchen Appliances
|
Where to Buy Kitchen Appliances?
Related Pages
|
Advice about Major Appliances
Advice about Other Appliances
|
Where to buy kitchen appliances?
Jan 2013
We are in need of two major kitchen appliances and am
wondering if there are any higher-end stores that might sell
floor models at a discount. Any and all suggestions welcome
as to where to buy them, as the recommendations for places
to buy in the East Bay are almost ten years old. Need to
cook
Galvin Appliance on San Pablo Av in Albany. They are a local
business, have a good selection and knowledgeable staff.
Good delivery and installation staff too. Not sure how
their prices compare to a big box corporate store, but I'd
rather pay a bit more for a local business with good
service. I recently bought a floor model dryer and they
gave me a reasonable discount for a small dent in the base.
But please don't go to Galvin for their expertise and then
buy from Best Buy or another huge corporate store.
i shop local
Ikea Appliances? good or bad?
Oct 2011
I'm in love with the design of some of Ikea's appliances,
and am ready to purchase them, but whenever I mention it to
someone else they always say 'don't do it?' but none of them
has had any first hand experience with the appliances. So,
I'm looking to hear from anyone who has purchased an Ikea
Fridge, oven, electric cooktop, dishwasher, or microwave for
themselves and what they're experience is with the product.
I'm looking at the Ikea 'Nutid' line for my potentially new
fridge, oven, microwave and dishwasher. Any experienced
advisement is greatly appreciated!
We bought an Ikea Nutid dishwasher a year ago. We've been
happy with it so far. It gets our dishes very clean. The
only negative is that it's not as quiet as we had hoped.
anon
Recent recs for appliance stores
Jan 2011
The recommendations for appliance stores are rather dated.
We need to get a new washer/dryer. Has anyone had any recent
good experiences with appliance stores? Thanks.
We got all our kitchen appliances at Standards of Excellence
in Concord. They sell high-end stuff. They don't discount,
but provide good service.
We got our last washing machine and dryer from Sears. They
have a wide selection at different price points. You can buy
spare parts on-line which is good to fix simple problems.
They also have after sale repair service.
Those are the two places we would go to shop. --homeowner
Run, don't walk, down to see Iggy Scortino at Gourmet
Appliance (510-635- 5100) in Oakland on Hegenberger Court.
I have bought all my appliances from him since 2002, and was
just there last week purchasing a new dishwasher. I sent my
girlfriend there last week who was so frustrated after
trying to deal with the 'uninformed high school kids' at
Best Buy to buy a washing machine (her words). Iggy is a
young man who knows more about appliances than most any
other salesman I have ever met knows about his product. He
has sold appliances in this area for probably 15 years. He
is totally pleasant, not pushy, and will give you amazing
informative information. My girlfriend ended up buying a
washing machine that met her specifications and budget, and
was half the cost of the Costco Whirlpool Duet, and called
to thank me for referring her. Even if you don't buy from
him, you will learn a great deal. He is totally generous
with his time. I cannot recommend him highly enough!! Kay
Last year I bought a new washer and dryer from Sears in
Oakland, and had a horrible experience with them. I live
near them in Oakland and thought I would give my dollars to
the local economy... bad idea, there is a reason Sears is
struggling these days. I needed a stacking unit, and
specified that to the sales person, who helped me select a
model with a stacking kit. I had to wait 3 weeks for
delivery, then when it arrived the installers couldn't
install it because they had the wrong stacking kit. They left
the units in my dining room- would not take them back! After
hours of sitting on hold and getting bounced around through
the customer service nightmare, I found out they did not
sell the stacking kit at all- and I had to return the units.
They promised I would receive a full refund to my credit
card within 2 weeks. 3 months went by and I never got my
refund, even after numerous calls to the company and another
costumer service nightmare, until I finally called my credit
card company to get the money back. Never heard from Sears
again.
In the mean time I bought another set from Best Buy, for a
little less than the one at Sears, and it was delivered, and
installed within 3 days after purchase- no problem at all.
Great service. Great experience. But it is a Big Box store
that I was trying to avoid using...so much for that! Finaly
can wash my clothes
Kitchen appliances recommendations
Sept 2010
We are shopping for kitchen appliances including range,
refrigerators, kitchen hood, and dishwashers.
Does anyone have thoughts about Vikings, Thermadore,
Bosch, and Electrolux brands?
Any other good brands out there? Pros and cons?
Lisa
We love, love, love our Bosch dishwasher -- it is so quiet
that most of the time I can't even tell it is running.
Dishes come out super clean. Dishes come out wet though as
they use solely the heat that is generated by the water to
dry dishes, but that does not bother me.
We originally
bought a Frigidaire fridge, which is an Electrolux brand,
and it was a nightmare experience. The fridge arrived
damaged, and it was so loud it would wake us up even though
it is on the lower floor. To say that customer service was
unavailable, ignorant, and unresponsive is an
understatement. Took me nearly three months of constant
phone calls to finally have them pick up the fridge. Never
again!
I have no experience with Viking and Thermador, we
bought a NXR range, which is a small California company that
produces amazing ranges that have the same professional look
and feel, as well as the quality of Viking, Thermador, Wolf,
at about half the price. In fact, NXR produces many of it's
essential parts at the same factory as Wolf. We are
extremely happy with our purchase.
We bought everything at
Gourmet Appliance Outlet near the Oakland Airport, they were
VERY knowledgeable, and had GREAT prices & customer service.
Love Our Kitchen
Kitchen appliances-where to buy?
Oct 2008
we are in the market for all
new kitchen appliances for our remodel. Any recent experiences buying
appliances locally? Biggest selection? Honest, great service? Best
prices? Online purchasing experiences? (Was shipping price
prohibitive?) We're looking at different brands, following advice in
Consumer Reports--GE, Dacor, Frigidaire...in stainless steel. We've
looked at Home Depot, Expo, and General Appliance. Any advice or
warnings are greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Can't wait to renovate!
Try the Sears Outlet (I think there is one in either Oakland
or San Leandro). They carry the appliances they carry in a
regular Sears store at discounted prices. Sometimes it's
overstock and sometimes the items are slightly damaged. For
instance, we purchased a washer and dryer set which had small
scratches on the sides. Once we installed them, you couldn't
see the scratches at all (they, in no way, affected how the
machines worked). It's been a while, but I believe they have
similar, if not the same, warranties that the Sears store
carries and they have some sort of delivery program.
Updated Information on Bargins for Appliances
April 2007
My husband and I are in the market for a new refridgerator,
washer and dryer. The recommendations are pretty dated. We are
looking to get the best bargin possible for top of the line
appliances. We have heard that Airport was good but then heard
that Western was good and Airport couldn't beat the price. What
about Sears Outlet in San Leandro. So Many Places ... Can You
Help?
First Time Appliance Shoppers
We've had pretty good luck with the Sears Outlet in San Leandro -
- we bought a washer and dryer there and both are still going
strong. It wasn't what I'd call a 'bargain,' but less than
other places we looked. We got a good price on a refrigerator
at Best Buy, of all places. And, believe it or not, we bought
our cooktop, drawer-style dishwasher, microwave and wall oven
new on eBay -- if you're up for that, do your homework to make
sure you're getting a good product at a good price, and don't
forget to figure in shipping.
Finally all new appliances!
Where to buy a washer and dryer
Feb 2005
Does anyone have a recommendation for where to buy a washer and
dryer? I appreciate any store recommendation. Also it will be
great if you recommend brands, too. Thank you.
Sears Outlet in San Leandro is the place to go.
mmann
Try looking at The Sears Appliance Outlet. It is in San Leandro.
You can look it up in the phone book or call the downtown
Oakland Sears and they can give you directions. They sell new
and used appliances that have minor flaws (nicks and dents and
the like). Some of the appliances show no damage at all and are
priced considerably less than in the store. They carry all the
name brands. They will also sell you a Sears warranty that is
the same as the one you can get if you buy an appliance from a
regular Sears store. They also deliver for a fee. It really is
worth checking out.
kristi
We bought our washer & dryer at General Appliance on Shattuck in
Berkeley. The salespeople were helpful and knowledgable. We
purchased Dacor models and are pleased with them. In addition to
doing a great job on our clothes, the Dacor machines are quiet and
energy efficient. We received Energy Star rebates from CA and PG&
E.
anon
I'm a big fan of Galvin's on San Pablo in Albany. Their prices
have always seemed reasonable (based on comparison with
Consumer's Reports); the people are nice and knowledgeable; and
the service is great (i.e., prompt deliveries and they come when
whey say they will). Check recent (within the last few months)
Consumer's Reports in the library for reviews of brands &
features.
We bought a Kenmore Elite stackable frontloading washer/dryer
set last year at the Sears Outlet in Union City. The set cost
less than a new Kenmore Elite washer from a Sears retail
store. We have been happy with the set.
we love our front loading washer and dryer from sears. they use less energy and
water (15 gal vs. 40+ gal for a top loader during an average load), we got all kinds
of rebates, and sears has these promotions with 12 months no payments or
interest. when we got ours last summer they were the top rated front loader in
consumer reports, but i think the new ratings may be different.
Check out the Sears Appliance Outlet in San Leandro. It's just
off Marina Blvd - I think the address is 1936 W. 140th Ave. We
got a Kenmore front-loading washer there last year and love it.
Most of the stuff there just has cosmetic damage, like scratches.
JP
You may want to try the Sears Outlet in San Leandro. I've heard
it's a great place (reduced prices and good-great products),
especially if you buy things that only have cosmetic damage.
Regarding brands, I belive Maytag and Miele are among the best.
EP
We bought our Kenmore washer and dryer at the Sears Appliance
Outlet in San Leandro in 1996. We got a huge discount off the
set because of some cosmetic damage to the dryer. We do at
least two loads of laundry per day and have had to make two
minor repairs in 9 years. I'd definitely go back to the outlet
again.
anon
What brands have you purchased, and why?
July 2004
I am remodeling the kitchen and will soon be shopping for new appliances: fridge,
cooktop, ovens, dishwasher -- the works. I'd be interested to hear what brands
people have recently purchased and why. Where did you find good information
(Consumer Reports? other sources?) Any Viking, Wolf, or Miele purchases? Are these
high-end brands significantly better than GE, Whirlpool and the like? We expect to
give our new appliances a lot of use and want to make the right choices!
Remodeller
I spent a lot of time picking out appliances recently... we
ended up buying most of them at Airport Appliance but if I
were to do it again, I'd buy them at Expo Design Center.
The prices were the the same at both places (they both had
the lowest prices that I could find for medium end
stainless steel appliances) but airport was willing to hold
them until our kitchen was ready for them. In the end,
Airport did not hold the appliances, and we had to make two
trips to pick them up because some weren't there after all,
even though they had called us to say that we had to come
pick them up soon or they would sell them to someone else.
(we had already paid for them, and they had only been in
their warehouse for a few weeks.) Anyway, we chose a Bosch
dishwasher because I know several people who have them and
swear by their clean dishes and super quiet machines. We
got a nearly brand new kitchen aid double oven/convection
microwave and a kitchen aid fridge used off Craigs List,
and a viking gas cooktop. The most expensive appliance
ended up being our Vent-A-Hood... but again, we wanted
something really quiet and something that could handle
venting the more powerful viking gas cooktop! Good luck.
It takes awhile to figure it all out. Check out epinions
for reviews of specific models. I found that the cheaper
brands weren't nearly as user friendly. The ice maker in
the freezers of cheaper models takes up so much space, and
the ovens and dishwashers of cheaper models had bad repair
records. I also decided to go for matching handles on the
oven, fridge and dishwasher so that it would look more
unified.
cooking again
I love my Miele appliances! They are expensive but well
worth the cost. We have a baby and bought a Miele
washer/dryer because I wanted to wash my cloth diapers at
home. The washing machine has a setting for wool and I
regularly wash my silk suits and ''dry-clean only'' clothes
in it. The large washer can also wash a queen size
comforter. It uses very little energy, water and soap and
on the weekends I do 8-10 loads a day with no problem. One
down side however is the amount of time it takes to do a
load. A regular load take 1 hr and 42 minutes to wash.
We also have a Miele dishwasher and it's so quiet sometimes
I have to put my ear on the machine to check that it's on.
I like the flat cutlery rack that's at the top of the
machine. You load the silverware out flat on a tray. It's
more hygenic to unload and you don't have to bend down
anymore.
Finally, we have a Miele vacuum cleaner and the cleaning
ability, quietness and Hepa filter are excellent.
There are absolutely no ''funny'' vacuum smells when the
machine is on.
If you do a Miele search on the internet you'll find
information about why Mieles are excellent and lots of
places that sell the vacuums - we bought it online and they
didn't charge tax and the s/h was free. We bought the
washer/dryer at General Applicances in Berkeley on Shattuck
and the dishwasher in San Jose. The SJ store had a
clearance center for all their high-end applicances. I
can't remember the name, but email me and I'll look for
it.
Which ever applicances you do buy, have Sandy of Fog City
install them for you. General Appliances recommended him
and he's great. Fog City - 925-949-7034
Don't mind cleaning so much
Buying a new washing machine
June 2004
We need a new washing machine fast! Where should we go? What do
we do with the old one? Advise please!
We invested in the neptune set. I really love them.
I got mine at home depot.
my friend told me that she called a used appliance store and for
a fee they will cart it away.
Go th Sears. They have a very good selection of brandnames including their
own brand Kenmore. They have a good range of prices. They will deliver the
new machine and take your old one away.
Laurey
In the past few years I've bought a new washing machine and
dryer from the Sears Outlet in San Leandro, where you can get
great deals on scratch-and-dents. I just went to Consumer
Reports and checked out which got the highest ratings, then
picked one out at their warehouse. The savings were substantial.
They don't deliver, but they hand out flyers with delivery
folks' info. We used that guy, and he also took the old one away.
DL
What about good old consumer reports for help buying your
washing machine? You could go online and get your report,
and any other report you might need for $3.00. Alternative to
going to their website, would be to go to the public library
and get the most recent copy of consumer report's
magazine that has a washing machine review in it.
In terms of getting rid of your old machine, how about calling
Goodwill or the Salvation Army etc. ?
beth
Sears is the place to go! Talk to Gil at the Oakland Sears store
for lots of info on washing machines. We bought the Kenmore
large capacity HE3 washer and dryer for the tons and tons of
laundry we do. It is energy efficient(got a PG&E rebate of $150
at the time). So far we have never had a problem, and it really
cleans our clothes well. They are both front loaders which means
you cannot throw clothes in when the cycle has started -
bummer! They are also huge machines - not for the apartment
dweller.
Maya
We recently bought a new washer (and dryer) at Sears (at Hilltop
Mall). We bought it on a Thursday and it was delivered that
Saturday. The salespeople there were very helpful and provided
us with all the forms needed to claim energy-saver rebates,
etc., and a brochure with phone number for a company that will
pick up and recycle the old washer for a $20 fee. The delivery
folks arrived on time, put the old machines out where the
recycling company could get them, and installed the new ones
quickly and correctly.
It was altogether a very satisfactory experience.
Holly
Try the Usenet groups misc.kids.pregnancy and
misc.kids.breastfeeding. If you don't have a newsreader you can
check out the groups at www.groups.google.com.
anon
Go to Galvin Appliances on San Pablo just a couple of blocks
north of Solano. They have very knowledgable sales people, a good
selection, and will not try to sell you more than you need.
They'll come and install the new machine and take away the old.
Dianna
Go to the Sears Outlet store in San Leandro. If you get a front
loader, you can get a rebate from EBMUD and PG&E because they
use less water and power. Last year, with the rebates, and
picking up and installing the washer myself, a new front loader
ended up costing me $225.00 I don't know what the rebates are
this year. (Installing a waher in the same place the old one is
nothing, just screwing the hose from the new machine onto the
existing hose bibs.)
Sarah
Airport Appliances
Airport Appliances in Hayward has excellent prices on all appliances and a
ton to choose from. The staff is also helpful and knowledgable.
Hilary (6/99)
Sears Retail Appliance Outlet
Dec 2002
Re: when to buy a fridge
Can't say when is the best time, but can recommend a place. We
recently bought a new fridge at the Sears Outlet in San
Leandro. After doing some research at regular appliance stores,
we were able to find what we wanted at the Sears Outlet for
about 25% off. They had a HUGE selection (overwhelming) and
most of the fridges seemed to have just minor cosmetic damage.
(dents and dings.)
There is a Sears outlet in San Leandro with a huge selection of large
appliances, mostly with minor cosmetic blemishes, but at great prices. My
husband was very impressed with their selection. Good luck, Laurie
Where to buy a new range
September 2002
Hi,
Can anyone recommend a good appliances service man? I need to
replace my old gas range for a new one.
Thanks
Ruth
If you are looking to buy a new gas range, I recommend the Sears
Retail Appliance Outlet in San Leandero. They have literally
a couple of hundred of gas ranges (various name brands, but
mostly Kenmores which are highly rated) which are discounted from
15-50% b/c of usually minor cosmetic damage that occurred in the
warehouse or which caused someone to return it (some have a
little more). We have bought 3 appliances there (including a gas
range) at great deals. They also have tons of refrigerators,
washers and dryers. Everything is covered by the usual
warranties. You have to arrange for delivery -- either deliver
yourself or they have a phone # there for a delivery service they
work with which we have used each time. You have to get it
delivered within 3 days. Their phone # is 895-0546. good
luck.
karen
Laurie (6/99)
I recently had my fridge quit too (the weekend we had our first dinner
party in about 5 years--but that's another story) and found the Sears
Outlet in San Leandro to be just great!!! They have all the same
brands/models carried in the regular store, but these have been returned
for some reason. Sometimes there's a little nick (or a big nick) or some
other cosmetic blemish, but they are all in perfect working order AND
they carry the same warranty as one you'd buy in the store. We got one
with a little scratch that I can't even find anymore, for way under
regular retail and it was the one Consumer Reports rated highest in its
class. I did my Consumer Reports research, then called the outlet to see
which they had. They gave me the range of prices for the models they had
in. The same models are different prices depending on their appearance.
You do have to arrange for your own delivery which cost us about $70 from
San Leandro to El Cerrito (as opposed to the $45 if we had bought it from
the regular store) but we saved much more than $35, so it was no big
deal. Also, if you sign up for a Sears card you get another 10% off--at
least that was the deal when I was there about 2 mos. ago. Their # is
(510) 895-0546. Good luck!
Tampine (6/99)
From: Nancy (4/99)
Sears Clearance Center in San Leandro stocks a full line of appliances of
many brands at substantially discounted prices. Some of them have cosmetic
defects, such as a scratch in the paint. Others have been exchanged by
their original buyer because they had a problem, have been repaired and are
now ready for sale again. I have bought three appliances there and have
been very satisfied. I have, however, only bought new ones with cosmetic
defects.
It's listed in the directory, and to get there you get off at the Marina
Way East exit from HWY 880. Call them for exact directions.
From: Kathy (4/99)
We buy all our appliances at the Sear's outlet. They sell kenmores as well
as whirlpool and maytag. There prices are discounted from the main stores.
They do not deliver though. The are located in San Leandro (# in phonebook).
We have been very happy with our washer/dryer and refrigerator.
From: Tavie (5/98)
Regarding buying a used gas dryer-- Sears has an outlet store in San
Leandro that has new and damaged appliances at very reasonable prices. You
may get a new one with some dents in it for the price of a used one. They
also carry mattresses, furniture, TVs, etc.
Ward's
Our refigerator died a month before our daughter was born last fall, so
we did a mad rush to find a new one. We didn't necessarily do a full
price comparison, but we did check with the major sellers (Sears, Wards,
some local appliance stores in Marin) before buying one. We ended up
purchasing a new Frigidaire from Wards in Richmond. They have a good
selection and the lowest prices around. They also often have sales
(usually around holidays, which fortunately we were able to take
advantage of) and have free delivery. The fridge is great and has
worked out really well for us. It's just a simple model with no ice
maker, but has a large freezer above the roomy fridge. I especially
like the clear acrylic shelves and the modular arrangement so that
odd-sized things can go just about anywhere. Also big shelves in the
door that can hold a one-gallon milk container. Very convenient. Hope
this helps!
Gretchen (6/99)
this page was last updated: Feb 5, 2013
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.
Copyright © 1996-2013 Berkeley Parents Network