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retromom

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OK guys - I need your advice. Is it ok to mix different brands of major appliances in the kitchen, i.e. a GE fridge with a Kenmore stove, etc.? They would both be a stainless finish. Guess I am old fashioned. I still like the idea of matching shoes and purses or belts and shoes.

Just want to kitchen to look nice and not too haphazard.

P.S. Does anyone know who is making the Kenmore dual fuel stoves these days? Are they any good? What about the Fridgidaire dual fuel stoves? Help!
 
I have a Kenmore Elite Stainless range. It is not the dual fuel model because I didn't want to have a gas line run into the kitchen. I really wanted the dual fuel but this electric model is a great compromise. The electric convection oven is great.

It is a great stove. I believe it was made for Kenmore by Whirlpool. I have two high efficiency burners and a convection oven which I use all the time. The cleaning feature works very, very well. I would recommend it. I've had it about two years now and haven't had a single problem with it.
 
mix and match

You have a gorgeous kitchen! The stove and fridge look wonderful! Are they the same brand? Glad to hear Kenmore/Whirlpool makes a good stove. We are thinking about piping gas into the kitchen for the new stove (ours is currently electric). However, your cooktop looks terrific and might just make me change my mind about gas!

Thanks for the info and pix. You are giving me lots of incentive to improve!
 
Thank you.

The frig came from Sears and is made by Amana. I did make a mistake with the frig. I didn't know there was such a thing as a counter depth frig. This one sticks out further than I like, so if you have that issue you may want to consider the counter depth. I think GE makes one.

As far as the stove is concerned, you may be happy with this model. Just get the Elite and not the normal Kenmore brand because the cooktop surface is different. A friend has the normal one and hates it. Doesn't get hot enough, hard to clean, etc. I looked at it one day and it appears to be of lesser quality than the Elite. I don't have any of those issues with this one and I cook alot! This one also has a warming zone on the top which is great for melting chocolate or keeping gravies and sauces warm without overheating them. The burners get really hot and are really fast.

The convection oven has the third element which is also important for convection cooking (not all do so be careful). My Dual Fuel Kitchen Aid in Chicago came at almost twice the cost and the Elite compares well if you can live without the gas cooktop. I guess it really just depends on your requirements.
 
Hi Chachp, I also wanted to compliment you on your beautiful kitchen! I also noticed your Mixmaster collection, They are so neat. Is your range hood a coustom unit? Great pic!
 
Dual fuel Kenmores are most likely Kitchenaid or Jenn-air. If you can find a model # of the one you are interested in, including the 3 digit prefix before the period (ie. 665.1578902)most here can tell you the manufacturer. Sears salespeople may tell you as well if you ask.
 
Retromom, don't you like your 40" Whirlpool electric? Are you sure you'd want to cook with gas after, I'm assuming, using electric for some time now? One issue I notice, when I went back to look at the pics Aus posted, is that your range is slid between cabinets. If you replace it with a 30", you're going to have a gap. I think Frigidaire still offers a 40" in SS even, but it's coil.

Anyway, I don't personally think there's a huge issue finish or color-wise with having different brands of appliances in the same kitchen. I think any differences that might exist would be so subtle you'd never know a difference. If there are varying brands of appliances that have the things you want, that's an important consideration too.

As I mentioned in that thread I think, the stainless steel would look particularly nice with your colors. I wouldn't want it for myself as I bark at my roommate enough for getting fingerprints on the white stuff as it is, though by myself I could manage it well if I wanted to with the right cleaning products in hand.

*But*, could somebody please explain to me why they insist on SS refrigerators having black sides? Why can't the whole thing be SS? We have the same fridge as Chachp's in our break rooms at work. That was the first I came in contact with an SS fridge and was surprised by the black sides.

Chachp, I really like your kitchen. Your decorating makes the black sides of the fridge work well too! :) The glimpse of the dining room beyond suggests a very tastefully decorated home all around!
 
Chachp, how do you like the dark, high gloss countertops in everyday practice? We have some too and I think they're very pretty, but sometimes I feel like I miss things when I clean, and that I'm polishing a lot. Just curious, as you mentioned you cook a fair bit. They are so very pretty!
 
Retromom

I think its very OK to mix kitchen appliance brands. In fact I think people should plan thier laundries so that the washer and dryer don't sit side by side. You may start with a lovly matched set, but the washer always seems to die first anyway. Same with kitchen appliances.

I think the 40" Kenmore Dual-Fuel is built by Frigidaire. Frigidaire offers an identical product. I would prefer to see you deal with an independant dealer, rather than Sears. I have a big chip on my shoulder for Sears myself (even if they did bring out the Hefttys in groovy color) & I believe an independant dealer will support you better after the sale. On the other hand, I don't know about the "dealer scene" in SE Texas, so this is only my opinion.

I am also one of the odd ducks thats not all that wild about gas and I'm not crazy for smooth tops either. I prefer coil top electric. With Gas, it seems your heat escapes up the sides of the kettle or pot and the handle gets super hot. You do have that instant control. Having used electric for so long, I've learned to anticipate when I need to turn stuff down. Dennis (who was trained as a chef) some how forgets this and is always boiling stuff over, so this is why some folks don't like electric.
I've only used one smoothtop and didn't like it. The friend we stayed with while we prepared for our move has a Jenn-air slide in (no downdraft). We prepared live lobster one time on that stove and it ticked me off because it would NOT bring the water to a full boil. A sensor on the element kept cycling it on and off. We went ahead and the lobster cooked just fine, it was just odd not getting the water to a rolling boil.

So thats my two cents!
David
PS-I'd keep the range you got! Your fridge is cool, but I'm sure you have that "borrowed time" feeling there.
 
My two cents

I despise electric cooktops, and since I entered rental hell almost 10 years ago, I have had nothing but electric cooktops.

I, too used to cook professionally, and electric cooktops, even when new and good drive me nuts!
The cooktop in the early 80s Tappan the landlord saw fit to provide is not good. Only one 8 inch element, and it has dead spots.

Also, I have a hard time stirfrying on an electric. It can be done, but I find it annoying.

To be most efficient on an electric, you have to match the pan to the element, and I hate that.

Electric ovens, however, are very nice, and when I finally escape rental hell, I am going to have a gas cooktop and at least two electric ovens.
But only SELF Cleaning! A manual clean electric oven is a bother and a half!

I grew up cooking on a Maytag gas stove, it was 40 inches, and when it finally died (after close to 38 years!) it was a challenge to go to a 30 incher.

I've seen that dual fuel one, and I like it. A lot.

No one manufacturer makes the best line. I hate to say that, but in my experience, that's the way things are. For example, I like GE cooking, but do not like GE laundry. I like Maytag laundry (at least my '97s,) but Maytag refrigerators don't seem to be as reliable as Whirlpool refrigerators.

The only reason I can see for buying a major appliance at Sears is if there isn't a good "mom and pop" appliance dealer nearby, or BestBuy.

Look for a Brand Source member store for an independent.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

http://brandsource.com
 
I'm not sure where the idea of having all of one's appliances be the same brand came from. I'm guessing the appliance companies, with the help of housing developers. It's easy for a housing developer to secure all the appliances for a new home from Whirlpool or GE or whoever. My cousin once clicked his tounge because his parent's appliances didn't "match". Their home was built in 1973 and had a wonderful KitchenAid dishwasher, Universal Chef wall oven, cooktop, and Char-Glo indoor grill, and a Frigidaire side-by-side. It was a lovely collection of appliances, I thought, but he dismissed them outright because they weren't all the same brand. It seemed so silly to me, because each was probably the best of its type at the time they were made.

It wasn't too long ago that many manufacturers didn't even offer a "full line", and many people had a "pet" brand for each type of appliance. In the early 70's, my mother had a KitchenAid dishwasher, a Magic Chef range, an Admiral refrigerator, and a Speed Queen washer and dryer. They were all harvest gold and nobody ever gave their differing brands a thought. I say buy your machines based on their individual merits, the maker's reputation for that type of appliance (for example, these days GE makes lovely ranges, but their topload washers are fairly dreadful) and whether it has the features you want--not because its the same brand as your other appliances.
T.
 
Dr Mitch,

Thank you.

Yes the hood is a custom unit and presently a source of contention in our home. You see, I built the microwave into the pantry because I don't use it that much, and also don't like to look at it on the counter. My partner on the other hand doesn't cook much but reheats an awful lot. He thinks it's a pain and that we should have a microwave (GASP!!) over the stove or on the counter.

We'll see how we compromise. The kitchen is my domain, guess who will most likely win? Gee, I hope he doesn't read this post :o).

I love the old Sunbeam Mixers too. I have four of them that I use extensively. I switch off based on my mood. The only time I bring out the big gun (the big Kitchen Aid) is when I am working with bread or pizza dough, or a large amount of batter. I love the sound of the old Sunbeam mixers. No new machines that I know of compare to the mixers of the 50s.

Ralph
 
Scott55405,

I love the dark shiny counters as well. They really are not that much work to keep clean and shiny. I use a cleaner by Clean EnCounters called Countertop Spray Cleaner. It's in a black bottle and I get it at Home Depot. They have one that's a disinfectant, one that is just a cleaner and one that is a wax. They are all in black bottles and are found in the kitchen design section. We use the wax every few months or so and I use the spray cleaner everyday. Just a couple of spritz and a paper towel and they are clean and shiny. Be careful not to use too much as they will streak. It is perfectly safe around food. Check it out, it's good stuff.

Ralph
 
Retromom

The only advantage I can see to buying all the same brand of appliances is that the dealer may give you a break, price-wise. I've also seen some package-deal rebates.

Otherwise, I say buy what you like. In whatever color tickles your fancy.

veg
 
As long as the appliances get along well,and don't argue with each other,mix and match is OK.
We have a 10 YO Maytag gas range,a new Whirlpool S/S,and a 10YO Maytag dishwasher,along with a Frigidaire microwave. They get along well.
Had to get the 'fridge,because the last one we had,a newer GE Profile S/S,wouldn't get along with the others.Always causing problems,like not defrosting,holding temperatures right,etc.It was a GE reject to start with,so I should have seen the attitude problem from the beginning.But I gave it a try for a few years.....

kennyGF
 
matching appliances

The only thing that needs to match is the color, I'd get the least repair-prone brand of whatever particular appliance it is. Seems like no company makes everything equally good across the board.

As for the gas vs electric thing, I grew up with electric (early 50's Frigidaire with 5 fixed heats) and that's what I learned to cook on. As Partscounterman said, I did remember getting my fingers singed by the heat coming up the side of tha pans when I had to use a gas range, but did like the instant control. On the other hand, I find it impossible to turn down the flame on my 80's Montgomery Ward (WCI) gas range to keep things from scorching and electric ranges are excellent at keeping things at a very low temperature. To be fair, the older gas ranges with the two-piece burners and the grates with a big solid piece in the middle do nearly as well. Each type has it's advantages and as I've said before on this board, my ideal kitchen would have both types of ranges/cooktops
 
ss vs colours, mixnmatch, etc.

You all are a wealth of info! Love to hear about your appliance experiences. Now I have something I can take to the "big box" stores. I too grew up with a circa 1956 G.E. electric stove with coils and the pushbutton controls. It lasted forever. Can't remember what mom replaced it with, but she was always afraid of gas (and microwaves, and pressure cookers, etc.) because she thought it would blow up. I cooked with gas until we moved here (13 yrs). The 40" Whirlpool that we currently have (electric) has always been too hot (thermostat off?) in the main oven and ok in the smaller oven. The door on the smaller oven doesn't close well, and I think it actually helps maintain the proper temperature. Ask Westy - I have burned more than my fair share of pies, cakes, cookies, and dinners. However, I did make a very nice banana bread in the smaller oven yesterday that turned out great!

I like the Kenmore and/or Frigidaire dual fuels for their function and aesthetics. They are beautiful to look at. Would go for a commercial stove, but most are not self-cleaning and require a vent hood that could suck up an elephant!

I actually prefer Whirlpool refrigerators. Ours is still running great after 22 years, although the ice-making unit needs to be replaced. The problem is the ice/water dispensers. The GE and some Maytags have tall dispensers, making it easy to fill a water bottle or insulated mug. The Whirlpool and most others have shorter dispensers. What a drag. Why didn't somebody check this out before they came out with the design? Reminds me of the old Lowe's commercial (I think) where the guy was buying refrigerators and took his mug with him to see if it would fit in the dispenser.

Thankfully, they have just opened a Lowe's and Home Depot here, so I can peruse their inventory. All we need now is a Target, Old Navy, and Starbucks - but not necessarily in that order.

As far as the stainless and black sides thing....my husband (who purchases steel) said that stainless is more expensive than embossed painted steel (which is only galvanized). Leave it to these efficient appliance conglomerates to cut costs wherever they can. Hence, the black sides. I suppose it does give one the feeling that the door is kind of suspended.
 
Oven temp

I suspect your talented son could figure out how to make the door close preperly on the smal oven and adjust the thermostat on the large oven, not difficult things to do. On my MW range, the thermostat "adjustment" is simiply to take of the oven knob, move a little notched thing, then put the knob back on to it points to the correct temperature. Yours might have an actual thermostat adjustment.
 
Big Box

And give the "little guys" a chance (if you have any in your area) rather than the Big Box Boys. Often they will order something the big guys aren't willing to do.
 
Hi Jaune,

The door is actually warped (not off the hinges--easy fix), so I can't really do much about that. The right hand corner isn't square with the right oven's door and the seal doesn't line up. I thought this was bad at first, but foods baked in the left oven actually turn out better than the right oven with the thermostat problem. As for that, I'll look for a GE 40" Range repair manual and try to tackle it.

--Austin
 
If you pull the thermostat knob off,look to see if there's a hole in the center of the shaft.If there is,there's usually an adjustment you can make,using a tiny screwdriver.You have to have an accurate thermometer,to know if you're turning the screw the right way.Shouldn't take more than half a turn or so to get it back.

kennyGF
 
We also did not buy all one brand when we remodeled our Kitchen. For money reasons we did not do the whole thing in one step. When our house was paid off we did the major re-do. All new hickory cabinets and corian counters and sinks. To match our cabinets and counters we picked the ALmond/bisque appliances. Since I am the cook, I got to pick evertyhing. We did a special order for a GE Side by side fridge becasue we did not want the water on the door. that was a mistake, they are so big. We would like to get rid of it and buy the nice counter depth ones. I wanted two ovens to bake in so I picked the GE Profile Micro/convection for over the Profile Smooth top range, i did not want to give up counter space for wall ovens. I love cleaning the smooth top. Mine has the bisque colored cooktop with two 8" burners with the bridge burner and the warming burner and the dual size 9"/6" one. The convection oven has three procelain racks that you can selfclean with no problems of discoloring. The dishwasher we picked is a Frigidaire Gallery with the ability to wash either the top or bottom rack separately. Since my daughter is away at college this comes in very handy with just two people at home. all the countertop appliances are Kithen Aid.

For Sacto,

I have cooked on gas stoves at home and when I worked in a restaurant until I was about 21. Now married, I have had electric for the last 20 years and I have found I can cook on them the same as a gas stove. I did find that you do need very good cookware for both kinds of electric stoves(coil and smoothtop). I had Farberware for 15years and that was good. I now have Calphalon hard anodized professional, not the nostick. I have found these are the best pots I everused. Then heat evenly and you can simmer sauces without sticking or scorching or fry a sunny side up egg and it slides right off to the plate. I know a lot of people that complained about electric and when I see the range it is usually a builders or very botom of the line models. As they say you get what you pay for.

Mike
 
here is the skinny on who makes what for Sears

All the 40 inch ranges marketed by Kenmore and Whirlpool are made by Frigidaire (they make them for GE too). The wall ovens, cooktops, and 30 inch ranges are are made by Frigidaire, Amana, GE, or Whirlpool. Kenmore Fridges are made by Frigidaire, Amana, Whirlpool, or GE. Kenmore Dishwashers are made by GE, Whirlpool, or Frigidaire. The full sized 29 inch top loading Kenmore washers and dryers are still made by Whirlpool as are the Hettie front loader and matching dryer. The smalller front loading Kenmore and matching dryer are made by Frigidaire. The 2 regular Kenmore full sized stack units are made by Frigidaire, The Kenmore Elite model is made by Whirlpool as is the portable washer and dryer. They could have changed things but this is how it was when I sold appliances at Best Buy 2 years ago. PAT COFFEY
 
Here's my vote for "they don't have to be the same make, but they should at least be the same color."

Also, my strong vote for "deal with the locally-owned stores rather than the big-box outfits."
 
Personal prefrence

It all matters what is important to you! What kind of a cook that you are! For instance. If you bake, roast things a lot I would definitely go for convection. If you cook for a lot of people at once, 40in. stove.
My opinion. Everything should match if it's in the same room Make and color. But that's just my opinion!
As far as stainless goes it is a real pain to deal with! If you have small children around it's a big no no! I can keep up with it but we don't have any kids! One scratch across the grain and you have to rub it out with steelwool and polish. The benefit. You can change the color and style of your kitchen at anytime and it will match! You could also do that with white.
Basically you have to live with it. So do what makes you happy!
 
mixnmatch

Thanks Bethann! My husband is a bigger mess than the kiddos! I'll just tell him "don't touch".

Funny story about black appliances:

A friend of my husband bought a brand new shiny black side by side fridge. Every time he went to get water or ice out the dispenser, he would scare the bejeezus out of himself because he would see his own reflection and thought someone was standing behind him. Needless to say, he exchanged it.
 
ranges

Whirlpool and GE are having ranges made for them by WCI?! Since both WP and GE are or did make their own ranges (with GE going WAY back) why would they go to the "enemy" to make ranges for them?

I know the car companies often bought parts from each other, but never whole cars EXCEPT during the waning years of AMC, just before Chrysler actually bought them, Chrysler wanted to continue selling the RWD M body cars (Aspen/Volare/New Yorker) but wanted to use the plant they were built in to build something else. Since AMC had PLENTY of plant space, they ended up building the last of the M body cars for Chrysler.
 
amc

Had to laugh. I had a 1981 AMC Concord. It was silver with a copper-coloured vinyl top and interior. Very spacious and stylish, except it got absolutely no respect. My co-workers used to call it the "Company Concord" when we took it to lunch.
Never had a single problem with it until....a bottle of bleach had rolled out of my grocery bag and managed to hide itself in the trunk. It began to leak, and for some reason my husband poked a hole in the trunk to let the bleach out. I think he poked a hole in the gas tank and everything went downhill from there. What a bunch of dopes we were! Got a nice new Volvo out of it though :)
 
AMC Concord

Poor little AMC had to be commended for taking what was basically a car designed in 1968 and jazzing it up in the luxo-mobile it was in 1981. If you didn't worry about what other people thought of what you drove, and kept your cars so long that resale value didn't matter, AMC cars were the way to go. That 6 cylinder was a STRONG engine with 7 main bearings unlike the usual 3 that other companies 6 cylinders had.
 

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