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[Tigriss]

I just replaced my fridge that I had 10 years but it was a 2000 model.  I bought it used at the time due to cost and features.  It was mechanical and had water and ice through the door with push buttons not touch buttons.  I went with a basic French door model from Kenmore.  My used fridge was a Kenmore, but that isn't why I chose it.  I needed a 33" wide model and today's fridges are generally 36".  I could probably get a 36" in the spot, but I didn't want it jammed in flush with the walls with no space to breath.  My local Sears Hometown Store (a locally owned Sears outlet not a store) and they had a few 33" models.  I went with a basic model with just an ice maker in the bottom that makes plenty of ice.  The new machines have much smaller ice makers with some having two just to make enough.  I didn't get water through the door.  The temp settings are digital but push button, so not much of a computerized model.  It was marked down to $900 from $2200 because it was a narrow model, but 24.9 cubic feet which is now smaller than most.  It is also a bisque color and people are not into that now.  I didn't care.  I just needed what is now an odd size and basic features.  I do love the French doors since I have more space and wider shelves without wide doors.  I needed the narrow doors for my space.  I think people get wowed by the fancy features and buy into it.  I do think people need to buy the best that they can with the money they have but get more of their needs than wants.

I have also gone back to gel dishwasher detergent to keep the plastic from those pods from clogging up my 1998 dishwasher.  Very basic dishwasher and just a turn knob and push buttons for settings.

[Cakers3]

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@depglass wrote:

A Maytag dishwasher and frig failed within 3 and 7 years.  I went to other brands, but our independent dealer told me Maytag has gone back to US production.  I will re-buy Maytag next time, as I'm sure there will be one eventually.  No electronics no frills units. 

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@depglass  Maytag was bought out by Whirlpool about 10 years ago.  I think the Maytag name is still on the appliances but Whirlpool owns them.

I heard about the downfall of Maytag and it could be why Whirlpool stepped in.

At one time Maytage was "THE" name. 

We always went with Whirlpool for washer/dryer but our current frig is Samsung.  10 years and runs like a charm.

[Venezia]

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@Ibby114 wrote:

Consumer Reports suggested fixing old refrigerators rather than bujying new ones! I held off- but then my older almond unit looked so off in my kitchen. My new frig is as simple as possible- I avoided as many bells/whistles as I could! I bought the 5 yr warranty that covers everything from soup to nuts - including a full credit if the unit turns out to be a lemon. It was only $150 extra. That's the price for a repair person to just walk into my house! 

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@Ibby114- I'm in the same boat really.  I have an almond Kitchenaid that's 17 years old (had one repair in that time; about $125).  Nothing fancy beyond the icemaker.  But all our other appliances now are black.  I switched, when my Amana stove died after about six years and repairs would've been the same as buying new.   They no longer made the almond (it was out of vogue!).  I went with Frigidaire in black (wouldn't have another Amana for other reasons).

So now every day I question, should I keep my mismatched almond fridge or buy a new black one?  If I do, I want the most basic appliance going and they're not that easy to find anymore!

[bonnielu]

Fond memories of appliances lasting forever.  Grew up with the same appliances,  moved out got married and my parents still had the same appliances.  Well I have gone through new ones every 5-7 years if I am lucky.  My fridge has had problems with the ice maker, with the lining to the doors, the shelfing collapsing, the fridge not keeping a level of cold, the freezer totally giving up.  My mom and pop business owner appliance  fixer says it keeps him in business but honestly it would be cheaper to buy new ones... His words. 

[lovesrecess]

Just read the fine print on the warranty and concierge guarantee....

[lovesrecess]

How lucky you are to have a cousin who can repair you appliances for you! I have been no all the Sears Outlet appliances on TV lately...they are returns and repaired....why would anyone buy these...you are just buying someone else's problem...no thanks. You know it's just a matter of time before it breaks again....and the prices are still in the thousands for many of them. I am leaving our fridge in the house when we move...it works fine...but I will buy one with fewer bells and whistles next time...I don't need a computer screen on the door, a marquee scrolling messages, or recipe ingredients listed for shopping....just keep my stuff cold and make ice....let it come into my cup when I push the lever....is that too much to ask ?

[panda1234]

@Venezia   Don't know if you are aware, there is a spray paint for appliances....works great.

[panda1234]

@lovesrecess  I asked a repairman what brand of appliances he recommended and he said the one with two knobs. This means no electronics and just the basics.

[Venezia]

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@panda1234 wrote:

@Venezia   Don't know if you are aware, there is a spray paint for appliances....works great.

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@panda1234- I never thought of that, but I might check it out.  My current Kitchenaid is a side-by-side and I don't like that.  But I also hate to replace it, while it's still working, so painting it might be a good option.  Thanks for the tip!

[shortbreadlover]

kitchenaide is a joke.  i will never ever buy a new fridge.  you can buy one used for uder $50.00 and when it goes out, just get anaother used one.  saves a tons of money

also never hook up the ice maker or the water feature.  they are all big time problems