Appliance Wars

It's a funny thing. I'm very comfortable around a computer, but I don't like appliances with big electronic keypads and lots of features. It seems to me that you pay a lot more for the features, there are more things to break and it's a lot more expensive to repair them.

We've always believed this to a certain extent, and tend to buy a simple model of a good brand for things like dishwashers, dryers, etc. So far we have had ZERO maintenance problems with any of these appliances we've purchased.

When we moved into our current house two years ago, appliances were included- an old washer and dryer set and three almost new high-end kitchen appliances (fridge, dishwasher and range). The receipts were still around - these babies cost over $1000 apiece new and have all the features we tend to avoid. The fridge is still doing fine, but we've had loads of problems with the dishwasher and the range. The dishwasher has broken down twice already (this is a 2002 model, I believe) and the range is heading out the door A.S.A.P.

We've replaced the big burner on it twice already (at $75 a pop), but now the nice glass top is broken. It didn't take much - Kate dropped a Corelle cup on it when she opened up the microwave above. The glass is shot, but get this - it costs $550 to get a new top! That's easily the cost of a new range.

Anyway, thought it might be useful for someone else to know that the glass-top ranges can be a little family-unfriendly. One break and you're out (practically). The appliance refurbishing companies I called didn't want it even for free because it's so expensive to replace the top. I might give Freecycle a try. Sure glad we didn't shell out the $1000 ourselves!!!