1

APPLIANCE BUYING

GUIDE

A step-by-step guide to find the right products for your home

project

Published by Yale Appliance + Lighting

Updated October 2018

22

This buying guide answers common questions and advises on the

pitfalls of buying appliances. Our Appliance Buying Guide will

equip you with all information for dealing with an appliance store

to receive the best deal without losing sleep or sanity.

First, let’s talk about what products work and what could be better.

The average appliance will need service 25% of the time within the

first year according to our own service department records.

Some brands have consistently excelled like Miele, Gaggenau,

Whirlpool, and Bosch. Some have not. Read these articles to

understand both.

A p p l i a n c e s

Overview

The 5 Most

Serviced

Appliance Brands

Photo credit: Creative Design Construction, Inc. via Houzz

3

BrandsWe discuss brands in the Premium,

Affordable Luxury and Affordable brackets

What to KnowAppliance industry terms and

topics to consider in your search

A p p l i a n c e s

Table of ContentsClick the circles to move between sections

44

What’s NewNew technologies and products in

the appliance world

10 Common QuestionsAnswers to commonly asked questions we

hear from customers all the time, and our

best tips to protect yourself

Buying StrategiesHow to buy products by brand

About YaleA little about us

5

BRANDSWe discuss brands in the Premium, Affordable Luxury, and

Commodity segments

Photo credit: Fuse Architecture + Design/ Houzz

6

Brands: Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, Viking, Capital, Miele,

BlueStar, and Liebherr.

What to Expect: Pro or integrated refrigerator, wall oven and

cooktop or pro range, European dishwasher.

B r a n d s

Premium

Photo credit: Kuche+Cucina via Houzz

7

Brands: Bosch, Electrolux, Bosch Benchmark, GE Café, Jenn-

Air, KitchenAid, Frigidaire Pro, and Samsung.

What to Expect: Shallow depth refrigerator, slide-in cooking

with enhanced burners, stainless interior dishwasher.

B r a n d s

Affordable Luxury

Photo credit: Synergy Design & Construction via Houzz

8

Brands: Maytag, LG, GE, Samsung, Amana and Whirlpool.

What to Expect: Regular freestanding gas or electric range,

over-the-range microwave, and a domestic dishwasher.

B r a n d s

Commodity

Photo credit: The Kitchen Shop via Houzz

9

WHAT TO KNOWAppliance industry terms and topics to consider in your

search

Photo credit: Mitchell Barnett Architect / Houzz

10

There have been a number of finishes, Black Stainless Steel,

Black Ice, White Ice, Copper Bronze, Slate, and Cobalt, but

Black Stainless is 20-30% of most purchases. It's darker than

stainless, making it an attractive look, but it scratches easily

and once scratched, it reveals the shinier steel underneath.

Check out the articles below about the different finishes

available and your options:

W h a t t o K n o w

Finishes

Photo credit: Huestis Tucker Architects via Houzz

How

Hard is it to Scratch

Black Stainless Steel?

Is Stainless Going

Out of Style?

11

Before the recession, rebates were solely for commodity

brands but have now included even the best brands. For the

best price, research rebates as they can be up to 35% of the

product value.

The best rebates seem to occur around holidays like

President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,

Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, and Black Friday.

W h a t t o K n o w

Rebates

Photo credit: Kitchen Kraft via Houzz

When is the best time

to buy appliances?

12

Buying the same brand is smart, provided you like each piece,

because the handles and aesthetics will match. Most

manufacturers will also offer additional rebates for package

purchases.

W h a t t o K n o w

Kitchen Packages

Photo credit: Urban Kitchens via Houzz

Best Stainless Steel

Packages

Best Affordable

(cheap) Kitchen

Appliance Packages

13

Without question, service is the toughest part of the appliance

business.

Manufacturers have exited the service industry, as have many

independents, so it is incredibly difficult to actually fix an

appliance.

It is important to ask who will actually service the product

before you buy.

W h a t t o K n o w

Service

Photo credit: Five Star Interiors via Houzz

Why Your Broken

Appliance Won’t Be

Repaired

14

Delivery is the second biggest issue after service because it is

handled so differently by retailers. Some companies offer

“curbside” delivery where the product is unloaded at the

sidewalk. There are “in-house” delivery options which may

include removal, power cords and installation.

People tend to compare products (which is good), but delivery

with all the options can be expensive. Compare before you

buy.

W h a t t o K n o w

Delivery

Photo credit: Courthouse Contractors / Kitchens & Baths via Houzz

Delivery: Free, White

Glove and In-HouseOur Free Delivery

Comparison Checklist

15

Appliances will need service within the first year 25% of the

time, so like any insurance it’s a numbers game.

Do not buy a service contract from a company that does not

physically offer service.

W h a t t o K n o w

Service Contracts

Photo credit: Drury Design via Houzz

Are Appliance

Extended Warranties

Worth It?

Increasing

Importance of

Appliance Service

16

WHAT'S NEWNew technologies and products in the appliance world

Photo credit: Mitchell Barnett Architect / Houzz

1717W h a t ’ s N e w

Technology

Photo credit: Miele "Usa

New Jenn-Air Wi-Fi

Wall OvenMiele M-Touch Wall

Oven Video

Smart technology is the future of how you will buy an appliance.

Samsung, Jenn-Air, SKS, LG, and GE have appliances with the ability to

control remotely with basic functions. This Jenn-Air oven has Alexa

capabilities and will be able to scan your refrigerator for ingredients

and program the dishwasher accordingly.

However, in 2018-2019, there are still connectivity issues. The functions

are still basic, so you should make your decision about which one to

buy based on features and prices. Smart technology should not be a

reason yet.

18

The new Samsung Chef Collection offers functionality and style

for a kitchen suite. SKS offers Sous Vide and induction in a

professional range.

W h a t ’ s N e w

New Upscale Brands

SKS Professional Gas

Ranges

Samsung Chef

Collection

Professional Range

1919

Steam is the healthiest way to cook because it adds moisture while not baking out the nutrients in your food. It is not actually new. Miele

and Gaggenau have marketed a steam oven for years.

Jenn-Air, Thermador and Wolf now produce one at lower prices. Thermador introduced steam in their pro range in 2013. Miele has a

steam assist option in their range as of February, 2015. Samsung has also introduced steam in 2018.

W h a t ’ s N e w

Steam Cooking

Photo credit: Yasmine Goodman / Houzz

MIELE 48”

The Best Steam Ovens

20

Sous vide is a precise method of cooking using water immersion

instead of direct heat. It’s great for cooking in large batches or for

consistent results every time you cook.

It’s gaining popularity with Miele, Gaggenau, and SKS offering

different ovens with sous vide capabilities.

W h a t ’ s N e w

Sous Vide

What is Sous Vide

Cooking? [VIDEO]

2121

In laundry, steam has definitely become the hot feature

because it works well in a number of ways. It will power out

stains, de-wrinkle clothes and remove odors.

Speaking of laundry, the laundry room with better access to

the kitchen or bedroom is a definite trend.

W h a t ’ s N e w

Steam Laundry

Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /

Houzz

Does Steam in a

Washing Machine

Really Work?

2222

Speed ovens are really microwave convection combos with

the ability to microwave, convection cook or work in

combination to save time.

The speed oven is a new slant on an older idea. Speed

ovens with a single oven are replacing double ovens for

more customized cooking.

W h a t ’ s N e w

Speed Ovens

Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /

Houzz

Four Best Speed

OvensMiele MasterChef

Wall Oven

Photo credit: Paula Kennedy CMKBD via Houzz

2323

Drawers offer more accessibility, especially in lower areas like islands and base cabinets. Speed ovens, microwaves,

refrigerators and icemakers are now available as drawers or hinged.

W h a t ’ s N e w

Drawers

Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /

Houzz

Photo credit: Erin Sander Design via Houzz

24

If drawers are a trend than side swing hinges for wall ovens

could be as well. It’s a good idea as you will no longer have to

lift a turkey or roast over the oven door.

Look at the new Bosch Benchmark for a really cool side swing

oven.

W h a t ’ s N e w

Side Swing Wall Ovens

Best Side Swing Wall

Ovens

25

Stainless will be the predominant color because it matches

every cabinet finish.

Consider using color to highlight a single piece. La Cornue

offers a variety of colorful finishes for professional ranges.

BueStar also has 750 custom colors.

W h a t ’ s N e w

Heritage Colors

Best Custom Color

Ranges

Photo credit: Terracotta Design Build via Houzz

26

French door wall ovens have been introduced by American

Range, BlueStar, GE Monogram and Viking. French doors allow

easier access to the oven. You don’t have to lift heavier items

like a turkey over the door.

W h a t ’ s N e w

French Door Wall Ovens

Viking vs. BlueStar

French Door Wall

Ovens

27

Companies like Miele, Wolf, Dacor and Viking have started

marketing an upscale 30” induction range. Wolf now has the

only 36” induction range.

W h a t ’ s N e w

Upscale Induction Ranges

New Wolf 36”

Induction Range

28

The three door French door has morphed into four and five

door configurations with different zones of refrigerator and

freezer.

W h a t ’ s N e w

Doors, Doors, Doors

Samsung 4-Door vs.

KitchenAid 5-Door

Refrigerator

2929

Heat pump dryers use compressors to move the existing air in the drum instead a heating element warming new air.

They are 50% more efficient than a normal dryer but do take a longer time to dry.

Whirlpool, LG and Blomberg currently market the heat pump dryer in the US. Miele may have the best and the most

efficient heat pump dryer at only 110 volts.

W h a t ’ s N e w

Heat Pump Dryers

Best Non-Venting

Options for Full-Size

Laundry

3030

Ventless or condenser dryers do not require a vent and turn steam in the drum to water, allowing you to place a dryer anywhere.

Want to relocate your laundry from the basement to the upstairs closet? You can with a ventless dryer. You only need water and 220V

power.

W h a t ’ s N e w

Ventless Dryers

Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA /

Houzz

Photo credit: Francesca Owings Interior Design via Houzz

What are the benefits

of Ventless and Heat

Pump Dryers?

31

10 COMMON

QUESTIONS

Answers to commonly asked questions we hear from

consumers

Photo credit: Eastbank Contractor Appliances / Houzz

321 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s

Wall Oven & Cooktop vs. Range

Wall ovens are more accessible but ranges offer more centralized cooking in less space. This is the most important

question in kitchen planning because it impacts so much.

VS

Photo credit: Porcelanosa, Precision Cabinets via Houzz

Free Wall Oven Buying

Guide

331 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s

Front Control vs. Slide-In vs. Freestanding Ranges

Freestanding ranges have the controls on the back, blocking your backgaurd. Slide-in and front control ranges

are similar because you can see your backsplash. Slide-in ranges fit over the counter so there is no seam, for

easier cleaning. Front control ranges have the seam but are easier to install.

VS

Photo credit: Aidan Design, Stewart Thomas Design-Build via Houzz

Freestanding vs. Slide-

In RangesSlide-In vs. Front

Control Ranges

341 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s

Top Load vs. Front Load Laundry

Front load is larger, more efficient and is gentler on your clothes. Read the Yale Washer Buying Guide to

understand all the differences between top and front load washers.

VS

Photo credit: Samsung, Visbeen Architects via Houzz

Free Washer Buying

Guide

351 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s

Front Load vs. Hybrid Top Load Laundry

Hybrid promises the better efficiency of a front load with the convenience of a top load. It’s a good idea, but doesn’t

really work.

VS

Photo credit: Avonlea Homes, Nor-Son Inc. via Houzz

Hybrid Top Load vs.

Front Load Washers

361 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s

French Door vs. Side by Side

With better lateral storage and a cooler appearance, French doors are now 7x more popular that a side by side.

VS

Photo credit: Keiffer’s, Paula Kennedy via Houzz

French Door vs. Side

by Side Refrigerators

37

Induction Gas Pro Gas Electric

1 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s

Induction vs. Gas vs. Pro Gas vs. Electric

Of the 4, induction is the best cooking surface for speed and simmer. If you are buying a pro

gas unit for power, regular gas ranges now have high output burners as well.

381 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s

Updraft vs. Downdraft

Updraft is better for ventilation as smoke naturally rises. You also have way more capture area in a hood than a

downdraft. Do NOT downdraft a pro range as it will not capture the smoke and heat.

VS

Photo credit: Knight Associates, Home Restoration Services via Houzz

Free Ventilation

Buying Guide

39

Regular + Counter DepthThe regular counter depth doesn’t protrude from the cabinets

and looks like a household refrigerator at a much cheaper

price.

Integrated + Built-InDifferent styles of refrigerators with very different prices.

Integrated (left) is hidden, professional (right) is commercial

looking with the compressor on top.

1 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s

Professional vs. Integrated vs. Counter Depth

Counter Depth Buying

Guide

40

Yes (depending on the dishwasher). Under 44 dBA is

considered quiet. Bosch and KitchenAid are the quietest at 37

dBA and Miele is also under 40 dBA.

Here’s a tip. Don’t overpay for an extremely quiet dishwasher.

44 dBA is incredibly quiet. Extremely quiet dishwashers can

cost $1,000 more.

1 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s

Will This Dishwasher

Be Quiet?

Photo credit: Superior Woodcraft, Inc. via Houzz

Quietest Dishwasher

by Decibel Rating

Best Dishwasher

Brands for 2018

41

Miele, Gaggenau, Yale Hoods, Frigidaire, and Whirlpool are the

most reliable based on sales versus service calls over the first

12-month period. Our service department completed 30,761

service calls in 2017.

Read these two articles for more information.

1 0 C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s

What Are The Most

Reliable Brands?

Photo credit: Studio 212 Interiors via Houzz

Most Reliable

Appliance Brands

42

BUYING

STRATEGIES

How to choose products by product category

.

Photo credit: Kitchen Masters, Inc. / Houzz

43

By size, dishwashers are all the same. Refrigerators fit within

standard cabinets, typically 30”, 33” and 36” width.

The biggest choice in premium is between cooktop and wall

oven or a regular range. The cooking choices determine the

layout of the kitchen. Placement of islands, lighting and

cabinets depend on this decision.

Sub-Zero dominates the refrigeration, although integrated

products from Thermador have become popular.

Cooking is very competitive with Wolf, Miele, Jenn-Air, Viking

and Thermador vying for your business.

The best dishwashers are Bosch and Miele. Products can be

paneled or integrated.

B u y i n g S t r a t e g i e s

Buying Premium

Photo credit: Mrs. G TV & Appliances via Houzz

44

This is the most competitive segment in the appliance

industry.

Samsung, LG, Jenn-Air, and Bosch have great products in this

category. Convection cooking, slide-in ranges and over-the-

range microwaves are hallmarks of this segment.

Jenn-Air has really good gas products. Bosch has the best

dishwasher and a very stylish appearance.

For commodity brands only, look for rebate programs to

influence your choices and always try to buy around the

holidays like Black Friday, Labor Day, President's Day, and

Memorial Day.

B u y i n g S t r a t e g i e s

Buying Affordable Luxury

Photo credit: Thompson Remodeling via Houzz

45

Look at overall value. It’s pretty easy to compare different

brands.

Samsung seems to have a lock on refrigeration and basic

stainless steel products. Look at Whirlpool for some decent

cooking products as well.

Rebate programs can influence your choices.

B u y i n g S t r a t e g i e s

Buying Commodity

Photo credit: Sticks and Stones Design Group via Houzz

46

How to Protect Yourself

You may think appliances will be an easy purchase. Unfortunately

with delivery, installation, damage, and the increasing amount of

service, it can be a stressful ordeal.

Read the articles below to protect yourself and make the best

buying decisions.

Remember, you have the most leverage before you buy

anything.

10 Kitchen Appliance

and Lighting Mistakes

B u y i n g S t r a t e g i e s

Why Doesn’t Every

Appliance Brand Offer

Service?

5 Major Problems

Hurting Appliance

Retailers and What

This Means for You

47

Buy where you’re comfortable

There are tons of stores and products, but a limited

number of consumers. Check review sites like Yelp,

CitySearch, Google and the Better Business Bureau

before you purchase.

Remember, any store can sell an appliance; the biggest

issues are shipping and service.

B u y i n g S t r a t e g i e s

Wisdom of Crowds

48E x c l u s i v e O f f e r

Appliance Delivery Checklist

Our free checklist will help you avoid a delivery nightmare. At the

end, you will know what to ask from your local, national, or box

store appliance dealer.

Delivery is one of the biggest causes for your dissatisfaction.

You need to be prepared.

In the Delivery Checklist you’ll learn:

• How to choose a dealer with a first class delivery experience

• Which questions to ask to spot a quality delivery team

• The importance of online reviews to help your appliance

search

Get the Free

Appliance Delivery

Checklist

49

ABOUT USProud to be family owned and operated since 1923.

Photo credit: Eastbank Contractor Appliances / Houzz

50

Yale has been based in Boston for over 90 years and operates two showrooms; in Boston and Framingham. We operate the largest

independent service and repair department in New England with 50 people and 21 service technicians. Our sales staff has an

average of 7 years experience, and our staff chef can help you learn to use your new appliances.

Family owned and operated since 1923. Now with two

locations.

Since 1923

A p p l i a n c e s

About Us

51

VISIT OUR STORESNow you can schedule a free, private showroom visit to go over the needs of your project.

Choose a time that works for your schedule to visit our Boston or Framingham, MA showrooms.

Schedule a Showroom

Appointment

5252

Showrooms

Boston

296 Freeport St

Framingham

215 Worcester Rd

Contact Us

617-825-9253

help@yaleappliance.com

yaleappliance.com

Social Media

Facebook.com/YaleApplianceLighting

Twitter.com/MyYale

YouTube.com/yaleappliance

A p p l i a n c e s

Contact Us