One Minute of Your Time

Look at these two Electrolux pairs of laundry. One is 2010 and the other is 2011.

First Electrolux is very like-able. It is the largest in capacity, has the most intuitive controls in the industry and actually has a 17 minute wash cycle. Their is also no additional 4 inch allowance for the vent like other brands. For closets and other stacking installations, this is important.

So what is the difference? At this writing, the 2011 is one minute faster on their quick cycle and .4 of a cubic foot bigger. The 2010 at $1699 for the pair( I only bought agua marine, sorry its all they had) is almost $1100 less than the 2011.

Pretty expensive minute.

Hot, Hotter, Hottest

Time for your first quiz in the almost 4 year history of The Yale Blog.

Which is the hottest and fastest to boil (it's a semi-trick question)?

Wolf Pro

GE Cafe

Electrolux induction

Although Wolf has multiple power burners of 15k, the GE Cafe has 1 burner of 17,000. So the GE Cafe is technically hotter and therefore faster.

The induction (whether Frigidaire, Viking, Samsung, GE or Electrolux) will be considerably faster than the hottest gas burner.

Shallow Depth

Shallow depth refrigerators do not protrude beyond your cabinets. Its really a much nicer look than a regular depth refrigerator. A shallow depth will deliver the same type of look as a professional (yesterday's post) at a fraction of the price.

But which one do you consider?

Bosch

Electrolux

Cafe

Samsung

KitchenAid

Buying Guide

1. Do you want french door or side by side?

2. Price varies from $1349 to over $3000

3. Consider rebates...they are huge, buy the same manufacturer if possible to maximize potential savings

3 Ranges

With the introduction of induction at lower prices of $1639, it will be interesting to see how manufacturers react in the category. If you want to look at just stove tops as a precedent, induction will be at the high end and regular electric ranges will price far below and have basic features.

Induction, as I have posted previously, is better technology. It is faster, better to simmer and more efficient than even a professional gas burner.

With that in mind...let's compare based on features an induction range against 2 others in the same price range.

Samsung $1829 - Four induction burners, three convection fans and warming drawer.

Electrolux $2299 - 5 burner, single convection with a second oven...Like the style and the second oven is better than the Samsung warming drawer, but it is $470 more.

Bosch $1899 - 4 burner, convection and warming drawer...I like the brand and the style, but it is $70 more...for what?

Electrolux Vs GE Cafe

You are looking at two of the best brands in the industry. They have actually benefitted from the recession since consumers are not spending money on the premium brands.

But how do they compare?

Gas Stove:

As I have said in previous posts, the Electrolux induction is the best stove in terms of performance...but what about gas?

GE Cafe CSG9800

Electrolux EW30GS65S

Both are great products with convection and 2 ovens. I like the Electrolux intuitive controls, but GE has a fifth element with griddle capability and a 17,000 BTU burner. I would call it a draw or a slight GE advantage.

Shallow Depth Refrigerator:

Electrolux EW23BC

GE Cafe CFCP1N1YSS

Both good products and virtually the same price, but Electrolux has 3 models to GEs 1 and is 2 cubic feet larger. Electrolux advantage.

Dishwasher:

Electrolux EID610

GE Cafe CDWT9800

I like Electrolux better to be blunt. It has better racks, more options and a great interface.

Both manufacturers have designed great lines, so this is a good choice. The prime consideration would be style with the Cafe looking more professional, and the Electrolux being more European.

Electrolux does have a significant advantage in the overall, since they have a significant induction offering

Pro Electric Alternatives

Lets go back to the Wolf Gas/electric (Hi George) DF304.

As said in a previous post, this is a great range. But what if you only have electric? You can bury a propane tank in your yard and convert the range to propane.

There are, however,better alternatives in actual electric as follows:

Electrolux EIS65JS

Repeat after me: Induction is faster than gas. Seriously. It also simmers better and is virtual childsafe. It also requires less ventilation, because it emits much less heat into the room than gas. With that in mind, Electrolux is a great range with intuitive controls, convection oven and yet another oven below. Price is $2500 less than the Wolf.

Frigidaire FPCS3085

Frigidaire is Electrolux Light. This unit has 2 induction burners, convection oven and a warming drawer underneath. At $2049, the Frigidaire is $1150 less than the Electrolux and $3150 less than the Wolf.

Buy an induction range...and bury a pool in the yard instead of a tank.

Electrolux Laundry and The Tax Holiday

Tax Holiday (August 14 and 15th if the Governor signs) and Electrolux...could be an interesting post.

I really admire Electrolux. This is the worlds largest appliance manufacturer yet was virtually unheard of in the US. In 1993, they purchased Frigidaire and retooled all the factories to produce stainless appliances. Now they own that mid-range segment of the industry.

7-8 years ago, they decided to market upscale appliances under their own name and have carved yet another niche of the industry. What has been a total surprise is the success of their laundry.

The Electrolux Wave Touch is the best set of laundry available. It is the largest at 4.7 cubic foot, has a 18 minute wash and dry cycle for small loads, steam in both washer and dryer, heat boost, accelerated spin (for predrying) and a unique suspension system for second floor installations.

A bunch of dealers bought the last of the 2010 models, so this pair is now $2299 instead of $3199 (the new model is even larger at 5.1 cubic feet).

For those waiting for tax day, there will be an additional $143.68 in tax savings.
However, before you wait a month, there is a $300 rebate, which ends July 31....This is $156 better than the tax savings.

Holiday Shopping

Appliance rebates are arbritrary, but holidays seem to have more than any other time of the year. As I have posted many times, rebates can save you a small fortune.

The secret is timing...

Take Electrolux for example from July 1-5, they have rebates of over 20% on any of their refrigerators (except their Icon label).

This refrigerator is $700 less expensive than it will be on July 5th.

Buy This as an Alternative to That...Part 2

Lets have a look at the SubZero refrigerator

SubZero is the best refrigerator in the market. Features include dual compressors, vacuum seal, an air scrubber and self sealing crispers. It is shallow depth so the unit will be flush to the cabinets. As I said, SubZero is the best, but then again at around $8000, it should be.

Lets look at alternatives...

Electrolux EW23BC71IS

For less than half the price at $3449, the Electrolux is a french door with an icemaker and has the same shallow depth look of a SubZero. Eliminate the icemaker and save $800. But still $2649 is a bit pricey.

Bosch B22CS30SNS

French doors are supposedly all the rage. Yet the Bosch side by side still outsells them in shallow depth. $1849 plus rebates is the reason. Look at this in a package for decent, affordable luxury.

Induction Compared

I really am unbiased. What people buy at Yale is consequential to me as long as they are happy with their purchase and are treated fairly. However, when a product is superior, I will certainly extol its virtues (unless it has a bad repair record).

Induction is that product. It is faster, safer, easier to simmer and less expensive than pro gas. We have a number of Youtube videos demonstrating this.

Electrolux seems to be ahead in the induction category. Lets compare their two slide in models:

Frigidaire (an Electrolux Brand) FPCF3085UF...

At $2599, this unit is hybrid induction meaning two of the five burners are induction and the other two are electric. This unit also features a convection oven and warming drawer

Electrolux EW30IS65JS $3599

Better than above with a more intuitive (still like that word) control panel, all induction burners and a second oven instead of just a warmer.

New Induction

The next induction range was finally shipped and displayed yesterday. The new Electrolux slide-in has a cool control panel, convection and two ovens.

Have a gander:



At first, with a price over $3000, I was a bit disappointed..But then you compare this at $2999...



It doesn't seem like such a bad deal....Hopefully, it is the beginning of more induction products with more affordable prices.

Electrolux at 10% off

So you like Electrolux..The Worlds Fastest Growing Appliance Manufacturer...Great styling, intuitive controls and almost nothing under $1,000.

















Well, you like them better December 24-31...There is a 10% rebate

New Induction...Electrolux

Induction is the best way to cook. Yes, its better than even the most powerful professional gas unit. Speed, ability to simmer, less heat exhausted into the kitchen, less venting needed and child safety are the hallmarks of induction cooking.

Although we display GE, Thermador, Diva, Bosch, Wolf and Viking, Electrolux is the most price competitive....and they have improved their design.

Have a look...


They eliminated that second stainless border, so it is easier to clean.

Sign of the Times

Most manufacturers are caught. The life cycle of a product between idea, design, development, manufacture and then to the store is around 3 years. Flash back 3 years ago and the appliance industry was on a roll with record shipments.

Well times have changed. In June, appliance shipments nationally were down 29%, which begs the simple question: What about all the new products designed from when times were good.

In order to keep factories working, most manufacturers have offered rebates, which are 10-25% of the product. Electrolux has opted for a more radical approach...

They give it away.

Lets look at this professional range. Its decent with two self cleaning convection ovens and 6 burners (no grill or griddle, however.)



The $1500 hood is free with purchase...probably not on the drawing boards 3 years ago.

EnergyStar Refrigeration

Our new site needs work, and it does have issues. We are working to address, but to clarify: All EnergyStar refrigerators for NSTAR and National Grid customers from GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux, SubZero, Thermador and Bosch have $169 instant rebates...Its a little confusing at the present time without question

Electrolux Laundry

I actually like these units, but for different reasons. Sure, it has decent specs. Electrolux is the largest units in the industry at 4.7 cubic feet or double a top load. It also does not use much water or electricity and has some pretty robust controls.

One of their main features is the 18 minute wash and 18 minute dry cycles, but this is only for very small loads.

Their best feature by far is the venting profile...or lack thereof. The vent is recessed from the back of the unit, so you now only need 31" inches of depth. On other units, the depth is 31 plus 4 inches in depth for the vent pipe.

Great space saver for stacks and closets.

RIP JennAir (For Now)

As of today, we will no longer be carrying JennAir at Yale. The JennAir kitchen is now Frigidaire Pro...



The display pieces are in outlet...






So what happened? Jennair was very popular at this store since the 1970s and occupied the affordable luxury niche recently. They have had a couple of challenges over the last 8 years.

First, they have been completely out-marketed by Viking and Wolf at the high end, as well as Electrolux, Bosch and GE in their core market. Every one of these companies has introduced new compelling products while JennAir stuck to their dwindling downdraft segment.

Secondly, the brand has been commoditized beyond recognition. I am not critical of Whirlpool as a manufacturer. They are the best appliance factory people in the world. That's the issue. They leverage their factories, so the same product is produced for 6 different labels. There is absolutely no reason to now buy JennAir other than their new overpriced walloven...all the other products are co-branded with other brands.

For JennAir to succeed, Whirlpool needs to start from scratch and create unique products branded exclusively for JennAir. Can they? Absolutely. Will they....?

Wall Ovens...Again

Let's end the wall oven quandry...

Wall ovens like most appliances fit cabinet specifications. New construction typically fits a 30 inch cabinet, and older sizes can be 27 or even 24 inch.

In 1975ish, convection became the new feature in high end cooking. Convection as you know is fan forced heat for more even cooking. 35 years later, there hasn't been much in the way of significant inprovement from the original design.

With this much easier task at hand, I would consider the following:

Super Premium:

Wolf and Miele - Wolf has two convection fans and a ton of cooking modes for people who want to cook. Miele has the best controls, which eliminate the guesswork out of almost any recipe.








Premium:

Thermador and Electrolux - Both have good controls as their value proposition. Thermador has the best rebate program (yes a free dishwasher would help sway me as a consumer)








Sleeper:

Bosch - I dont understand the marketing, but their products are attractive, functional and a great value.

JennAir/Electrolux

When you read this it will be Monday, where I am now will be Tuesday, but I am writing this on a Sunday. Now for more confusion, lets look at the integrated Electrolux and JennAir...

The JennAir is $1149, and the Electrolux is $699.









This is curious, because it is the same dishwasher. JennAir sells them to Electrolux, but then they can't move them at $1299 and close them out at $699.

Do I like this dishwasher at $1299, heck no, at $699 however, for a fully featured integrated dishwasher...its a pretty good price.

Same Range, Different Label

Today is my last post as I am off to visit a friend in Manila of all places. I will be ghost writing posts for the next two weeks. In the meantime, say hello to Pat.

Anyway, about 2 years ago, Bosch discontinued their most affordable range. Affordability evidentally has a different meaning in Germany, because this range was $950.

Somehow someone in the company had the peculiar notion that Americans buy ranges under $1200. So what do you do when you have a need for a product yet lack the capacity to build it?

You buy it from someone else...Introducing the new affordable Bosch ranges built by Electrolux...









I am out of here...