Basic Math

As I have posted previously, appliance prices, like gas, insurance and food are on the rise. Frigidaire and Whirlpool both announced increases of 6% effective November 1.

They can announce increases. I am not sure their true intentions. Lets look (Scroll to the bottom if you are pressed for time.)

Frigidaire digital stainless dishwasher. The price is $489( before rebate, but we will be there shortly).




Frigidaire stainless over the range microwave vent $409.




Frigidaire 5 burner convection gas range with power burner $899.




Frigidaire 18 cubic foot pro stainless refrigerator with ice maker $749.




The total is $2546. After rebates the total cost becomes $1599, which is the lowest ever. For consumers, the message is clear:

Pick a brand to maximize the rebate
Buy Rebated Models
Save money

Integration And The Bobby Joyce Rule

Have A look at a few integrated refrigerators.



As we have posted before, integrated refrigeration fits inside the cabinet. It is the shallowest of refrigeration, and the best looking.

But how hard is it to install?

For this, I use my infallible Bobby Joyce Rule. Bobby and I have worked together for 22 years. He is the type of guy who owns every tool known to mankind. We once built a deck together. I carried the wood. He pretty much handled the rest.

The Bobby Joyce Rule is this: If Bob cannot install it, then homeowners, contractors and builders cannot or will at least drive themselves mad in the process.

Bob Joyce cannot install the panels on Bosch, Thermador or Gaggenau columns.

In our corner of the universe, we have found and paid a master carpenter to effect installation to our customers(we pay for it out of our marketing funds).

Lesson of a very distracted post: Line up installation before you buy these products.

Seriously.

How Things Change

Lets look at this Miele Washer and dryer.



I really like this company. Miele still manufactures every component, control and housing in Germany. Because they have such a tight rein on production and do have the best quality control, Miele has developed a cult following amongst its customers.

However, certain problems have developed for this company, which are beyond their control. The Euro has increase versus the dollar. This has inflated their price to the consumer. They have also been adversely affected by the shift away from super premium products in general.

They have also been affected by a factor within their control...Have a look at Whirlpool, LG, GE, Maytag and Frigidaire to understand.




These products are manufactured to be stacked or placed side by side. Miele cannot be stacked in their newer large series, so they have lost the increasingly popular second and third floor installations.

Ventilation Part 7

Lets look at two similar ventilation installations. One works, one doesn't.





The Wolf with the Best is the correct answer. The Viking installation does not have enough capture area.

How to vent properly:

1. A hood with capture depth of at least 24 inches.

2. A high CFM blower. I recommend at least 1200 for a 48 inch range or more.

3. Duct of 8-10 inch in diameter.

4. A short duct run....minimize the turns.

Ventilation is not expensive to accomplish properly. Beware, repairing issues after the fact truly becomes a big, expensive nightmare.