Right now, everyone is looking for ways to stretch their household budgets, and we know it’s no different when shopping for appliances. This month, we’re talking with Chad, Sales Manager and Appliance Expert here at Judd & Black. He’s sharing tips for selecting budget-friendly kitchen upgrades, plus his top picks for affordable new appliances that impress.
What is a budget-friendly appliance?
Chad: Well, budgets are relative to each of our customers. Whether you are interested in replacing an outdated or broken appliance or looking for a fresh upgrade to sell your property, Judd & Black Appliances can help guide you to products that will work for you and your budget. What is most important to us is making sure that you walk away happy and with appliances that meet your needs for your particular budget!
Can you tell us about a few features that add the most bang for your buck in kitchen appliances?
Chad: Let’s start with one of the most used appliances in a home: the refrigerator. While the hot trend may be the French door models, access to ice and water through the door is probably the most desired convenience feature. Side-by-side refrigerator models are a great choice because you can stay within a budget-friendly price range and get built-in ice/water.
The next most popular kitchen appliance to update is the stovetop and oven. An affordable upgrade from older models that has the most impact is the front control/slide-in range. There is no back panel; the temperature controls are at the front for a more streamlined look that accentuates the backsplash. Plus, you no longer need to reach over the hot pots and pans to adjust cooking temperatures.
For dishwashers, an affordable upgrade locates the control panel on the top of the door. Moving the controls from the front panel gives you a more modern-looking appliance.
What misconceptions are there right now with customers looking for budget-friendly appliances?
Chad: If you haven’t shopped for appliances recently, one surprise is the color choice of affordable appliances. These days, a stainless steel finish comes at a similar or even lower price than white or black appliances. Also, it used to be true that a coil top range was an affordable choice, but glass-top stoves are now more commonly manufactured and are very reasonable. Don’t rule something out because it used to be expensive; see what is available when you are ready to purchase.
What are some of the best brands to consider regarding budget-friendly kitchen appliances?
Chad: A few affordable brands that I recommend are Whirlpool, GE, and Frigidaire. Other options that might be of interest to those wanting affordable premium brands include Maytag, Bosch, or KitchenAid.
Can you recommend any specific models of appliances that offer great features and quality at an affordable price point?
Chad: Sure! Here are a few great products that come to mind.
Refrigerator:
Whirlpool® 24.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Ranges:
Frigidaire Professional® 30” Stainless Steel Front Control Freestanding Air Fry Electric Range
Whirlpool® 30” Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Slide-In Electric Range w/ 7-in-1 Air Fry Oven
Dishwasher:
Whirlpool® 24” FingerPrint Resistant Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
We’ve been focusing today on kitchen appliances, but here’s another great set of products I’d like to share with customers that do a great job and are likely to fit into many budgets.
Laundry:
Whirlpool® 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Whirlpool® 7.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer
What common mistakes do people make when shopping for budget-friendly kitchen appliances, and how can they avoid them?
Chad: The easiest way to avoid mistakes is to come prepared with information. It is helpful to measure ahead of time, but don’t just measure the old appliance; instead, measure the space you have for the new one to fit into. Bringing photos or videos of the room for us to see can also be helpful. You’ll need to know whether your hook-up is electric or gas for some appliances.
Do you have any tips for maintaining new appliances?
Chad: A dirty appliance will stop performing at its best over time, so cleaning is the best tip we can offer to maintain and prolong the lifespan of budget-friendly kitchen appliances. We recommend regularly cleaning filters, the rim of the door, and detergent dispensers.
How can the customer be sure they got the best price on their purchase?
Chad: Always check for sale prices and take advantage of rebates offered by the manufacturer. Sometimes, the rebate is available on a single item; sometimes, you must spend a minimum amount to qualify. So check the fine print on any offer you find.
Is there anything else that people can do to get the most value for their purchase?
Chad: At Judd & Black, we do suggest buying the extended warranty. It is a value-added service that we offer our customers to help keep their appliances in working order for as long as possible. The cost of an extended warranty with Judd & Black is directly related to the purchase price of your appliances. Affordable models will have a reasonable warranty cost. We uniquely offer this warranty to service what we sell, and we take pride in that.
Judd & Black has the only union factory-trained and certified appliance technicians in Washington state, and we serve all of Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties. You can trust our professionals to keep your appliances running well with prompt, professional service.
Whether you are interested in replacing outdated or broken appliances or looking for a fresh upgrade to sell your property, Judd & Black Appliances can help guide you to products that will work for you and your budget.