John Byrd
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When we first met Betsy and Jim Andrews in Jersey City, NJ, their kitchen was in major need of renovation. Although their charming, 116-year-old home had a lot of character, the kitchen hadn’t been updated since 1956. This meant that both aesthetically and functionally, it was time for a revamp. But they faced one major dilemma – they had no idea where to start. Life Before the RenovationBefore the renovation, the Andrews’ canary yellow countertops and wall oven screamed 1950s. The kitchen didn’t reflect their style or taste and also lacked functional features like a center island for prepping food and entertaining. As a couple who loved to cook and entertain, a low power, four burner cooktop was simply not enough. They knew they wanted to renovate their kitchen, but first had to figure out their budget and living arrangements during the project. Thankfully, because they were only renovating the kitchen, the Andrews weren’t displaced during the project. However, they did find themselves ordering out for dinner more often. Betsy and Jim also had a realistic budget in mind given the size of their project. They established from the beginning that they didn’t want to spend over $100,000 in total. Getting StartedAfter speaking with several friends who had recently completed renovation projects of their own, Betsy knew it was time to start compiling ideas. She was inspired by many of her friends’ renovation projects in New York City, and knew she wanted a modern look in her own kitchen – stainless steel appliances, quality white cabinets, and light colored accents. “I had no idea where to start actually,” Betsy said. “I knew that I wanted to have really nice finishes in here, and so the first thing I started searching for was appliances.” After speaking to some of the designers who had worked on her friends’ kitchens, Betsy learned that most designers recommend choosing your appliances before doing anything else. This allows the designer to work around your favorite appliances, instead of having to settle on appliances simply because they fit into the space. Knowing that they weren’t quite ready to hire a designer, Besty and Jim started their search for appliances. This is when we first met them. Selecting the AppliancesAfter seeing their friends’ Miele and Bosch appliances, the Andrews knew they prefered the sleek and modern look of European products. They also appreciated the wide range of functions available with high-end appliances. When beginning their search for appliances, Besty and Jim first had to think about both their wants and needs. Because the Andrews love to entertain and have guests over, having high-capacity appliances that could cook multiple dishes at once was important to them. This led them to explore appliances like a gas stove, steam oven, and 6 burner professional stove. And with the new open concept floor plan on their mind, the Andrews also knew their dishwasher had to be quiet enough that it would not disturb them as they relaxed in the living room. After seeing photos of seamless kitchens designs, the couple also chose to opt for a built-in, panel-ready refrigerator. This would make the refrigerator look more like a cabinet than an appliance. To add a focal point to the space, Betsy knew she wanted a stainless steel range hood that would catch the eye of her guests. One amenity Betsy and Jim knew they wanted from the very beginning was a high-quality coffee maker. As coffee connoisseurs, they wanted to be able to skip the trip to their local coffee shop in the morning and enjoy a quality cup of their favorite drink from the comfort of their own home. After seeing the appliances in person and learning about the features of each one, the couple fell in love with the style and functionality of Miele. But Betsy wasn’t only looking at the appliances when she visited showrooms and shopped online. She also took notes on things like countertops, cabinetry, and backsplash design. Building the TeamNow that Betsy and Jim had chosen their appliances, they were able to circle back to their friends to find a designer that matched their vision. After talking with the Andrews, the designer was able to help them make aesthetic choices like flooring and countertop type, a new backsplash, and the wall color. Small remodels typically only require a cabinet maker and a trip to an appliance store to get the job done. But because the Andrews decided to go with a full remodel, they needed the help of a contractor to tear down walls and create the open concept kitchen they were looking for. However, because the Andrews didn’t know where to start in terms of hiring a contractor, they asked for our help in hiring a qualified professional. Based on the scope of the project and their design preferences, we recommended AD Home Improvements. The contractor obtained the necessary permits for the walls that needed to be torn down, and organized a team to move the sink, dishwasher, and all relevant plumbing and electrical lines. This took a lot of the stress of the project off of Betsy and Jim, as they knew their contractor would be able to put together a great team to get the job done. Breaking Ground on the RenovationArmed with lots of inspiration and a great team, Betsy and Jim were finally able to break ground on the kitchen remodel. As each wall came down, the couple was able to more clearly envision the end result. Throughout the renovation, Betsy and Jim began to picture what life would look like when the project was finally done. Life After the RenovationOverall, the entire renovation took about six months from start to finish. However, the kitchen was worth the wait and greatly improved the Andrews’ quality of life. Because Betsy and Jim love to entertain, many of the amenities they chose reflect their love for gatherings. For example, they’ve already made good use of their 36 inch Miele range, which allows them to cook big meals for guests with the extra large space. They also enjoy the champagne bucket, which sits to the right of their Franke sink. But their favorite appliance of all? The Miele coffee maker they had so eagerly awaited before the renovation. “When I get up in the morning, it’s the very first thing that gets turned on in this house,” Betsy said. “Even before a light.” Aside from the new appliances, the kitchen itself became much more functional and inviting after the remodel. Instead of a room meant purely for cooking, the kitchen became the life of the party. The Bottom LineWhen asked what advice they had for others who were at the beginning of the renovation process, Betsy stressed the value of research and knowing what you want. Magazines, social media, and friends’ kitchens are great places to draw inspiration from when starting to think about your remodel. The couple also highlighted the importance of building a strong team that can bring your dream to life. The more you’re able to openly communicate with your designer and contractor, the closer the end result will be to your vision. At the end of the day, this renovation was born out of the Andrews’ want to entertain in and enjoy their space. However, as circumstances changed, Betsy and Jim decided to sell their Jersey City home in 2020. The couple’s charming home sold for well over asking price…in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The renovation came at the perfect time, as it allowed the couple to enjoy their new space, and also increased their home value when they decided to make the move to the suburbs. The remodel gave the Betsy and Jim peace of mind in knowing that interested buyers wouldn’t be scared away by outdated appliances and canary yellow countertops. “I’m so glad we decided to go through with the remodel,” Jim said after selling the home. “It was a lot of work, but it was definitely worth it in the end.”
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As recently as a decade ago, making the quietest dishwasher was not at the top of manufacturers’ mind. Most people capitulated after all dishwashers were merely known as loud appliances, nearly all of them rising above 60 dB or louder. (This is the approximate volume of a propeller plane flying overhead.) The sound of a dishwasher could be heard throughout the house, and it seemed that this was simply the way things would always be. Today, with our top pick Miele G7566SCViSF at 38 db, we can assure you that you are not going to notice your dishwasher hard at work cleaning dirty dishes. Ultra Quiet Bosch Dishwashers Changed Everything In the early 2000s, Bosch dishwashers changed everything with an advertising campaign that touted the brand as the quietest dishwasher in the world. Suddenly, brands throughout the market were scrambling to find ways to make their dishwashers quieter, and customers took notice. Today, most people list noise concerns as their number-one decision point when it comes to choosing the best dishwasher. Unfortunately, manufacturers assume that we all have an engineering degree and push various decibel (dB) ratings and associated price points to us. So, if you are unclear about decibel (dB) ratings and how various brands and models compare when it comes to noise you will find our guide useful. We even made an informative video with an actual sound test for decibel comparison. You will find great visuals and a decibel chart in our production. This way you will be able to select the best and the quietest dishwasher to meet your needs and your budget. What does the decibel rating mean?Manufacturers love to use decibels to describe the noise levels of their machines. But the funny thing is, most of us have no idea how loud decibel levels are or how they compare. Manufacturers simply assume that if they advertise a decibel level with enough vibrancy and excitement, consumers will assume it’s an impressive figure. Then they have the dishwasher installed only to find out they can hear it from their bedroom. So let’s talk a bit about decibels when it comes to dishwasher ratings. Decibels are a unit of measurement that is what mathematicians call logarithmic, meaning it goes up in powers of ten. Which means that a decibel number that’s 10% higher than another isn’t going to be 10% louder. For example, a 70db sound is actually twice as loud as a 60db sound.. A 50db sound is one-fourth as loud as a 60db sound. We figure, you get the picture on decibel comparison now. How many decibels is a quiet dishwasher?When it comes to dishwashers, it’s important to note that all modern models are now quieter than 60db. At the very least, we recommend finding one that’s 50db or quieter. (Remember, this is a quarter the volume of 60db.) 50db is roughly the noise level of a quiet conversation, and we have found that it’s usually more than quiet enough for most people. However, an open floor plan kitchen might have you looking for something even quieter, and those options are available. Having said that, the truth of the matter is that paying extra for anything below 44db is a waste of money unless you plan on sleeping in your kitchen every night. We’re talking about the volume of a library, so if a brand claims that anything lower than 44db is the only acceptable volume—ignore them. At 44db you may still hear a very slight noise coming from the dishwasher so if you are extra sensitive to sound there are models available as quiet as 38db. But for most homes this will be overkill. What Makes a Dishwasher Quiet or Loud?The factors that go into determining how loud a dishwasher will be while running are numerous and diverse. The main sources of noise within a dishwasher are the movement of water through the water pump, the drain pump removing water from the space, water moving and bouncing off of surfaces within the dishwasher including the wash tubs and plates, and the movement of dishes within the device. Units that utilize a hard food disposal system tend to be louder, as well. That being said, manufacturers have found effective ways to minimize the amount of sound that is produced and how much of that sound escapes the dishwasher. Some of these design innovations involve the washing process itself, using quieter pump systems and variable speeds that keep the dishwasher from constantly running at full power (and full volume). Another tactic manufacturers use is to add insulation around the unit to keep noise from escaping. This helps keep any sounds isolated to the inside of the dishwasher. Measuring Noise Across Different BrandsComparing brands when it comes to their decibel claims can be tough because there is no standardized practice for measuring noise levels. This means that one company could be measuring at a distance of one meter while another is conducting tests from across a warehouse, or in a different type of room. Besides, are the brands considering the noise levels during water intake or discharge or are they measuring quietness during wash cycles? What is the soil level of the dishes during the test as the advanced sensors will adjust water pressure and cleaning intensity based on samples taken throughout the cycle? You can see from these examples how decibel level readings could be misleading. Your only truly safe bet is when making relative comparisons between models offered by the same brand, because they at least can be expected to use the same noise testing methods. Bosch and Miele dishwashers are the two brands who have the quietest dishwashers. They have been “battle-tested” and shown to have the best noise ratings across the board. Considering that their testing methods to be the most stringent in the industry we highly recommend them as a safe bet. (As a side note, we believe Miele dishwashers missed a great opportunity in marketing when the company decided not to release its great quietness ratings for more than a decade before circa 2017.) If you’re ever in doubt, ask around to see if any friends or family members can vouch for a certain model’s volume level. This is much better than taking brand’s claims at face value. Rankings of 5 Best Quietest Dishwashers of 20205 Best Quietest Dishwashers 1) Best Overall Quietest Dishwasher: Miele G7566SCViSF with Wifi & AutoDos Dispenser at 38 dBMiele G7566SCViSF Why We Like It: Ultimate in cleaning, and drying. Peppered with exquisite touches such as the AutoDos automatic detergent dispenser, glass touch controls, and interior lights that provide convenience with your dishwashing chore. In addition, we believe the AutoOpen door is total hit. It not only enhances drying but also mitigates unwanted smells in your dishwasher. The Miele G7566SCViSF comes in different styles to match any high-end kitchen. You can have a visible control panel, hidden controls with a towel bar, match the door with surrounding cabinets, or even get the version without any handles and just gently knock on the door to open. Ultra quiet, dependable and super effective. Key Features:
2) Best Drying Quiet Dishwasher: Bosch 800 Series SHPM88Z75N at 40 dBBosch dishwasher SHPM88Z75N Why We Like It: Handleless design make this dishwasher blend in any kitchen without clashing with other appliances. So, if you have to replace your dishwasher with the best in class but worry about introducing a new manufacturer brand to your kitchen this Bosch dishwasher is ideal for you. Amazing drying with CrystalDry. It offers a great price point for a feature-rich dishwasher. Key Features:
3) Best Cleaning Quiet Dishwasher: Miele G7106SCUSS at 45 dBMiele G7106SCUSS Why We Like It: Excellent clean with the latest in dishwasher technology. Amazing drying performance with AutoOpen door. Eliminates musty smells that usually occur on dishwashers from other manufacturers. Built in Water Softerner ensures spotless results. This machine is very quiet at 45 dB which means it will not disturb conversations or TV noise. We ranked it as one of the top dishwashers in our quietest list as it makes up for advance sound insulation with its great cleaning abilities. Key Features:
4) Best High-End Quietest Dishwasher: Bosch SHXM88Z75N at 40 dBBosch Benchmark Dishwasher SHX88PZ55N Why We Like It: This Bosch 800 series dishwasher clocks an ultra quiet 40 dB in sound tests. It incorporates all important Bosch technologies including the CrystalDry technology for bone-dry finish. MyWay rack is large enough to hold bowls and ladles in addition to silverware. This rack saves space in lower baskets so you can efficiently load the dishwasher. You may ask why we have chosen a 40 dB dishwasher as our top pick when there are 38 db dishwashers on the market. Here is our answer. Considering the price point and the features the Bosch SHXM88Z75N offers the best price performance ratio. Bosch priced this dishwasher competitively and seasonally provides additional sales incentives via competitive consumer rebates. Equally equipped dishwashers from other brands start usually have an additional $300 on the price tag. Please note Bosch Benchmark series SHE89PW75N and SHX89PW75N are technically the quietest Bosch dishwashers with an ultra quiet 38 dB noise level. Key Features:
At this price point we wish that Bosch SHXM88Z75N included a water softener to fight water stains. Bosch reserved water softeners for its Benchmark series (such as SHX88PZ55N), however, the company trimmed its selection considerably in the past few months to make room in production line for it more popular models. 5) Best Value in Quietness: GE Profile PDT785SYNFS at 39 dBGE Profile Dishwasher PDT785SYNFS Why We Like It: GE dishwashers are extremely reliable. Although most of the GE dishwasher catalog is not a poster-child for quietness, this GE Profile series dishwasher is one of the best in the world at 39 dB. This dishwasher is a like a waterpark for dishes with 140 cleaning jets to cover every corner and every dish in them. Key Features:
Quietest Dishwasher Brands1) Bosch DishwashersWhen it comes to quietness Bosch puts in the most amount effort. In fact, Bosch dishwashers are so quiet that they project a beam of light (in Bosch language infolight or timelight) to the floor to indicate they are working. Bosch makes over 100 dishwashers and it can be overwhelming to choose one that matches your needs. Most Popular Bosch Dishwashers
2) Miele DishwashersMiele makes the best dishwashers in the world when it comes to cleaning. Similar to Bosch, Miele dishwashers are extremely quiet. Popular Miele Dishwasher Models
Runners Up on Quiet Dishwasher BrandsWhirlpool for Budget Choices Whirlpool WDTA50SAHZ Over the past 3 years we have noticed that even the low-cost dishwashers are becoming quiet. This Whirlpool has an acceptable price/performance ratio. The Whirlpool WDTA50SAHZ is fully Integrated Dishwasher with Hidden Controls at 47 dB. We must note that the 47 dB rating was clocked on a normal wash cycle which is geared towards lightly soiled dishes. We recommend using the pots and pans program for most loads which might add to the sound levels. Fisher Paykel Dishwashers Fisher Paykel Dishwasher DD24DAX9N Dishwasher drawers are getting more popular in the US. Fisher Paykel is the only brand that makes drawer dishwashers. Although, the drawer design has some inherit drawbacks when it comes to distributing water quietly in the tub Fisher Paykel has done a great job keeping the noise at a minimum. The Fisher Paykel DD24DAX9N Double Dishwasher Drawer is the most popular in the lineup and features a 45 dB silence rating. ConclusionMore and more manufacturers are developing quiet dishwasher models, however Bosch and Miele are the only two brands that have the best noise ratings across their entire selection. Therefore, these two are always a safe bet. We would also encourage you to ask around to see if any friends or family members can vouch for a certain model’s volume level. This, we found, is also a good benchmark rather than taking brand’s claims at face value.
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The Best Range Hoods on a Budget11/11/2020 GE and Broan own the majority of the range hood market. In addition to our picks, we closely considered a handful of other options from both companies. GE’s Profile line has modern, clean design with a selection of stainless hoods that would look good in most kitchens. We liked the PVW7301 but ultimately decided that the Broan Elite was a better glass canopy hood option, as it is higher-powered. We considered the higher-end professional-style JV966DSS and chimney-style PV970NSS, but decided not to recommend any upgrade hoods in this guide. They are both well-powered hoods that get excellent owner reviews, though. Café is GE’s new line of hoods that look better than the basic GE models. Their designs are modern and minimal and should look good in most kitchens. We considered recommending a few older Café models as a potential upgrade pick because they looked good and had positive reviews, but they were discontinued while we were working on this guide. We don’t know yet what the response to the newer models will be, but we do think they look even sharper than the last generation. We considered other hoods from Broan’s Elite line, but found some models (like the RME5030SS and RM503004) to be a bit underpowered at 290 CFM. Both Broan and GE have even higher-end lines, called Best and Monogram, respectively. Both are well-respected and make HVI-certified hoods with great suction. You can’t go wrong with an option from either line, though you just don’t need to spend this much money on a hood if all you care about is functionality and good-enough looks. NuTone is a subsidiary of Broan that makes a line of budget-minded range hoods, generally around $500 and under. We didn’t find anything to recommend the NuTone hoods over Broan. They tend to be relatively low-powered, and light on features. Air King has a wide selection of HVI-certified hoods that all seem pretty solid. They also have many Energy Star-certified options as well. We ultimately dismissed them because Air King hoods are a bit difficult to find widely available for sale online. Pacific makes high-powered range hoods that are excellent for high-smoke cooking like stir-frying or searing, or for high-odor foods like fish. They aren’t widely available online, but some models are HVI-certified. We didn’t find anything in particular to recommend or dismiss Whirlpool’s range hoods. The options we considered were mostly lower-powered, with 300 CFM of suction or less, barely hitting our minimum criteria. And some, like the WVU37UC6F or the WVW75UC0DS receive poor owner reviews. Bosch’s only HVI-certified hood is the 300 series (30-inch, 36-inch). It comes with most of the bells and whistles, including a three-speed fan, built-in timer, heat sensor, and Energy Star certification. If you’re looking for an upgrade hood, this model receives very few owner reviews, but they’re all positive. However, we felt that at $1,000 this upgrade hood is a bit underpowered for the price, with only 300 CFM suction. But that is generally the trade-off for an Energy Star-certified hood. KitchenAid makes decently reviewed upgrade hoods. The models we considered ranged from $1,000 to $1,600, and are well-powered and quiet. We didn’t find anything in particular that set the KitchenAid hoods apart from their counterparts, but if your designer or contractor recommends one, this brand should do the job nicely. IKEA makes attractive 30- and 36-inch hoods in the most popular styles, including wall-mounted and under-cabinet designs. Some of its wall-mounted hoods are good, with decent fans (400 CFM) that have three speeds. The $50 Luftig may catch your eye, but its fan is weak and has only two speeds. Most important, none of the IKEA hoods we looked at are HVI-certified—one of our top criteria for a quality fan. Costco also carries some good hoods, including our pick, the GE JVW5301. We didn’t consider the store’s options from Ancona, Valore, or NXR because they lack HVI certification. Some of the hoods Costco carries are also probably too powerful for most home cooks, like the Valore Plateau, which has a 600 CFM fan. If you are committed to buying a hood at Costco and the GE isn’t available, you probably can’t go wrong with a Valore Cascade (under-cabinet) or Ancona (both under-cabinet), which have strong fans and tend to be very, very affordable. We looked at two newer hood brands, Z-Line and Cavaliere, which are widely available, even on Amazon (which is uncommon for appliances). Their hoods are powerful and inexpensive. The options we considered were in the $400 to $500 range, boasting around 600 CFM. Though this is a lot of bang for your buck, it’s probably overkill, and neither brand has HVI certification on its fans. via Best Appliance News https://ift.tt/32z9t8q
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It can be difficult to choose the best GE refrigerator for your home, considering a wide price range from under $799 to well over $2,999. Moreover, the layout of your kitchen combined with many configurations available (example: French door, side-by-side, counter-depth, and more) make the decision process complicated. In this article, we’ll help you select the right GE refrigerator along with best fridges you can find on the market. Besides, there are lots of other valuable knowledge you’ll be armed with. One quick note. GE makes the best freezer in the market for long term food storage. We covered those products in a separate article. Are you ready? Let’s dive in… 5 Best GE Refrigerators in 2020 All About GE Refrigerator: Brand And Model OptionsGE Appliances, with its headquarters in Kentucky, is a major home appliance manufacturing brand with about 100 refrigerator models. With over 125 years of experience, the brand is committed to delivering innovative products that are reliable and made to improve the life and comfort of families everywhere. GE Refrigerator is known for its innovative features, impressive design styles, and reliability. It comes in three major GE Appliance series – the regular GE series, the GE Profile series, and the Cafe series. 2020 is a big year for GE refrigerators. The company expects to release its full catalog of 4-door refrigerators under Profile and Cafe brands during the early part of the year. The newly renovated GE factory in Alabama is slated to manufacture the new “garage ready” top freezer refrigerators. Also, the company is addressing a major customer satisfaction issue with regard to stainless steel finishes on most of its refrigerators by making them predominantly fingerprint resistant. What is the Difference Between GE, Profile, and Cafe Refrigerator?The major difference is in the design finishing and style. The Cafe series are modeled after restaurant refrigerators both in design and functionality. They have large control dials, robust door handles, and sturdy designs. The Profile series refrigerators have sleeker designs with curved handles. In functionality, the Cafe series have flexible storage systems that enable maximum space usage. They dispense both cold and hot water, unlike the Profile series, which are limited to cold water only. The regular GE series refrigerators are your regular refrigerators, equipped with basic refrigerator features, and are affordable. Are GE Refrigerators Any Good?There are several essential factors you need to consider before buying a refrigerator. These have been covered in detail in our previous blog post on how to choose a good refrigerator. GE Appliances, being a dependable brand, eliminates the need to look at some of the factors which are covered by all their products. They have good refrigerators with great features and are built to make your life easy. Let’s look at how GE refrigerators perform under these headings. 1. ReliabilityThe last thing you would expect from a refrigerator is for it to break down barely a year after purchase. This is exactly why reliability is a top factor you need to consider when buying a refrigerator. But, in the end, a refrigerator is just as reliable as the brand name. Fortunately, GE Appliances is one of the most reliable and best refrigerator brands in the country alongside Samsung refrigerator, LG fridge, and Whirlpool refrigerator. You should expect to get about the same quality of service from GE Appliances as you would get from other popular refrigerator brands. 2. Temperature ControlThis is the first of the essential factors to consider when buying a GE refrigerator. How good the refrigerator works depends on three components – the compressor, the evaporators, and air circulation. These determine four important refrigerator qualities:
Good refrigerators always maintain a uniform temperature inside the box. They are also designed to withstand ambient temperature swings. Most GE refrigerators have upfront and easy-to-use temperature controls that allow you to select your desired temperature. GE’s Turbo Cool and Turbo Freeze settings help to speed up cooling when needed. For food items such as fruits and vegetables that require maximum preservation, you need refrigerators that can optimally control humidity, air filtration, and airflow. GE Profile GFD28GSLSS is equipped with two-humidity controlled drawers for this purpose. 3. Water Dispenser & Ice MakerNearly all GE refrigerators come equipped with a water dispenser and ice maker. In fact, GE Appliances has the edge over other brands because they are designed to provide and store a good quantity of ice. The GFD28GSLSS, for example, comes with an optional 2nd ice maker to ensure you do not run out of ice accidentally. The water dispenser also has an LED dispenser light to guard against overfill, a door alarm, and a water filter indicator light. The PYE22PYNFS which replaced the popular PYE22PSKSS dispenses ice cubes and crushed ice, while the PSS28KSHSS makes ice 50% faster than other models. The PYE22PYNFS is remarkable because it also packs a Keurig K-Cup Brewing System for coffee. But unlike some high-end LG refrigerators, GE refrigerators do not make craft ice. 4. Interior DesignYour choice of refrigerator based on interior design depends on your taste and home needs. Do you want to store more small items and need sliding shelves that create space? Do you need to access frequently consumed foods, like eggs, cheese and milk, without letting valuable, cool air out? Do you need more natural light inside the box? GE refrigerators all have certain unique interior features. The PSS28KSHSS, for instance, comes with multilevel drawers, glass freezer shelves, and adjustable door bins to create more space. The GFD28GSLSS has a door in door feature to access frequently consumed foods and drinks, and the GDE21ESKSS comes with a sliding drawer. What are the Popular Styles and Sizes of GE Refrigerators?Door DesignGE refrigerators come in various models with varying door designs. Based on this, we can classify them into four categories:
Shopping for a new refrigerator? We covered modern fridge types in-depth! Refrigerator Types French door refrigerators have the refrigerator portion on top of the freezing compartment. The refrigerator portion is covered by two doors that swing outward from the middle. French doors are often associated with luxury and, as such, carry higher prices than similar models with different door designs. Just like the name suggests, side by side refrigerators has two doors as well, with each door covering either of the freezer and the fridge. Most of the GE side by side refrigerators have their freezer on the left side. The style sometimes creates space and storage problems and is usually less expensive than others. The top freezer refrigerator has its freezer on top of the fridge portion, while the bottom freezer has its own below the fridge. They are usually the most spacious refrigerators with the bottom freezer models a little more expensive than the top freezer ones. Installation StyleAll refrigerator types are either seamless counter-depth or large capacity, Standard Depth models. Your choice totally depends on how you want your kitchen to look. Thankfully, GE Appliances allows you to choose the size of refrigerators that would work for your kitchen. The bodies of counter-depth refrigerators are designed to align with your kitchen cabinet front edges. This gives your kitchen a streamlined look. The full-depth models stick out of the cabinets and offer more space. The average 36-inch wide GE refrigerator has a counter-depth size of 21-23 cubic ft. and a full-depth size of 27-29 cubic ft. People sometimes wrongly size their cabinet space when buying refrigerators. This is a very important factor to consider, especially if you prefer a streamlined appearance. ColorsGE refrigerators come in either of these eight elegant colors – white, black, slate, black slate, matte black, matte white, stainless steel, and black stainless steel. Our best GE Profile series refrigerators mostly have a stainless-steel exterior. The idea is to match kitchen cabinets and make it easy to clean. Slate and black slate colors are unique to the regular GE series. Matte black and matte white are Cafe specific colors and are meant to give your kitchen a luxurious look. With Cafe series, you can customize handle colors too. Some models, like the GTE15CTHRWW, however, have an elegant white color. Do GE Refrigerators Have WiFi Connectivity? Is There an App?Connectivity features are mostly present in high-end refrigerators and improve the sense of luxury at home. Depending on your need and desire, you can go for refrigerators that track what is inside or can be controlled using voice. Yes, there are several GE refrigerators with connectivity features. A good number of these, like the PFE28KELDS and the PYE22KMKES are optional Wi-Fi connect refrigerators that require the ConnectPlus module. The PVD28BYNFS and the PYE22PYNFS are equipped with a built-in Wifi connect option. These fridges can be controlled using voice and support Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. With the connectivity feature, you can control your GE refrigerator using the GE Kitchen App. This enables you to schedule hot water, adjust the temperature, receive important alerts, and get updates on the status of the items in the refrigerator. Are GE Refrigerators Energy Efficient?GE Appliances are energy efficient and offer a less environmental impact. In fact, the ENERGY STAR series are known to surpass federal energy efficiency requirements. You can save a couple of hundred bucks in energy bills per year with GE refrigerators. 5 Best GE Refrigerators in 2020Before we reviewed these refrigerator models, we had a hard time deciding which factors will weigh more than the others. GE has great refrigerators models in each series and style. Each comes with unique features that set it apart from the others. We considered reliability, quality, comfort, pricing, and the unique features they carry. Here are the top 5 GE Refrigerator Models in the market. 1) Best Budget GE Refrigerator: GE GTE16DTNRWW, Top-FreezerReplaces the discontinued GTE15CTHRWW GE refrigerator GTE16DTNRWW The Energy Star rated GTE15CTHRWW used to be our top pick of the GE top-freezer refrigerator models. Since 2016, it has also been consistently rated as the most dependable refrigerator by other merchants, consumers and third- party rating systems. The GTE15CTHRWW has adjustable freezer shelves that make it easier to fit in items. The clear drawers make finding and monitoring items easy too. The refrigerator also has a large storage space by the door, which can accommodate large containers. As of December 2019, GE no longer manufactures the GTE15CTHRWW. The company replaced the model with GTE16DTNRWW, which is slightly larger at 15.6 Cu. Ft.. Besides the reliability, the GTE16DTNRWW has easy-to-use temperature controls. This allows you to select your desired temperature range for your food. The refrigerator comes equipped with LED lighting, and the moveable racks make it easy to pack and arrange food items in the refrigerator. The GTE16DTNRWW exceeds federal energy efficiency requirements, making it one of the most efficient refrigerator models in the market. This saves you some money in energy bills. The model’s high gloss white color make the outer surface and appearance easy to clean too. 2) Best Bottom Freezer GE Refrigerator: GE GDE21ESKSS30-inch 20.9 Cu. Ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator GE refrigerator GDE21ESKSS In the bottom-freezer category, the GDE21ESKSS comes out as our best GE refrigerator. Besides the basic refrigerator fittings, there are other features we found interesting. The GDE21ESKSS is armed with an advanced water filtration system that removes 98% of trace chemicals and pharmaceuticals from water and ice. Well, if you think that’s really cool, you will find the model’s automatic factory-installed ice maker amazing. When it comes to storage and space, the GDE21ESKSS is 30″ wide and has a sliding drawer that enables you to create more space to fit in items. There are food shelves, drawers, and bins, for storing and proper arrangements. The model makes use of a multi-flow air system for better temperature management. The upfront easy-to-use temperature controls allow you to choose accurate temperature levels for your food and drinks. If you are looking for a bottom-freezer temperature which is easy to operate, reliable, and gives you more than enough space, we recommend the GDE21ESKSS. 3) Best Side by Side GE Refrigerator: GE Profile PSS28KSHSS36-inch 28.4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator GE refrigerator PSS28KSHSS The Profile Series PSS28KSHSS easily comes out on top for the best side-by-side GE refrigerators. Just like the GDE21ESKSS, the PSS28KSHSS has an advanced water filtration system that removes 98% of trace chemicals. The model is equipped with an Arctica ice maker that holds as much as 10 lbs. of ice and creates ice 50% faster than other refrigerators in the category. The PSS28KSHSS comes fitted with multilevel drawers, glass freezer shelves, and adjustable door bins. These features make it easier to arrange food items properly for space. The temperature management system is controlled by 4 electronic sensors and a short air tower with easy-to-use, accurate controls. Unlike the GDE21ESKSS and the GTE16DTNRWW, the PSS28KSHSS is equipped with a dispenser for chilled water, ice cubes, and crushed ice. The dispenser features include a door alarm and child lock for safety purposes. The refrigerator also has angled LED lighting that illuminates the entire freezer and fresh food compartment. The PSS28KSHSS is a remarkable refrigerator that’s really great, especially for people that require a steady supply of ice cubes. Currently, the model is a top-rated side-by-side refrigerator. 4) Best French Door GE Refrigerator: GE GFD28GSLSS27.8 Cu. Ft. French-Door Refrigerator, Door In Door Style GE refrigerator GFD28GSLSS GE French doors are built to give your kitchen a luxurious look. GE GFD28GSLSS provides that and more. It has a “door-in-door” design that grants you quick access to everyday items like snacks and drinks. The refrigerator’s icemaker is placed at the door and has integrated bins that create extra storage space. There is also an optional second icemaker placed in the freezer that comes in handy when you need a steady supply of ice. The GFD28GSLSS has an advanced water filtration system that makes use of the RPWFE replacement filter to remove 98% of trace pharmaceuticals from water and ice. The model is also equipped with TwinChill evaporators, which maintain separate climates in the freezer and fresh food section always. As a plus, the GFD28GSLSS packs extra features that include Wi-Fi connectivity, door alarm, ice dispenser, and electronic temperature display. The GFD28GSLSS lacks the hands-free autofill feature that is present in some other GE door-in-door models but manages to come out ahead of others in the category. 5) Best Overall GE Refrigerator: GE profile PYE22PYNFS36-inch 22.2 Cu. Ft. Smart Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator GE refrigerator PYE22PYNFS The GE Profile PYE22PYNFS is the overall best GE refrigerator in our list. It recently replaced the popular predecessor PYE22PSKSS with the fingerprint resistant stainless steel finish. The Keurig K-Cup coffee brewing system is the first feature, among others, that sets it apart from other refrigerators. The model uses the counter-depth installation style, which makes it fit perfectly into your kitchen layout and amplifies the general outlook. Perhaps, the most impressive feature of the PYE22PYNFS is its smartness. It is equipped with ConnectPlus WiFi system that allows you to control the refrigerator with your voice. There’s also the GE Kitchen app with which you can schedule hot water for brewing tea or coffee. Just like the GFD28GSLSS, the PYE22PYNFS has an advanced water filtration system that uses the RPWFE filter to remove trace pharmaceuticals. It is also equipped with TwinChill evaporators for separate climates in the freezer and fresh food compartment. There’s also the showcase LED lighting, the door alarm, and the external digital temperature display. The Profile series ENERGY STAR PYE22PYNFS is a high-end refrigerator with premium pricing. But it surely complements a luxurious lifestyle and offers good value for the money. ConclusionGE Appliances refrigerators are known for their reliability, good quality, and innovative features. This is reflected in all their refrigerator models on the market. They have great longevity and all have at least a 1-year company warranty. In our review, we looked at reliability, energy efficiency, user comfort, extra features, and pricing in that order before we ranked the refrigerators. The Profile series PYE22PYNFS easily beats the other models to become our #1 GE refrigerator model. We love its smartness, the Keurig K-Cup coffee brewing system, and other cool features. The other refrigerator models on our list are our top picks in their categories and also have great features. Before you finally settle for the GE refrigerator to buy, we recommend you go through our buying guide and also consider your budget. You can always get good GE refrigerators and proper guidance at Designer Appliances, your authorized retailer. Stay cool, always! Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere are GE refrigerators made? Finally, the top freezers (which is still almost half of the GE refrigerators sold on the market) come from a newly renovated factory in Decatur, Alabama. How long do GE refrigerators last? Are GE refrigerators reliable? Which is better: Side by side or French Door GE refrigerator? What temperature should my GE refrigerator be set at? What do you think about GE Profile PWE23KSKSS? The PWE23KSKSS comes in multiple colors – Stainless Steel, Slate, and Black Slate. What is a garage-ready refrigerator? Can’t I just use my fridge in the garage? GE is releasing a new garage-ready refrigerator in 2020 that can withstand ambient temperature fluctuations, so your food is safe.
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Whirlpool Corp. makes microwaves under the Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, and KitchenAid labels. Most of them are similar to the Whirlpool WMH31017, based on what we’ve seen of them in stores. We think you can expect similar performance across the board, so if you find one of the other models on sale, or you prefer the look or certain options, you’ll still be getting a good microwave. We tested the GE JVM3160, which is the bottom-end microwave in that company’s OTR lineup. It’s a solid alternative to the Whirlpool WMH31017, with more express controls but less-even heating, and roughly equal lighting and fan-noise characteristics. It’s also one of the few models that’s still available in the classic Bisque finish. GE also makes a slightly larger and more expensive model, the JVM7195, which is otherwise similar to the JVM6175. The Frigidaire FFMV1645T appears to be similar to the GE JVM3160, and it’s probably assembled in the same factory, but it has fewer express options and a white cooktop light that won’t work as a night-light. The LG LVM1762ST has a lower average user rating than most of the other models we tested, which is a mark against it. It’s missing some express controls (though it does have an Add 30 Seconds button, and More or Less buttons to adjust the run time by 10 seconds). We found a dead spot in the center of the turntable, which is very uncommon and might make it frustrating to use. We’d intended to test the Samsung ME16H702SE, but we couldn’t get our hands on one before the coronavirus pandemic closed down our office. Like many Samsung appliances, it’s usually one of the cheaper major-name OTR microwaves you can get. But it also has a lower average user rating than the rest. The Magic Chef MCO165UW is usually the cheapest OTR microwave you can get, but it also has the lowest average user rating we’ve seen in the category. It doesn’t have a night-light setting, its only express control is a not-very-useful Add Minute option, and it has a dead spot in the center of the microwave. Insignia (Best Buy’s store brand) has a few OTR models. We didn’t test any due to time constraints, but based on some research, we think the stainless-steel NS-OTR16SS9 model could be essentially the same low-end microwave as the Magic Chef. However, the black-stainless NS-OTR16BS8 appears to be a higher-quality model. Most of the brands we’ve covered have higher-end models that we didn’t test—GE Profile models are a notable example. Some premium appliance brands have microwaves, too, often included as a toss-in with a larger kitchen-appliance package deal. Based on what we know about how microwaves are built, these are all built in the same few factories as the cheaper models, most likely around the same core components. So the main differences are in the aesthetics and control panels. Higher-end models might blend in better with a higher-end kitchen design, but don’t expect them to reheat your lasagna more evenly, and they may or may not last longer. One notable higher-end model is the Whirlpool WML55011 (or any of the similar models made by Whirlpool Corp.), a low-profile OTR microwave. It’s a few inches shorter than anything else, fitting into spaces with lower-mounted cabinets. It’s tall enough to fit a cup roughly the size of a pint glass. It’s an expensive microwave, but it solves a unique problem. via Best Appliance News https://ift.tt/3eEqLWA
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