Appliances are expensive purchases. But there are ways to save on them, including buying at a time when prices are lower. That’s usually on three-day weekends like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Black Friday or toward the end of the year when businesses are trying to clear out space for new models.
GE Cafe
While the latest appliances in the market may seem to offer plenty of extra features that can enhance your cooking experience, they can also come with a hefty price tag. So, if you’re looking for a new set of kitchen appliances, it’s essential to make a list of what you really need and would like in your new appliance before shopping around.
One brand that is gaining a lot of popularity amongst homeowners is the GE Cafe. This premium line is designed with modern aesthetics in mind, and the products feature unique finishes that can elevate your home.
Founded in 2018, the brand offers stylish, cutting-edge appliances that are ideal for any kitchen. The Cafe range is considered to be GE’s affordable luxury line, and it can easily compete with brands like KitchenAid and LG Studio. Despite its competitive pricing, the Cafe line boasts high-end presentation that sets it apart from other premium brands.
Another notable feature of the GE Cafe appliances is their customizable hardware options. You can choose from several matte color finishes for the handles and accents of your appliances, which can give your kitchen a sophisticated look. Additionally, the GE Cafe refrigerators have an adjustable humidity control drawer that helps keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer.
In addition to the sleek, stylish designs, the GE Cafe appliances are durable and can withstand years of use. The refrigerators have a stainless steel exterior that doesn’t stain or show fingerprints, and the dishwashers are durable enough to withstand tough cleaning chemicals. Additionally, the GE Cafe stoves and ovens are easy to clean and have a built-in steam function that eliminates odors and reduces grease buildup.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your appliances, the best time of year to shop is during sales events like President’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. You can also find good deals on appliances near the end of their life cycle, as companies are trying to clear out space for the newest models.
Joe Gagnon is a Consumer Advocate and a trusted authority on all things appliances. His easy-going, logical method of instruction has helped millions of consumers make smarter buying decisions and save money on their most valued possessions. He’s also helped countless people fix their own appliances and gain a sense of accomplishment in the process.
Miele
The Miele line of household appliances has been lauded by industry experts for their German engineering and uncompromising reliability. They’re expensive, but the company says you can expect them to last 20 years or more with regular use. Its motto, Immer Besser or Forever Better, reflects that philosophy.
Miele was founded in Gutersloh, Germany in 1899 and remains a family-owned business. The brand is now sold worldwide and is the only premium appliance manufacturer represented on five continents. They are known for their vacuum cleaners and laundry appliances, but their cooking products have gained a loyal following over the years as well.
Unlike other major appliance brands, almost every component in Miele machines is produced by the company itself. This is one of the reasons that their machines are among the most tightly integrated in the industry. Those close relationships also allow the company to claim their appliances are built to last decades. Their dishwashers, for example, are tested to stand up to a minimum of 10 years of regular use.
The company’s washers and dryers are some of the most energy-efficient in the world, too. Using a combination of high-efficiency heating systems and innovative technologies, such as a tumble action that combines air circulation with agitation to reduce drying times, they can cut utility bills by up to 75 percent.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed appliance sales, the company continues to see a boom in demand for their high-end models. Its newest dishwasher, for instance, is the first to combine steam, water and hot air to cut down on time spent cleaning dishes. It also includes a touch-screen display that makes the process even easier for home cooks.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to buy a new appliance, but there are several times of year that can offer excellent deals. Typically, three-day weekends like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July are great times to look for kitchen appliances. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are other good times to score discounts, as is any time a manufacturer announces a new model or release.
LG
When it comes to TVs, LG is a name that has become synonymous with high-quality picture and smart functionality. The company’s latest OLED models offer a superior viewing experience, and its new WebOS operating system adds an array of new features to the television.
If you’re in the market for a new TV, keep an eye out for deals during the Presidents Day sales. Typically, larger appliances made by LG and Samsung are more likely to be discounted during this time. CR’s 2023 Appliance Brand Reliability Rankings show that both brands are reliable, so you can be confident that any discounts will be worth the money.
Every few years at CES, LG rolls out one of its Signature OLEDs. The latest is called Evo, and it claims to be the second biggest advancement in OLED technology ever. OLEDs have long been criticized for reaching their technical peak and slowing down in performance, but Evo’s new luminous element offers improvements in both brightness and color saturation.
LG’s OLED lineup is extensive and covers everything from entry-level to top-of-the-line. Their naming system is easy to understand: the first letter indicates the type of TV (like QNED for 2021 Mini LED or NANO for the 2022 OLED) and the rest of the number signifies its place in the line, with higher numbers denoting the highest quality.
Whether you’re looking for a basic TV or a 4K model with HDR, you’ll find the LG you need at an affordable price. Plus, the company’s smart functionality will help you save energy and stay connected to your family and friends.
Samsung
Most consumers think of Samsung as a maker of cell phones, televisions and computers. But the company also makes a host of other home appliances. And many experts consider it to be one of the best appliance brands.
Experts say the brand has a lot to offer, from smart features to design customizations and a Bespoke Design Studio on its website. However, unlike other brands, Samsung doesn’t offer standard, budget-friendly finishes like white and black.
The brand has a robust repair service network, but its parts aren’t always readily available, especially as the supply chain grapples with the ongoing trade war. MacGregor says that’s expected to improve as 2022 unfolds. He also points out that the wait for repairs at a company called Repair Clinic—which matches consumers with pro repairmen—is currently seven to 10 days.