Once upon a time, back in the last century, nearly every city and town had their own Maytag dealer.  These stores would be owned by a local businessman, and would specialize in both the servicing and sales of an American-owned (Newton, Iowa) brand with a strong reputation for product quality and longevity.

Remember the lonely Maytag repairman?

Of course, times have changed.  

Like so many other industries, the advent of larger "superstores" and national chains changed shopper's habits.  More brands and a larger variety of products were introduced, and consumers would gravitate to stores that offered more choice.  Maytag itself changed.  Pressure from foreign companies invading the US market contributed to a loss in market share. One by one, the local Maytag stores disappeared.  Eventually Maytag was sold to Whirlpool Corp. out of Michigan in 2006.   Today Maytag is simply one of many "badges" under the Whirlpool umbrella.

One of the last surviving local Maytag dealers was Mike's Maytag in Pittsfield, MA.  Mike became owner of this business back in 1980, and survived all the many changes in consumer preferences.  In an article with the Berkshire Eagle back in 2023 (link below), he summed up his view on the changing retail landscape:

“Back in the day there were like 500 Maytag home appliance centers. Now I think there’s about five in the United States,” Mike said (the Spelmans’ store in Pittsfield is one of the remaining few). “They closed because of the big box stores. Of course you didn’t have them back in the day.”

Here's the link to the full article.  As you can see, Mike enjoyed a strong reputation in his hometown:

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/business/mike-spelman-remains-in-the-appliance-business-50-yeara-after-he-started-maytag-appliance-repairs-pittsfield-mass/article_25ed4452-048f-11ee-94b1-1f6c21ebe7cb.html

But alas, all good things come to an end. 

Earlier this year Mike, now in his mid seventies, decided it was time to retire.  He reached out to us, and as of April 1 Mike's Maytag is now the twelth Manny's Appliances.

So what can our Pittsfield area customers expect from us?  

Personally, I think that's an excellent question! It's also a very fair question.  After all, even though Manny's has been around for almost 50 years, we've never had a store in the Pittsfield area.  Also, we've already come to realize how loyal Mike's customers were to him; we respect and appreciate that!

To answer the "what can you expect from us" question, I reached out to Joe Danner, our Pittsfield store manager.  This is what Joe had to say:

"The biggest concern of Mike’s customers is that we will not help with their service issues. I respond that we have a dedicated service dept with techs in this area. Also, Mike sold replacement parts. Many customers have come in looking for belts, gaskets and other parts that we no longer carry at the store level. They are surprised that we have a parts dept to help them. 

In addition to service, I explain that we carry many more manufacturers than Mike’s did. We are more than just Maytag! 

Thirdly, we have much better pricing than Mike!"

Well said!

I'd also like to point out that this not the first time Manny's has acquired an existing business from a local business person who decided it was time to retire (for a variety of reasons).  I think you'll find we are dedicated to delivering a satisfying experience for our customers, both new and existing! 

• We offer a large variety of brands that fit every taste and budget.  
• We offer an aggressive price.  
• We can usually deliver in a timely manner.  
• We stand behind our products with our own service team and techs.  
• Finally, (and I like to point this benefit out especially!) we offer many decades of experience in the appliance business.  We're specialists.  If you run into an unusual situation, chances are we've dealt with a similar scenario before and can offer our expertise.

We're excited to be in Pittsfield, and we look forward to servicing the Pittsfield area for many years to come!

So please, check out our showroom and our website.  Ask our sales and service professionals for advice or assistance.  

***Addresses and phone numbers for all twelve showrooms can be found on the front page of our website, (just to the left to the link for the blog you just presumably clicked on).

'

It's springtime and the weather is finally warming up!

For many people spring also means it's time to focus on their homes - this is why home shows always pop up in March and April-, and that often means it's time to upgrade their kitchen.

This is where Manny's can help!

Whether you're buying a new home or planning a kitchen remodel, our sales professionals here at Manny's can help you sift through the many brands, styles, and prices of kitchen appliances and guide you to putting together the kitchen ensemble that is "right" for you.

Further down this blog I'm going to present two kitchen suites: one four piece set for the budget conscious, and another, more upscale,  suite. Regardless of your budget, there are certain decisions you'll have to make in each category.  I'll start by listing some of these choices:

Refrigeration

Let's start with the refrigerator, as this is the appliance that gives you as a consumer the most style and size choices.  It's also the category that can have the most pitfalls, and requires your salesperson to ask you the most questions in order to ensure that the model you choose fits your needs (and also actually fits inside your home!)

Some of the questions your we'll be asking you include:

1. What style would you like? (French door, single door bottom freezer, side-by-side, or top freezer.)
2. How much width and height do you have to work with? (usually 30",  33", or 36" wide, and anywhere from 66" to 72" in height.  If you're considering a full size refrigerator then make sure you plan on 69-70" high cabinets. Note: An amazing number of kitchens in New England (my own home included) were built with 68" cabinets - that one inch is crucial!
3. What color would you like? (Stainless steel is still by far the most popular.)
4. Full depth or counter depth? (Even if you have the space for a full size, contemporary style refrigerator, you might want to consider a shallower fridge that doesn't stick out into the kitchen as far.)
5. Will the fridge fit through the front door? (Don't laugh! - today's full-sized fridges are, in the words of one of my customers, "Behemoths.")

Cooking

Excellent!  Let's move on to the range.  We'll have three big questions to narrow down the field:

1. Gas or electric?
2. Free standing or slide-in? (Slide-in ranges have a backless, more upscale looking style., They are also generally $300-$700 pricier.)
3. Width of the space? Stoves are normally built to slide into a 30" opening.  Wider (as well as narrower) options are available, but these odd-ball widths are found in a very small percentage of kitchens.

Now, I have found that once the fridge and/or the stove is picked out, the remaining pieces usually fall into place quickly.   

Ventilation 

Two choices here: traditional vent hoods, and over-the-range microwaves which double as an exhaust hood and replace the traditional range hood.

If you're considering a hood, you'll find an amazing range of prices depending on the style (under-cabinet or chimney style), power (measured in CFM, or cubic feet per minute), lighting, and "fit and finish".  

An over the range microwave/hood is a very popular option, especially in smaller kitchens as mounting the micro above the stove frees up precious counter space.  Normally, but not always, our customers purchase a microhood from a brand that matches the rest of their kitchen appliances, especially the range (this keeps aesthetic features such as handles, fonts, and grade of stainless consistent.)

And last but not least...the dishwasher!  

Dishwashers are universally 24" wide, with only a couple of 18" wide exceptions.  As with a rangehood, pricing can vary widely.   

More $$ gets you:

1. Additional noise reduction (measured in decibels, or dba).
2. Heavier racks, including a third rack option.
3. More rack flexibility
4. Better filters for better cleaning

You might be wondering at this point: Do all the appliances have to be the same brand?  The simple answer: "No, they don't!"  And while this is true, I have noticed over the years that most kitchens we sell do tend to be "branded."  There are two strong benefits to this:

1. The finishes, handles, and fonts will all match.
2. REBATE MONEY COMES INTO PLAY - see below!

So, onto the kitchen suites themselves.  I'll start with a basic but fully functional kitchen that we can sell you for under $2000!!

• Refrigerator: an 18 cubic foot top-freezer model, built for smaller kitchens or condos:
• Stove:  an electric smooth top range with a large oven and different burner sizes on the top.
• Vent:  a matching over-the-range microvent
• Dishwasher: an Energy Star rated, 24" wide, basic but decent model.

Model numbers are below. (All GE models)

(Hint:  if you want to explore these models further, simply copy-and-paste the model number into the search box at the upper right hand corner of our main page!)

Fridge   GTS18HGNRWW   $649

Range   GRF400SVWW       $649

Dish     GDF535PGRWW     $399

Micro   JVM3160DFWW     $249

                               Total -- $1946 !!

Looking for a more, for lack of a better word, upscale kitchen?  Here's a good example:

• Refrigerator: a 28 cubic foot French Door refrigerator with an external ice-and-water dispenser and second internal icemaker
• Stove: a 30" wide slide-in, electric induction range  (Note:  not sure what induction ranges can do?  Let me refer you to my blog entry from 10-29-24 titled "Why aren't you buying an induction range??")
• Vent: a matching over-range microwave with a sleeker, more modern front along with a stronger exhaust fan.
• Dishwasher: a 24" wide, extra quiet, three rack unit.

Model numbers:  (All Frigidaire Gallery models)

Fridge GRFS2853AF  $1999

Range GCFI3060BF    $1399

Micro GMOS1964AF  $389

Dish  GDSH4715AF    $749

                                 Total $4536

On this particular four-piece kitchen, Manny's can add a $400 rebate - in addition to the sale price!!  Various rebate programs will also apply to most purchases of two or more pieces in many different brands- (please note that the appliances have to be the same brand for these "suite" rebates to kick in).  

I feel "obligated " to point out that this four-piece suite rebate is NOT available at the so-called Big Box stores!  I often call this the "Thank you for buying local" rebate when working with my customers.

Manny's professional sales staff can help put together a kitchen package with you, and will inform you of any rebates that apply to your purchases.

The two examples above are both very typical kitchen suites, similar to many kitchens that we have sold over the years.  Of course, every kitchen is different, and everyone's taste is different.  

Perhaps you are dealing with, or considering, a less common kitchen layout?  If that's the case - reach out to us!  

Many of our salespeople have literally decades of experience.  Chances are they've encountered many unusual and unique setups; you might find their expertise invaluable!

If you have any questions, you can email me here, or - even better - you can also speak with a salesperson at any of our twelve (welcome to the family, Pittsfield!) locations, or - even better still!!- stop in and visit one of our showrooms.  

One final thought. If you are about to embark on a remodel, relax and enjoy the process!  Pitfalls and stumbling blocks inevitably happen to almost every project.  If an issue with the appliance portion of your kitchen arises, let us know; we will help you solve the problem!

My refrigerator just stopped working! How do I choose a replacement model? What should I know beforehand?

Most of our refrigerator sales fall into one of two categories:

1. You're in the process of buying or remodeling a home.
2. You're fridge is either dead or not economically repairable.

It's easy to understand why: Most of the time, the refrigerator is the most expensive appliance in the kitchen, and can run anywhere from $600 to $3000 and possibly more. 

"David, why the huge variation in price?" you may understandably ask.  I will get back to that in a bit. 

First, I'd like to point out a few advantages in today's refrigerator vs. older units.

1. Energy efficiency has been greatly enhanced.  Even units that don't bear the Energy Star logo are dramatically more efficient than their predecessors.  Most consumer see a notable drop in their electric bill.
2. Units today are greener.  Coolants are more environmentally friendly, as manufacturers work toward reducing their impact on our planet.
3. Lighting is nicer.  Most refrigerators use LED lighting, which is both more energy efficient and brighter.
4. More options are available to the consumer.  Refrigerators come in different sizes and shapes.  Icemaker and ice/water dispensers are readily available (as are units that do not come with these convenience amenities.
5. Refrigerators can be smart and connected.  I wrote about smart appliances in a past blog. Click or copy/paste the address below if you want to learn more about smart options.

https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/5695512488839797470/356120257404864387

A very important caution before beginning your purchase!! 

Be aware that unlike appliances such as ranges and dishwashers which conform to standard external dimensions, refrigerator sizes vary - considerably.   Units are built to fit into various common widths ranging from 24-36", and also vary in height and even depth.  Before making a final selection, it is crucial to know how much space (don't forget to take your doorways and hallways into account!!) you have available!

We realize that if your fridge is broken and not keeping you food cold, you need to address this immediately! Here at Manny's we can usually deliver in-stock merchandise in three business days or less, with removal of the old carcass included.  So, assuming for a moment you decide to replace rather than repair*, you will find more options and more choices (and more decisions to make) than other kitchen appliances.

*(Note that should you decide to explore repairing the fridge, we do have a full service department... call us for assistance.) 

So, getting back to the question I posed earlier: Why the huge variation in price?   

A lot depends on the style refrigerator you want to purchase.  I'm going to walk you up the "food chain", from least expensive options to most expensive.

A note here:  For the sake of simplicity, I am rounding refrigerator widths up to the nearest inch.  For example, a fridge built for a 33" wide opening (very common in older homes!) is actually 32 5/8 - 32 7/8" wide.

First the basic, dependable top-freezer models (in our industry, refrigerators are classified by the freezer's placement (top, bottom, side).

These units keep your food cold and frozen just fine, while meeting the current (very strict!) energy and environmental mandates.  They range in size from an apartment friendly 24" wide to a traditional kitchen width of 33", with proportional height options.   Top-freezer models come in white, black, stainless steel (usually but not always fingerprint resistant).  Price of a typical 18-22 cubic foot capacity top freezer (28-33" wide, 64-68" tall) ranges from $600-$1000.  Most of these models do not automatically include an icemaker, but one is almost always available as an accessory in the $100-$150 range.

As I said, there's nothing wrong with a good old top freezer model.  Having said that, more and more of our customers are leaning toward a larger, more stylish style.  Or, perhaps they want the convenience of an ice and water dispenser in the fridge's door (unavailable in either top freezers or single-door bottom freezers.)  Here's where side-by-side units (freezer on the left, fridge or "fresh food" compartment on the right) come into play:

Side-by-side (SXS) models tend to cost less than the more fashionable French Door units.  Sizes range from 33-36" wide, depths usually 32-35" (excepting a handful of "counter depth" side-by-side models), and heights from 66-70" tall.  With the exception of two Whirlpool made models, all these units will include an ice/water dispenser outside the freezer door.  

Advantages to this format:  The compartment holding the ice has a larger capacity then one finds on a French Door model.  Pricing tends to be relatively cheaper than the more popular French Door units (usually $1000-$1500).  Organization in SXS units is easier than in FD models, especially if you have a lot of smaller portioned items.

Disadvantages:  One big one - the width of the freezer compartment!!  The interior width of the freezer compartment in 36" wide units is 12-12 3/4" wide.  If your kitchen only allows for a 33" wide unit, then the freezer width is closer to 10"!  The frozen pizza, the 25-pound turkey...fitting bulky items such as these can be difficult or impossible in a side-by-side unit.  In my experience, I get this complaint from my customers more than any other!

How did manufacturers respond to this complaint?  Enter the modern French Door units!  

(But first, let me touch on a style whose popularity has waned in recent years: Single-door bottom freezer units.)

These units are usually 30-33" wide, 65-69" tall, and are available in traditional black and white, as well as stainless, black stainless, and GE's slate color.  They usually include an internal icemaker in the freezer, but do not have an option for a through-the-door ice and water dispenser.  Pricing is considerably more than the corresponding top freezers (usually $1199 to $1999, depending on size, features, and color.)  These units give you the advantage of having the compartment normally most used (the refrigerator, or fresh-food, compartment) on top, making access more convenient.  

Due to the popularity of French door models, and the unavailability of both popular convenience options such as ice-water dispensers, and popular sizes (nothing larger than 33" wide models are available), model choices in this category are more limited than others.

Now, back to the French Door category:

Contemporary style. Plenty of space. Accessibility to your fresh food (not to mention an energy efficient, brightly lit interior.)  This is the typical refrigerator style one usually finds in a modern, up-to-date kitchen. These units are available in widths from 30-36", heights from 67-70", and have numerous options in both standard depth (34-37" including the handles) and counter depth (30-32"including handle, 28-30" without.)  Color choices include the ubiquitous stainless steel (usually, but not always, fingerprint resistant) as well as what I call the "stainless alternatives" such as black stainless and slate.  Traditional black and white models are still available, but you will find your choices in these colors limited as manufacturers focus on the newer more fashionable colors.

Price for these models usually run in the $1500-$2200 (although we've seem some models as low as $1399 when holiday promos are in play) for standard depth, and $1700-$3000 for counter depth.

Amenities available include:  An ice and water dispenser in the left side fridge door (note - all French door models will contain an ice device, either an internal icemaker in the freezer, or an in-door dispenser), options for a fourth drawer (which serves, depending on the model, as a second freezer, an auxiliary refrigerator, or in some cases (as with the Frigidaire Gallery and Professional models) a flexible fridge-or-freezer compartment.

Frigidaire Professional refrigerator

Yes, as you may have guessed, extra features add to the price tag!  Models with in-door dispensers cost more than corresponding non-dispenser models.  Counter depth costs more than standard depth.  Four door costs more than three door.  Depending on what you want in your fridge (or are willing to pay!) price can vary from $1399 to $3000!

Now, the above is just an overview of your choices; I could easily keep going for a while longer!  For example, I haven't touched on the "Designer" 84" tall category, or on the handful of outlier models that don't conform to the standard sizes)  I'll leave those questions, as well as any other questions ("Why would I want counter-depth?"  "What models come in white?", etc.) to any of our professional sales associates in our twelve locations (addresses and phone numbers are prominently displayed on the front page of our site), or - if you'd prefer - I can answer them via email.

I Need a New Washer!! What Do I Need To Consider??

I was driving home from work one night last week,  listening to The National on my Prius's stereo, when I received a text from my wife.  A friend of hers was in dire need of a new washer, and she wanted buying advice.

Now, that really is a difficult question to answer without more information, such as budget, family size, space limitations, turnaround time, etc.  I relayed this concern to my wife, who then had her friend call me to help decide what to get.  She was interested in the differences between front and top-loading washers, and also wanted to know if anything was new in the laundry industry.  It occurred to me that these two subjects might make for an interesting blog subject as well.

That being said, let me address the first question:  "What are the pros and cons of front vs. top load washers?"

Essentially, there are three categories of washing machines:

 Front loading  (below is the Maytag MHW6630HW)

Then, we have two types of top-loading washers:

1. Top Loaders with traditional agitators 
2. Top Loaders with an impeller type wash plate.

(Shown above are the agitator driven Speed Queen TC5003N, and the impeller driven GE PTW600BSNRS)

If you haven't had to purchase a washer recently, you'll find significant changes in 2025 era clothes washers.

The four major changes are:

1. Capacity has increased.  For example, in 2000 a "super capacity" washer was 3.0 to 3.2 cubic feet.  Today machines can be as large as 5.5 cubic feet in capacity!  In fact, the smallest capacity on a normal, 27" full sized washer is 3.9 cubic feet.  In short, all washers have larger tubs!
2. Water consumption has greatly decreased.   Today's machines use approximately 12 gallons of water per load on front loading machines, and about 20 gallons on top loaders.  By contrast, washers a generation ago could use over 40 gallons per load!
3. (And here we mention the negatives!)  Cycle times are longer.  The tradeoff for using less water and having a larger capacity is that it becomes necessary to have a longer cycle time to properly clean a load of laundry.
4. All washers have electronic controls, vs. mechanical.  All machines employ a water level sensor to measure and limit the amount of water used per load.  The days of turning a dial, then pulling the dial out to start the machine are gone.  Having dealt with many hundred customers over the years selling washers, I can attest that many people miss the old mechanical washers!)

Now, back to the differences between the three washer styles. Note that I'm discussing typical, American sized 27-28" wide washers.  "Euro-style" compact (24" wide) units are available, but they are mostly a specialty application product in the US.

This article below from Energystar.gov does a nice job explaining the difference between front and top loading machines.   Granted their perspective is heavily biased toward the more efficient front load styles, but I still found it to be a balanced look at the pros and cons of front vs. top loading washers:

https://www.energystar.gov/products/ask-the-experts/which-clothes-washer-should-i-choose-front-load-or-top-load

Likewise, this article from The Spruce does a great job explaining the pros and cons of the two different types of top loading washers:

https://www.thespruce.com/impeller-vs-agitator-8387026

I hope all this helps you understand the difference between the three washer types, and can help you make a decision that is "right" for your home and needs.

Now, to the second question:  What's new in the industry?

Two new products have appeared in the past couple of years.  The first is an "all-in-one" unit that will wash and then dry a full (4.5 cubic ft. capacity washer!) in about two hours.  These units also run on a standard 110v circuit instead of the usual 30 amp 230v dedicated dryer line.  These two features allow the all-in-ones to be placed and used in locations such as a basement or in-law apartment without having to upgrade the electric line or create a duct hole in the wall.

The GE Profile model PFQ97HSPVD, retailing for $2199, is shown above.

While this product is admittedly on the pricey side, and its use falls under the category of "special application", the second innovative product has a much more universal appeal:

Behold! The removable agitator! 

Not sure whether to purchase an agitator driven machine for its more aggressive washing of everyday items, or the impeller driven machine with the wider space ideal for bulkier items?  Whirlpool recently released three models that have removable agitators!  Leave the auger shaped agitator in for every day loads. But if you need to, say, wash a king-sized comforter, then the agitator removes with a simple twist!  This will give you a little more capacity, and also allows the bulky item to spread out more, providing  more even cleaning without tangling.

Below, Westfield store manager Patrick Barrett demonstrates this easy-to-use feature:

The model above, the 4.7/4.8 cubic foot capacity Whirlpool washer, has been by far the best selling of these hybrid models.  It currently retails for $699, placing it solidly in the center of washer pricing!

I could easily go on about other facets of today's washers (maintenance and care, potential smells, longevity, noise, and so on), but I'll save that for another article!   

If you have questions about any of the above, feel free to reach out and speak with any of our sales professionals in any of our eleven (soon to be twelve, as we add Pittsfield to our lineup!) locations; phone numbers and addresses can be found on the front page of our website.

Your Manny’s Experience Doesn’t End at Checkout—Here’s What’s Next! (Why buy from Manny's Part 2)

In my last entry I highlighted some of the many reasons you should consider buying your next appliance from Manny's.  I focused on sales-related issues (expertise, price, exclusive rebates for example.)

Let's say you decided to make an appliance purchase from us.  

First of all, thank you!!

So what happens next? Here's where our delivery department goes to work!

On most delivery days (generally Tuesday thru Saturday) we have anywhere from 10 to 18 delivery teams on the road.  Each team will carry anywhere from 8-12 deliveries daily.   Order sizes range anywhere from a single piece replacement dryer all the way up to full kitchen suites!

What can our delivery teams do (and just as important, what can't they do?)

Essentially, after verifying that each unit will fit in the requested space (don't forget to check your doorways and hallways!!) we uncrate each appliance and check for concealed damage (yes, hidden dents do happen!), and put in place.  We do the basic setup of items such as refrigerators and clothes washers, and we will attach power cords (if purchased through us) on electric dryers and ranges.

What are we unable to do?

There are certain procedures that we cannot do, such as gas disconnections and reconnections, due to legal liability issues.  Also, there may be cases (wall oven or dishwasher installations, for example) where we can arrange a professional installation for a nominal fee.

Rather than go down a rabbit hole of dos and don'ts, I've included a link to a page in our delivery brochure, which does an excellent job explaining what we can and cannot accomplish on a normal delivery.

(If you have questions, or if you have an unusual situation, feel free to reach out to any member of our sales teams!)

Let's move ahead, say six months into the future. You've been enjoying your new washer, and it has given you excellent performance for those six months.  

All of a sudden your machine has stopped draining.  What to do?

With very few exceptions, we service any brand that we sell.  I absolutely realize no one wants to have to make a service call, ever.

But -- if you do need service, you can call one of our two service centers (Greenfield and Wilbraham), and they can assist you.  

If your product is still covered under manufacturer warranty, you can be assured that you won't be paying for the service call!

Mike from Greenfield service

Mary from Greenfield service

If you had the foresight to purchase one of our premium service contracts, then once again you're in luck!

Our warranty covers parts, labor, and servic calls for up to five years.  Just make sure you're calling our service departments!!

I've included a page from our extended service brochure below in case you were curious about the plus-benefits our service plans offer,

)

If your appliance is out of warranty, we can still service it.  

You can place a phone call to either of our service centers, and we will dispatch a trained technician to diagnose your problem, and to discuss a a course of action (on older appliances, replacement may be a more cost-effective option.  There would be a service/trip charge involved, but be assured that you will be dealing with a local company and speaking with people from your area who care about getting your problem resolved! 

And yes...we know... nobody wants to talk about, or deal with, a broken appliance.  We get that.  We've all become used to, and dependent upon, the convenience of modern technology.  We will do our best to try and minimize the stress and anxiety of having to deal with a malfunctioning appliances.

If you have questions on any of the above, you can always email me here, or reach out to any of the sales professionals in our eleven (pssst... soon to be 12!) showrooms.  Phone numbers and address are on the front page of our website.