The Evolution of the Modern Kitchen

Helen is a dear friend of mine.  Last week she texted me, telling me her fridge had died.  She drove to our Westfield store and picked out a full-sized French door refrigerator, replacing her now defunct side-by-side.  At the end I reminded her to double check dimensions.  The conversation went something like this:

Me:  Helen, don't forget to double check when you get home.  

Helen:  It's going to be fine.  It's the same as my old one.

Me:  Not really.  Today's fridges are deeper.  You need to make sure you have 31 inches width in all your doorways, not just your front door.

Helen:  It's fine.  

Me:  It probably is.  But you really want to double check, OK?

Helen:  I will, but I know it will fit.

Me:  Humor me?  Just walk the fridge in, please?

Helen:  OK, I will.

The next morning I receive a text:

Helen: Umm, Dave... the fridge is going to be too deep.

I'm not picking on Helen; conversations like this happen every day, and are a vital part of the process of choosing the right refrigerator for your home and kitchen.

But this got me thinking:  Kitchens and kitchen appliances have undergone amazing changes over the decades.  Advances in energy efficiency, changes in style, and - perhaps most importantly - the metamorphosis of the kitchen from a utility room where meals were prepared to the modern kitchen which often serves as the nucleus and hub of the home.

Here's what a 1950's era kitchen looked like:

Note the elaborate stove, with side by side ovens, and solid burners on top.  Also notice the absence of a dishwasher, and the relatively small refrigerator.

Let's move forward in time to the 80's/early 90's:

Now the stove has shrunk to today's standard 30" width. The kitchens now usually had a hood, often very basic as a vent.  Over-the-range microwaves, which served as both microwave and exhaust fan, became more the norm, especially in the 90's.  Color was white (with a black glass window, if the stove had a window and clock at all.)  And we see a dishwasher, a basic water-hogging, too loud to watch TV in the next room, plastic tub model.

Oh, and I love the top-freezer refrigerator with the ice and water dispenser!  No, they don't make fridges like that anymore!

When I started selling appliances in the nineties, a kitchen package often consisted of a basic top-freezer refrigerator, a coil top range, a vent hood, and on newer homes a dishwasher.  The average kitchen was utilitarian, with a typical appliance package running in the $1500-$2000 range.

On to the 2000's:

Stainless steel becomes the rage.   Style becomes more important, as customers show they are willing to pay a premium for a refrigerator that looks more contemporary than the traditional top-freezer models.  First side-by-side units with water dispensers (which actually were popular in the 90's in more upscale homes), and then the French door style fridges, became popular.  Electric stoves mostly transitioned into the glass-ceramic smooth-tops that are commonplace now.  Customers became more willing to spend more for newer styles, or for design aesthetics such as shallower refrigerators or backless ranges (allowing the homeowner to show off new, expensive tiles behind the stove.)  "Built-in" appliances, cooktops and wall ovens, became more popular.

(A footnote here: I'm deliberately not going to talk about the type of kitchen I showed at the beginning of this article.  These impressive kitchens, with their oversized built-in refrigerators and commercial type ranges grew in popularity during the golden years between the dot-com bubble and savings-and-loan bubble, and are still sold today.  In this article, I'm trying to do more of an apple-to-apple comparison of a typical middle-class type kitchen. 

Finally, today's typical kitchen:

Sleeker style lines predominate.  Stainless steel is the color of choice, but "alternatives" have become available (first with GE"s Slate, then shortly followed by the more popular Black stainless steel.)  Dishwashers lost their dials in favor of touch controls, often located on the top of the unit instead of the front thus giving a cleaner, minimalist look.  Refrigerators have more options, such as a fourth drawer for quick snacks or windows that let you see inside the unit.  And - appliances are becoming more and more connected and smart all the time!

What kitchens will morph into in the next ten to twenty years is a great topic to discuss, but I don't think anyone really has a good idea.  It's safe to assume that appliances will continue to become ever more greener and easy to use.  Personally, I think we may start to see more than one color in the kitchen, getting away from the color-matched, monochromatic look of the last thirty or so years.  But... I'm just guessing!

Lastly, I would like to share one last link with you I found on HomeAdvisor.com.  This page has some nice charts showing the changes in appliance style over the last century.

 https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/evolution-of-kitchen-appliances/

The search for an all-in-one washer and dryer

I don't know about you, but I've always been fascinated by a Quest.  

History has plenty: The space race to the Moon in the 60's. The search for the head of the Nile in the 19th Century.  The races to the North and South poles (Was Peary really the first to reach the North Pole, or was it Cook?  We may never know.)

https://time.com/6294794/robert-peary-frederick-cook-north-pole-feud/

Quests of all kinds continue today. Think of the race between corporations trying to be the first to develop and market the latest advances in cellphone technology, or the constant struggle by so many manufacturers to make products that are greener and more energy efficient, or the constantly awe-inspiring advances in medicine and surgery that prolong our lives.

Now, there are some areas in which I wish there was some sort of quest, or race:  Can't we find a way to make airline travel less uncomfortable?  Can't we find a pill that lets us lose weight instantly without side effects or repercussions?  Can't anyone make canned chili that actually tastes like real chili?

In my business, one such elusive quest has been in the laundry category: The All-in-one washer/dryer.

Why hasn't anyone been able to produce a unit that:

1.  Cleans and dries clothes properly, 
2.  Doesn't take four hours to finish one load, 
3.  Has the large capacity we have come to expect and demand from our washers,
4.  Is energy efficient,
5.  Can be used in different settings?

So far, no manufacturer has been up to conquering all these bullet points.  

The biggest challenges have been:

1. Shortening the cycle times.  Most combos take 3-4 hours to complete a load.
2. Small capacity.  Most of the reliable all-in-ones are from European based manufacturers, and are made for the generally more compact kitchens that are the norm across the pond

Just how small are Euro-washers?  Typically, they are the size of a modern dishwasher (34" tall, 24" wide and deep.)  Dishwasher sized washers and dryers have been a hard-sell here in the U.S.

Well, up to the plate comes GE!  

Earlier this year they launched a full sized unit that addresses all the challenges mentioned above.

 https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/GE-Profile-4-8-cu-ft-Capacity-UltraFast-Combo-with-Ventless-Heat-Pump-Technology-Washer-Dryer-PFQ97HSPVDS

1. Cycle time has been reduced to approximately two hours, which is consistent with what one expects from todays washers.
2. At 4.8 cubic feet, GE has given the public a washer that is actually larger than average sized - even for today's oversized units!
3. Like all good front-loading machines, large loads of clothes come out clean. By using a condenser coil, GE can dry that large load much faster than other combo units. And the most amazing part of this: The clothes actually get dry on a standard 110v plug!  There is simply no other machine that can offer a fast drying time without a dedicated 30 amp outlet.
4. By using heat pump technology, GE is able to significantly reduce energy consumption on the drying side.  In fact, some utility companies offer rebates on heat pump dryers (and I suspect more will follow.)
5. Design adaptability.  To me, this is one of the unit's coolest aspects adaptability!  Because it runs on a standard 115v circuit, and because it does not need to be vented, this machine can be placed in a variety of places throughout the house!

                                                                   

I spoke briefly with Scott, one of our service techs, about the quality of this new product.  Scott was exuberant about the internal construction, and believes that these combos will prove to perform reliably.  (Most people don't realize that for an appliance repairman to actually "like" an appliance is a rare event, possibly because they spend all day fixing broken appliances.)

GE is excited about this breakthrough appliance, and so are we at Manny's.  We feel this unit will be the right go-to solution for a lot of unusual applications.

Now, back to the canned chili problem...

The Massachusetts Sales Tax Weekend Is Almost Upon Us!

First, a disclaimer:  This blog really is only of interest to Massachusetts customers!  (Sorry VT, NH, CT, RI shoppers.)

Of course, if you live in the Granite State, I'm sure you could care less about a sales tax holiday, right?

If you live in one of the great states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Vermont this blog is going to be of little help to you (unless you are willing to drive to your nearest Massachusetts Manny's.)

But -- if you reside in the Bay State, then I'm sure you're already well aware of our state's no-sales-tax weekend, this year occuring on August 12th and 13th!

Massachusetts is one of 30 states that implemented a sales tax holiday in recent years, with the intent of both helping consumers with back-to-school purchases, and to help retailers in what is normally a bit of a slowdown in traffic.

What makes the Massachusetts sales tax holiday different from other states?  The biggest, actually by far the most important difference, is the dollar cap.  In Massachusetts, you can save the entire 6.25% sales tax on any purchase up to $2500! (Do note - over $2500, and you pay the full tax.)

Keep in mind: The cap is $2500 per product, NOT on the entire purchase.  So, go ahead and add a new dryer to your washer, or upgrade your kitchen while saving a couple of hundred dollars! 

As far as our neighboring states are concerned, only Connecticut has any sort of program, and it is far more restrictive:

Connecticut:   Clothing and shoes under $100 per item are tax-exempt from the state sales tax of 6.35%.

Rhode Island  or Vermont.  Currently there is no such program, although it appears RI is considering a holiday similar to Massachusetts'.

The result (perhaps unintended originally) of the unusually high limit in Mass is that sales in certain businesses (such as the household appliance business) spike - dramatically!  Most, but not all, of our products fall neatly into the under-$2500 category.  As a result, many of our customers will time their appliance purchases to take advantage of the extra savings the tax holiday offers (plus, let's be honest... who doesn't want to find a way to pay less tax, yes?)

Have you ever shopped in a mall or big box store on a tax holiday weekend?  If you have,  you were probably frustrated by the huge crowds of shoppers, which can make getting the attention of salespeople challenging! (Personally, I haven't had the pleasure of shopping the tax holiday - I've always been on the other end, doing my best to at least try to take care of our customers.  The experience can be stressful, for employees and customers alike!)

There is a solution to beating the crowds, and a solution we strongly encourage:  Come in between now and Friday August 11.  We will be busy, but not overwhelmed.  We can work with you and help you with your purchase. Whether it's a basic washer for an apartment you're renting, a new range to replace the old coil top unit you've been nursing along, all the way up to putting together an appliance suite for a remodel or kitchen upgrade, we can help!

Here's the procedure we've developed over the years:

1. 1) You come in ahead of time and speak with one of our experienced salespeople, so we can assist you in picking out your appliances.
2. 2) We put together on paper a "quote", outlining your purchase.
3. 3) On the 12th and 13th Manny's dedicated staff gets up early and drives to work, usually a large cup of strong coffee in hand, and begins processing these payments.  

The only stipulation to this strategy, which we have used effectively in past years, is that your purchase must be paid in full on August 12 or 13. (That means no deposits or layaways.  Sorry -- state rules!) during those two days.  

Now, please keep two thoughts in mind:  

1. 1) This tidal wave of business is going to stress inventory levels that are still recovering from the Great Pandemic. 
2. 2) As hard-working as our delivery and warehouse guys are, there are only so many deliveries we can perform each day.  

So, as in past years, please be patient with us!  We will do our best to get your tax-free appliances to you as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions regarding any of the above, you can always reach out to any of our staff at our various locations.

Finally, one last thought:

Happy Shopping!!

Dave, How Long Do Appliances Last These Days??

I think I get asked that question more than any other when I'm helping customers pick out new appliances.  

Before I get into that however, let me give you an update on current promotions:  The July 4th promo period officially ended on Wednesday July 12, but some manufacturers have extended their discount allowances to us for a bit longer.  I can't promise that every single item has been extended, but this list should give you a general guideline.

• GE -- most offers are extended through 7-19.  
• Whirlpool, Maytag, Kitchenaid. -- Most deals appear to be over as of July 12.
• LG --   most deals run through 7-19.
• Frigidaire/Electrolux -- Good news here!  Deals mostly run through 7-26.
• Samsung -- most promos now run through 7-26.                                                              

So if you missed the Independence Day sales, in many cases there's still time to hurry into your local Manny's and take advantage!!

Now, back to longevity of today's appliances.

I read through a dozen or more articles last night from various sources trying to find a consensus of estimates.  Below, I'm linking two sites with recent articles that seem to fall in the middle of the curve.

First, from "This Old House":

How Long Do Appliances and Parts of Your Home Last?

Here’s a guesstimate of how long things last around your home to help you plan for routine maintenance.

By This Old House

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iStock

How long do refrigerators last? Or when those old cabinets just can’t be saved? The National Association of Home Builders’ “Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components” gives a decent guesstimate by compiling life-cycle data from scores of product manufacturers and testing labs. The following is a summary to guide you in planning your next big home improvement.

When Should You Replace Appliances?

iStock

The life expectancy of a typical appliance depends to a great extent on how much it’s being used. Still, appliances are often replaced long before they are worn out because changes in styling, technology and consumer preferences make newer products more desirable. Of the major appliances in a home, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy: 15 years. Dryers and refrigerators last about 13 years. Some of the appliances with the shortest lifespan are: compactors (6 years), dishwashers (9 years) and microwave ovens (9 years).

The full link is below.

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/21018361/how-long-things-last

Here's a second opinion (again, the full article link can be accessed below:)

How Long Do Appliances Last?

February 11, 2022 by Team HomeServe

How old’s your fridge? When did you buy your washing machine? Lots of factors go into the longevity of common household appliances, but all appliances will eventually give up the ghost.

Knowing the average lifespan for common appliances can help you estimate when you might need to replace that old refrigerator or stove.

What's the Average Lifespan of Common Household Appliances?

Most major appliances usually last between eight and 15 years. This average time frame can help you determine when to replace an appliance, but you can often repair older appliances to make them last longer. Some of your appliances might still be under warranty.

Refrigerators

Refrigerators run nonstop to keep your food properly chilled. Despite the constant operation, refrigerators have an average usable life of 13 years. Cleaning the condenser coils can help your refrigerator last longer.

Dishwashers

You can expect your dishwasher to last about nine or 10 years. Certain parts, such as the hose, might be vulnerable to damage or leaks and need to be replaced sooner.

Washing Machines

Washing machines average 10-year lifespans. The size of your household and the amount of laundry you do every week impact how long yours lasts. You might need to replace individual parts sooner, such as the hose that handles the water.

Dryers

Both electric and gas dryers have an average life expectancy of 13 years. The main maintenance task is keeping the lint cleaned off the screen and from the dryer vent.

Microwaves

Your microwave should keep heating leftovers for about nine years. You can make sure it lasts as long as possible by only running it when you have food or liquids inside. Running it empty can damage the appliance.

Ovens, Ranges and Stoves

When it comes to ovens, ranges and stoves, electric models typically last around 13 years. Gas models usually last a little longer, with an average life of about 15 years. Both types have a relatively long lifespan and require very little maintenance other than routine cleaning.

Chest Freezers

A stand-alone freezer offers an average usable life of 11 years. Keep it clean and vacuum the coils regularly — similar to a refrigerator — to make it last as long as possible.

https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/home-improvement/how-long-do-appliances-last/

I'd like to end with a couple of thoughts regarding the above based on my own experience selling appliances and dealing with customer service issues.  First, It surprised me that every single article I read stated that gas ranges last a few years longer than their electric counterparts on average.  I never noticed a difference.  Second, and maybe more important, I think the life expectancy on clothes washers and refrigerator should be a wider range.  On too many occasions in recent years I've had customers calling or coming into the store complaining that their washer (usually the motor or control board) or fridge (usually ice buildup, a motor issue, or electronics) needs service within a few years of purchase - after the manufacturer warranty (generally one year) has expired.  Speaking with our service techs, they confirm what I've been noticing.

Helpful hints to help your appliance last longer: 

1. Maintain the machine properly, and use the appliance as the manufacturer recommends. 
2. Perform routine maintenance cleaning as specified. 
3. Also, consider at the time of purchase adding the protection of an extended warranty to your appliance for a nominal charge.

Relax!! There's still time to save!!

 

Wow!  Where did the holiday go?  

Maybe you and your family have been away on vacation.   Maybe you've been busy visiting family, or getting your kids ready for summer camp (or summer school.)  Or maybe you've been staying home, fighting off allergies, or ash from the Maritime fires.  Or maybe, like myself and my coworkers, you've been simply busy working through the holiday period and juggling life.

But... maybe now you're kicking yourself, thinking that you might have missed out on all the great savings Manny's offered during its Independence Day promotion.

If that's the case, you needn't worry!  Nearly all the specials are good through July 12th.  That's an extra week to save significant $$ on new appliances for your home.

Just how good are these specials?  Let me share a couple amazing examples:

https://www.mannystv.com/products/GE-Appliances/ge/js760spss.html

This range is one of my favorites, even when not on a promo like this!  This a backless range (great for island installations, or simply for showing off your new tile or backsplash), with a large capacity self-cleaning oven, true "European convection," (essentially two convections speeds: one for baking, one for larger cuts of meat.) plus an air-fry feature (here's a secret:  air frying is taking advantage of the convection fan feature already in this range!), It even is wi-fi compatible!   And... all for under $1000!

Now, due to demand this range is temporarily on backorder from GE, but will be replenishing soon.  As long as you order the range by July 12, you can take advantage of this amazing deal!

Here's another unbelieveable deal, just as impressive:

https://www.mannystv.com/products/Whirlpool/whirl/wrf555sdfz.html

Here we have over 25 cubic feet of American made, American owned, energy-star refrigeration!  Adjustable shelving, a fingerprint-resistant finish, with an ice and water dispenser in the door!   And all for hundreds less than regular price, or even a "normal" sale price.  

If you're prefer a modern looking, stylish refrigerator without the water dispenser, Whirlpool has a companion piece:

https://www.mannystv.com/products/Whirlpool/whirl/wrf535swhz.html

These are just a couple examples of what we can offer you at Manny's in the coming days.   We have many others, including a LG counter-depth fridge with an insta-view window for $1300 off! Or, this  Frigidaire Gallery counter-depth four door refrigerator for $1400 (!!) off regular price,

https://www.mannystv.com/products/lg/lrfoc2606s.html

https://www.mannystv.com/products/Frigidaire/frig/grmc2273cf.html

Now, I really don't plan on using this blog to be just a glorifed commerical, but - some of these deals are nothing less than specatular, and easily the biggest discounts we've seen since the start of the Pandemic.  

So as I said earlier... there's still time to take advantage of our knowledgable sales staff, our own delivery and service people, our quick delivery turnaround time, our twelve month deferred financing, and our exlcusive rebates on two or more appliances.

One last suggestion:  

Please hurry!  These savings do end shortly!

 Fourth of July!!

                                                      

Manny's Fourth of July Sale is currently in full swing!  Price reductions, featuring promotional incentives from various appliance manufacturers, are in place. 

As our inventory levels keep recovering, we're seeing the most aggressive discounts from major manufcaturers such as Whirlpool, GE, LG, and more, since pre-Pandemic days.  The discounts in play right now will give you the best pricing until the traditional Black Friday/Black November sales. 

Think of the end of June through the beginning of July as a "Summer Black Friday" promotion!

However, as I mentioned in a blog last month, these discounts will vary from model to model, and sometimes even color-by-color.  Here's an example from one of our most popular ranges:

The price tag (and the other price tag below) is the actual price tag from Sunday June 18 on a Samsung gas range. 

Self-cleaning, five burners, griddle, convection oven - this range offers a lot of features for a great promo price!  $779 in stainless steel, or $799 for the newer black stainless color.  But-what if you want this range in white?   Well... it's available, but I would have to sell it to you for $1149, which is more in line with what this range sells for in stainless when not on a manufacturer promo.

This isn't Manny's decision.  Samsung has chosen to promote and aggressively discount the newer and more popular colors (stainless and black stainless), while also choosing to not discount the traditional older white color.

Here's another example, this one even more extreme:  a GE counter-depth French door fridge with an ice-and-water dispenser (probably the priciest category of standard refrigerators!)

This model, the GYE22GYMFS, is fully loaded! Counter-depth, ice and water dispenser, LED lighting, Energy Star qualified, and USA made!  The sale price through July 12 is an amazing $2199 -- in fingerprint resistant stainless steel.  

Note that GE also offers this model in black slate and slate colors, but without any promotional incentives ($3238 and $3418 respectively).  

If you're confused, fear not!

Manny's can help you out!

Yes, we at Manny's can assist in helping find the right fridge for you, in a variety of colors, and at the right price.  If in stock we can usually bring that fridge to your home in three days or less!  What else besides advice do we offer to you, the consumer, in the way of services?

• The backing of our own service and delivery departments.
• Financing plans up to 12 months with no interest (see a salesperson for details.)
• Thousands of products ready for delivery in three days or less.
• Aggressively priced extended service plans to give you extra peace-of-mind
• Ten convenient locations, plus the ability to order online 24-7-365.
• Exclusive rebates on select packages of two or more pieces

In closing.... if you're ready to purchase a new kitchen appliance, whether a replacement range or washer, or even a complete new kitchen suite, now's the right time!  Let us help you out!