"CJRA" > wrote in message
om...
> Hi all,
>
> We're completely renovating an 1890s house. That means new wiring,
> plumbing, etc. Also ripping out the old kitchen and replacing
> everything. Fortunately the kitchen is big enough to play with.
>
> My question involves recommendations for appliances. We're doing all
> Energy Star. But cost is of course an issue.
>
> Refrigerators- we want bottom freezer, and only 18-20 cu ft. Been
> looking at the Amana ones, which are substantially cheaper than all
> others (by at least $500 up to $2000 less). DOes anyone have
> experience with Amana? I'm wondering why they're *so* much cheaper.
> These are their highest rated energy star models. We're not doing
> stainless steel because the price is just prohibitive for us, I'm just
> wondering if they're really as good as all the others.
> Kenmore and Maytag have some in a closer range, but still more
> expensive.

We have the Amana bottom freezer and wouldn't buy another one.
I don't think it's insulated well between the freezer and the main
compartment. While nothing thaws in the freezer, items in the crisper
(which is directly above the freezer) frequently freeze. We've
lost a lot of lettuce in celery over the six years +- that we've had it.

Just one experience.



--
Thomas C Royer
Lead Engineer, Software Test
The MITRE Corporation
"If you're not free to fail, you're not free" -- Gene Burns

>
> Cooktops/ovens - Will be gas. Any comments on having the cooktop
> separate from a built in oven? I'm kind of leery of built-ins, just
> because if something goes wrong, fixing/replacing is a PITA.
>
> Dishwashers - any suggestions helpful? It's not something we use much,
> but will install because it's a resale issue. We want as energy
> efficient as possible.
>
> And anyone who's familiar with tankless water heater systems or solar
> heating, would love to hear from you!
>
> Thanks!