Large & In Charge: the Slivers & the Panels

I am doing a follow-up post to our post about the fridge we chose for our kitchen back in June of 2012.  If you can recall, it was quite a process to choose the fridge for our kitchen remodel-the balance between price, form and function is always tough.  So crazy how long ago that was, and how dark our kitchen looks back then.  I never thought of it as dark before our remodel.

Anyways, a reader emailed to ask what we thought of our paneled fridge and if the black slivers on the side of the fridge bother us. 
If you want, the short answer, no they don't bother us and yes, after almost 2 years, we love our fridge.

We debated about painting the "sliver" white with appliance paint but then decided not to as we were fearful that the white appliance paint would be too white as our paint is a creamy white and that people would know it was painted.  It would look cheap.  It would most likely scratch off with the abuse our kitchen gets on a daily basis.  Here is a post about appliance paint from Young House Love.

Anyways, we thought that we would live with the black "slivers" for a while and then decide what to do if we hated it.  I think the reason why it works in our kitchen is that we have black honed granite counters that make it blend nicely in.  If we had white or maybe even light gray counters, I think it would look pretty awful.
As far as the fridge itself, it is great overall.  Holds a sh** ton of stuff in the fridge.  Great for holding big casserole pans.  My gripe, occasionally stuff freeze that are in the top back shelf of the fridge, but maybe I just need to play around with the temp.  The water dispenser that is inside the fridge is lovely.  I still get my cold drinking water without the unsightly (as in it does not go with a historic kitchen-in a non-historic kitchen, they are great!) water dispenser on the outside of the fridge.  We still have ice in the freezer and haven't had to put up with jamming problems that are often present in in-door ice dispensers.  My other gripe-the freezer is small-but we knew this going in.  I also tend to freeze a lot so this would probably only be an issue for people like me.  However, we have a full-sized (our old fridge) kegerator in the basement so I have an extra freezer (which I, of course, manage to fill-although currently I find that homemade baby food, breast milk and the 1/4 cow we went in on with our friends takes up pretty much a whole freezer in itself-wow, that makes me sound crunchy-ha).

While it's no built-in fancy fridge, it gives us a built-in, stream-lined look on a mac n' cheese budget.  Hope that answers the question about the slivers.  As far as the panels, they are holding up great and we haven't had any issues with them. 

Appliances: Retro Re-do

IF you remember back to a year or two ago, I agonized over which appliances to purchase for our new kitchen (see here: range, fridge, dishwasher, microwave).  I do not want to even begin to calculate the hours I spent deciding what to buy.



Anyways, I just came across a new retro line of appliances that GE is introducing next month. It's gorgeous and simple.

And priced right...you can get the whole line for under $2500.

The simple lines would work for most retro kitchens.

Here is the price breakdown according to Retro Renovation (where I read the story and took pictures from) :
Retailers set their own prices.
Estimated retail pricing per appliance is as follows:
*bottom-freezer refrigerator, $1,099
*top-control dishwasher, $499; over-the-range microwave, $219
*gas range and electric range, $599

A deal in my opinion!

Don't you just love the cute little clock on the range?

Read more: Breaking News: GE to introduce retro style kitchen appliances in September - Retro Renovation

$Cha-ching$

I guess that it really pays to call companies out on their mistakes.  I just scored $98 big ones doing just that. 

via

Point 1.  We got our fridge delivered in June from Sears outlet-it was a return/floor model so the outer shell had some dings-no big deal since it is going to take a wood panel.  However, upon inspection, the inside had the tiniest of scratches (~1/2")-so tiny it's really not photo worthy.  Anyways, I called them up and they offered me  $50 credit to my card-woot! Or, a new fridge.  I would rather just have $50.    That was June.  I finally called them back today to claim the $50 instead of the new fridge.   So worth the 5 min phone call.

Point 2.  We ordered a new sink from Lowe's last week and part of the deal was free delivery.  Well, strangely, I got a phone call saying that the sink had arrived at the store and was ready for pick up.  hmmm.  Anyways, looks like it was a mistake so I asked what they would give me since I now have to drive 20 mins to go haul that big boy home.  You know, cast iron and all.  And gas is, well, ridiculous.  Anywho, they offered me a 10% credit to my card.  Sa-weet!   $48 and some change for me. I need to go to Lowes anyways so no big deal.

I wish I could say "girls night out" with the extra money but how about say "Light Fixtures". 

You ever get some great discounts/refunds just for asking?

Check Check

Well, you saw my really long to-do list in my previous post.  In case you missed it, here it is-BUT with a couple things already checked off.  Hooray!

To prep for these cabinets to be installed, we have quite a bit of work to do:

1. finish framing
2. re-install dining room built-in
3. rip out old floor
4. patch large hole in floor (with studs) from old chimney
5. install 1/2" ply subfloor
6. electrical (that includes getting electrical bids)-hired out
7. plumbing-hired out
8. insulation
9. drywall-hired out (we still need to get bids-is there anyone you can recommend?)
10. new to us back door (purchase & install)
11. frame out and install new basement door (we are using the door that went from our bedroom into the kitchen as it is in great condition)
12. put in gas line for stove
13. put in vent duct work
14. decide on pantry pull out shelving placement
15. order dishwasher--> hoping to hit up labor day sales this weekend and score a deal
16. order cabinet bin pulls 
17. order hinges for cabinets
18. order kitchen sink
19. clean up basement so contractors have access-it is not only dangerous, but is one scary sight right now 

I decided to spend some time researching Labor Day Sales and finalizing the Bosch dishwasher model that I wanted.  I found out that the Sears  Labor day Sale had already started and that the $1000 dishwasher that I wanted was marked down to ~$800.  Even though that seemed like a pretty sweet deal to me (the best deal I had previously found was $850), I decided to click around for some other coupons before clicking buy.  Anyways, also found that Lowe's had the dishwasher on sale and with a 10% coupon code I found online, it came down even more.
Which brought me to the sink ($715 retail)-why not hit two birds with one stone?  Really rack up those credit card points.

Anyways, here's how I came out.  Definitely did better on the dishwasher than the sink.  However, I am going to keep looking for a better sink price as I can always return the sink if I do find a better deal.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, we decided on the Kohler Anthem undermount sink & the Bosch 500 series built-in dishwasher that has a noise level of 46db (according to Steve this means really quiet) and adjustable top rack (vino anyone?).  Want to see what other dishwashers we were considering? Look here.  So many darned decisions.

You found any great deals lately?  I think that we have already saved about $3k on kitchen stuff by waiting for sales.  Now if only Rejuvenation put their bin pulls on sale...

Large & in Charge

So remember back to this post?  The post I wrote last November where I was having the great debate over which fridge to buy.  There were sooo many really cool vintage-inspired fridges to choose from.  BUT....they all had not so cool price tags and none were counter depth.  Boooo....

Enter the Kitchenaid KFCO22EVBL 
I wrote briefly about this fridge in my original fridge dilemma post back in November.  So why did this big 'ol beast win?  Well, he's:

• counter depth (but still will stick out about 4" beyond counter depth).  We thought that true depth would stick out like a sore-thumb.  Would have loved a truly built-in fridge but those are truly over our budget.
• has an internal water dispenser & ice maker (my must have)--> didn't want it on that outside because nothing about that fits into a vintage-styled kitchen
• got french doors (I didn't want this, Steve did.  I actually wanted side-by-side but they don't make panel ready side-by-sides without external water/ice).  Not vintage style but will have to do.
• panel ready.  We almost went with a white fridge because the cost is sooo much lower but we want to paint our cabinets a creamy white and the bright white of the fridge might just clash.  We feel that having panels will make it look less large and in charge in our tiny kitchen.
• energy star rated.  enough said there.

So I originally passed this model up because of price.  It goes for $3400 retail.  yikes! and that doesn't include cost of panels and handles.  We found new models on sale for as low as $2700 but still didn't want to pay that much.  However, when googling around for the best deal, we came upon Sears outlet.  And on there we found them for as low as $950!!!! Shut the front door.  sold!

Of course, I then did some research into Sears outlet and read pretty good reviews overall.  Some people warned of ordering them online (you pay shipping which for us was ~$250 from CA), which we did because our local sears outlet did not have any.  They reported that sometimes the items that they ordered weren't even in stock.  Others warned of receiving a different fridge than ordered with different types on damage.  I first called the store and made sure they had the fridge I was looking to buy and then discussed the damage with a sales associate as she was standing in front of the fridge.  No dents on the side of the door (which will show) and no damage inside.  I didn't care about damage to the front and sides because we plan to have it slide between two cabinets and it will have a panel on the front to hide any minor damage.  I also felt better about ordering the unit because it comes with a 30 day sears warranty and the full manufacturers warranty.  I do wish I had downloaded the online pictures of the unit when I ordered it in case there was significantly more damage than described. 

See the black slivers?  via

So my qualms?  the fridge is black so there will be little slivers of black showing on the sides of the doors which may look sorta funky with white cabinets.  But maybe hopefully the black countertops  will balance that all out.

We received the fridge today and delivery was a breeze. They let me choose the day and then gave me a 2 hour delivery block.  They called 45 minutes before to confirm time.  The men were professional and set it all up.  Would have been nice to have them hook up the water but he don't yet have a water line-boo.  The damage-same as listed except for a couple little black marks inside that might come off with a magic eraser and one tiny (~1/2" long by 2mm wide scratch).  While they don't bother me much, I still called the 1-800 number to see what could be done about them.  The man said that I can choose to get a new fridge (same price and may be new-in-box or another floor model) or have them send me a $50 gift card and keep the fridge.  Decisions, decisions.  Guess it was worth the call.  We need to decide soon whether we want to keep the fridge and collect $50 or switch it out because I want to load it up and move the old one to the basement.

Overall, really happy with the experience and am super glad we took the chance of ordering from Sears Outlet to save a boat-load of $$$.  Total cost: $1189.90  Saving off of original cost: $2210.10

Ohh, and let's play a game.  Can you count how many appliances we currently have in our kitchen?

8.  That's right, eight.  Crazy, I know.  We have our 1. old range that is currently up for sale on Cragislist (I know, boo-hoo-she's a beauty but we popped a fuse on her this weekend and decided, that even though it is easy to replace, we need to start clearing for the remodel that will happen in a couple months) 2. electric counter-top burner 3. coffee maker 4. coffee grinder 5. new fridge 6.  old fridge, 7. toaster oven 8.  microwave.

****How did the black slivers and panels work out?  See HERE****

Heat it up!

Last month I was debating over which microwave to purchase.  I couldn't find one shallow enough to work in any of our upper cabinets (even space saver models which are all around 12-13" deep) and still allow us to have  door to hide it.  I was thinking we might need to adjust the depth of all of our upper cabinets just to accommodate a microwave.  And that isn't so fun. 
Disaster averted. 
While at DeWhitt appliances checking out the fridges, Steve and I decided to check out their microwaves.  That's when we saw this funky little guy

The Whirlpool .5 cubic foot Countertop Microwave.  Remind me of my college TV?  yes.  Cute? Adorable.  Tiny-yes, indeed.  Yet big enough to fit an 11" plate.  It measures in at 13 3/4" D x 14 1/8" H x 15 3/8" wide.  We don't need a big microwave as we don't use it for cooking, just warming here and there. 

That's because it is made for people with little countertop space and empty corners.  We plan to put ours in the pantries that we having built to each side of the range.  They will be a full 24" deep and mighty tall so there will be plenty of room for ventilation.  The manual specifies allowing a couple inches of space on the top of the microwave.  We also plan to have it in a pull out drawer for even more ventilation. 

The microwave also happened to be on sale for $107 at DeWhitt so after mulling it over and making sure it would fit our future kitchen, I drove back and snatched up the last white one.  The retail price is $139 and I haven't seen it for under $119 anywhere else.  SOLD!
* all photos via

Ranges

 This is another area in the kitchen research where I am hung up on what to do.  There are many that I love but most would just shatter the budget.  Part of me would love love love a vintage range, however, I think that I have moved past that for a number of reasons.  However, there are some un-cool things about new.
Pros for new:
1. We have limited space so think a 30" range (most are 36"+ that are really old) would best fit our space, therefore, most of the ranges you will see are going to be 30"
2. I would just die for a self-cleaning oven (you should see mine now)
3. convection is not necessary but seems really cool
4. I can just imagine having easy to clean burners too
5. A locking oven is also not necessary but more child friendly
6.  While yes, there are many vintage gas ranges to be found, they are harder to come by in Portland and therefore cost more money...we do want gas
7.  the option of a timer to start and stop cooking is, again, not necessary but would be awesome for a gal on the go
8.  I just would feel a lot safer leaving something cooking in the oven in a new oven vs. old if I had a quick errand to run, you know?

Pros for old:
1. old is just sexy
2. saving something old
3. less waste in the dump
4. less greenhouse gas emmited  by using old instead of all that goes into shipping/manufacturing, etc.
5. the old ones last FOR-EV-ER

Enough of that.  Some pictures of what I have found.  Again, when trying to keep with 30" models, some of my options are limited.  Please let me know if you have found any other great brands or options out there...my search has just begun.  Also, I have yet to take reviews and consumer report ratings into account.  More on that as we get closer.

Now really wanting stainless steel as we are trying to stay period appropriate, however, hard to find much else out there unless you want white or black with the plastic handles that often look so cheap to me.  Just posted a couple stainless steel options but there are a million to choose from.

Most of the links are from AJ Madison Appliances as they have an awesome online search tool.

 Big Chill $4200  Hefty price tag but really close to true vintage look; Now I LURV this one

Not so sure if I would use the double oven $2500 GE Cafe

Ikea $1000

Bertazzoni $3600  Red could be really fun but it's a big commitment, maybe bigger than I'm willing to make

Bertazzoni Heritage $4600  way above our budget but this is gorgeous and dead sexy

Five Star $3100  pricey again but a nice white option

Frigidaire Gallery $1600, at least the handles are stainless, less cheap looking

Heartland $5700  again, not in our budget

Verona Pro Series $3500 comes in red and black

Viking $3700 actually comes in white, red  black

Elmira Stove Works Northstar $3800

Bluestar, no idea on price but comes in 190 colors!

Old House Journal Online has a nice link to information about different ranges to consider when purchasing for your bungalow kitchen.

In case you are looking to go old:

Restored Vintage Stoves
Retro Renovation has an awesome page about 26 places to buy restored vintage stoves

this stove is so gorgeous that it almost makes me forget all the reasons why I don't want an old range

Just found a business card for Classic Stove Sales & Restoration out of Los Angeles
Here is a nice link to Chambers stoves and all kinds of info about these stoves

Brrr, baby it's cold outside

I mean inside, inside the fridge.  Speaking of, it really is cold outside.  High of 39 expected in P-town today.  Light up the fire, babe, we're staying in tonight.  
I have no idea what to do about our refrigerator.  No clue which one will get a lucky resting working spot in our hopefully soon to be in the next year new kitchen.  While I love, love, love the look of reproduction/vintage inspired fridges like the ones below (my sister owns and loves the Big Chill in white-you can see a little post I did a long while back about her kitchen I know, the fridge is not pictured in my post), I am not in love for my own new kitchen.  I really really like the idea of a side by side fridge.  Really would love a counter depth fridge as well. Energy Star is a requirement.  So many decisions.  But still want to keep with the historic integrity of our home which we have tried so hard to maintain with the rest of our home restoration/remodel.

The Big Chill Fridge
$1700 for an undermount-$3400 for a lower freezer full-sized option.  Love all the colors and the awesome 1940s/50s styling.  So much fun and what a great way to make a bold color statement in your kitchen

Elmira Stove Works Northstar
 $2195 (small unit), $3000 (small unit with draft system-now isn't that awesomely awesome? $3200 (upper freezer), $4200 (lower freezer)

Elmira Stove Works Antique
$400-$5200 plus additional for options such as metal panels and ice maker

AGA Appliances
Like I said in my previous post about dishwashers, I had never heard of this appliance line until it popped up in a google search.  But the refrigerator line would be especially useful to people with big 'ol kitchens that could accommodate big 'ol fancy fridges for all different uses. Like one for wines, one for sodas, one for ice.  Keep 'em all separate, you know.  But I'm not jealous or anything.  But these fridges are so pretty and would be so awesome if you had the room and even more so the muula for them.
Anyways, I love these and would love to splurge just for the fridge (it's counter-depth which is a capital H-U-G-E to me but it has a drawer freezer which is a huge downer).  However, Steve does not like it's angled lines at all.

Counter Depth Fridge ($4300)

Undercounter options $1600 (basic)-$3200 (dual drawer)

I was not able to find prices easily for the wine fridge or ice maker but stopped looking being that my kitchen is smaller than most people's closets.  Ok, not that small but surely has no room for mini task specific fridges.

Smeg $1500
these little fridges are adorable and come in a million colors.  Bu the price is hefty for only 9.22 cubic feet

Panel Style
Now I really like the idea of panel fridges as you can just integrate them into your cabinetry.  I have spent a pretty decent amount of time looking for a cabinet-depth, panel-accepting, side-by-side, no ice maker/water on the outside fridge (yes, that is a lot of requirements) and have yet to find one.  For some reason I just really like the side-by-side fridges, guess that is because it is what I grew up with.  I have a bottom drawer freezer right now and pretty much hate it.  I hate bending down and basically needing to empty the whole fridge to find just one item.  And I feel like it is full when nothing is in there. Let me know if you find one. 
I have found some fully integrated panel accepting fridges but they are way above what I want to spend on like, the whole kitchen (which I realize is not realistic for a whole kitchen overhaul, but hey, a girl can dream) at $7K and up. 

Found some decent options that have the the ice maker/water on the outside but at that point, I feel like it doesn't look integrated and you may as well just stick with a white fridge.  And they cost more (the one above is $2700 for just the fridge and then you need to pay for custom panels to be made). IT may not look so obvious if you put on white panels.  So that is where I am leaning. 

One other panel option that I may look into more is a counter-depth french door refrigerator.  There are many options that do accept panels, you can supply your own door handles, therefore making the fridge really look integrated.  Would be able to loose the ice maker/water on the outside of the fridge (it is still inside) but have to put up with a lower freezer.  This kitchenaid model is $2500 but I bet you could find it on sale.

White fridges
This is where I think we are headed.  In order to get a side by side fridge that is counter-depth, it looks like you need to be willing to deal with on door -style water and ice dispenser.  Not the end of the world, but not luvin it. However, I do agree that it would be super handy to have.  Margarita on the rocks anyone?  You also need to be ready to pay more.
I have found a bunch of nice ones.  Here are a few below.  But they are pretty standard and easy to find at any big box store.  Of course, I have seen none in person (well, only the outside of the ikea fridge) so Steve and I will need to take a trip to check them out as we get closer to remodeling the kitchen.

Ikea Nutid 23 $1600
Love the metal handles on this fridge.  The white panel is also super sleek instead of the bumpy cheap plastic that other fridges seem to have.  Wonder how it would handle fingerprints?  From the pictures it appears that the ice maker takes up most of the door of the freezer and that is no good.

Whirlpool $2100

Frigidaire $899 on sale (usually $1200)

Bosch $2500
The panel on this one also looks super sleek but would need to see it in person.  Nice metal handles

 

Also, another great idea.  This person took car paint and painted a stainless steel fridge so that it would be retro 50s colorful and be nice and sleek.  What a great idea.

A pix of a hardcore old skool fridge panel, ice box style.  This person makes them to order

****Want to know what we chose?  

Check out our post Large & In Charge******