Mission Impossible?: Finding reliable home appliances & electronics

[Cousin Hepcat]

Remember the days when a home appliance broke, you could just go to the store, buy a mid-priced model made by a good reputable name brand like GE, and not worry about it possibly falling apart either out-of-the-box, or within 6 months?

When YOUR dvd player, Microwave, toaster, receiver, popcorn popper, etc finally dies, what do YOU do? - just go to the local Best Buy or Wal-Mart, buy one by a brand you know, and cross your fingers that it won't be a dud?

Or do you have some resources online, in print, etc you check first to get some idea of problematic makes/models to avoid? Ask everyone you know?

Either way, what's your luck been like?

Know any resources where they do this for you?: "Here's the most reliable midsize microwave on the market in last year"; "most reliable DVD burner"; "most reliable space heater"?... (Consumer Reports seems only interested in features: WHO CARES, if it doesn't perform its primary function. CR's repair histories are by brand, which can vary wildly from one model to the next; not always useful.)

Spent nearly ***two*** ***hours*** tonight reading customer reviews of mid-sized countertop microwaves in the $75-$200 range, and cross-referencing with product recalls & product warnings... *finally* found ONE maker without multiple recurring customer omplaints/warnings about wonky/erratic behavior, breakdowns, or blowouts, available in *any* major chain stores locally: Sharp, with their R405KST, at Wal-Mart...

There was a recent similar thread on the Lounge about tea kettles - after reading, immediately ordered a Revere myself. Nice to know I'm not the only nut here who tries to fight the odds lol

The most remarkable was a couple years ago when buying a VCR, and a hot air popcorn popper: couldn't believe 99% of the big-name models repeatedly reported as non-functional junk (went through 2 VCR's & 2 poppers before researching & finding that out)

When you have to buy modern, what's your approach? Suggestions for customer review resources? (besides http://www.amazon.com, http://www.epinions.com, searching the usenet groups for model numbers, or just asking everyone you know)?

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

In my own experience.

As far as the small stuff goes,...coffee makers and toasters and such, I have always had pretty good luck with stuff made by Procter Silex. As far as the big stuff like refrigerators and ranges, I like Magic Chef, they seem pretty reliable to me.
But then, there are as many different experiences and opinions as there are brand names. [huh]

 

[Miss Neecerie]

just buy a vintage stove and dont replace the microwave....

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

just buy a vintage stove and dont replace the microwave....

Well yeah, but what brand???

 

[Daisy Buchanan]

I'm incredibly happy with all my Maytag appliances. Stainless gas range, microwave, dishwasher, all have been great and reliable. I bought everything through the Home Depot, but wished I had looked around a bit more. It seems that, at least around here, the smaller appliance stores have better prices and better warranty's.
Maytag has a lesser expensive division called Amana. Their products are exactly the same. My neighbor has a gas range and microwave by Amana and they are exactly the same as my maytag appliances, and all were considerably less money. But he also bought them from a local appliance dealer verses a large chain store. From my experience with Maytag and my neighbors experience with Amana I highly recommend either one. But I lean towards the Amana being that it is considerably cheaper but is identical to Maytag.

 

[happyfilmluvguy]

For electronics such as televisions, video cameras, and DVD players, I usually go for Sony or Toshiba, Sony particularly for their video camera, but Canon and Panasonic are runner ups. Many off brands are good. When the phrase appears, "comparable to a brand name, if not better", it can often be true. I have an off-brand surround sound 5 speaker DVD player that I bought from Circuit City on sale for $120. That was 3 years ago, and only one speaker has had to be replaced since. Off brands are sometimes as good as the name brand. But be careful.

Reviews are also a very popular thing right now, so go to websites like Amazon.com or Nextag.com, and just look up the product you saw in the store, even if you are not going to buy it online. See what others say about it. Just be sure to write down the model number. If it doesn't say it on the product, it's box, on the description below, or you can't seem to find it, just ask an employee for it, and they'll get it for you. That's what they are there for.

This is usually what I do, though I know quite a bit about electronics and the different brands anyways, so most of the time I don't need to do research. I just buy it and know it's reliable. If it's not, I find out quickly. The one thing that I have learned is that you can't always have a trust worthy brand. The one you rely on for all your needs. Sony everything, Sharp everything, Panasonic everything. But there comes a time when the company decides to make a few changes and with changes comes gliches. When you are in need of a new product, and go for the brand you're comfortable with, make sure the product lives up to your expectations.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Sony is very good as far as electronics go, as is Panasonic. But I think the very top of the line in Japanese electronics would be Nakamichi. Costs mucho yen though.

 

[Dan G]

My dad has a Nak tape deck. The best sounding deck I've ever heard.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

My dad has a Nak tape deck. The best sounding deck I've ever heard.

I was lucky enough to find one recently. 2 years older than my defunct Pioneer and still in perfect working order.

 

[Dan G]

I was lucky enough to find one recently. 2 years older than my defunct Pioneer and still in perfect working order.

Sweet! I don't remember the model of my pop's, but it sat right next to one Threshold and Hafler 500 amp... We rocked the neighbor hood.lol

Ahhh, the days of quality sound equipment....

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

The current stuff is to die for. I gotta get me one of these. (The 47 inch Kimono, in particular.)
http://www.nakamichi.com/flash.html

 

[Dan G]

Oh man.... *checks pockets* No such luck...
They sure are a lot more streamlined now aren't they?

Just checked with pop. He actually has two Nak decks. The one I was thinking is an RX 202. The other one which is older is the 600 II. Both in immaculate condition.

 

[Flivver]

A business associate in Japan once told me that people there prefer the Toshiba and Hitachi brands for consumer electronics. He said that while Sony products are very good, Toshiba and Hitachi are equally good and they are older brands with more heritage...often important in Japan.

And because Toshiba and Hitachi entered the U.S. market after Sony, they don't have as strong a reputation here and hence their prices tend to be lower. I have had good luck with the few products from these brands that I have bought.

 

[LizzieMaine]

The only modern kitchen appliance I own is my microwave -- and I've gone thru two of them in twenty years, which I guess is a pretty good rate for modern stuff. Neither one was particularly carefully chosen or expensive -- the first, a wedding present, was a Kenmore, and the second, which replaced the first about twelve years ago is a -- I have no idea what it is, let me go look -- a Panasonic. My ex bought it, so I have no idea what it cost or where it came from. It's also ugly as sin, but I've yet to see a microwave I'd want to put on display.

The key to making a microwave last is to keep it clean. After using it, wipe out all the moisture and steam and leave the door open to let it dry -- otherwise you'll eventually get little pockets of rust forming in the corners of the lining, and once there's enough of it, you'll get electrical arcs, and that's the end of the microwave.

I also have a number of modern audio devices, which I use for preserving radio transcriptions and transferring 78s -- my reel-to-reel deck is an Otari professional model, which you can get really cheap these days from radio stations that are only too glad to get rid of them. They take up a lot of space, but last forever. My turntable was custom-built by Esoteric Sound in Illinois. Only my cassette deck is an ordinary off-the-shelf consumer unit, a JVC, and the first one I owned wore out after two years. But I really liked the features and I couldn't beat the price, so I got another -- and so far it's holding up fine -- which goes to show you can never tell. Sometimes, in this day of cheesy plastic junk, you get lucky, and sometimes you don't.

 

[Paisley]

I agree with the reliability of Sony--I've had my Sony boombox for over 10 years.

I also like Kenmore appliances. My Kenmore microwave is over 20 years old.

Another solution might be to go to a good used appliance store. I bought a portable dishwasher at such a store a few years ago for around $300; it was actually brand new. It won't make the appliance last any longer, but you're not out as much money.

 

[Twitch]

Part of the fruits of global mass production is the fact that these items prices have plumetted to a level that precludes any feasable repair in the future.

I vividly recall when VCRs were $600-1,000. The $29 ones at Target are about as good in most respects. Heck DVD players which very recently were $3-400 when introduced are now $29 at Target.

With universal mass production using a standardized group of basic components anyone anywhere and produce reasonably decent products. The ubiquitous 19" TV can be assembled in Hong Kong, Miami or Borneo with the same resulting quality. The $29 VCR will do about as well as the original $600 ones due to the fact that the learning curve of manufacture has determined what results in the overall best lifespan versus price since tens of millions have been produced.

If a $50 small appliance lasts 2 years the cost is amortized to .068 cents a day!

Electonics and appliances of quality ultimately need service one day and finding someone competent and qualified to perform lasting repairs is more of a hassle that it is worth too.

It's really a Catch 22 in which I feel I am best served by purchasing a mid-range "anything" WITHOUT and extended warranty.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

I agree with the reliability of Sony--I've had my Sony boombox for over 10 years.

I also like Kenmore appliances. My Kenmore microwave is over 20 years old.

Another solution might be to go to a good used appliance store. I bought a portable dishwasher at such a store a few years ago for around $300; it was actually brand new. It won't make the appliance last any longer, but you're not out as much money.

We had one of the first Sears Kenmore microwaves back in 1972, I think it was. I inherited it, and it was still working 10 years ago when I moved out of my old place. Probably still going strong now.

 

[Lady Day]

We 'lease' a lot of appliances now a days. It works 'within warranty' then you go buy another one. Therefore keeping you in the marketplace.

On a side note Aiwa, a sister company of Sony, a few years back made the best headphones I ever had. Now their stuff is crap .

LD

 

[Cousin Hepcat]

Thanks all for the replies - Maytag/Amana, Procter Silex- making a list...

Nick & Dan: read about Naks when last replacing my cassette; finally went with a clean 1979 Pioneer model, & refurbished it.

Lizzie: the radar range I'm replacing was a Panasonic, lasted 13 years. Current reviews indicate everyone agrees they Were the best but now they're junk; too bad. Good to know about keeping it mostire-free; will practice that with this one- try & make it last a while, since they're only going to get made cheaper.

HFLG: Nextag.com - more customer product reviews - EXCELLET, thanks, bookmarked it.

Paisley - all the other kitchen stuff is Kenmore; agreed, it seems good quality so far. Twitch - I'd agree with you, except that over time, the amount of time things last seems to get shorter at a rate quicker than the price goes down...

Lady Day, That's the exact same way I've been thinking of it: We don't own anything anymore, we Lease! I'm trying to "beat the system" though

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Was just talking about this in general, with coworkers in the break room waiting in line for the microwave... we came to the decision that you have 2 choices with kitchen appliances: buy the totally junk disposable ones in regular with names like GE, Panasonic, etc., or pay 4 or more times as much for a "commercial grade" high-end fridge or microwave or whatever that really is built to last (closer to like the normally-priced ones USED to be).

Sony is no good anymore for many of their products. It's a crap shoot.

Talked to a former coworker about Sony at length when selecting a DVD burner; man did he go on a tirade about Sony! Forwarded me some websites too with lots of info & class action lawsuit details... basically, I remember earlier (about a couple years ago), when I bought my last Sony product (a VCR, the only *working* consumer-grade VCR available at that time), they publically stated that they can no longer "remain competitive" and keep producing high quality electronics, so they plan to shift focus to entertainment (movies/music) and farm out their electronics. Boy, they weren't kidding. From reading reviews, half their stuff doesn't work out of the box or dies within weeks, it seems. There's class action lawsuits against them for this reason. But it makes sense, logically: Everyone knows Sony is "the best", so if they switch overnight to cracker-jack junk, their cost of production plummets, but their income stays steady during the time it takes for people to keep buying them on name recognition, before everyone figures out it's junk. In the mean time they've made out like bandits, till they drop electronics altogether. What are you gonna do? Quit going to see your favorite movies or buying your favorite music by Sony artists & movie stars? No. There's no recourse except class action suits, which will surely pale in comparison to the money they'll make.

 

[Haversack]

One other possible resource for judging the quality/reliability of appliances is to check out your local repair shops. They do still exist. Sometimes they are retailers, sometimes they are retirees with a workbench. The honest ones will tell you what is worth repairing and what is not, and can give you their opinion on the reliability of a particular model.

From my own experience, Sunbeam makes long-lasting appliances. On the other hand, does anyone have a recommendation for a clock-radio? The one I've had since 1976 has just died.

Haversack.