scarlettina: (All my own stunts)
[personal profile] scarlettina
. . . new refrigerator shopping begins today. ::sigh::

Yesterday I worked at home and heard the refrigerator making sounds I'd never heard before. It sounded like it might be the fridge equivalent of a car trying--and failing--to start. When I opened the fridge this morning? Warm. Not even cool. Warm. There go all the groceries. In fact, it's still making that sound, even as I type--a low buzz-then-click and nothing. Time to go appliance shopping.

The frugal shopper in me thinks I should just go get a cheap fridge and forget about it. The homeowner in me thinks: you know, all your appliances are nearly 40 years old. Your dishwasher hasn't worked in forever. Maybe you should quit while you're ahead (the range still works) and get yourself a whole new suite: fridge, range, dishwasher.

Of course, there goes the dent I'd made in my debt--debt that I could finally see the end of. I'd be furious if I weren't so tired of something money-related getting out in front of me every time I think I'm nearly finished. There go my plans for Saturday--no editing, no writing, just . . . appliance shopping.

In other circumstances this shopping would be fun; this means more modern appliances that will be reliable and more energy- and cost-efficient--and I can choose colors I prefer to the bleh-almond I have now. But I've got research ahead of me. I've got fears about spending too much because I don't know enough. I just . . . wilt at the thought of all this.

Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 02:22 pm (UTC)
lagilman: coffee or die (Default)
From: [personal profile] lagilman
Sympathies. My microwave sparked this morning. I join you in the appliance-shopping.

(the fridge has been on warning notice for months, but hasn't died yet. I keep eying it...)
Edited Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 02:22 pm (UTC)

Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 03:15 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] girasole.livejournal.com
Take a deep breath. Get a new suite of kitchen appliances. They will be more efficient, you will love using them, and then you will be done with that part. You are the head of your household, let yourself wield that power.
I send hugs. Along with everything else in my life, a number of appliances are currently gasping here at the Yellow Submarine, and we are trying to Deal With Them.

Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 04:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] scarlettina.livejournal.com
On my way to work this morning, it occurred to me that I've been wanting to renovate the kitchen for years. I can look at this as the first stage of a multi-stage process. When I take that approach, it doesn't seem so bad. It lightens the task a bit, makes it less onerous and a little more pleasant. In the wake of the first unpleasant surprise this morning, I realize that I do have the money to cover this expense. I just have to brace myself for the hit to my savings and plan for replenishment. I can do that.

Funny: You said, "You are the head of your household, let yourself wield that power." It never occurred to me to think of it in quite that way. I like that. Thank you so much.

Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 06:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] scarlettina.livejournal.com
And see, I talke dabout this on Facebook, and I've got a friend who's all "40-year old fridges were made to be fixed. Call a repair man before you ditch it! You can get it fixed." And now I'm all, "Am I stupid not to do this? Will I be bilked if I do? Does it make sense to wait and have this checked out before I drop cash on a new fridge?" The insecurity hamsters in my head are now officially working overtime. ::sigh::

Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 06:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bedii.livejournal.com
There are two parts to this. Yes, a fridge of this vintage can probably be repaired: it will never be as efficient as a newer fridge, but it can be repaired. There is another, more important question, however: DO YOU LIKE IT? If you don't then dump it and get a new fridge and dishwasher, and possibly an old stove. Check Consumer Reports and make a trip to Habitat for Humanity which stocks new AND old appliances, or hit up Second Use for amazing and often unused stuff. (If you'd bought the maybe used once AGA that used to be there you could have invited Neil Gaimen to teach you to use it the next time he came through town.)

Date: Sat, May. 3rd, 2014 12:40 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] scarlettina.livejournal.com
Thank you, Bruce, for that first thought. When it comes to this sort of thing, I am always stymied by this idea that I have to be practical to the point of self-denial, because somehow if I spend big money on something I want and like (as opposed to only that I need), I'm being profligate , which is ridiculous but there it is. Im virtually certain that it goes back deeper into my history than this sort of thing ought to. I'lll examine it more deeply another time. Today, I'm going to try to get into the saddle and be comfortable with it. I'm trying to think of it as the first step to a more complete kitchen renovation because, well, my kitchen really does need it.

Date: Sun, May. 4th, 2014 12:11 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bedii.livejournal.com
Oh, god, do I know how that goes. M. had to sit me down one day when I was blue about having wasted money on the iPad instead of saving it away for the emergency du jour to point out in detail that I'd used it for hundreds of hours of entertainment and distraction while undergoing medical treatment, and that alone made it a Good Thing.

Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 03:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] joycemocha.livejournal.com
I found that Home Depot has a decent midrange set of appliances, which makes me happy as otherwise our local appliance stores have either high end or low end, no midrange. Got spoiled by years of Tom Petersen (who sold a lot of sturdy mid-price range stuff and would cut deals on suite sales).

I bought a nice GE electric stove from Home Depot a month ago; it was the only one that wasn't tinny. Plus you can shop Home Depot on line....

Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 03:40 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] davesmusictank.livejournal.com
Know that feeling well.Our cooker is thirty years old and only two rings work on it. The oven no longer works and it is ins final stages of giving up. At least we have a working microwave and a large George Foreman grill.

Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 04:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] scarlettina.livejournal.com
Hi Dave! You new around here? I don't think I've seen you before. Welcome to the place I think of as the Red Room (it's thematic, you know--scarlettina, red...you get the idea. :) )

My kichen is small with little counter space, so I rely on the appliances I have and try not to crowd my space with other stuff. I don't have a microwave at all (I know!). With this new addition, that may change. I'm just . . . so not prepared for it.

Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 04:33 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] allanh.livejournal.com
Start with researching models on Consumer Reports' website. If you don't already subscribe, it's well worth the annual fee, and will save you hundreds of dollars with the first major purchase you make (e.g., said refrigerator).

You may also find that you can get a better deal from some retailers buying two or more appliances at once.

But--seriously--start with CR's website. It'll help you figure out what you want/need and how to winnow down the choices to the few models you do want.

Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 04:48 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jkling.livejournal.com
Print editions of CR are also free at most libraries, I think.

Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 05:10 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lisagold.livejournal.com
You can access Consumer Reports online for free from home if you have a library card from the Seattle Public Library.

You'll find it in the databases list on the SPL website:
http://www.spl.org/library-collection/articles-and-research/databases-a-z

Edited Date: Fri, May. 2nd, 2014 05:13 pm (UTC)

Date: Sat, May. 3rd, 2014 12:33 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] scarlettina.livejournal.com
Consumer Reports was my first thought. I've got a couple of friends who are subscribers and, over the course of the last day, have filtered me some reports. Excellent thought. Thanks!

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