Appliance Cost & Where to Shop and Buy

Q.
At 11:57 PM 4/16/2007, you wrote:
Peggy:
We did as you advised and looked at appliances at Home Depo Expo Design over in Emeryville. I must confess I just about had a stroke when I saw the prices on those units. I guess if you haven't bought any appliances you're bound to be in for sticker shock. My guess if we bought near top of the line pieces that our cost would be about 8K.
Mel

A.
Never shop at Home Depot or Expo for items like this.
Their prices are always higher and their service always less than desired.
Appliance dealers will give you a better deal on a package of appliances.
And they will give you better service over the life of the appliance.

Appliances in San Francisco:
There's Cherins on Valencia or House of Louie Appliance Center
Many of my clients have bought from both with good results over the years.

If you want to travel to shop:
Try Standards of Excellence (either San Rafael or San Jose are closest).
If you buy in San Jose I have a certificate, good for a free 4-year extended warranty on a single appliance, I can send you.
Or Gary Seller's Atherton Appliance (this is where most of my clients buy)
3120 Middlefield Road in Redwood City
http://www.yelp.com/biz/HzM8-zbjRDqjHdSrnrVcEw
Be careful because there are two Atherton Appliances and the other (Atherton Appliance & Kitchens) is not the one.

Most of my clients spend between 10-15K for appliances.
You are not replacing your fridge, so your bill should be somewhat less.
My clients are cooks and they want the best equipment they can get...
Unfortunately It's pricey stuff.
The advantage to buying the best is it almost always lasts longer as well.

The thing you need to understand about appliance shopping is "spiffs".
Spiffs are rewards appliance salespeople get from manufacturers to encourage them to push their products.
They can be cash or trips, etc., and they are endemic in the appliance industry.
That's why salespeople will push one product line one week and another the next.

This can be very confusing for shoppers.
The places I recommended are not as "spiff-driven" as others can be. The salespeople are highly trained. And they show you all that is available and explain everything very thoroughly. So you can make an informed decision.
Have fun,

Peggy