Archive for the ‘GE Cafe’ Category
Best Value Kitchen Appliance Packages: GE Profile Package
In the first installment we discussed the Frigidaire Gallery Series and the great value as a kitchen appliance package that it brings to the table.
Now we’re going to shift focus to GE. In the last 2 years, it seems all of the noise out of the GE camp has been about their Cafe line of appliances.
No doubt, Cafe has been one of the top success stories in two years of dreariness for the appliance industry. GE Cafe appliances boast pro styling, some pro functionality, and price points that won’t make most consumer pass out. However, lately I am recommending that people consider the GE Profile line as well. For less money than GE Cafe, you can receive many of the same benefits, albeit with a different look.
Let’s take a look at a GE Profile value package in stainless and compare the dollar outlay to GE Cafe.
30″ Gas range – PGS975SEPSS – The range offers convection cooking, deep recessed cooktop for easier cleaning, extra-large oven and a stacked burner which ranges from 18K BTU to 140BTU for a low simmer. It also offers self cleaning, glass touch controls and double coated racks that you can keep in the oven during self cleaning. Retail is $2649 ($300 less than the Cafe FREESTANDING unit).
GE Profile PGS975SEPSS gas range
Dishwasher – PDWT380RSS – If you want to save a few dolllars, GE Profile offers the PDWT380RSS which is also Enery Star qualified , offers the Smart dispense technology, and offers 4 wash cycles. The retail on the PDWT380RSS is $1099.
The GE Cafe CDWT980RSS dishwasher is $1449.
Free-Standing French Door Refrigerator – PFSS6PKXSS – This is a 26 cu ft French Door refrigerator with external ice/water dispenser. It is Energy Star rated, 36″ wide and 70″ high. It offers energy efficient LED lighting and a full-width drawer that maintains freshness and crispness. Retail is $2699. GE Cafe does not offer a freestanding french door refrigerator. Their counter depth unit has a retail price of $2999 retail.
GE Profile French Door Refigerator
Over the range microwave/hood – PVM1870SMSS – This combo micro/hood offers 1.8 cu ft of space and is powered by 1100 watts. This is NOT a convection micro. Retail is $569.
So total these up:
GE Profile Range – $2649
GE Profile dishwasher – $1249 (top of the line)
GE Profile French Door fridge – $2699
GE Profile micro/hood – $569
Total – $7166.
Then take $300 off for GE Combo rebate
Total – $6866
Keep in mind we are using retail prices. If you’re actually paying these numbers, you’re getting robbed!
GE Cafe CGS980SEMSS – Best Value, Lowest Price?
Had to do a post on this piece…while 2008-2009 proved to be tough shakes for appliance manufacturers, you can bet that the folks at GE Appliances are dancing a mad jig about the GE Cafe 30″ gas range – CGS980SEMSS. This gas range has proven to be an absolute rock star. GE actually couldn’t have timed the introduction any better – just as the economy was starting to slow up, here comes a cooking range which gives off a pro look, sports some pro features, but comes in THOUSANDS of dollars lower than other pro cooking appliances by brands I won’t name here. Look at the features:
- Self cleaning oven
- 18K BTU power burner and a 150F degree simmer burner
- PreciseAir convection system means accurately baked foods in a gas oven.
- Super-large capacity in the oven
- Warming drawer offers an addition 1.0 cu ft for baking 140 – 450 degrees.
GE Cafe CGS980SEMSS Gas Range at Curtos.com
Considering the MSRP on the CGS980SEMSS is $2899 and it typically sells in the mid-$2000 area (the price for the CGS980SEMSS is less than that at Curto’s) compare that with other 30″ gas ovens that are in the pro category. I won’t name names folks, you’ve been shopping around, so you know the models. The CGS980SEMSS reviews very well, also considering that customers have done nothing but rave about the piece.
The world of kitchen appliances may be bruised and battered, but there are a few pieces out there that have risen above the fray and prospered. Count the CGS980SEMSS as one of them.
Electrolux French Door vs. GE Cafe French Door Refrigerator
Since the economy crashed last fall, it’s been amazing to watch how consumers appliance preferences have changed. The high-end lines have been displaced by the upper-middle tier. Bad news for Viking et al, good news for KitchenAid, JennAir and especially the new line of Electrolux appliances and the GE Cafe line.
At Curto’s we’ve extensively trained our sales force on both lines, placed the GE Cafe and Electrolux displays back to back in a premium spot in the showroom and maintained the notion ‘let the best line win”.
We just had the GE cafe and Electrolux french door refrigerators added to the displays and it’s been interesting getting customer’s feedback. Here’s what I’ve heard from consumers:
- gorgeous design, interior lighting is “amazing”
- box seems well built
Electrolux French Door Cons
- price tag is a joke ($2899-$3699, set by Electrolux via UMRP policy)
- ice machine takes away valuable space in fridge (good point – why is the ice machine located in the refrigerator?)
GE Cafe French Door Pros
- Nice price! (over $800-1000 less than comparable stainless in Electrolux)
GE Cafe French Door Cons
- Feels “cheaper” in comparison to Electrolux when opening doors and drawers
GE Cafe French Door Refrigerator - Curtos.com
Electrolux Ew23bc70is French Door Refrigerator at Curtos.com
