Curto's Appliances – Westchester County NY: 1-800-966-2878

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!

I’ve had a bunch of readers send in emails inquiring as to what I deemed to be the best value kitchen appliance package in today’s market.
First of all, we need to define “value”. To me, value is going to be the sum of visual appeal, reliability, manufacturer reputation and low cost.
I scanned my lists and came up with these three candidates for best kitchen appliance package. Each one is a 4 piece appliance package in stainless with a freestanding gas range. Keep in mind that most of these emails have been centered around the $3000-$5000 price range so that’s the target I’m shooting for.

I will introduce each appliance package in a separate post, so the entire series will consist of three posts spread out over three days. First up…Frigidaire’s Gallery Series.

Frigidaire Gallery Series Appliance Package

Frigidaire_FGGF3054KF Gallery gas range

Refrigerator – DGHS2644KF – Side by side, 26 cu ft, external ice/water, ENERGY STAR
Gas Range – FGGF3054KF - 30″, convection, chicken nugget and pizza buttons!
Dishwasher – FGHD2433KF – 24″, ENERGY STAR, Quietest dishwasher in its price range
Hood/micro – FGMV185KF – 1.8 cu ft capacity

The Skinny on Frigidaire’s Gallery Series Appliance Package

:
A year ago if anyone asked me what I thought about Frigidaire, my answer was “I try not think about them”.
That’s changed. I’m talking a 180 degree change.
I’m blown away by the new Gallery and Professional series’ Frigi introduced this summer. I didn’t think they had it in them. They do. And then some.
Whenever I walk by one the displays in the showroom I get all warm and fuzzy. The styling, the attention to detail. The construct. And the price points…what’s not to love.
I was talking to one of my sales guys the other day and we were surmising on the lack of Electrolux business in the last few months. The reason why? The Frigidaire Gallery and Pro series are so close in looks, with a just a few less bells and whistles…why would you pay the upcharge for ELX? The comparable Electrolux range is well over $1000 more than the Frigidaire version! (Hint to Frigidaire – you need to create more separation between Electrolux and Frigi in order to justify the price splits).

What You’re Getting in This Appliance Package

Regarding the above package…you’re getting a 4-piece, all stainless package, ENERGY STAR fridge and dishwasher, convection oven and a sleek OTR micro which acts as a hood and offers a spacious 1.8 cu ft of capacity for under $3000. I did a quick scan of online prices and most authorized dealers (remember we only pay credence to actual dealerships, not cretins running 800#’s out of some bathroom in Brooklyn where they sell refurbs) were a tick below $3000. Plus you would have rebates to take advantage of as well.

MORE LINKS

Here are few links to check out regarding Frigidaire appliances:
- Frigidaire’s Home Page
- Frigidaire Gallery Home Page
- Frigidaire Professional Collection

In Part 2 tomorrow….amidst all of the hulabaloo created by the resounding success of the GE Cafe line, it seems that GE’s Profile line has been lost amidst the clamor for Cafe. I’m here to debunk the notion that Profile is old, dated and/or seen better days. Profile is relevant, somewhat sexy and provides a great bang for your buck. Tomorrow we’ll get re-aquainted with it.