8/05/2011

KitchenAid Architect Series II : KBFS20EVMS 19.7 cu. ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator Review

KitchenAid Architect Series II : KBFS20EVMS 19.7 cu. ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator
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I really love this frig. I thought I'd hate the deli tray - almost all the frigs seem to have them - but it works out really well to hold containters of things (goat cheese, yogurt, etc) which I can see and pull out at a glance vs getting lost in the back on a rack.
The counter depth is great, but what distinguishes the Kitchenaid for me is the interior water dispenser. I don't like in-the-door water/ice dispensers because I think they're unattractive, and they take up so much room inside. Mostly I want water - ice I can get from below easily - and this saves so much room not needing to use my big brita. Am sold on counter depth now because I can see everything so much more easily - the frig is wider and not as deep and that's perfect.
The only reason I'm not giving it 5 (or 10) stars is because the stainless is high maintenance. Nothing seemed to clean it well so I researched it to death (and went through a number of stainless steel cleaners) and followed the recommendation of a lot of people to use Weisman spray cleaner with a microcloth. That works really really well - but I wish the metals Kitchenaid uses would require less maintenance. I'm aware now and in the habit of keeping my hands off the doors as much as possible - using just the handles - but if I had a bunch of kids in the house it'd drive me batty.
I'd buy this frig again in a heartbeat. Love it!

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Electrolux : EW23BC71IS 36 22.6 cu. ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator - Stainless Steel Review

Electrolux : EW23BC71IS 36 22.6 cu. ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator - Stainless Steel
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We have been on a journey to find a great, stylish and functional counter depth refrigerator. We are replacing a perfectly fine Kitchen Aid side by side that we put in a second home. First, we chose a Samsung side by side, but were not satisfied with it's refrigerator temperature. We set it at 34, but it never seemed cold enough. Milk was never "ice cold" as we were accustomed to. We started monitoring the temperatures, and it was typically around 38-43 degrees. Samsung was unable to remedy this issue, even after sending out a new replacement. Then we chose a GE Profile model, but it was a similar scenario, with wide temperature swings between the setting of 34, and 44 degrees, so a return of the GE was in order after service was unable to remedy it's large temperature swings.
Now, onto the Electrolux. This was a favorite from the start when we were shopping, but we were scared off by some reviews. We decided to go for it anyway, and are pleased with that decision, so far. However, the first one delivered did not cool at all. A service tech was dispatched immediately, and he found that there was a broken line from the compressor, due to damage in shipping, no fault of the unit, and all the refrigerant had escaped. The dealer brought the GE back until another Electrolux could be ordered and delivered.
Upon recieving the second Electrolux, it is performing nicely. Internal temperature is as stated on the Wave Touch Panel at 34 and -4 degrees for the freezer (which, by the way, you can set to show the refrigerator and freezer temps at all times). The units appearance is of good quality, being stainless steel on all sides, sturdy handles, and a modern appearance with Wave Touch Controls, which are easy to use. The doors are simple to align or adjust if needed.
The interior of this unit is 22.6 cu/ft, so as counter depth goes, it is decent. With edgeless glass shelves, ball bearing glides on all drawers, a large temperature controlled drawer with digital programmed settings, 2 good sized slide out bins, and exceptionaly well done LED lighting, this unit's interior is impressive.
We especially like the temperature controlled drawer, which can be adjusted from 28 to 40+ degrees. The drawer is large enough for party platters, and can keep fresh meats at near freezing, or beer can be kept at a very nice 28 degrees, or wines at a favorite selected temperature. The ice maker does take up a fair amount of space, but for ice and water in the door, it is a worth while sacrifice.
The icemaker has had some negative reviews, but so far ours is fine. The cubes are rounded, with a divit. I'm not sure why this is considered "Drink Friendly", but they are nice. One issue is that the cubes seem to come out with some vengence. However, by simply putting your glass or ice bucket close to the dispensing chute...problem solved. We have seen no melted ice puddles in the catch basin. Water dispensing is simple, and functional. We have only had this unit for a few days, so I can't comment on ice production quantity, but it is supposed to be better than most, per Electrolux specifications.
The freezer has 2 deep slide out bins, and 1 shallow one, with dividers and smooth ball bearing slides. One of our wire dividers does not stay in place, but that is no big issue at all. Space is good, and well utilized. Lighting in the freezer is excellent.
If I listen closely, I can hear the unit running, but sound is not obtrusive or noticably louder than any of the other units we have had recently. I would say it is quiet.
Pros: Operates at accurate temperatures set, huge slide out temperature controlled drawer, Exceptionally well done LED lighting and appearance, Wave Touch Controlls, functional use of space. Looks and feels high quality. We finally have really cold milk again.
Cons: High end of price scale, Ice maker takes up some refrigerator space, and some door storage.


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8/04/2011

Vinotemp VT-50SBW 50-Bottle Wine Cooler with Digital Display Review

Vinotemp VT-50SBW 50-Bottle Wine Cooler with Digital Display
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Was pleased to find this product at Costco for just over $500; seemed a good value. Has been much noisier than expected. And now after having it for only 15 months, without moving it, it has simply stopped cooling though the compressor runs non-stop. The only Vinotemp authorized technician in the entire Houston area basically said it would cost $200-300 to repair, with no guarantee that something else would not go wrong. He stated that all of these coolers require some maintenance or repair every 2-3 years.

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Elegantly store up to 50 standard-size bottles of wine at the proper temperature with this attractive wine cooler. Its smooth-gliding slide-out metal shelves (five full size and two half size), each with beautiful wood trim, securely cradle anything from light red or full red to white, rose, or sparkling wine and champagne. A user-friendly digital display with an adjustable thermostat make it easy to control the temperature settings. The appliance provides a dual-paned glass door for clear viewing, and its interior light can be turned on to help find a specific bottle or to simply showcase the collection. Furthermore, its design includes a front-venting exhaust system, which allows it to be built in as an under-the-counter appliance or as a freestanding unit. Housed in a black cabinet with a stainless-steel door handle and trim, the wine cooler measures 23 by 24 by 34-1/2 inches.

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GE SmartWater Replacement Water Filter (FXULC) Review

GE SmartWater Replacement Water Filter (FXULC)
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I used to buy these filters for my kitchen under the sink water filter at the local store, and then I ordered one from Amazon. I got the same filter for half the price! From now on I'll always order it from Amazon.


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Bosch : B22CS50SNS 22 cu. ft. Linea Series Side by Side Refrigerator - Stainless Steel Review

Bosch : B22CS50SNS 22 cu. ft. Linea Series Side by Side Refrigerator - Stainless Steel
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I replaced my 14 year old dead quiet white Maytag with a stainless steel Bosch. It has a nice, sleek look, but problems and more problems. The first Bosch refrigerator was different from the showroom model in Lowes (stay away!). The showroom model did NOT have two large vent holes on the top surface of the unit, and the refrigerator I received did--covered with stainless steel tape. I was told by the deliveryperson to keep on---a real pretty site, right? That was the first thing. Second is the constant-- I repeat, constant--and penetrating alarm sound/shrill beep that goes on 15-20 seconds (not one minute) after the door is open, and there is NO way to permanently shut it off. It can drive you CRAZY. Next is when you get water from the dispenser. No matter how careful you are, it leaks and drips onto the surface of the door, then drips AFTER you take away the drinking glass. In addition, the freezer shelves fill with frost VERY quickly. However, I noticed a crack in the interior of this unit, so back it went to Lowe's, and I received the same model as a replacement. Why I just didn't select another/different brand, well, I was naive. I have a space problem and need a counter depth refrigerator.
Anyway, the second Bosch refrigerator arrived, complete with the holes on top and all its other sundry faults I mentioned above. Now, the difference is that this second unit was so noisy, so loud, that I heard the noise from my bedroom, which is quite far away fron the kitchen. The noise was that loud and constant. Let me repeat: constant. I absolutely could not and cannot take it. I could not get a restful night's sleep. Mind you, the first refrigerator was quiet. This second replacement, as loud as can be, and extremely intolerable and unrelenting. Obviously, there was something wrong with it. I called Lowe's and they are picking it up tomorrow, and that is the end of my buying a Bosch refrigerator. I will have my money refunded. I am thinking about an LG. I hear that brand is the quietest. Any suggestions? Bottom line: please stay away, far, far away, from Bosch refrigerators. The absolute worst. Oh, one more thing: I have a Dacor range and microwave. The stainless steel on Dacor appliances seems superior in shine and durability to the much more duller Bosch finish. Don't buy Bosch. Ever.
Update: I finally found a refrigerator--a KitchenAid. See my review of this.

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8/03/2011

Watts Premier (531411) RO PURE (RO-4) Reverse Osmosis Filter System - MPN - Watts Premier RO-PURE RO-4 Review

Watts Premier (531411) RO PURE (RO-4) Reverse Osmosis Filter System - MPN - Watts Premier RO-PURE RO-4
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I purchased from Costco. As of Jan 2011, Costco is currently selling it for $189 with $30 MFG rebate, so the unit can be purchased at $159 with tax.
I replaced an older GE GXRM10GBL Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System purchased at Home Depot with this Watts unit. Where this system wins out is the ease of maintenance. It's very easy to pop any of the filter cartridges in and out. GE system was harder to maintain and some of the parts broke during maintenance.The main issue was that whenever I need to sanitize the system or replace RO cartridge, I had to open the plastic cap to the RO cartridge holder, which is made out of fairly light plastic. Every 1-2 years, after opening a couple of times, the plastic cab would break when I screw it back on. The replacement part for the RO cartridge holder is $150, which is the same price as buying a new unit.
Here is my comparison, as of Jan 2011. Watts is a clear winner in my mind. Just a lot less hassle to maintain and probably cheaper in the long run. I'll probably update the post after a year or so to see if Watts still holds up well.
---------------------------------------------
Initial Price - Slight advantage GE. GE is $150 from HomeDepot where $189 with $30 MFG Rebate from Costco
OS Membrane Cost - Slight advantage GE. We replace this every 2-3 years. It's $50 for GE replacement cartridge from homedepot.com (FX12M) and $61 for Watts from filterfast.com
Carbon filter Cost - Advantage Watts. Watt's it's only $50 for 1 year replacement set that replace pre-filters every 6 months and post filter every 12 months. For GE it's $75 a year ($37 for a pre/post cartridge pair (FX12P) from filterfast 2 pair a year). which replace post pre/post every 6 months. In my opinion, post filter only need replacing every 12 months
Noise - Advantage Watts. Both make sound when ro process take place, but Watts is quieter. With GE, I can really hear it in the middle of night.
Water quality - Same. My family can't taste the difference. Both specs seem to remove about same amount of all the contaminants.
Initial Install - Slight advantage Watts. The system is more well designed and it's a bit easier to install although the GE one was not bad
Replacing pre/post filter - Advantage Watts. Watts takes me 10 seconds. GE takes me 10 minutes and water can get spilled easily.
Replacing RO membrane - Advantage Watts. Watts takes me 5 seconds, GE takes me 20 minutes if everything goes well. I also have to have 2 very large clamps to open up the RO cartridge holder.
Sanitize system - Advantage Watts. Watt is a lot easier to sanitize, takes 5 minutes to put in the bleach, and 4 hours flush afterwards, which can be unattended. GE require us to remove pre/post/RO membrane, and sanitize, and then put everything back. It's something that takes me about an hour, with 4 hours flush time in between. And water gets spilled easily.
Durability - Advantage Watts. I haven't had Watts for long, but I can tell by how simple it is to swap the cartridges that it won't break easily. We simply don't have to take anything apart during maintenance where as GE requires you to do more mechanical things. Parts of GE breaks system after a couple sanitization or replacing RO membrane. Buy parts is a big pain since local stores don't sell it and have to call GE to older. Some parts are very expensive.

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Westinghouse 03466 Nanolux 3-Watt G19 LED Bulb, White Review

Westinghouse 03466 Nanolux 3-Watt G19 LED Bulb, White
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I had great hopes for our first LED bulbs - I bought 2 - specifically targetting them for our most used zone, our breakfast nook.
Unfortunately, these are...dim bulbs. Too dim to replace the CFLs we use now. I did not object to the blue color.
I had a back up plan, and we tried a bulb in our motion-detector front door light (only 1 bulb) but that was also too dim, not enough light for this location either.
The final step in the plan (and last chance) was to put these bulbs in our refrigerator, replacing the 2 incandescents inside (inside!) the cooling compartment. Finally, success! Our fridge takes 2 bulbs, and the 2 I bought provide just enough light and Vastly Less heat inside.
Bottom Line: These are dim, dimmer then you would think. You can find a use for them, but be prepared to keep trying locations until you are satisified.

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