We have made a number of changes to the customization options recently, but rather than bombard you with them all at once, we thought we would introduce them one at a time. Appliances begins with “A”, so I guess that’s as good of a place to start as any.
The key change in the appliances is a move to a slide-in range (instead of a separate cook top and oven) and a return to including induction cooking in our base option. The slide-in allows us to achieve better efficiencies in the layout of our kitchen and fabrication of our counters. It also reduces the cost of the appliances and makes it possible to offer induction in the base package.
Induction, for those unfamiliar, is a magnetic cooking surface that is exceptionally efficient and precise enough for the work of professional chefs. We feel it is an important part of an all electric house as most of those who like to cook despise basic electric cook tops.
We also divided the range choice from the fridge/dishwasher choice to allow for more flexibility in appliance choices. The range options are still somewhat limited by the lack of availability of induction cooking in the US, but we found two options that we like quite a bit.
Frigidaire Hybrid Induction Slide-In Range: FPCS3085LF
The Frigidaire base option features a hybrid cooking surface with two electric burners and two induction. It is a good compromise for those who’s cooking doesn’t always require precise control and for those who may be hesitant to invest in a full set of high quality, conductive cookware (necessary for induction cooking).
Electrolux Induction Slide-In Range: EW30IS65JS
The Electrolux full induction upgrade is significant step up in quality and performance. This is the kind of cooking equipment that drags you off of your couch and demands you create delicious things upon it. I get hungry just looking at its picture.
The second upgrade choice is the fridge/dishwasher package. These are grouped together so that we can do as good a job as possible matching the appliances. Nothing bothers us more than the haphazard appliance collection often created by developers trying to save a buck.
Frigidaire Refrigerator: FPHI1887KF
Frigidaire Dishwasher: FPHD2491KF
The Frigidaire package was chosen because it matches the base range perfectly and it is very energy efficient. The small, by American standards, fridge still provides plenty of space for all but the most committed bulk shoppers and the dishwasher is frugal with both water and energy.
Whirlpool Refrigerator: GB2FHDXW
Bosch Dishwasher: SHV68E13UC
We have heard that people enjoy a bottom freezer so we spent some time looking for an attractive efficient option. We were very surprised to find the answer to that option in Whirlpool’s collection. Unfortunately, they could not back up their fridge performance with a good dishwasher. So, we went to the most efficient dishwasher available . . . Bosch. Then, to assure proper aesthetics, we chose the model on which we can place our own front panel. We will make this dishwasher disappear into the cabinets, erasing any clashing concerns.
Bosch Refrigerator: B26FT70SNS
Bosch Dishwasher: SHX68E05UC
The final upgade option is the all-Bosch show. This upgrade includes the french door style Bosch Fridge complete with water and ice dispensing. Sure, it loses some energy efficiency for that functionality, but we are curious as to how that might be off-set by not opening the door to retrieve water and ice. The dishwasher is, once again, the most efficient one available. Bosch really knows their way around doing dishes.
We would love to hear what you think of these upgrade options. Let us know in the comments.
