Spring 2016 Home Improvement Magazine

Expert advice on buying appliances
By Angela Reiners

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[May 10, 2016]  When it is time to buy new appliances, it is important to consider size, dependability and reliability of brands, options you want, and terms for financing.

In Lincoln, both McEntire's Direct Maytag and McQuellon's Appliance Company offer a variety of styles, brands, sizes and options in appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, freezers, washers and dryers.

Brands and options at McEntire's Direct Maytag

Carie McEntire Groves, salesperson at McEntire's Direct Maytag, said the store offers brands such as Maytag, Amana, Frigidaire, Whirlpool and KitchenAid.

When considering what size of appliance to purchase, not only do you want to consider your needs and preferences in options, but Groves says it is also important to make sure it will fit into the space you have available. For example, when buying a refrigerator, you need to know the measurements of surrounding cabinets, so the refrigerator will fit in your kitchen.

Groves said when it comes to what is new in kitchen appliances, refrigerators with French doors and the freezer on the bottom have become popular, especially for people in newer homes. These refrigerators often have a depth of 35 5/8 to 36 inches when the doors are open. Groves said people in smaller homes or apartments are more likely to buy refrigerators with freezers on top.

McEntire's also has chest freezers ranging in size from 5 to 22 cubic feet and upright freezers ranging in size from 14 to 22 cubic feet. Groves said chest freezers are often used for bulky meat, and upright freezers are easier to organize. She said they sell many freezers during hunting season when people are looking for more storage space for meat.

As far as stoves, Groves said people tend to like large oven space, especially if they do a lot of cooking and baking. On stove tops, metal or cast iron grates are popular features. Groves said the stoves are 5 cubic feet and up. Sizes range from 4.8 to 6 cubic feet.

In washers and dryers, McEntire's offers a variety of features. The tubs come with or without agitators. The washer may be front load or top load. Some are high efficiency, so they use less water. Another feature is steam, which helps get stains out. Groves said most people like the higher capacity washers. The washers range from 3.1 to 6 cubic feet.

Groves said the dryers are 6 to 8 cubic feet. She noted dryers must be larger than washers in order to effectively dry loads. If the dryer is too small, loads will come out in a "clump."

Groves said low end appliances offer few options. Middle to high end appliances offer more options, which means more convenience. For instance, some appliances can be started through apps on your smartphone even when you are not at home.

Price ranges depend on the options
Washers and dryers range from $400 to $1200. Stoves range from $400 to $1,500. Groves said package deals on stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves are between $1,600 and $4,000. She said the $4000 package is popular.

McEntire's offer six months to a year of free financing with no interest. Groves said many customers choose to make monthly payments.

The company will even haul away old appliances. Hook up of most appliances is free, though McEntire's charges a small fee for hooking up dishwasher, wall ovens, cooktops, and over-the-range microwaves. McEntire's also does most of its own repairs.

McEntire's Direct Maytag is located on 403 Broadway in Lincoln. They are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday and can be reached by calling (217)732-4874.

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Brands and Options at McQuellon's Appliance Company

McQuellon's Appliance Company offers brands such as GE, Hotpoint, Crosley, Frigidaire, and Danby.

Yolanda Cisneros, salesperson at McQuellon's, began by talking kitchen appliances. She also said to know your measurements before buying refrigerators. Refrigerators are usually 20 to 36 inches wide, so you need to make sure you have the space for them. If there is an overhead cabinet where your refrigerator goes, you must make sure you do not get a refrigerator too tall to fit under it.

Cisneros said refrigerator options range from low-end to high-end depending on features. Today's models may come with one or two ice makers. Other options include water dispensers, and even Keurig coffee makers.

Cisneros said their high-end refrigerators run up to $3,200.

McQuellon's has chest freezers from five to 25 cubic feet and upright freezers from 14 to 21 cubic feet.

Oven sizes are available from 10 to 28 cubic feet. Cisneros said stove tops with four burners and a smooth top tend to be more popular.

Cisneros said the most popular are the self-cleaning gas ovens and sell for $648. Stove prices vary from $449 to $1,000.

Cisneros said the washer sizes range from four to six cubic feet. High efficiency washers save on water and heat. While newer front load washers are attractive to those wanting more ease, they often need more maintenance than top load washers. Also, the front load washers can get moldy if not cleaned regularly.

Cisneros said the dryers are between six and eight cubic feet. Some have flat backs, while others extend 4 inches in the back; so it is important to know how much space is in the laundry room.

Depending on options, Cisneros said McQuellon's, showroom washers range from $479 to $699 and dryers from $449 to $699.


Cisneros said package deals on stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves are between $2,100 for appliances with little more than basic options, and $8,000 for high-end options.

McQuellon's does not offer in-house financing. However, Cisneros said Security Finance offers financing on appliances.

McQuellon's offers same day delivery and will haul away old appliances. They will also do free hook up of most appliances and charge a small fee for hooking up dishwasher, wall ovens, cooktops, and over-the-range microwaves. McQuellon's also does most of its own repairs.

McQuellon's Appliance Company is located on 414 S. Kickapoo in Lincoln. Their hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Both McEntire's and McQuellon's have been serving the area for many years. Their friendly and knowledgeable salespeople will help you find the options you are looking for at affordable prices.

 

Read all the articles in our new
Spring 2016 Home Improvement Magazine

Title
CLICK ON TITLES TO GO TO PAGES
Page
The three golden rules of tool acquisition & ownership 4
Be aware when hiring contractors 8
Solid tips on concrete repair 11
Sizing up the right mower for your yard 15
The gamut of home security products 17
How to buy trees and shrubs 21
Expert advice on buying appliances 28

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