Side-by-sides. Models with the refrigerator and freezer side by side can be 10% more expensive than comparable models with top-mount freezers, and they consume more electricity.

Models with bottom-mount freezers or French doors, which also are more energy efficient than side-by-sides, tend to be more expensive than top-mount freezers.

Through-the-door ice and water dispensers. These features add hundreds to the cost of a fridge — and can double its electricity use even if you don’t use them. Don’t trust the power consumption estimates on yellow stickers attached to these models — it refers to the power consumption of the model without the dispenser.

DISHWASHERS

Dishwashers perform below home-owner expectations and require repairs more than any other major appliance. So it’s worth paying extra for a good one… but you don’t have to pay top dollar. Bosch (www.boschappliances.com), the company that makes the most reliable and quietest dishwashers on the market, last year introduced a lower-priced “Ascenta” line of dishwashers. These sell for around $500 or $600 (more for stainless steel), at least $100 less than most other Bosch models, and several hundred less than the most expensive Bosch, Asko or Miele dishwashers. Bosch cut a few corners to lower the price — some parts are plastic, not metal, for example. But the added plastic is hidden in out-of-the-way spots, so Ascentas look and feel as well-made as other Bosches (though they might not be quite as quiet).

Don’t pay extra for…

  • Active drying. Passive drying systems, which don’t have electric drying elements, work just as well and have fewer parts that can break down — though they might take a little longer to dry dishes or leave some condensation on plastic items.
  • RANGES/COOKTOPS

    Many appliance manufacturers don’t really manufacture ranges and cooktops — they mostly assemble components made by other companies. Capital Cooking (www.capital-cooking.com) uses essentially the same components as elite appliance makers Viking and Wolf, but charges hundreds or even thousands less for its pro-style cooking appliances because it has less name recognition. They look just as good and work just as well.

    GE’s Monogram line and Whirlpool’s Jenn-Air and KitchenAid lines also produce excellent appliances that cost thousands less than the elite brands, again using very similar or identical components.

    Don’t pay extra for…

  • Multiple high-BTU gas burners. One 15,000- to 18,000-BTU burner can be useful for boiling water quickly or high-temperature frying, but very few home cooks need more than one. Standard 9,000- to 10,000-BTU burners are just fine.
  • FOR THE BEST PRICE

    Regional appliance distributors sometimes offer big discounts — perhaps 25% — to get rid of slightly damaged merchandise, such as a hard-to-spot dent.

    Ask appliance manufacturers for the phone numbers of the regional distributors in your area, then ask these distributors for their “dent and ding lists.”

    Distributors generally can’t sell directly to customers, so your purchase might have to be finalized through a local dealer.

    Helpful: Make sure the appliance maker’s standard warranty applies.

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