I was going to replace our 1987 Whirlpool dishwasher on Memorial Day when Maytag was running a good sale. But DH said, “It still works so don’t replace it.”
Trump Administration Live Updates: Tariffs Planned for Appliances Made With Steel
Trade war: The Commerce Department said washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and other common household appliances made with steel parts will soon be subject to new tariffs that will be set at 50 percent.
The department said in a notice that levies would take effect on so-called steel derivative products on June 23 and will be set at 50 percent. [end quote]
Don’t buy from a box store. You can save a few bucks. But you get what you pay for.
Go to the local guys to buy a unit, guys who also do the repairs. Ask them what in their catalogs need the fewest repairs. Remember their reputation is linked to repair jobs.
No reason not to buy from a big box store. They offer installation (at a price) and have a reputation to protect. The installers are just independent journeyman plumbers filling holes in their (otherwise high priced) schedules. I have used them many times and never had a problem. Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.
It should have on their some energy savings info which would give you a rough back of the envelope calculation as to when it would pay for itself. I’m guess at least 10 years if not 20. Doubt a new big box appliance will last that long so most likely pays itself off only to die and need replacing again.
I admire DH’s desire to maximize the useful life of your equipment, but as we discussed last time, a new dishwasher uses about a third the energy and a third the water as your old one, and does a much better job cleaning too.
You can appeal to DH’s sense of frugality and love of the environment by pointing that by purchasing one dishwasher, you are reducing your use of important resources.
You can do the break even analysis based your own usage and cost of water and electricity. It is probably on the order of 5-10 years. And that 1987 model might not have that much time left anyway.
Did I mention in this thread before, my Kenmore (probably built by Whirlpool) was an 82. One day in 2020, I noticed that the light was on, indicating it was running, but the big, round, control knob, had not budged in an hour or more. The machine was 38 yeas old.
A 1987 machine is now…38 yeas old.
What makes me glad: the racks in the old one were vinyl coated steel wire. The vinyl coating was failing, and the wire underneath was rusting, in several places. On top of that, the attachment points for one of the rollers in the upper rack had rusted through, and broken, so the rack was no longer supported at that corner. Sears had replacement racks still available, for a lot of money, like half the price of a new machine. Spend half the price of a new machine, for racks for one over 30 years old? Nah. A couple years later, the cycle timer went west…proving, once again, that “procrastination is a virtue”.
I dunno. There’s an argument for purchasing now. Inventory that’s available won’t be subject to tariffs. Prices probably won’t come down significantly in the future. What’s the point in holding on to the old dishwasher that uses more water and energy? You know you’ll have to replace it sooner or later.
That said, it’s difficult to guess if the 50% tariff will stick, or not. Even if it doesn’t, other price impacts may make buying a new dishwasher more expensive. Delivery, installation, yada, yada, yada.
I don’t really know your financial situation, but I’m pretty sure you’re pretty comfortable but thrifty,
You can’t take it with you, and you are approaching 70 y.o.
Waiting until it breaks will leave you without one for a week or more, possibly at a time when it’s really inconvenient given your and DH’s health issues.
Just buy it.
The point of being thrifty all your life is to be able to spend as needed in your later years (and even more than as needed).
At casa del Steve, there are only two really mission critical machines: furnace and fridge. Everything else is optional. When my dishwasher went toes up, I washed dishes by hand until I decided what I wanted, and Lowe’s made delivery. When the pump motor in my washer went west, I took my clothes to a laundromat for washing, then brought them home and tossed them in the dryer, until the new pump motor arrived from Amazon. When my TV quit, I pulled a spare from the closet, as I have a stockpile of Salvation Army rescues at less than $20 each. Same thing with CD players. Two died last year. Pulled another Salvation Army rescue from spares inventory.
Yes, local appliance stores typically carry a wide range of appliances, including those found in major retailer catalogs, but they may also offer additional models and exclusive deals. Local stores often have strong relationships with manufacturers and may participate in special vendor programs that allow them to offer unique or exclusive products.
Here’s a more detailed comparison:
Major Retailers (Big Box Stores):
Wide selection: Typically carry a broad range of popular appliance brands and models.
Competitive pricing: Often offer competitive prices, especially on larger purchases.
Convenience: May offer online ordering, delivery, and installation services.
Local Appliance Stores:
Specialized knowledge:
Often have experienced staff who can provide personalized advice and recommendations.
Exclusive deals:
May offer special pricing or unique models through manufacturer partnerships.
Better service:
May offer more personalized service and support, including delivery and installation.
Community focus:
Often support the local community and economy.
May have access to the same models as major retailers:
Local stores often carry the same popular brands and models as the major retailers, but may also offer additional, exclusive products.
In short: While major retailers and local appliance stores may offer some of the same appliances, local stores can provide unique advantages such as personalized service, exclusive deals, and support for the local community.
I say replace it. Less energy and less water starts saving right away.
And most likely you can get one that is much quieter than what you have now…and it could fail any day.
Just make sure that you ask about the noise level of the new one.
And ask about how it protects against leak failures (sensors, drip pans, etc)
The modern ones are remarkably quiet! Our Bosch dishwashers even have a red LED that shines a light on the floor while it is operating so you don’t open it by mistake thinking it is done, because it is so quiet.