However, if you only knew how cheap appliances are. We recently updated the kitchen. Gas range, stainless refrigerator, stainless oven, stainless microwave.

Through some connections, we were able purchase our appliances directly from GE. I would say we saved about 50% off of the cost.

Retail markup sucks

Freezer on top? What is this, 1987?

I like freezer-on-the-bottom as well, but Consumer Reports says the freezer-on-top models are more reliable.

Since we have a freezer chest in our basement, we don't use the kitchen freezer for more than ice, ice cream, and other small stuff. I liked not having to bend to get into the fridge… but someone who is about 36" tall will appreciate being able to get her own juice, apples, etc. now.

Mike: do you have a backsplash? So you're looking for a range that has the controls on the front with no backsplash control area? We looked at those for a little while (I briefly entertained the thought of putting in a backsplash of some sort) and most started in the mid-range and moved upwards, but some weren't horribly expensive. And most had a good number of features, too, like convection cooking and warming trays.

My refrigerator & dish washer are fairly new, so I only need to get a new range, since it's probably the original one from when this place was built in the 70s. Unfortunately there are some major limitations in what I can get.

I have a narrow galley kitchen with no gas hookup, so I can only use an electric range. Due to the way the counter overhangs it, I can't get anything more than 41" high, so I can only get a slide in or drop in range. Those kind seem to be much more expensive than the others.

Just kidding. You know what works best for you