Using the appliances for the first time

I read through the manuals before trying to use each appliance for the first time and this is what I learned:

Stove

• There is a funny smell when it's turned on for the first time - inside should be turned on and preheated for a little while before you put food in
• There's a cream that comes for the top, this should be put on with a sponge to protect it. I wonder where I can buy more of this cream if I run out?

Dishwasher

• As I've never had a dishwasher before, this is all new to me.
• There are 2 things you need to put in - detergent (either liquid, powder, gel or the cubes) as well as a jet-dry liquid
• After my dinner party, I tried it out and it worked well. It only uses hot water, so different water temperature options are not an option.

Washer

• After reading all the reviews, I purchased HE (high efficiency) liquid which has less suds and will make the washer last longer
• I also bought a HE compatible fabric softener
• First you load in the clothes, and hit "power" and then add the detergent - it's like using a computer
• Very different from my top load, where I would first turn on the water, then add detergent then add the clothes
• It also takes longer - on "normal/casual" cycle it's about 56 minutes
• I agree with some criticisms on the Sears web-site - it does sound like a small jet engine taking off, but I don't mind it (as long as it doesn't leak!)
• I'm afraid I'm going to stuff it too full, but there are guidelines in the manual
• Capacity is 3.7 cubic feet, when it's done you need to leave the door open to air out
• Makes an annoying repeated beeping noise when done, I think there's a way to turn this off - I just need one beep.

Dryer

• Extremely quiet, both washer and dryer are "Quiet Pak 4", capacity 6.7 cubic feet (huge!)
• My last dryer made loud mechanical noises
• I like the "wet" sensor - if you put it in auto mode, it senses how dry the clothes are and stops when it's done. This takes the guesswork out of laundry.
• I'm still able to use a dryer sheet in this, just need to remember to turn the fan on so it vents outside. My last dryer wasn't connected to the vent so the lint and heat came back inside my apartment.
• Surprised it doesn't signal that it's done (by a beep) - would like to have one beep to signal it's done.

Background

I bought a condo in downtown Toronto that's about 700 square feet. I moved here about 6 years ago (April 2003) and have not done any renovations. A few months back I decided to undergo a bathroom renovation but then realized that my kitchen needed a "facelift" even more. So I decided to start my kitchen planning process.


Facts About My Kitchen:
- Building is 20 years old
- Original appliances (20 years old) include: stove, dishwasher and washer
- Upgraded appliances (at least 6 years old) include: fridge, dryer


Stove:
Old - GE, about 20 years old (2 fires), coils, exposed coil in oven, not self-cleaning, basic
New - Kenmore Ceramic flat cooktop, hidden coil in oven, large storage in bottom, warmer and 4 elements (total of 5), delayed timer features
Cost: $799 (original price $999)


Dishwasher:
Old - GE, about 20 years old (never worked in the 6 years I've lived here, wasn't hooked up).
New - Kenmore Energy star tall tub, white dishwasher with 5 cycles
Cost: $349 (original price $549)
Notes: $50 rebate back since Energy Star, No PST on dishwasher


Washer/Dryer Pair
Old Washer: GE, about 20 years old, top load with no insert in middle
New: Kenmore HE (high efficiency) washer front load, Energy star


Old dryer: Maytag, loud mechanical noises, did not function properly
New dryer: Kenmore HE, not energy star (in fact it uses the most energy on the chart!) - didn't realize this until after I purchased it
Cost: $1650 for both (on sale, original was a few hundred more)
Notes: Rebate of $60 from City of Toronto for washer


Total cost including taxes, rebates back, delivery, installation, etc. was $3237.00