“They don’t make ’em like they used to”.
This has been said time and time again, but generally they aren’t saying it as a compliment to the modern day appliance. Appliances in general have become lighter in weight, much more efficient, so much quieter, perform much better, temperatures are more accurate, and they have become even easier to use!! More so now, than ever before, it is a great time to buy a new appliance!
We hear the same stories over and over:
“I’ve had this old washer for 25 years. Why can’t they build them like that anymore?”
“My parents just got rid of the refrigerator that they had when I was born!”
“My grandmother still cooks on a GE range she got in 1966!”
Sure! They were great appliances back then. Compared to now though, they are much more expensive to run, much louder than a current generation appliance and offer very simple cycles or abilities. The pluses definitely outweigh the minuses.
You may need to replace a major appliance, on average, anywhere between 8 to 12 years after purchase. For example, I know people who have a range that lasted 10 years, a washer that lasted 11 and a refrigerator that is still running on year 16. The point is, though, that when these appliances were replaced, they noticed that their clothes were cleaner. They smelled better after a wash and dry cycle. Their energy usage went down. The new range is induction, something that a decade before was far out of their price range as it was considered a new technology then. It is much more responsive than their old coil top and also more energy efficient. Again, they saw another drop in my energy usage.
Appliances are much less expensive now. Let’s go back to your Grandmothers GE Range. In 1966 that range was $699.95. What a deal! Well, not really. Let’s adjust that for inflation. In 2024 dollars, you are looking at a $6,747.43 range.
The ranges will have much more accurate temperatures now as well as new technology in holding a low simmer or keeping what you are cooking warm. In the higher output burners on gas ranges, you will be cooking over a hot flame for less time! That in itself is worth a ton.
So we have looked at upfront cost of a range, let’s look at the usage cost of a refrigerator. We are not going quite all the way back to the 60’s in this one, just back to 1992. In 1992, an average refrigerator would cost about $283 ($610 adjusted for inflation) to run. Today a comparable refrigerator could cost about $55 a year. WOW! That current cost per year is an average size of 21-25 cubic feet, the same size used for the 1992 cost.
Those cost savings do not even take into consideration the preservation of foods. Most companies today concentrate more on preserving the food that you purchase rather than just chilling it. This is done in various ways such as separate compressors for the refrigerator and freezer, controlled humidity in separate sections and more doors with adjustable temperatures and humidity. Your foods will last much longer and retain their nutrients until you are ready to use them.
Current water filtration is also much more capable of removing contaminants as well as keeping your water cold, or hot, depending on your refrigerator. Some will also pour out pre-measured portions of water for cooking and baking. You know that fridge from 1992 in your garage will not do that! All while saving you money!
Now, looking back on that 25 year old washing machine, you are going to see a lot of differences. Your clothes will be cleaner. Your water usage will go down. Your energy use will go down. You will use less detergent to get your clothes clean. You will dry your clothes for less time as they will be spun so dry in the wash. These machines are truly amazing now.
All of this being said, there are still many stalwarts in the industry who, using the build quality of old and the technology of today, can give you the best of both worlds. Longevity and technology. In Laundry, Speed Queen is one of those companies. Known for their commercial machines and their use of knobs (KNOBS!) instead of buttons or LED lights, these machines will last a long time as well as save you money on energy and water usage. Speed Queen claims a 25 year lifespan. That is with new technology!
Dishwashers tend to be a class of their own. We know that everything we talked about so far will save your energy and water usage, but dishwashers take it a step further. They will deliver you silence and that is priceless! The amount and type of insulation that is used now will reach decibel levels equal to that of a quiet living room.
So, they are correct, “They don’t make ’em like they used to.” More efficient, easier to use, more accurate, better performance, affordable, and way more consumer friendly. We have a great selection of all of these at J & J Appliances, so come in and check them out. Things are looking up! Things are being made better than they used to!
