Shall I replace appliance when renovating the kitchen?

[Hui Kiang]

Hi all,

The kitchen in my rental house has been there since the house was built (50+ years). As it's such an eye sore, I finally decide to replace the cabinet and countertop this time. All the appliances (dish washer, oven/stove, refrig) are old (prob 20+ years old) but in working/fair condition. Shall I replace them as well? 

One thing I've been noticed is the new appliance tends to break in less than 5 years. Those digital panels are very problematic. My rental is in SF Bay area B neighborhood. If I don't replace them with new one. Will it ruin the potential to get the good tenants? 

Thanks!

[Amit M.]

since you’re doing new cabinets and counters, and the appliances are really old, I’d replace them, so the kitchen looks fresh and new. New cabs/counters but crappy old appliances take a lot of the “new” look and feel away!

I have lots of 10-12 year old appliances that look modern and have held up well, with decent tenants. Avoid extras like ice makers, and digital panels if you can. But don’t get the cheapest ones, as they look cheap! Do stainless, everyone likes the look. Basically you should be able to spend $500-600 for good fridges and stoves, and $300-350 for decent dishwasher. 

I’ve had good luck with GE, Kenmore and whirlpool. Less luck with Frigidaire. I’ll fix gas stoves, and minor fridge issues 5-8 years out. Dishwasher usually need replacement if they break, especially if 5 years or older. Just gotta do it :(

Anyone else care to chime in on brand reliability, and their personal repair vs replace equation?