When we first moved into the house, we had a hard time finding a refrigerator that would both fit our needs and fit in the small space allotted. We found the smallest side-by-side refrigerator on the market and barely squeezed it in.

Since we’re redoing all the cabinets, we figure now is a good time to ensure that the space left for the appliances actually fits the standard sizes now on the market. We figured this would help with a future investment in the house, too.

So, I got to go shopping again.

This was a blast. I never realize how many new types of kitchen appliances have been made available in the past few years. Drawer-sized refrigerators and dishwashers. Huge professional style refrigerators and stoves. It’s amazing.

We toyed around with the idea of the drawer-sized refrigerator/Freezer units, thinking that would give us the option of more counter space. But, when I realized a pizza box wouldn’t fit too well inside, we scrapped that idea. There just wasn’t enough room inside. My husband and I like to entertain and it wouldn’t hold enough food for a party for 20 to 30 people, either.

If I were single, I would definitely have gone this route. They’re just cool. Take a look.

There were all kinds of options in ranges as well. Eric, my husband, wanted burners that could swap out for a griddle or grill. I wanted a gas cooktop and a convection oven. I love to bake, but I’m too impatient to wait that long.

We ended up getting a gas dual fuel range and I promised Eric I’d buy a griddle he can place over the gas burners. We both decided the number of times we’d actually use the indoor grill would be minimal.

I wish my kitchen were at least twice as big, and then I could have given serious consideration to some of the advanced products offered by Viking. It’s worth a look even if you can’t afford it.

A dishwasher and over-the-stove microwave oven also were on the list.

Eric and I had spent weekends for about a month or two window shopping for the appliances we would need, so we had a good idea of what we’d compromise on and what we wouldn’t. I’ve already discussed the range, so now for the rest.

We wanted a water dispenser in the refrigerator, but were worried about Gabe having a bit too much fun with it and making a mess all over the house. Then we found the refrigerator with the dispenser inside … perfect.

As for the dishwasher hidden controls are a must and a stainless steel interior a big plus as well as multiple settings for pots and pans and better dishes.

We toyed around with a convection microwave, but decided that we wouldn’t probably used it enough to warrant the extra expense.

The purchasing experience:

I had worked the night shift on Thanksgiving night and finished early for a change. I toyed around with getting up and dragging the kid out of bed for Black Friday, but wasn’t really into it. When I got home, I was a bit wired and decided to at least take a look at what was on sale and some of the major department stores.

So, I booted up my computer and started shopping online.

Holy Savings!

Sears was having a great sale on all major appliances, and if I dragged my butt out of bed between 6 and 11 a.m. I could get an additional percentage off certain items.

So much for going to bed.

I stayed up researching the products and finding exactly what models I wanted. I printed out the spec sheets and included the online prices. I would have ordered online, but there were certain features I just needed to see in person.

Gabe and I rolled into the mall parking lot about 7:30 a.m. and hunted for a parking spot for about 30minutes. I’m not the type of person who likes to shop with mobs of people, so I wasn’t feeling too enthusiastic. Gabe wasn’t too thrilled about being dragged out of bed, either.

We get in the elevator (I had the stroller) and go to the third floor. When we rolled out of the elevator, my jaw kind of dropped to the floor as I saw the lines snake throughout the entire appliance department. The only problem was that very few people in line were actually buying appliances.

After about 15 minutes of trying to find a sales clerk on the floor, I gave up and staked out a spot by a register, hoping to get a word in between sales. I was directed to the refrigeration department, since they were less busy.

Less busy was a relative term.

I finally snagged a sales clerk and showed him the refrigerator I was interested in using my trusty printouts. They proved beneficial since they saved a ton of time and the online price was even less than the in-store price and the clerk was able to match it.

The problem came when trying to check out. It seems that a larger purchase (a $1,500 refrigerator qualifies) needs a manager’s approval. There just aren’t enough managers on the floor at 8 a.m.

So, while waiting for a manager’s approval, I entertained Gabe with some raisins and fruit snacks – the ones in the shape of Spongebob Squarepants characters.

We finally got through the sale of the refrigerator. Then I was ushered back to the range, microwave and dishwasher department for the next three purchases, where we waited some more for a salesperson to be released from the cash register’s hold.

Once the salesman was freed we slid right on through my questions and debating and came to decisions fairly quickly and the nice gentleman rang me up

Now I know I’ve done a lot of complaining about the long wait, and I did lose about three days of my life standing in lines, but it was worth it to save that kind of money.

And the shoppers and sales clerks were quite friendly, helpful and enthusiastic, even though they were swamped. I’m not so sure the result would have been the same later in the day.

Total bill: About $4,500
Total Savings: About $400 on in-store prices.

Here’s what I got:

Stainless Steel w/Graphite Kenmore Elite 24.8 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with Internal Filtered Water Dispenser

Stainless Steel w/Black Kenmore Elite 30 in. Dual Fuel Self-Clean Slide-In Range

Stainless Steel w/Black Kenmore Elite TurboZone™ Dishwasher w/Hidden Controls

Stainless Steel w/Black Maytag 2.0 cu. ft. Microwave Oven