Where could I find people who are really knowledgable about home appliances?

Appliance Parts and Repair.

Dude.. They are no better than used car salesman. They are all crooks. That is all the advice I can offer.

Consumer Reports

Sometimes you can find knowledgeable sales persons at Sears. However, they work on commission and are still just looking for a sale.

These guys won’t go with you to best buy, but sure you can get a lot of good information here you can use http://www.aham.org/consumer/ht/d/Items/cat_id/812/pid/1073
The next best source is a list of contacts http://www.anatekcorp.com/mfttechsupp.htm that can help you with your specific area of concern. Let me know if this helps

Talk to the folks at Abt Electronics they are the largest free standing consumer electronics & appliance store in the US. You will not be able to beat their prices and they ship across the US. They have extremely knowledgeable sales people who know their stuff. I live in Chicago and this is where I buy all my electronics and appliances from.

Good Luck!
R

sears?

I would say get information. Directly from the manufactures and just compare information. I really have no clue.

John Lewis. They don’t work on commission so the advice they give you paints a true picture, rather than BSing you. true story.

Alternatively look up Which? magazine and website. They compare appliances and give them ratings according to their real life usage!

Your best bet is to use a hometown distributor. I buy expensive appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.. from our local appliance stores. I get name brand equipment at very close to discount prices and a supplier that knows his equipment. They also make house calls.

I’m an electronics engineer and am quite capable of fixing my own appliances but I can find better ways to spend my time and enjoy supporting local merchants.