After reading this forum exhaustively, then doing lots of further internet homework, I made a shortlist of appliances for our new kitchen. Then I did another thorough round of price checking, and found that AJ Madison- which is so frequently mentioned in this forum was consistently the best prices.

Since we missed the Labor Day sale, I took a chance and called to see if I could get any post-sale breaks. The salesman did take a fair bit off (based on how much I was buying), and then told me about their extended warranty deal: if you buy it and don't use it, you get 50% of it back at the end of the term! I didn't remember seeing that mentioned in the other posts on the forum, so thought I would pass it on.

Also, many thanks to all the regular posters. My spice organization, pantry set up, appliances and even sink have all come from the things that I have picked up lurking on this site over the last few months!