Hi,
I am updating my fridge, stove and range hood, and buying an upright freezer. Maybe it's a local issue but it's hard to compare prices, brands and models when they all differ across the stores. My home and kitchen are late 80s so i'm not looking for top-of-the line (or bottom either). Any tips would be helpful - even of things to watch out for, based on your experience with the products in the kitchen. Here are my general questions and the models i'm looking at:

1. Range hood - Zephyr essentials Breeze 1 http://www.homeclick.com/zephyr-ak1100-30-250-cfm-breeze-1-under-cabinet-range-hood/p-196541.aspx# ; I've never even heard of this brand. I see that the controls are on the; definitely aesthetic but won't they get greased/misted up? I see some reviews say it's a bit louder (though compared to my current old super-loud one I'm sure it'll be fine but...)

2. Upright 12.5 cu ft freezer: Frigidaire FFU13M3HW http://www.frigidaire.com/Kitchen-Appliances/Freezers/Upright-Freezer/FFU13M3HW/

- Recently I've heard not-so-great things about Frigidaire, at least with fridges and the models I've looked at in terms of noise. I have read another thread on this forum about frost-free vs. manual defrost and I haven't quite figured out which I should go with. First time buying one and it's just for a household of 1 so don't want it too large; I tend to double-bag/wrap items so even though I leave things in for a year (or even more as I've done in my fridge freezer) they're ok. It will also likely go in my utility room, so about 8 ft from a furnace vent and dryer but local Hydro powersmart folks think this should be ok. Anyway, this model I see doesn't have a basket, and to me not enough shelves - would be nice to have some flexibility so no need to pile. Any recommendations??

3. Stove - I guess smoothtop and convection. I would have liked for a large/expandable burner to be at the back, not just at the front but apparently they don't do that anymore? How inconvenient if using multiple burners with different sized pots. I also don't like the small drawer sizes and that the internal depth is only 16". Anyway, comparing three models right now: Frigidaire (http://www.sears.ca/product/frigidaire-gallery-30-freestanding-electric-range/622-000774190-CGEF3040PF); whirlpool (http://www.leons.ca/cooking-products/whirlpool/electric-appliances/ywfe710h0bs-range/1590916.aspx); vs. Kenmore (http://www.sears.ca/product/kenmore-md-30-self-clean-convection-smooth-top-range-stainless-steel/622-000802264-970C63343). Comments on the brands? How about the differences in element wattage - is max of 3000 really necessary? What about self-clean vs. manual vs. aqualift and other similar systems?

Thanks in advance!