Here's $1200, go pick out a fridge. DHV or DLV?

MOTU

I want time upgrade the fridge in the kitchen. We have a Sears outlet close by where you can get great deals.

My first thought was to hand Fiance $1,200 and send her to the outlet to pick out what she wants. She should be able to do pretty well for that. We are both pretty frugal.

Then I thought, why not go myself and by something nice and just tell her when it's  being delivered. She'll have no idea what I paid for it or that it came from an outlet.

Thoughts?

John3

If it were me, I'd do it together.  It's a great time to talk about how you envision your new house looking, what sorts of "look" she likes in a place, all of that.  Surprisingly, there is a lot to consider when it comes to appliances. 

And it's probably time to start sharing finances, at least budget information. Making her think you spent a ton of money on something is a dating ploy (DHV stuff).  Budgeting for house upgrades is married stuff, and it works best when you have a plan. This is where you want to be absolutely certain you are both on the same page for priorities.

SallyMander

Who does the most cooking? I use the fridge 10x more than my husband. (I could give you a detailed account of what's in there right now -- when he opens the door, it's like going on safari.)

Edit: there are annoying fridge designs out there.

RebuildingHusband

I'm the kitchen king at my house so, for me, picking out the fridge is important. My W wouldn't care all that much. Much like @SallyMander , who will use it more? That's the one who should care more about the specific features. 

frillyfun

I think it's a joint decision.  I want my captain to lead when it comes to relatively large decisions like that.  Know the measurements of your existing fridge, and go with her to add any helpful imput.

If you're both frugal going to the outlet is a DHV.

SignorePillolaRossa

i vote for doing it together
you tell her that you think "a new fridge is in order so how about we head out to the sears place one night this week and pick one out - i'm thinking a bottom freezer with french doors and an ice/water dispenser in the door but i'm open if you want a different configuration ... i checked the finances and all is looking good so we should be able to score one for less than $1200 - whaddya think?"

Katt

I am the primary cook at home.   I would not be happy about kitchen appliances being chosen without my input.   I would think it best to choose together.

MOTU

Ok, thanks all - together it is.

And as for use, cooking together is one of our favorite activities. So that makes the most senese.

HildaCorners

Definitely together.

And if you are living together, sharing a budget is important.

Btw, I'm the type of 5w4 who will do extensive research, figure out use patters, look at reliability reports, consider which color will work best with the kitchen ... make my decision and refuse to buy because it's not on sale.

I'd need a partner with me to say "Buy it. You know this one's the best, and we have the money."

nubby

When I build kitchens for people I always ask who does the majority if the cooking. That is the person who knows how they would like things layed out for cooking, baking and socializing. 
I did one kitchen a few years back and suggested removing a wall. The wife, that does the cooking was all for it. The husband, not so much, in the end, the wall came out, a large kitchen island went in and I've been called back to do jobs every year..... By the husband. He now cooks as much as his wife. 
Any large household purchase should be a collaborative effort and sometimes compromises have to be made, but at least the choice won't be unilateral. 

Friz

We  both love to cook and use the kitchen equally. A few weeks ago, my wife decided tht we "needed" a new fridge because ours is 10 years old. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Financially, it's not an issue, so I told her, "If you really want a new fridge, go for it."
It was delivered today and she is happy.

JohnnyLionseed

Its a mix. Giving her a price is beta. "Here's $1,200" says, 'I'm an ATM! Use me as such!', right? But being flippant about a high priced item displays huge status. So drop the first half, and just do the second.

"Whatever, go pick out a new fridge."

Athol_Kay

Buying the fridge is a nice nesting experience and easy Relationship Comfort points.  I'd take her out and shop for one together. Final a final decision on one, then bounce to a second location for a continuance of the date.

seriously

Like others said, go together.  You should have dimensions, connections (RO water for example), and any other specs required.

... and pay with cash, ripping the bills off your bank roll with gusto and flair!

Husband3point0

seriously said:

... and pay with cash, ripping the bills off your bank roll with gusto and flair!

I hope you're kidding. 

Put it on a credit card which gets you airline miles or hotel points and use them to book a getaway trip with her instead. 

RebuildingHusband

Husband3point0 said:

seriously said:

... and pay with cash, ripping the bills off your bank roll with gusto and flair!

I hope you're kidding. 

Put it on a credit card which gets you airline miles or hotel points and use them to book a getaway trip with her instead. 

Balance. Athol speaks of the cash whoretex.  Having cash on hand, especially a chunk like that, just does something. Some women will appreciate the forethought of getting those points while others get moist from that baller cash wad. It all depends on what woman you're with. 

seriously

Husband3point0 said:

seriously said:

... and pay with cash, ripping the bills off your bank roll with gusto and flair!

I hope you're kidding. 

Put it on a credit card which gets you airline miles or hotel points and use them to book a getaway trip with her instead. 

Yeah, you are totally right.  How could I have missed that?  That $10.82 would have made that upcoming trip sooooo much better.  I'm embarrassed that I didn't see it.

fordsvt

Go and lead. Help pick it out and get some features you want. 
Sending her with the CC is a DLV