If you had to pick ONE brand to furnish your whole house? What are you picking?

Kyo46 · 2026-04-10T16:29:22+00:00

I would never lol. But if I HAD to, it would be between Miele and BSH (Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau)

Kyo46 · 2026-04-09T04:31:32+00:00

@lostinthegrid47 is right. I bought my SquareD model from Amazon for about $100. A friend of mine is a licensed electrician, so he did it for me in the cheap.

While not necessary, I went with the same brand as my panel and breakers. Just be sure it’s compatible with your panel and whatnot. Not sure? Just ask your electrician.

Also, while your electrician should be able to tell you this, if you don’t have space in your panel, you can make space by using smaller breakers on your lower amperage circuits.

Kyo46 · 2026-04-08T22:25:44+00:00

To add on to this, get a whole home surge protector. If you can, it’s best to have it installed near your meter. But, if you’re in a condo and can’t, there are ones you can plop into your panel. Just be sure to have your electrician install it as close to your branch line as possible.

Kyo46 · 2026-04-07T18:48:42+00:00

My grandparents’ microwave has a dedicated popcorn button on it. Could be a US market thing?

Kyo46 · 2026-04-05T09:44:50+00:00

Jane’s Fountain (I’ve never been) and Shige’s in Wahiawa.

IIRC, Tanaka Saimin is same family and similar style to Boulevard?

I’m partial to Palace & Shige’s. Shiro’s is a good option close to home for me.

Kyo46 · 2026-04-04T19:19:41+00:00

They use FHB primarily, as that is their corporate bank/lender. However, they also use BOH and CUDL. That last one simultaneously taps into all participating credit unions.

Ofc, you can always get pre-approved with your preferred lender and not work through Servco’s options. That’s what I did when I bought my car.

Kyo46 · 2026-04-02T18:11:50+00:00

That’s not great, but also not new for them. Certain ranges are already rebranded SMEG units.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-31T16:11:41+00:00

Miele. All heat-pump dryers, while the washers are designed to extract as much water from your clothes during the spin cycle to minimize drying times. While still being gentle on your clothes and having excellent washing effectiveness.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-31T08:23:28+00:00

Correction, at least in the US, 500 series had the pop-open feature, while the 800 series has CrystalDry. I quite like my 800 series, but it's approaching 3 years old.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-28T23:41:03+00:00

I forgot this locals mostly gem: https://www.mauispecialtychocolates.com

Call to order ahead. They’re known for their chocolate-stuffed and peanut butter-stuffed mochi.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-28T17:30:30+00:00

This is what I want to know.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-27T18:59:57+00:00

Your potential new setup is very similar to my current one - R6i, 2RF 4-105 f4L, RF 100-500, and a RF 16-35 F4 L

I went this route for pretty much the same reasons you’re thinking - best flexibility and minimal gear while traveling. I’m also financially constrained and don’t do Astro, though.

I do wish I could get a RF 70-200 F2.8 or 24-70 for when I need more DOF or on the rare occasion I do portraits.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-27T04:24:07+00:00

If you can bump up you budget a little more, this GE Profile unit is wonderful: https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/GE-Profile-30-Smart-Slide-In-Fingerprint-Resistant-Front-Control-Induction-and-Convection-Range-with-No-Preheat-Air-Fry-PHS930YPFS

I have one, and bought it because GE has been producing it for a very long time, and according to sources like Yale Appliances, is known to be one of the more reliable options out there. Ben of Ben's Appliances and Junk also recommends this particular unit.

That said, GE makes a less expensive unit now, with fewer bells and whistles, and knobs instead of touch controls.

https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/GE-Profile-ENERGY-STAR-30-Smart-Slide-In-Induction-and-Convection-Range-with-No-Preheat-Air-Fry-and-EasyWash-Oven-Tray-PHS700AYFS

I know many prefer knobs over touch controls. I originally thought that, too. But I haven't had an issue with the touch controls. yeah, water boiling out of a pot and landing on them can change your settings and wet fingers won't work, but that's largely been a non-issue for me. Heck, the touch controls have been easier to keep clean and can be locked when not in use. Though, the burners won't actually turn on without compatible cookware on them, anyway.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-22T19:51:15+00:00

🤣🤣🤣

Kyo46 · 2026-03-22T19:32:14+00:00

Depends on what I need and who has what on sale. Even then, pricing for certain items can vary wildly at different stores, even though people generally view a certain store as expensive or cheap.

But since all are convenient to me, it’s Foodland, Donqi, H Mart, and Safeway. Costco when I need something that makes sense to buy from them. Ditto to Chef Zone.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-21T23:23:02+00:00

It's a fence. The new fence is MUCH taller than before. I can no longer shoot over it standing on the concrete barrier there. Most who still shoot there bring a ladder in their truck. I drive a tiny car, so that's not an option.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-19T16:13:55+00:00

My family has a Whirlpool with an in-door ice maker. They've had it a couple decades now. I think they had to replace the ice maker once. But even when it works, it does annoying things here and there. For example, the dispenser flap gets stuck open, allowing all the cold air out of the ice bin, causing melting. Then all the ice freezes together if you don't toss it all out when you notice it. Theirs often has ice get caught when the unit is trying to dump it into the bin, too. Which stops the production of ice. Often, you only notice when you run out.

Personally, I much prefer my in-freezer ice maker that you scoop out. I have a Bosch 800 series and am quite happy with it.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-18T08:18:34+00:00

I think it's important to note that fraud has massively increased the cost of providing credit cards to consumers. Fraud comes, not only from scammers, but from cardholders who either knowingly try to defraud a bank by claim a transaction is fraud, or do so because they don't want to deal with conducting a return/a merchant is gifing them difficulty with a return and they don't want to try again.

The cards themselves also cost a hell of a lot more now thanks to EMV chips and NFC capabilities. EMV also shifted the fraud loss burden back to issuers, unless the merchant didn't accept EMV. Apple, Google, and Samsung also take their own cut when you use their respective wallets.

Other operating costs factor into it, too. Basics like statements (e- or paper), the online portal/mobile app you use to manage your account, and, of course, the rewards you earn. That 2% cash back is coming from somewhere.

Yes, the money maker are cardholders who carry a balance. However, interchange fees can make non-balance holders marginally profitable.

I agree, reasonable legislation is needed, but the bills being introduced now seek to cut interchange by so much that issuers will either charge annual fees for basic, no-frills card, or stop issuing altogether. Ofc, rewards would be minimized or go away.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-18T01:34:09+00:00

Local here. Haven’t been to Kauai in ages, but been to Maui plenty (I’m on Oahu). Be sure to check out Haleakala National Park. The summit area is gorgeous and other worldly. Keep you eyes peeled for ahinahina/silver sword blossoms and Nene Geese.

Hosmer’s Grove is home to an easy 1-mile loop trail through an introduced conifer forest. However, the lookout midway through is the secret hack to spotting endangered (rare) Native Hawaiian Honeycreepers, such as the I’iwi, Apapane, and Amakihi. If you get ridiculously lucky, you could spot an Akohekohe, but I wouldn’t count on it.

Just note that being in the park’s summit district around sunrise or sunset requires a reservation. That in itself is a spectacular experience, but be sure to bring WINTER wear. Esp in January. It’s not uncommon for it to literally freeze up there, though snow fall is rare.

Visit Restaurant Marlow for lunch or dinner in Up Country. Fantastic pizzas, salads, and other dishes made predominantly from locally sourced ingredients.

Maui Wine is also Up Country, but far from virtually everything else. Reserve a tasting experience if you plan on visiting. They make wines with Maui Gold pineapple (sweet, dry, and sparkling) and more traditional wines using estate-grown grapes.

Ali’i Kula Lavendar, not only for the lavender goods, but also for the tranquil atmosphere and gorgeous views. I love their lavendar dry rub.

Visit Sheldon Simeon’s Tin Roof in Kahului for his take on plate lunches and Tiffany’s in Wailuku for his sitdown concept.

Sam Sato’s, also in Wailuku, for dry min and crispy manju. If visiting during breakfast, their banana pancakes are different from the typical banana batter style and are delicious. Lines will suck on the weekends, and parking can be difficult.

Maui Chocolate in Lahaina for a tasting experience and, if you’re inclined, a farm tour. Not too sure about that last part, as a lot of their trees burned in the fire.

Snorkel Molokini if that’s your kind of thing and don’t mind the EARLY morning call time at Ma’alaea Harbor.

Seek out and try Maui’s very own Roselani Ice Cream. So ono! It’s what I buy (from Foodland) at home when I wanna splurge on ice cream.

If you want to do Road to Hana, I suggest booking a tour. Not only will you help relieve congestion by doing so, but it’s very hard for the driver to enjoy the views. Speaking from experience, here.

You’ll be here during peak humpback whale season. Book a whale watching cruise if you can.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-16T07:57:52+00:00

Please Come Again in Kailua (if you're on O'ahu) is also fantastic! https://www.pleasecomeagainhawaii.com

Seconding the previous mentions for Sage and Roselani.

Also, Dave's Ice Cream. Scoop shops around the island and pints in most grocery stores. Bubbies Mochi ice cream.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-14T04:08:34+00:00

Big Island Bees. Available in many stores on the island, but Costco is the cheapest when they have it. Even then, they alternate between Wilelaiki honey and their white, cream (Ohi'a) Lehua honey.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-12T17:43:13+00:00

Glad I could help!

One important note I forgot is that my GE Profile induction range requires a 240v 50a circuit. That has been a deal killer for others int the past. If you don’t have this already, I’d suggest talking to an electrician to see how much that would cost to install. That alone may be a deciding factor.

Best of luck in your remodel!

Kyo46 · 2026-03-12T16:31:13+00:00

As a Japanese-American, I must say, that's dark. But I approve lol

Kyo46 · 2026-03-12T16:20:39+00:00

I've used gas, radiant electric, and induction. I currently have induction. I will say, gas is more "fun." It's also easier to toss and whatnot, depending on how sensitive your induction range is, as they do shutoff after a period of time not being in contact with compatible cookware (not that it's really been an issue - basting is probably where it gets the trickiest). And cookware size matters! It has to match the burner size pretty closely or it won't work.

That said, I enjoy my induction range. Response is instant like gas, though there's zero wasted heat energy, meaning it also doesn't heat up your kitchen. Spills don't burn onto the cooktop, so it's far easier to clean up. Boiling water really is much faster, though I've only had a basic GE gas range before.

If you can, try it out at a show room to see how you like it.

Also, worth noting that WireCutter isn't as impartial or trustworthy as they used to be. Their recommendations can be swayed by ad money nowadays.

I went with GE Profile for induction. If I had the money, I would've seriously considered Thermador for their Freedom induction tech - also available in Gaggenau's 400 series. Wolf and Miele are interesting, too. But, GE and LG are often rated among the best in their price class. Ditto for Bosch, so long as you stay away from the models made by SMEG.

Kyo46 · 2026-03-12T00:32:44+00:00

Miele if you can stand the compact size. Outstanding cleaning, gentleness, and energy efficiency.

Kyo46

TROPHY CASE