Kitchens

TracieB wrote:

I have heard people talk about buying washers and dryers and fridges and how they are expensive. What about small appliances?  Can I get a blender similar to a vita mix?

Welcome to the Ecuador forum, Tracie B. of Utah....

Figure on imported electronics and small appliances being more expensive due to tariffs and shipping costs fronted by the vendor. 

I have a 40-inch Tekno flatscreen TV made in Ecuador .. plus a dishwasher and a refrigerator bought here (about $700 each) that are all just fine.  My simple, efficient microwave cost about $129.  All of these were bought new at El Recreo shopping center in Quito in July 2013.  Prices included delivery and set-up .. a free DVD player and a free blender.

The fluff 'n fold laundry one block from my condo does all my clothes washing and drying.  If I did my own laundry, it would create problems....

  -- Upfront expense of $1,500 to $2,000 for the machines.

  -- I'd need to hire an electrician to re-do the wall plugs and deal with any electrical issues.

  -- The machines would take up space I use for other things.

  -- More time dealing with laundry.

I had a fancy juicer that I brought with me from the U.S. in my luggage.  You could do the same.

cccmedia in Quito

TracieB wrote:

Here's a biggy for me. Cast iron. I cook with cast iron mainly, they are heavy to bring into country, but if I don't will I be able to purchase good quality cast iron?

Who knows if you'd find what you'd need in Ecuador....

I'd select two or three of your favorites and bring them with you in a box or in standard luggage.

The weight might trigger an excess charge, but it'll be worth it:  it solves your problem without needing to hunt high and low for the same quality you're used to.

cccmedia in Quito

Thanks for input.
So I think we will buy the big things and bring the smaller things :-)

Right.

Blender, laptop, iPhone or similar -- all good to bring one per person.

cccmedia in Quito