I'm no appliance expert like many here, but I can comment on the applainces on your list that I own and have been using for the past 7 weeks.

Sharp 24" MW drawer--love it in drawer form. Mine is behind the island so not visible to visitors outside the kitchen. Works well.

KA 30" WD--mine is paneled. I decided on one at the last minute. The only spot I had for mine was under my double oven stack, and, while not the best ergonomically, I'm so glad I have it. Since most WDs function basically the same, I hunted for a deal on either a Wolf to match my ovens handles above or for one that could be paneled to match my cabs so I could use my own pull on it instead of introducing another handle. I found a great deal on a KA so that's what I ended up with. A side benefit is the the oven stack has a little less stainless. You might look at a cheaper brand here as there's not a lot to separate one brand from another. I use mine to proof dough, to cook things ahead for a party to free the ovens for other use, and to keep DH's dinner warm because he makes it home for a fresh dinner about once a month.

CC 36" 6 burner rangetop--very happy with my sight unseen purchase. I've never owned a gas cooker before so can't compare it to others. The thing is SOOO HOT! It looks great, IMHO, and cooks even better. Very happy with my choice.

Ovens--I've never heard anything stellar about Viking ovens. I have 30" Wolf Series L doubles. This is another area in which I splurged, even though mine was a floor model with a good discount. I really like them. Very even baking. I also feel secure knowing I have stellar Wolf customer service to back me up should I ever need it. Did you rule out Wolf and Miele because they look more modern to you than the look you want?

HTH. I'm sure an expert will come by and offer thoughts on your overall package. Good luck!

On the ovens - yes we really wanted to limit the amount of visible electronics and we wanted knobs. There really aren't a ton of double oven choices with that look. We also considered the GE Monogram. Ultimately the Viking was more appealing - of course we care more about it being reliable than its looks!

Have you considered the Fisher and Paykel ovens? They have knobs. Member Rhome410 is an avid baker (bakes all of the bread products for her family of 10!) had these ovens. She has often commented on how evenly they baked. She had a freak finish issue with hers (no one else seems to have had her problem) so FP gave her her money back, and since she in a more rural area she couldn't get FP service and decided to try GE Monogram. She and a couple of others here had horrible problems with the Monogram. Fortunately for her, GE bought hers back, but not those of the other two members. Bottom line is that she recommends the FP ovens to those who live in the service area. She does not recommend the Monogram to anyone.

Eventually, Rhome settled on the Wolf E ovens (got a floor model deal) and is very happy. She often tells of her experiences here so you could do a search for her posts to read about the issues.

With 12 years of industry experience I do consider myself somewhat of an expert so.... I'd change the warming oven to a panel ready Miele. Love the glass touch controls, faster preheat times as well as the slow close feature. [Should be around $1250] I'd upgrade your dishwasher to a panel ready Dimension Series Miele, I think the KitchenAid racking system is disgraceful. Don't by the Vikng Ovens get the Wolf with Framed Door Glass. I do like the Monigram Knob Controlled Ovens although id suggest springing for an extended warranty. Based on performance and build quality buy the Wolf if you can afford them. I also like the Monigram Advantium oven over the Sharp Micro Drawer for its versatility in reheating foods with radiant heat and or microwave. Also, the sharp is just plain ugly and will look like poop in your more traditional kitchen design. Everything else you've selected is great!
-H

Hilferty - thanks for your thoughts. I like the idea of more panel ready alliances - especially the dishwasher since we will have two of them. Having said that, I didn't really like how the Miele or the Bosch loaded -obviously that is based on being in the store vs having it at home though.

On the Wolf oven, we went into the store expecting to buy one. Ultimately they just looked too modern for my wife and she loved the look of the Viking. In addition, we have a GE profile oven right now (that recently replaced an old Hotpoint) so any of them are likely to seem like huge improvements! We also mostly use the oven for proteins and simple baking. The range top is where most 80% of our cooking happens.

I'm not too concerned about the looks of the sharp because it will be on the island in a position that you will only see when you cooking. Everything I have read indicates that it is a pretty good microwave. We really only use it to heat up leftovers and hot water (for tea or hot chocolate).

Thanks again for the thoughts. We are going to take a hard look at more panel ready choices.

I don't have 12 years industry experience but I do know how to spell GE Monogram.

IMO

Great, Top notch

Fridge - Sub Zero BI48S/O n/a 48" built-in side x side, panel ready
Range Top - Capital Culinarian CGRT366NG s/s 36" gas rangetop, 6 burner
Microwave - Sharp KB6524PS s/s 24" microwave drawer

Fine
Warming Drawer - Kitchen Aid KEWS105SSS s/s 30" warming drawer
Bar / Wine Storage - U-Line 2275ZWCOL-00 n/a 24" undercounter wine unit, 2 zone

I like the least.
Hood - Vent-a-Hood PRH18342SS s/s 42"w x 18"h Professional style hood, 1350 cfm equivalent

When a company is selling you a "magical" systen that is just as good as other companies with higher specifications beware. At least have the sales rep show you how you clean this system. I would look at Prestige,Modern Aire, even the 1000cfm Kobe before I would buy the VAH.

Bar Ice Machine - U-Line CLR2160B-40 black 15" undercounter clear ice machine

This is likely to last you 2-4 years before it starts giving you headaches. I would get the Hoshizaki.I think all the appliances on your preliminary list are made in the USA and with the exception of Sharp are American companies. The Hoshi is made in Georgia and is a lot more reliable.It is not a little better but a lot better.It is twice the price but worth it IMO. A notch below is Manitowoc. They make under-counter ice-makers for Sub-Zero. Very expensive. They sell equivalent units under their own brand without residential warranties.

Double Oven - Viking VEDO130SS s/s 30" "1" series double oven, upper convection (CLEARANCE ITEM)

I would strongly prefer the Wolf.It seems Viking oven reliability has improved the last year or two but I would not pull the trigger. Companies like DCS have tradtional knob design. I would look there before buying Viking.

I would probably get something else.

Washing Machine - Whirlpool WFW94HEXR red 4.3 cu ft Duet front-load washer
Dryer - Whirlpool WED94HEXR red 7.4 cu ft Duet electric dryer

If it has to be Red & American then there is really no choice.

If it just has to be red I would get the equivalent Samsungs.

If it does not have to red just made in the USA I would hunt down a pair of Bosch Vision on clearance.

Highest washer temps for USA available washer at 170 degrees. On board heater engages in all cycles.True European Wash or as close as USA available machines get. It divides cycles into 12 temperature zones and washes at least 3 minutes in each zone. Removing 99.9% stains and not allowing 99.9% of stains to set it.

Dishwasher - Kitchen Aid KUDE40FXSS s/s 24" undercounter dishwasher

I would read through linked thread and similar before pulling trigger. I still like made in the USA Bosch better and Miele best.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchenaid dishwasher vent issues

Sorry my typos offended you so much deeageaux... That's what I get for using an iPhone. :P

The newer Ohio built Whirpool laundry with the direct-drive motors have actually been pretty decent. I'm also a fan of the Vision Series Bosch laundry but the company's track record for keeping parts for discontinued products is pretty bad. Try finding parts for a 5 year old FCI built Bosch Oven. Also talk to people who own the previous generation Thermador Ovens and see what they have to say about getting replacement parts. I agree with the rest of your comments and suggestions though. I like the Vent-A-Hood system but I also wouldn't count on any more than about 900CFMs with that 3 blower unit. As long as their duct run is reasonably straight and doesn't have more than a few turns it should be fine. If clean-ability is a concern I'd suggest the Best WP29M instead.
If you like reheating leftovers in a microwave fine... I prefer to reheat leftovers with the radiant heat of an oven or stovetop. I think the Advantium's ability to reheat food with radiant heat more efficiently makes it a better choice than the Sharp Drawer. I do think the Sharp's ergonomics are somewhat better though.

On the u-line ice maker - we have one in our current bar and have had really good luck with it. What sold me on them was the service I have gotten from them - our original uline ice maker started leaking after about a year (past warranty). When I called they said - well it's out of warranty, but how about we send you new unit. I said great. I love the ice it makes also. With all of that, we will probably stick with that one.

On the others and, after reading all the feedback on the dishwasher it seems we are going to have to give that another look. Interestingly enough, we have a reasonably new jenn air (same maker as kitchen aide I believe) in our current house and I have been hand washing all weekend because the washer motor burned up on Friday!

As for the hood, we live in Dallas and I like the idea of supporting a local company. I also have used vent a hoods before and thought they were fine, I'm just not sure I understand what the issues are with them.

Sorry my typos offended you so much deeageaux... That's what I get for using an iPhone. :P

Typos don't offend me. Someone claiming superior insight due to 12 years experience typos the same error twice in the same exact manner in the same post? OK :P

Hornbus,

How long have you had the current U-Line icemaker?

Yes, Whirlpool makes both JA and KA.

Most people don't like the process of cleaning VAH.

If you are ok with it then great.

We got a Hozhisaki ice maker based on the recommendations of this forum. Not installed so can't comment but not twice the price. I think it was around 1600 bucks . . .

You got me deeageaux... I'm an r-tard who doesn't know how to spell monogram but who also happens to know a shitload more about appliances than you. Ok? :P

I'm an r-tard who doesn't know how to spell monogram but who also happens to know a shitload more about appliances than you. Ok? :P

A retard not an retard but noboby is right all the time.:P

U-Line vs Hoshi

I see U-Line around my area on sale for about $800 quite often.

Have had the current uline ice maker for about five years (after they replace the other one). Only problem we have had in that time is the drain pump, butthos are notoriously bad on all ice makers. We are going to design the layout this time to ensure gravity drain will be sufficient.