Are Wolf and SubZero worth the price?

10 years ago

I am a serious cook ready to remodel my galley kitchen. I need a reliable 30" rangetop, 30" wall oven and 42" built in fridge. I am considering Wolf and Subzero because their products offer all of the features I am looking for but I want to be sure the higher price point for these high end appliances will be worthwhile. My back up is KitchenAid. I have heard pros and cons on all. Any feedback would be most appreciated!

Featured Answer

chickadee4

10 years ago

To xedos

And bazooka bubble gum use to be a penny!
Enjoyed the laugh.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

xedos
10 years ago
Yes on the 30" rangetop.

Absolutely on the oven, though there may be better options, just not KA

Most people can tell a difference in the fridges, but those same people often opt to save a few dollars when looking at $10,000 fridges.

Many are satisfied with KA, some are not, and you should dig around to see how the bosses handle problems with their products.
jwvideo
10 years ago
Seen this thread on your question about subzero?

Here is a link that might be useful: Is subzero worth it?
Related Discussions
Sub Zero and Wolf Stove ? Help
Q
Comments (8)
I have owned in various homes the GE Monogram, Kitchdenaid, and Sub-Zero, all comparable 36" side-by-side built-in models with ice/water through the door. I bought the SZ this time because I got a good deal on a floor model. I have had no issues/problems with the Subzero in two years; I did have problems/repairs on the Monogram and Kitchenaid, both within the first few years. I think the Subzero is better built, holds temps more constant, and definitely keeps my produce fresher. I think it's well worth the extra $$ if you can afford it.
...See More
wolf/sub-zero vs themador
Q
Comments (5)
I have used a large gammet of brands over the years. You use these things everyday and you want them to work right as well as look right. Different functionalities make a HUGE difference. I would not get a single brand package. Regarding frig: decide if you want built-in or integrated. They look different. Different players out there for integrated. I only looked at integrated. Cooktop: open or sealed burners. Again, different options out there. Thermador does not offer open burners. I have had both: sealed and open burners. I prefer open burners. Again, you have to decide what you want/like. If you are a cook that can cook without flames, induction is a wonderful option right now. You get a very sleek easy to clean surface. If cleaniness if very impotant to you, this may be the way to go. Ovens: are you a serious baker or an occasional baker? This is probably where you can save some money since there is a pretty big price difference between the brands. DW: do you want cutlery tray or not? Do you want food grinder or filter? Air drying or heated drying. These are some major differences between brands. These function quite differently. You will not get absolutely dry plastic with air drying DWs no matter what they tell you! (Weissman prefers dried plastic!) I prefer not to accidentally melt my plastic! I don't know if the new KAs have exposed heating coils or not, however.
...See More
Packages: Wolf/Sub-Zero vs Thermador vs Jenn-Air
Q
Comments (7)
Who are you buying them from? If it's a large independent dealer, you should be able to do just as well getting the appliances you want rather than the "packages" which are designed by the makers to make you think you have to stick with them so make them more money. Most appliance stores have a discount for contractors and interior designers. Usually the same percentage (10-20% depending on local custom, usually more in the 10-15% range). Sometimes, there will be more for one or the other group because of connections, volume, promotion, whim etc. Since you're doing a major remodel and looking at mid- to high- end appliances, I'm thinking you have at least a general contractor, or maybe a plumber/gc. Even if you don't, since you're buying a whole suite of appliances, the store may give you the contractor's discount anyway. If that isn't possible, you still have negotiating room. While the store may be locked into fairly narrow contracted price floors (as if they were selling fine art!), they have other ways they can give you discounts. They can give you a free dishwasher, for instance (a common occurrence), and/or free delivery and/or installation. They may also pay for an extended warranty, though those aren't worth nearly as much, dollar for dollar, as something tangible. They're more for emotional support. So, given that, I'd choose SZ/Wolf or Thermador. Thermador may cost less (depending on exchange) and it's fine. Wolf has great ovens, but there are a few potential problems (I think the jury is still out on whether they've 100% beaten an issue with the enamel). I prefer the layout of the SubZero refrigerators. If you're getting gas, I love the Wolf double stacked burners. I prefer Thermador's dishwasher to the Asko, which is what I think you get with SZ/W. That's without even considering Miele, Liebherr, BlueStar ranges, etc.
...See More
bluestar or wolf range/ sub zero fridge or bluestar fridge
Q
Comments (8)
We're not pros by any means but we purchased a 30" Bluestar Platinum when we moved last year. Originally we were looking at Wolf until learning about the flaking blue enamel on this site. Wekick's posts on this topic over the years have been very helpful. Before moving we had the 36" Sub Zero all freezer and 36" all refrigerator and appreciated how well they worked and Customer Service was fantastic. It's very disappointing that the SZ side of the business is so responsive while the Wolf side is dismal. In our new place we went with the SUB Zero BI 42" model. It was a real adjustment to the smaller size but this has worked well for us. As for the BlueStar - DH loves the big burner for his wok, and the oven has been perfect for his bread, tarts, pies, cookies etc. We also have a 30" Thermador wall oven which I tend to use because the height is better for me. The HVAC fellow who installed the MUA is married to a chef and they both cook. They were using a Garland from a local restaurant that went out of business and he was impressed with the simplicity of the BlueStar. I've posted these before - Ina Gartin's Tatin and bread.
...See More
sreedesq
10 years ago
Personally, I disagree on the the Wolf Rangetop being the best. I've cooked on both open (Bluestar) and sealed burners (Wolf) and I certainly prefer open. The Bluestar is, imo, far superior because of its build and power. Check them out and make the choice that is right for you. You may be able to do a promotion by purchasing Wolf/Subzero together or you may choose to go another way.
chickadee4
10 years ago
Having moved frequently I have had KA, Miele, sub zeroes , may tag and GE refrigerators.
The present home's built in was a subzero that failed after 15 years.
Shopping around I bought a subzero for just under 9 thousand this past summer. The prices were 8700 with free delivery, 9700 plus a 250 delivery charge, and another store was charging 9700 with free delivery. I had assumed that all stores were selling the unit at the same cost. Husband was pissed that I had to spend so much.
I had looked at monogram and LG units along with a few other refrigerator but either I did not like the shelves or the replacement fridge would not fit in the refrigerator cabinet.
Back in 2000 I had to replace another failed subzero that was 16 years old. The price at this time was 3 grand. I was stunned to see the six thousand inflation price.

I owned a small Miele with a single door and under freezer. The unit was only five feet high but held a nice assortment of groceries while keeping the food fresh for days. This small Miele held more groceries than a side by side GE refrig I had when living in Atlanta. Bigger does not mean better!

Having had side by sides and the single door panel I prefer the Miele and the subzero. What makes the difference is shelving space. The subzero is designed to hold a huge amount of food so I can pack a turkey along with all the holiday prep in the subzero whereas with the side by side I had to use the garage shelving as my back up refrig. I live in the northeast so temps are below freezing by November . A few times I had to scramble placing the garage store good in coolers when the temperatures hit fifty.

There are many spacious refrigerators out there that are lower in cost than a sub zero but I found that it was only a two grand price difference . I could have bought a less expensive fridge but it would have sat bizarre in the kitchen cabinet.

I love my subzero but there are other great options on the market that function just as well.
I strongly believe that the single or french door refrigs give you the best use of space and having the freezer below is also an easy stock option.

I trimmed by monthly expenses for a few weeks to negate my subzero just to calm the hubby down.
Think of buying your fridge with how you will use it and what you can afford.

Good luck
xedos
10 years ago
never said the wolf 30" was the "best' - only it's waaaaay better than the KA alternative !

hey chick- lots of things have seen a 300% price increase in 12 years.

gasoline
milk
My insurance
some other appliances
My legal fees
cell phone rates
sprtphntc7a
10 years ago
we looked at S/Z frig and loved it but did not love the price tag...so we looked at Liebherr and bought it for alot less $$$. served same purpose since we wanted to panel/integrate it,... we are very happy with it and its going on 2 1/2 years. very quiet....
check it out as an alternative...
we have the hc2062..french door...
very good reputation and FWIW they were making frigs way before SZ...

we have wolf 30" oven and have been very pleased also, picked up a floor model to save some $$$ and no problems...

we have induction, so cant help u with that since u are going with gas i presume....

HTH
wekick
10 years ago
I chose a KA frig (48" sxs)over SZ strictly because I preferred the layout. There was only less than &1000 difference at the time. It has one flaw in that one door sticks out a quarter of an inch. They tried to fix it but the gaskets are just two different sizes. It has run perfectly since 2007.

On the other hand my Wolf DF (36") while having a great functioning oven, is shot after light use of the oven for about 4 1/2 years. The blue porcelain has degraded down to bare metal in places. I can only use it without convection and with a tightly covered dish making sure no glass shards get in the food. Search blue chipping on this forum to read about this. The new model of Wolf ovens have a removable bottom to make it cheaper to fix this. I could get this liner replaced but they will only guarantee the part for one year. The labor starts at $800 with no cap. This is a known issue so spending that much to fix it with no assurance of it lasting would be throwing obey down a rat hole. It is a shame because the oven is great otherwise. If you buy it get the longest extended warranty- 10 years and read it carefully to make sure they don't exclude the porcelain.
xedos
10 years ago
aaaaaah - penny candy. THAT was a loooooong time ago.
berryjam
10 years ago
They don't even make the penny in Canada anymore. It cost more to make than its worth

Are Wolf and SubZero worth the price?

chickadee4

Comments (10)

xedos

jwvideo

Related Discussions

sreedesq

chickadee4

xedos

sprtphntc7a

wekick

xedos

berryjam

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US