What High-End Appliances Would You Pick?

9 years ago

Hello, We're buying a new home that needs a total kitchen renovation. My current kitchen has a Viking range, Sub-zero fridge and Bosch dishwasher. I haven't had any horrible problems with any of the appliances after 10 years but at the same time, I'm very open to trying new brands for the new kitchen. Also thinking about a cooktop (possibly both gas and induction) with wall ovens, rather than a range. Looking at Wolf, Bluestar, Miele and Viking. For fridge, considering a Liebherr, Miele or perhaps a side by side Sub Zero and I think I'm going with a Miele for the dishwasher this time. Anyone have any thoughts about the new products out there? Cooktops? Induction burners? Wall ovens? Microwave drawers? Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

joc6820

9 years ago

I did a full Thermador package last year, with the promo. Fridge, induction cook top, dishwasher, steam oven, regular oven and hood. So far, I'm very pleased. Products are performing well and local service is very good. Just one person's experience. I think this board benefits when people who actually purchased and use the products discussed report in.

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Comments (17)

wallycat
9 years ago
I buy one performance and my usage, not "just" high end for the name's sake. I think this is all very subjective as we all cook so differently.
Also, remember that even as little as 10 years ago, things were probably more dependable than they may (or may not ) be.

For me, buying a bosch induction was a splurge and I have not regretted it. THere are "higher end" induction, but this suited me and my pocket book perfectly.

I have heard mixed things on subzero, so would check out the Liebherr. I have not heard anything about a Miele fridge.

Wall ovens are all over the map.
How many are you cooking for?
What type of cooking do you do?
If you do a lot of Asian-style cooking, you might want to look at a separate wok burner from gaggenau.
All of this also depends on how much space you will have.
Do you want a range or a wall oven/cook top set up.
nadianyc
Original Author
9 years ago
I like to cook and make a nice dinner virtually every night for my family of 5. Our Viking got alot of use and the only real problem we had was with the oven door latch (not a cheap fix at $350) We had several issues with the Sub-Zero, it completely broke down twice (thank goodness we had an extra fridge in our basement so I did'nt have to throw the food away as we waited 4 days for the repairman)

I'm considering induction but worried about how it "cooks." I'm used to gas cooking, so looking at a 4 burner wolf cooktop with additional 2 induction burners. I think wall ovens with cooktop will be better. We entertain often, I find it difficult to bend down and get things out of the oven with lots of guests around in the kitchen.
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What is better with high end appliances?
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I agree that there is a lot of subjective preference as well as some features or design aspects that that may --- or may not -- matter. There are also a lot of differing opinions on what are "high end" appliances. A search here will turn up threads with debates over topics like "Are Subzero refrigerators s worth it?" Here's my 2 pennies worth on this debate. Why spend $1800 for a gas range instead of $800? : To start with, more money can get you an induction range if you can work with electric ranges. Induction has the controllabilty and quick response of gas with potentially less kitchen hassle and maybe less worries with the little ones messing with the stove. Also, more money also can get you a "dual fuel" range which means gas burners over top of an electric oven. Some people prefer electric ovens to gas and vice versa. My experience has been that it generally gas verus electric ovens in this price range is not a big deal in terms of cooking performance. A a gas oven puts more heat into your kitchen, though. Also, in the $1800 price range, numbers of the dual fuel ranges will have a third element that wraps the convection fan and that can help with more even baking (with less fussing with trays) when baking, say, mass quantities of cookies. Since you said you are looking for a gas range, I'm guessing that your kitchen does not have the 240v connection you'd need for induction or dual fuel stoves. If memory serves, I think there is a Frigidaire gas range which has an electric "third element" convection set-up in the gas oven. I've seen it discussed here but don't remember any specifics. Might be worth checking out. More money for a gas range also can get you a range with two separate oven compartments. The smaller ovens heat up faster and allow you to bake or roast two things at different temps. Numbers of gas ranges in the $1500 to $1800 price range have electric warming drawers. Some folks find them useful, others not so much. The warming drawer was a selling point for me when I bought my previous range, a GE dual fuel model, back around the turn of the century. I found that it took so long to heat up that it was not much of a convenience for me and I rarely used it. Others here are very happy with their range-bottom warming drawers and use them constantly. More money also gets you a better choice of burners, but the importance of this factor is a function of personal preferences and the cookware you use and what you cook in it. If you like to stir fry/saute in 12" skillets, you will likely find it easier to do so with the bigger burners on the more expensive stoves, some of which have multiple rings of burner jets. Some find these useful for boiling water quickly for pasta, oatmeal and etc. for the impatient little ones. Also, many mid-range (and above) gas stoves can be had with a central burner for a pancake griddle. Some find the griddles useful because the central burner makes for more even heating than you get by straddling a large and small burner with a griddle plate. Also, as you move into mid-rage and above, you'll find continuous grates (easier to move pots around) and slide-in style of ranges (all controls down front, so no reaching over hot pans to adjust the oven) Gas stoves in the mid-range and above may have larger ovens than less expensive ranges. Also, as you get over the $1500 price mark, electric warming drawers become common. Some find those useful and others do not. Then there are the "pro-style" ranges or pro-look ranges such as (I believe) a stainless finished GE Profile for around $1900. AFAIK, the only one at or below $1800 is the NXR from Costco. The selling point for the NXR is that it has four larger "dual stacked" topside burners at 15k btu which give good flame-spread from high heat to a ridiculously low simmer with the extra real estate of the pro-style construction. This will be useful if you find you regularly cook with three and four large pots at once, or you want to use a 14 x 23 pancake griddle like the Chef King or Vollrath. If you tend to cook with smaller pans (say 8-inch nonstick frypans and small saucepans) this will not be so useful. A basic type of pro-style stove like the NXR will have relatively minimal electronics, so theoretically less to break and easier to fix when something wears out. You might (or might not) find them easier to keep clean. The stainless steel top is probably easier to keep clean than the black enameled tops of most gas stoves in this price range, but it does not have a self-cleaning oven. So, think about your budget and your priorities. More money for dishwashers : The recent DW testing by Consumer Reports concluded that just about everything now being sold, even the junkers, will do a perfectly acceptable job of cleaning dishes. As you move up in price, you get a number of things that may be of varying importance such as: (a) faster cycles. The bottom of the line DW may take 3 hours to run and dry a load. A higher level model may have cycle times less than half that. A big deal when doing lots of dishes and maybe worth your while. (b) Quieter operation. Some of the better brands will be dramatically quieter than the least expensive models. Quieter operation may be a big deal in a small house when trying to get little ones to sleep or when having discussions at the dinner or kitchen table. (c) stainless steel interiors. A big deal for the DWs that do not use heated dry (which, btw, are much more plastic-friendly than heated dry models). Stainless tubs also tend not to show wear as quickly as the tubs made of synthetic materials. (d) conveniences like flatware racks instead of baskets. (Some wouldn't have a DW withouth flatware racks but others, like me, prefer baskets.) (e) More cycle options. 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nycbluedevil
9 years ago
Are you looking at a cooktop or a rangetop? They are not the same thing.
nadianyc
Original Author
9 years ago
I'm considering both. I spoke with a person at Wolf and they can do side-by-side induction cooktops with gas rangetops. After checking out the Liebherr, I really am leaning towards going with a Liebherr separate fridge and freezer and putting them side by side. Looks beautiful and a bit less expensive and hopefully more dependable than a sub-z.
caitlinmagner
9 years ago
Hi

I recently researched and agonized over appliance choices for my kitchen. I finally ordered a couple of days ago! What I heard a lot on this forum was to buy "best in class" and not worry about having a matching "suite" of appliances. I took this to heart and every single one of my appliances is from a different mftr! Good thing things like matching handles aren't important to me. :)

For a long time I was leaning toward the Liebherr, but after visiting with some in a show room, the feel of the Subzero was just much more sturdy and substantial.
So we opted for a 48 in SZ sxs.

The Wolf DF 48inch with double griddle was the range that had everything we wanted. But ultimately, we didn't feel the price premium was worth it for us. I think the model we wanted was going to be upwards of $14k, and although it was in the budget, we went with the GE Monogram 36 inch instead.

Debated the Miele and the Bosch for a long time, but with the help of my very knowledgeable, non-commissioned appliance guy, I went with the Bosch 500 series, which had everything I wanted and not too many features I didn't.

Kitchen Aid warming drawer because it got the best reviews here and elsewhere, Sharp micro drawer for the same reason.

I'm excited about my selections. My only ? is the GE Monogram range, as GE monogram is generally panned over here, though I didn't find anything recent about their ranges and my appliance guy said he'd go with the GE over Electrolux (was looking at Icon Pro) 10 out of 10 times. So there you go. HTH some.
philwojo99
9 years ago
Well i went through this last year, we ended up with the following:

Bluestar 36" Range top with 6 burners
Libherr 24i1 (LINK To Liebherr Web site)
Miele Dimensions Plus model #G 5775 SCVI (LINK to ABT Web site with model)
Wolf L-Series 30" wall oven
Wolf Convection Steam Oven
Wolf Micro-Convection oven
Zephyr Monsoon II DCBL hood
Perlick C-Series built-in wine fridge.

We love all of our selections so far, and we think we will for many many years to come.
acgummad
9 years ago
It really bugs me, personally, when I see people on this forum saying 'best in class.' There is NO way to do that with appliances. Appliances are made by only a few huge conglomerates, and everyone buys and rebadges each other's units. I just got railed on for having committed to a Jenn-Air cooktop, and Bosch is the one who makes it. Whirlpool buys it and slaps a label on it.

You should consider first your cooking and entertaining needs (such as the comment you made about bending over for a rangetop oven - I, too, would never pick this appliance for the same reason), and then research the features and benefits that you want. Forget the brand, or buying 'best in class.' In the end, what will make you happiest is a suite of appliances that do the functional, emotional, and social jobs you need them to do.
philwojo99
9 years ago
While they may be made by other companies other than what name is on the appliance, I believe (But could be wrong), that the company putting their name on it dictates quality control and any minor changes that might get made.

At least that is how it works with most other items in the production world, again from my understanding.

I do agree with your (acgummad) about getting what works best for you and makes you happy. That just happens to mean to most people on this site to get best in class, or at least what is perceived as best in class to them and their research.

As I posted in your other thread I don't know much about Jenn-Aire, and won't comment on that brand because of it. If you are happy with your choices go with them. It is your money and only you can determine what is the best way for you to spend it.

You can ask for opinions, but ultimately it comes down to your choices.

phil
sochi
9 years ago
We went with Miele for everything except the fridge (Gaggenau, same as Miele anyway). I'm very pleased with all products, especially the Miele ovens. And the fridge too. We've had them for almost four years now.
gwlolo
9 years ago
For me, appliances was the highest importance in the kitchen after layout. I wanted control and flexibility and peformance from all of my appliances. Definitely function over form. I would suggest that you look at how you plan to use the equipment and how the features can help you cook better and your family's enjoyment of food and eating more pleasurable. That being said, I also bargain hunted majorly and sometimes a good deal on ebay or something would force the choice. Yur mileage may vary.

Cooktops - 36in induction. Shortlist = Miele or Gaggenau. Bought Gagg display model induction on ebay.
Single gas woktop - Miele or gaggenau. Bought Gagg on closeout. Really wanted one gas burner with high BTU for wok cooking etc.

Refrigerator - Wanted Dual compressor. And a lot of control on the produce bins. We eat a lot of varieties of vegetables and I wanted to be able to control the moisture levels and the temperature. Decided on 30in counterdepth all fridge by Miele. Counterdepth keeps things visible and avoid science experiments in the fridge. Also liked Liebherr and the SZ with the glass door. Separate Freezer drawer by SZ. I wanted a bit of counter next to the fridge as a landing zone and went with a freezer drawer.

Microwave - Preferred a good quality separate unit on a shelf as this is the appliance that is used most and often needs replacement before others. Panasonic with invertor.

Warming drawer - Preferred one with low temps for bread proofing and moisture control to keep crisp foods warm and crisp. GE profile warming drawer from CL (The manual and functions are identical to Monogram)

Ovens - I am never going to cook a massive turkey. But really wanted a steam convection. Went with 24in Gagg Combi steam and 27in Gagg convection.

Dishwasher - Miele La Perla on closeout. Wanted the better drying that the models that automatically open the door provide. Also a smaller single second dishwahser by Fisher Paykel.

Hood - Wanted a really high CFM that is not too loud. Cook a lot of "fragrant" ethnic food and have cooks with hearing issues. Abakka roof mounted 1600 CFM blower with the quiet kit. The hood has baffles that can be popped off and tossed into the dishwasher.
Gooster
9 years ago
Usually these posts get the advocates of one brand over another out in force.... I'm surprised up until now more people did not chime in.

There are many Bluestar advocates on this forum -- they regularly battle with the Capital fans. When I was shopping, I was told that Wolf still had marquee value in real estate terms (amongst the non TKO), if that is important to you.

You asked about other products to consider:
* I considered MW drawers but chose instead to build a custom upper cabinet to hold a MW. It love the height and access, and it disappears completely from view when not used (popup door).
* You should check out the steam ovens; probably on my next wish list.

I will disagree on one point -- in the high end to ultra high end where you are shopping, many of the manufacturers do make their own products (microwaves and dishwasher not withstanding) and it is possible to select "best in class". And if they do commission others to make them to fill out a line, often the quality level of materials are intentionally higher and the quality control more rigorous, as the price point can afford these types of decisions.

I also chose to balance appliance choice "function" with "form". Appliances that are closely grouped often look better when the handles and styling are synergistic -- and in some cases, little function is sacrificed when choosing compatible appliances. Not to offend anyone, but I personally feel that a kitchen can begin to look like an appliance showroom if you have too many different choices clustered together.
acgummad
9 years ago
Phil, again you missed the intent of my question. I had asked about personal preferences with combination wall oven units versus separate units. This question has absolutely nothing to do with brand.

Best in class does not imply that it's about finding whatever works for any one person. It implies that there is one best brand of each appliance type. And this is simply not true. People on this forum advocate for SZ, and with all of the people I know who have SZs and wish they'd never bought them, that brand is certainly not best in class, in my opinion.

So, back to the OPs question, what are the best high-end appliances? They're what she needs them to do. Again, brand has nothing to do with it. 20 years in international marketing, I can promise you that.
Eliza6eth
9 years ago
I'm building my first house and went with an interesting mix--

48 Capital Culinarian 8 Burner
Basic Ge Space Saver microwave (I am a weirdo and hate microwaves)
36 built in Fully integrated Liebherr- We don't stockpile produce or meats, I cook with fresh ingredients and since grocery stores are very accessible I don't have a need for more space. Also it's truly fully integrated-- no vents or pop outs-- it will look exactly like regular cabinets once installed
A vanity depth summit beverage fridge
Custom hood with a Faber insert
Bosch 800 plus slx series dishwasher

I don't know if the decisions were good or bad yet but I can tell you I spent months and months researching-- I even almost changed my mind at the buzzer about the capital for last years model all gas open burner wolf. In the end everyone is going to have something to say about what you decide but it's really about you and your needs and what you like.

I'm building my first house and my floors will be dark, my cabinets will be white, and my countertops will be honed white Carrara marble. Do you know that I battle the "you don't know what you're getting into" conversation every single time the subject of my home comes up! The only person that has to live with the decisions you make for your home is you-- choose what you love- not by some name that might not even be a name in 10 years. If you try to purchase what the majority call the best today you have to be prepared to have something that won't be the best tomorrow. Pick whatever is the best for you and your decision is the best answer you need.

Best of luck to you!
eclecticcottage
9 years ago
I've never had new high end appliances, although I love my Norge fridge (which is probably 50-60 years old but was top of the line for it's time). I'd love an Aga (or an Esse) though.

My grandmother had a wall oven and counter top stove. I've never had them separate. She liked it when she got older, she didn't have to bend over to remove bigger things like a turkey.
HLP1968
9 years ago
I have been a die hard Viking product user for years. I love the overall appeal of the product, mind you, but the overall performance has kept the products in my kitchen. Viking experienced issues with their product line early on when they began local manufacturing, but these issues have since been addressed and resolved. I am a stickler for curb appeal and detail, so I want all of my kitchen appliances to be the same brand. Mix and match just seems tacky to me. Yet... if i had any unresolvable issues with ANY of my Viking products... I would replace them in a heartbeat... Fortunately, I have not... The entire product line still offers me the same performance as they did when i installed them and furthermore, still just as pleasing to the eye... in my opinion, the look of the Viking Professional line is timeless... Bottom line... I would not use anything else...
multitasker
8 years ago
Renovating my kitchen seemed "less expensive" than I expected until I went appliance shopping. Yikes! I do love to cook and am diving in. I'm buying a Miele wall oven, warming drawer and Speed oven, plus a 42" SubZero side by side with internal water & ice dispenser. Keeping my awesome Viking cooktop and Kitchen Aide dishwasher. I presently have a "2nd" fridge that I AM keeping. It's in my mud room - a 36" Subzero my mom gave me 12 years ago, when she moved and couldn't take it with her. It's 24 years old!!! I've had it repaired a few times. The repairmen tell me that they don't make them like they used to.

What High-End Appliances Would You Pick?

joc6820

Comments (17)

wallycat

nadianyc
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What High-End Appliances Would You Pick?

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