Help with new kitchen appliance choices

14 years ago

I'm apologizing in advance. I *KNOW* this has been covered in depth numerous times here on GW, but it doesn't hurt to get even MORE opinions. ;-)

We're doing a full kitchen remodel, moved into a "great room" incorporating living room and dining area. (Whooppee!). I've done lots of research here and other places and have settled on some appliances, and still square on the fence about others. Dissenting opinions are WELCOME (please!)

Performance is important. Noise level is important. Appearance, a little less crucial.

Dishwasher: KitchenAid KUDE70CV. This is the one withOUT the food grinder for a quieter noise level. Front panel (instead of door-edge) status lights so we can see where it is in the cycle while it's running.

Cooktop: BlueStar 36" slide-in with 6 burners. No griddle.

Vent hood: Zephyr Typhoon.

Wall Ovens: Aha! Here's a chance for some real controversy. It'll be a speed oven mounted over a full-size.

Microwave/Convection/Speed: After spending DAYS pouring over the threads here, we're leaning towards the Advantium over the Miele. I will be using the MW a lot (my wife will probably be using it more as a small conventional oven), and I've heard that the Miele's microwave functions are buried a couple menus deep; the Miele's hard to clean (but maybe the newest model is better?); and the MW isn't as powerful as the 240V Advantium.

Begs the question: WHICH advantium. I like a 30" width to match a (yet undecidecd) lower oven. The Monogram would blend in better with whatever lower oven we choose. The Profile reminds me of a Star Trek Stormtrooper's helmet and would be harder to blend in with whatever lower oven we choose. I've also heard the Monogram is quieter. True?

240V vs 120V? It'll be a major remodel so I'm pretty sure we can wire it either way. Is the 240V's speed worth the extra price?

WALL OVEN: Completely undecided here. The speed oven will be getting more use. I like the idea of a true European convection. Styling doesn't HAVE to match the Advantium, but it MAY be nice. That said, what do folks think? I don't want to drop more than $2500 here, if possible. Electrolux Icon? Bosch? Kenmore Elite? K/A? Even the Frigidaire gets good reviews here. HELP, my brain hurts!

FRIDGE: Speaking of brain freeze, we're still undecided on a fridge. I like the 25+ ft capacity of a full depth reefer, and we're decided on a lower freezer French door type. I do NOT like the fact that an in-door icemaker takes up so much inside door space. That said, most of the stuff I've seen is pretty junky. Drawers are flimsy (and too shallow for a big head of cabbage). etc. I like the interior of the E-lux, but so far it's available only with the in-door ice dispenser. I've heard a rumor that they're coming out with a version with the ice dispenser in the freezer (where, IMHO, it belongs.) Is this true?

Why are the higher-end interiors available only in counter-depth models? Don't foodies need to refrigerate an entire turkey carcass too? ;-)

Ok, discuss.

Thanks in advance.

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Comments (2)

suefromva
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
One year after unveiling my fabulous kitchen redo...here are my comments. LOVE THE MIELE SPEED OVEN AND USE IT ALL THE TIME...for baking, cooking, broiler, micro It is a great size, can fit cookie sheets, roasting chicken or just about anything but a turkey in it. And does a fabulous job on it all. The cleaning issue almost scared me off but I'm glad it didnt. I'm particularly happy that it when in at eye level since I am using it so much. I have yet to burn any garlic bread while broiling it...that was such a problem the other 35+ years of my cooking life, that it is the first time in 35 years we have been able to do without a toaster oven on the counter.

Why am I using the Miele so much? Because the Electrolux Builtin electronic (all electric) range has been "turning itself off" shortly after reaching temperature since the first time I ran the self cleaning. 10 visits later and MB they have figured out the problem...after replacing all the electronics in the range. After the new installation, I will IMMEDIATELY run the self-cleaning again to see if it goes bad again. But I loved the Electrolux up until that point......
sfjeff
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
240V definitely, if you are wiring. I'd even consider a panel upgrade to get it if you needed it.

There just are some appliances you or a future owner may want that just will never run on 120V. (Espresso maker is my current frustration.) There are also arguably long-term safety benefits to running the same amount of power over 240V than over 120V as lower current means less resistive heating if a circuit component starts to corrode or fail.

Fridge? Maybe a Samsung RF266 (or refresh model replacement)? -- They are changing models right now the RF266 and similar are being closed out quite aggressively at the local box stores. We're waiting for the new model, mainly for the LED interior lighting. They already are a dual-evaporator system and, from what I can gather, the difference between Twin Cooling and Twin Cooling Plus is an extra fan.
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I just don't know enough about the full suite of products to know, off the top of my head, whether the package prices seem right. Having looked recently at ranges (too hard for too long, but finally ordered a 36" range), hoods, and (less intensively) for mw and dw, I'll agree that the total price tags seem really high. That may not be a defect in your dealer, however. A few general observations. First, the whole matching suite thing -- it seems entirely unnecessary to me to have matching labels on all the pieces to have them look good together; and it's highly unlikely to provide the best quality (piece-by-piece) or the best value-for-money (not on list price; and not on ability to spot a deal on an individual piece). In addition, premium brand EVERYTHING can really add up if you are going piece-by-piece throughout the whole kitchen. If the Wolf cooktop is your favorite, that's fine. What's the value add from their microwave drawer? From their warming drawer? Surely there's another way to integrate things visually. Second, a large built-in fridge is going to add a hand-full of thousands to any budget, relative to a large, high-quality stand-alone fridge (which can have a frame or cabinet around it, after-all -- it just won't be built in). That's not to say that you are wrong to want this. Just that it's an obvious place to save some real money if you want to save money. Without compromising the function of your kitchen. A full remodel is pricey. Cabinets alone can eat a huge chunk of change. Leaving that aside, maybe the thing to do is start over. Start with a list that includes all the pieces that you really want to use, but maybe leave off things that went on the initial list just 'cause. They can come back later, or not, depending on budget. Start with a full kitchen of good quality but more common appliances. For example, whatever finish or line you like from the CW top rated product in each category. Then, ask yourself which pieces you're (a) really anxious to change, because they're at the heart of what you love about a good kitchen and (b) interested in changing, but on lower priority. Start with the thing that makes the kitchen tick for you, whether it's a range or cook top or oven. A Wolf cook top (or BlueStar, or CC -- range top? -- or Thermador, or etc.) can be a FUNCTIONAL centerpiece that adds a couple of K to a basic offering, not 5 or 10. If you're really, really keen on the Miele double oven, that's fine, but it's a very pricey double oven setup. If it's just one of several you like that happens to fit into your suite of appliances, then maybe reconsider. What about a different brand? What about a range plus a second oven? For me, it's all about the range. For you -- you should get what you want, respecting your budget considerations. My guess is that if you start again, abandon the matching labels thing, and prioritize, you should be able to save 5-10K easily, and perhaps more.
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Help with new kitchen appliance choices

Comments (2)

suefromva

sfjeff

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