They all sound fine to me. Don't worry about the mix of brands. The only thing you gain from using all the same is a potential rebate and getting stuck with something that isn't as good as the best thing that maker puts out. Almost all of the microwaves are actually made by only a few makers. Many makers of fine stoves offer fridges that are exactly the ones offered by another manufacturer with a different name badge, etc.

The Dacor MW is probably a rebadged Sharp at a much higher price. Check out Sharp, Panasonic, and GE MWs and see if you can find a comparable model - unless you really like the look of the Dacor.

SubZero BI48 Arguably best in class,iconic design,best for resale value. Only drawback is the heft of the doors for some people.Other than that great choice.

Best by Broan least expensive hood that will do a decent job. Arguably best in class.

Electrolux Again arguably best in class. People here on GW really like them.

Dacor MW Ditto above comments. Rebadged Sharp. If you are willing to pay a premium for the looks of the door skin go for it.

Bosch DW-If you are spending under $1K arguably best in class.IF spending above $1K I would just spend a little more and get a Miele.

Mixing and matching brands is right way to go.

I much prefer Waste King Legend 9980 to InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1.0 HP

Frankly, I think the Wolf rangetop is a mistake. It is the most prestigous brand and probably only brand likely to be noticed by potential buyers. But I don't think it translates to more dollars at sale.

A true open burner rangetop is better performer. The best thought of here on GW is Capital Culinarian the other good one is Bluestar RNB. Plenty of theads here discussing those,just goodle gardenweb culinnarian and gardenweb bluestar.

Here is a link that might be useful: Culinarian Video Link

If you are spending this much money, did you look at a speed oven?

Oh, this really helps! I think I just needed a "you're doing the right thing" pat on the back to feel comfortable placing this order.

It's because of all you here on GW, that we switched from Dacor double ovens to the Electrolux.

As far as the microwave, I think you are right -- I'll check out the Sharp when we place the order. I'm contemplating the microwave drawer and there's a pretty big price difference from Sharp's to Dacor's. We have a huge kitchen so whether it's low or next to the double ovens isn't a factor for us.

I looked online at the Capital and the Bluestar cooktops. Bluestar is out as I don't like the SS back as we've designed a fancy backsplash. The Capital looks are great (I love the SS knobs), but I like my burners on one side and the other... how do multiple pans fit if they are sitting next to each other?

Thanks all!

Electrolux ICON is located at a different URL. I am considering their single + speed oven option for our home.

Here it is if you are interested in looking.

Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: Electrolux ICON

The Capital looks are great (I love the SS knobs), but I like my burners on one side and the other... how do multiple pans fit if they are sitting next to each other?

Same as in a 36" rangetop with 6 burners.

But you can get the grill/griddle inbetween the burners if you wish. Look at the 48" Rangetop pdf below. Just scroll down.

Here is a link that might be useful: Culinarian 48

No speed oven. I don't think we need one b/c I want to get a Breville BOV800XL The Smart Oven (and have it in our pantry). I'll mainly use it for toasting, but it can do so much more also.

@4mom23girls, I got the Breville BOV800XL a few months ago. LOVE it. I have two small kids and use it all the time. It makes the best bagels (toasted) and I use it for all kinds of food items for the kids (cheese nachos, chicken fingers, home made oven fries). I've used it to cook meat (like pork chops) and pizza. It really is a great addition (especially if you are single or have kids).

I would look at a Panasonic MW before Sharp (but that's me). I had a KitchenAid micro for 8 years and when it died I got a Panasonic. It's so much better than the KA. It's really a great appliance.

FWIW, I have a Dacor 30" duel fuel range, Miele Optima DW and KA fridge.

I have friends who built multi million dollar custom homes and FWIW they stopped buying SZ and started using other brands like KA and JA. They always have Wolf 6 burner ranges and Miele DW. Have you looked at any other brands? You could save some $$ there. Just a thought ...

BTW, we were going with the 48" Wolf w/ either the grill or griddle (probably griddle), therefore 2 of the burners would be to the side. Great to know you can customize the Capital to have the grill and griddle between the burners. Hum?

Thanks livebetter. Yes, we have 3 young girls (9,6, 3 y.o). Glad to hear you love your Breville. Everyone who has one LOVES it! I'll check out that micro too. All I care about is looks and reliability (it's just to heat up food for me).

You all have me thinking about our splurging on the Subzero. For me, it's about a) reliability, b) integrated look and c) roomy inside. All hubby cares about is crushed ice! I'd LOVE a paneled refrig, but I couldn't justify anymore cost to the SZ. Perhaps, there's one that could have the built-in look and panel it and still have the storage and reliability. But if after paneling and it's the same cost, well, the SZ will win.

Bluestar is out as I don't like the SS back as we've designed a fancy backsplash.

They don't HAVE TO have that SS backguard. You can use an island trim.

From the installation manual (http://blue-star.us/manuals/cooktop_manual.pdf)

All range tops require a backguard. Most models have the option of using: an island trim; 7 inch standard; 17 inch hi-back; 21 inch high shelf. Heritage Classic models require a 21 inch high shelf for all installations.
If you are using an island trim a six inch clearance between the back of the range and a combustible surface is required. If an island trim is to be used without this six inch clear- ance the back wall must be non-combustible and heat resistant material that extends below the top surface of the range a minimum of six inches.

Pictures available on the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bluestar rangetop brochure

My friend's current fridge is like this KA. Hers has custom cabinet panels. At first she hated the freezer drawer but she likes it now. She had always had side by side before.

I know the JennAir one gets top ratings though. I don't know anything about it but when my KA goes I'm going to look hard at it.

http://www.jennair.com/flash.cmd?/#/category/c/349

My friend has a panasonic MW built in above her Dacor wall oven. Looks great. They also come in convection models.

https://panasonic.ca/english/appliance/microwave/NNSD997S.asp

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchenaid built in with panels

As livebetter mentions, Jenn-air is usually the top rated
SxS as well as "built in" or "Integrated" fridge by CR, and as been so since 2005.

This does dispute the claim that CR "Always" takes prices into account and usually picks a less expensive brand as the winner, ---Although---Here we are talking about reliability
(Inputs from purchasers of fridges).

JA, like the rest of Whirlpool, Miele, Liebherr----etc etc
all use the variable speed compressor which has many advantages over a conventional on/off type compressor.
As I mention before, A poster here, (whom I consider an "Accurate source of info"), posted that "SZ found a way to make the older style on/off compressors more efficient"
and hence they went back to them---or so that poster claims.
I would certainly want to know, as I don't buy a car without knowing what engine is in it!

The JA has 3 different temp zones, each individually set with digital controls and readouts, and also a 4th digital control and readout for the freezer.

Anyway, at least have "a look see" at the JA, before "Automatically pushing the "SZ buy button".

The SZ does not use 2 compressors which to me has several advantages, (reliability), quieter, etc etc.
Never had any problem with "Mixing Flavors" between fridge
and freezer--etc. If you feel you must have "Separation"
(A La SZ claims), look into the Fridges that feature "Dual evaporators" and yet just ONE compressor---much more efficient use of fridge cooling parts.
I would not however trade by JA for such!

I've owned it since 2005 and it has been trouble free except for the ice-maker It took about a month vacation
but returned and has worked fine ever since (about 6 months now). If It hadn't a new one is easily replacable and cost about $155----compare this to SZ's ice-maker, which I hear is made by Whirlpool.

Anyway, good luck on your hunt!!!

Gary

BTW the Bluestar rangtop can be ordered with island trim to eliminate the SS backguard.

@4mom23girls: I have recently gone through similar motions to buy all new appliances and most of them are similar to yours.

With the wolf i would have recommended looking into a capital or bs which a lot of people have suggested.

I would look also into induction and see if it works for you as i will be switching my order from the capital to a bosch induction.

This is something better done now (research wise) than later.

You need to probably spend a day or two absorbing induction vs gas advantages and disadvantages and also go try one in a live kitchen to help you make your decisison.

@4mom23girls: Also if you do get capital/bs make sure the depth of the hood is 27" and not 22"... as you have a 48" i would assume you will have either a griddle or a grill.

"The SZ does not use 2 compressors which to me has several advantages, (reliability), quieter, etc etc."

I meant to type, "The JA does not use 2 compressors", as we know SZ does.

Sorry about the "Wayward Typing Finger" (LOL)!!!!!

Gary

We got the Electrolux Icon double ovens and love them. We also got the Capital Culinarian 48" cooktop with 6 burners and a grill. There are four burners to the left of the grill and two burners to the right of the grill. Our friend who has a Wolf is bummed she didn't get the Capital. She's blown away by the high heat generated by the burners and the overall design.

The burner grates are wide and I can fit two big Cajun pots next to each other without problems.

Billy

@billy_g: Did you try induction before the capital... i have some time before i can change my order (ordered capital)... but i am thinking perhaps a bosch induction maybe a way to go.

I did ask a lot of questions in the gas vs induction thread but wanting capital owners opinions.

Well, we picked out everything... we have a few days to mull over before we pay and place the order. Here's what we ended up doing. Anybody see anything wrong?

SubZero 48" Refrig -- here's where I'm waffling. My DH really wants crushed ice. Is there an integrated fridge w/ crushed ice feature that we can panel? I don't think Jenn Air has crushed ice.

Wolf 48" RangeTop 6 burner w/ grill

Broan Best Hood

End up going with the Wolf double ovens... rep said we could then qualify for the rebate. Are these good?

Sharp 24" KB6524PS microwave drawer

Miele dishwasher 5175SCSF

48" Refrig -- Is there an integrated fridge w/ crushed ice feature that we can panel?

KitchenAid Architect Series II KSSO48QTX may be your best bet.

Dacor has one that is more expensive but just a rebadged KA.

GE Profile/GE Monogram has one but IMO KA is better.

Wolf 48" RangeTop 6 burner w/ grill

Broan Best Hood

See Above.

End up going with the Wolf double ovens... rep said we could then qualify for the rebate. Are these good?

They are not just good, they are top notch.

Sharp 24" KB6524PS microwave drawer

Excellent choice. This is what I have. The bigger 30" just takes up more space without adding to the interior cavity of the microwave.

Miele dishwasher 5175SCSF

Excellent choice. This one has an internal water softner.

Thank you so much deeageaux, and all you other out here on GW! Your advice is so invaluable to those trying to make educated decisions. I'm so glad this chapter (of choosing) is closed. Now on to watching it all go in!

@4mom23girls: As someone who has used the residential wolf ranges i wouldn't purchase those at all. Biased opinion. For the money i would get the capital or the BS.

Here's what my rep email me tonight about the Capital or Bluestar:

'They are more difficult to clean because of the coarse cast iron grates. They also use stainless tubing vs solid brass for their burner. This will cause the unit to break down faster then a Wolf because of the BTU's. The wolf is the better unit plus it will save you money and keep the kitchen design integrity the same.'

Congratulations on your selections, 4mom.... I remember how important those appliance decisions were, and how I worried about the wisdom of my choices.

Fast forward 6 years, and I have 6 years experience living, cooking and refrigerating with my Wolf/SZ choices. I wouldn't change anything. I purchaesd the SZ360 (which I guess they don't make any more). The model I purchased has the freezer on the bottom. Keeping produce fresh is very important to me, and I've never had a refrigerator that comes close to matching the superb preservation of fruits & veggies that the SZ does. I can tell you that I will ALWAYS have a SZ fridge in my house from now on. It is that big a difference.

I purchased the Wolf DF 30-inch range. Again, I'm amazed at the excellent quality and performance of this "appliance"...which is so much more than an "appliance". I've never cooked on the Wolf cooktop, nor used the Wolf ovens, but based on my own Wolf/SZ experience, I'm confident you will be delighted with the reliability, performance, easy maintenance of your new appliances.

I've been a GW member for years, and I've seen critical comments about every brand of appliance....which, I guess, is to be expected. However, SZ and Wolf have been the subject of few negative threads and few complaints compared to other brands. Plus, I've noticed that the consumers happy with their Wolf/SZ purchases out number those that have had problems. So rest assured you will be happy with your purchases.

If you've not done so, I recommend you visit the Wolf/SZ regional distributor and sit in on one of their free cooking demos. You'll pick up a lot of very helpful information, and you'll get to see the product in action....and ask questions.

Congratulations on your new kitchen!

They are more difficult to clean because of the coarse cast iron grates. They also use stainless tubing vs solid brass for their burner. This will cause the unit to break down faster then a Wolf because of the BTU's. The wolf is the better unit plus it will save you money and keep the kitchen design integrity the same.

I am not making a comission,a kickback, or winning a trip to Hawaii based on what you buy. That is a load of crap.

I have nothing against Wolf,like I said I love their electric ovens.

Capital Culinarian does not have coarse finished grates.

Capital Culinarian uses Commercial Quality Cast Iron Grates with easy to clean matte porcelain finish.These are easier to clean than the black enamel finish beneath the burners on the Wolf.

You can see for yourself in person or in the specifications.

CC does not use SS tubing for their burner. CC uses solid cast iron. Cast iron has been used millenia for cooking. It does not break down.

"keep the kitchen design integrity the same" So now your appliance salesman is an interior designer? More crap. Like most GWers say,don't buy matchy matchy suite of appliances buy each appliance on it's own merits.

Wolf offers excellent quality ranges and so does Capital. Chances are neither will cost you any money in repairs for a very long time. But the Capital Culinarian is the superior cooking machine.

Here is a link that might be useful: CC Breakdown

@4mom23girls: Deegeaux summed it up nicely, there is only more thing to add... here in canada Wolf has HUGE HUGE kickbacks for sales reps if they sell their product i think the salesman wants to make the $$ so is trying to convince you... i know for capital they don't offer any huge kickbacks and there isn't a huge amount of money to be made from it from a salesmens perspective.

Depending on where you are located i would urge you to go see a capital range (rangetop the top parts are identical). When you do see it remove two grates (they are heavy) and remove the liner which is held by two removable metal rods at the ends and you can see the bruner assembly this will also give you an idea on the future cleanup routine.

For me the wolf "sealed" black tray is not very easy to clean and the black finish is not very friendly to abrasive brushes.

Also going further into capital vs wolf... the wolf burner by nature is not as hot/powerful (Hybrid Open Burner - which is bascially sealed).

The capital is a very efficient gas burner and does not throw a lot of heat away from the grate area, surprisingly enough i don't think there is a huge amount of energy loss with the capital and most of the energy/heat is going into your pan.

I would for sure drive to a capital dealer to see the range (any size) to get an idea.

The rangetop is a huge investment and its not like you can change it after a few months of use.

I do not work nor sell capital, wolf or any other appiances.

The best advice I can give is to go to a dealer whom you feel you can trust, look at the various ranges, etc., and ask a lot of questions. In the end, you need to decide what features you like and which range or cooktop, refrigerator, dishwasher actually calls to you. It's a gut feeling you will have once you see and touch things.

Don't worry about mixing brands. Buy the best you can afford in each category. In some cases more expensive doesn't mean better. In some cases it does. Many people don't even worry about mixing colors any more.

I decided on a Bluestar range, but I still really like my plain jane white Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator. It was only $1,000, works perfect, is only about a year old, and I'm moving it into my new house. The range on the other hand is pricey, but well worth it to me. I knew within 10 minutes it was the right one...for me.

Sandy

We have a Wolf RangeTop 6 burner - excellent product

Well, it's off to another appliance store on Monday to take a peek at the Bluestar. I suppose it's easy to diss a product you don't sell. I can't find a price online. I don't know if I'd be able to pay anymore than we already are if we went BS over the Wolf. I will take a peek, but watching the youtube videos on the BS burners vs. the Wolf burners has my curiosity peeked.

Also, we found out that paneling a SubZero brings the cost down significantly. He explained that less SS means less cost. Guess it makes sense.

Yes, the panel-ready models of Sub-Zero are less expensive than the ss models. But, to state the obvious, if you are having your cabinet company make the fridge appliance panels, they will not be cheap! The cost may work out to be about the same, if not even more if you have high-end cabinets.

(We've only had our new Sub-Zero for a month. But so far we are loving it. It is quiet as can be and so well made.)

Good luck with your appliance choices.

After you look at the Blue Star, be sure to thoroughly search on the thread on oven door issues and service quality.

We are getting a cooktop, not a range.

As of late, BS Service, as reported by several posters, has been great, hopefully it stays that way, and should/will be a
"Non issue". Yes we are All familiar with their past history.

I still don't see a lotta post about "Stay away" from
Miele ovens, due to past problems & service, and in fact far as we know, the oven temp problem still has not been fixed---
so let's be fair!!! BS goofed in the past and are trying to correct it, Miele?????????????

Gary

Our kitchen consists of the following: the Sub BI48 (integrated, no ice dispenser), the 48" Wolf rangetop (4 burner, double griddle--along with a 15" Wolf induction hob), double Wolf ovens (L series), and Miele DWs. I can HIGHLY recommend each one of these.

But if I had to (heaven forbid!) remodel my kitchen again, the only one that I would buy again without even looking at anything else is the Sub. Some people have argued here that all a fridge has to do is to keep things cool. Well, I guess by the same token, all an oven has to do is to heat itself up and a rangetop has to put out a good flame. The Sub to me is the epitome of a sturdy, well designed, incredibly ergonomic, and ultra quiet appliance that's just a pleasure to use.

The Wolf rangetop and ovens we also very much love. I know that over the years, when someone asks the forum for a recommendation on ranges or rangetops the CC and BS people all chime in as to why their brands are really good and are better than Wolf. Well, that may be (or may not be). I don't know because I don't have any direct experience with either of those brands. What I CAN say is that we are very pleased with both the Wolf rangetop and ovens and highly recommend them.

"Here's what my rep email me tonight about the Capital or Bluestar:

'They are more difficult to clean because of the coarse cast iron grates. They also use stainless tubing vs solid brass for their burner. This will cause the unit to break down faster then a Wolf because of the BTU's. The wolf is the better unit plus it will save you money and keep the kitchen design integrity the same.'"

Prattle, shear prattle. Cast iron is not difficult to clean and the grates on either are not course. BS does use SS on the feed tubes up to the cast burner, but the CC is all cast. Either should be just fine and neither will break down because of the BTUs. Where's the heat going? Into the burner assembly or up, toward the grate? "Kitchen design integrity" indeed - I'd walk away from that person as quickly as possible.

You should really look at the models in person (BS, CC and Wolf) and preferably side by side. I did. I walked in wanting Wolf and walked out having decided to get Blue Star. And I love it. It is very easy to clean -- far easier than the Wolf would have been, in my opinion. The sales rep in the store I went to sells both. He said that many customers who looked at both were not initially thinking about Blue Star but decided to go with Blue Star after seeing both the Wolf and Blue Star in a live demonstration.

Don't listen to any rep. Go see for yourself.

4mom23girls, did you say you're getting a cooktop or rangetop? CC doesn't make a cooktop, but BS does. I have BS rangetop, and I like it very much, but I agree with other posters that ultimately you have to look at each yourself and see what fits best with your needs and personality. I also think that we're splitting hairs here, and that any of these brands would be fine. I've never cooked on Capital, but I have used Wolf at friends' houses, and it worked fine.

jmith, I did not try any induction cooktops before I bought the CC. I am intrigued by induction, but I like the hot flame and fire when I cook!

Billy

I just wanted you (everyone following this) that I headed to yet another appliance store today. This place had everything you might think up for your kitchen and beyond. Anyway, I took a look at the Bluestar rangetop and did a little comparison between it and the Wolf. I MADE A DECISION! I'm staying with the Wolf. Yes, the BS had an impressive burner, but what convinced me were the little details and finishing touches on the Wolf. ie. at the side of the griddle, you could see the soldering on the BS, the Wolf it was seamless. Also, the guy showed me the solid brass as he took off the burner on the Wolf. And he confirmed the BS was cast iron (though probably still heavy duty enough).

All I know is yeah, I can rest assured I did my homework and made a good decision. Thanks all for your inputs!

Solid brass is not "more heavy duty."

After a long time cast iron may rust if you "clean" away the protective coating after many years of use.

Solid brass may warp after many years of use.

Despite some current testimony on the Forum I still think the fit and finish of BS is one rung below Capital/Wolf. And,yes, Capital matches Wolf fit and finish.

When I say burners may rust I mean surface rust not rust through that would make the burners non-fuctional. Just ugly.

You can half-ass and paint with black stove paint or send out to stove restoration shop to get new finish applied.

Gary, evidently you have not been reading very carefully.

"What did I miss",rococogurl, Gary asks, (as He cleans his Spectacles).

Gary

"I still don't see a lotta post about "Stay away" from
Miele ovens, due to past problems & service,"

There haven't been a lot but there have been some.

Come to think of it, this hasn't come up in a while. Wonder how baver is doing.

I'm wondering too. Both She and Warmfridge seem to have disappeared.

Thanks for the answer Rococogurl , I was about to "head out" to see my Optomologist!

Gary