Meeting Appliance Guy This Weekend

julieh1926

14 years ago

I'm relatively new here, but have been following along here and in the Kitchen forum for some time while planning our kitchen remodel. I'm meeting with our appliance guy to try to choose our kitchen appliances this weekend and would love your input on possible selections. When I originally went looking, I went alone. This time my husband will join and we'll both look at the configurations together.

Fridge: We are looking at a 42" built-in and will be considering either the Sub-Zero BI 42s/o or the GE Monogram ZIS42ONX. While I completely appreciate the quality of the sub-zero, and grew up with Sub Zeroes, I'm not sure if it's worth the additional cost. Are there others we should consider for built-in (custom wood paneling) in the 42" range? I'm also not sure about whether to get the water/ice dispenser. We don't have one now, and while I would love one, I like the look of the solid paneling a bit better. Not sure what we'll do about this.

Cooktop: we have to go electric, and are considering either the Wolf CT36E/S or the GE Monogram ZEU36RSFSS or the ZEU36KSKSS.

One question I have about the cooktop is whether to go with a stainless rim or all black, and also whether to flush mount if we go with the all black.

For ovens, I think we'll be going GE (ZET2RMSS) as I've heard horror stories about Kitchen Aids.

For dishwashers, it's wide open. I don't think I want to spend the money on a Miele, and am considering a Bosch or a Kitchen Aid. This decision will be made at the store when we can really look at the rack configurations, etc. Since my husband does most of the dishwasher loading (I cook, he cleans), he'll get the biggest vote here;)

So, any opinions? Are there other brands I should consider? Thanks so much for any help!

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Comments (7)

sfjeff
14 years ago
For electric, I would certainly consider induction if cooking performance is important to you.
mississippirose
14 years ago
My appliances were delivered today for our Jan 4 remodel. I thought I'd share my decisions with you. I did get the SZ 42" with ice/water dispenser. My small kitchen needs the built in & SZ is worth every penny since they last a long time & have good reliability. I also got the paneling for it as well. I had looked at Thermador and didn't care for the columns at all. Dishwasher- I went with the new Viking since I currently have a 10 year old ASKO that hasn't missed a beat. The new Vikings are basically ASKO now. Do not get Bosch. They do not have the quality they used to. I went with the Viking double ovens and a KitchenAid warming drawer that will be paneled. Hope this helps. Carol
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julieh1926
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the quick responses. SFJeff -- we did consider induction, but literally none of our pots/pans will work with it, and it's just not something we want to tackle with. We have used an electric cooktop for several years, and are ok with that. Who knows, maybe we'll be convinced this weekend, but in the meantime, our plan is to continue with an electric cooktop.
Mississippirose -- I am leaning towards the SZ, but feel like we need to at least look at a less expensive option.
Any other thoughts?
juliet3
14 years ago
I don't have opinions on your particular choices, but I did want to advise you to take with you to the Appliance Store some of your larger plates and larger items you tend to put in your dishwasher. There is nothing like seeing your familiar items in a dishwasher to tell whether its size, layout, and configuration will work for you. Between KA and Bosch, I would pick the KA without hesitation, as long as you are not getting a lower level KA. IMHO, the KA that is the 2nd from their top of the line is their best (sorry I don't know the model #). My Miele DW has a cutlery tray, and I don't know how I lived without it before, and would never go back to the cutlery basket style DW. The KA I mentioned has a cutlery tray that is the imitation of the Miele's.

Similarly, take along your roasting pan when looking at ovens. Don't feel embarrassed about bringing your roasting pan; many people do, and you are spending a lot of money on these appliances. You will be surprised how seeing your roasting pan in a variety of ovens, and also pulling out the racks to see how they pull out when carrying your roasting pan, will help you choose. Also, there was a thread on here or the Kitchens Forum around Thanksgiving that complained that their oven wouldn't fit their 19 lb. turkey height-wise, although it was fine length and width-wise. I believe it was a Capital brand range. So it will really help you to visualize oven capacity to have your roasting pan with you; much better than just hearing the manufacturer's specs/measurements.
juliet3
14 years ago
I thought of more thing to add to my previous post. Your question about whether the cooktop should have a stainless rim, or all black. When you say "all black" I think you mean rimless, right? I vote rimless all the way. Food or even the tiniest particles and grease get into the rim, and are very difficult to clean out. Also, the stainless rim will scratch. As to flush mount, yes, to avoid the crumbs getting into crevices issue.
friedajune
14 years ago
Are you buying your hood at this appliance store too? Here are some things to consider:

- Ideally, for a 36" cooktop, you should have a 42" hood, but many people don't have the room for a 42" hood, and if that is you, at least make sure your 36" hood has a depth of 24", for proper capture area.

- Cfm's - the rule of thumb is 10cfm per 1000btu's of your burners. Example: for a cooktop with 4 burners that are 15K btu's each (60K total), you should have a 600cfm hood.

- a hood with baffle filters is better than one with mesh; baffle filters are more efficient, quieter and last longer than mesh.

- if you are also installing the exhaust ductwork with your kitchen reno, make sure the duct is 8" or 10" diameter. If your duct is less than that, you will have greater noise and less efficiency.
julieh1926
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks so much for the words of advice! Juliet3, I remember the Thanksgiving turkey incident -- thanks for reminding me to bring my cookware and some dishes with me. Also, akchicago -- thanks for the hood advice. We will be getting a hood as well, and these are great bits of information.

Meeting Appliance Guy This Weekend

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