Not my price range, but saw a couple of articles that might be helpful... The Yale appliance blog just did alternatives to the kitchen of the year appliances.

One week is "best of the best" and the next is "almost as good for a smaller budget"

http://yaleappliance.blogspot.com/2010/07/kitchen-of-year-part-1.html

http://yaleappliance.blogspot.com/2010/07/kitchen-of-yearpart-2.html

You might find some good ways to make trade-offs there.

I have a dcs cooktop bec at the time i had to make a decision, they were the only ones that had simmer on more than one burner and the burners were sealed (I'm a messy cook) I also chose subzero at the time bec of the dual compressors. And I chose a Bosch DW bec I think it was the least expensive at the quietness level that I wanted. So I chose based on features desired. They have all served me well for 6 years now, yet I have had service calls on all 3 of them. Nothing serious... I wouldn't negate Thermador completely. You are talking about high end appliances here. Think about your budget and how critical it is to stay within that figure if it is at all critical.

Monogram cooktops have the same DCS dual burner, which is wonderful! All burners go all the way down to a low simmer. Love it.

Monogram cooktops have the same DCS dual burner, which is wonderful! All burners go all the way down to a low simmer. Love it.

appliance forum thread about similar topic:

Here is a link that might be useful: Which appliance to prioritize with appliance budget

I would go to Consumer Reports and look at their recommendations for various appliances.

Here is a link that might be useful: Consumer Reports Site

go to the appliance forum and expect to get an education. i don't think there's a better source of info and knowledgeable opinions. CS (imo) is very limited.

My main advice is not to get too hooked on getting all items from the same manufacturer. You can often get the best appliances to fit your needs from different companies. Check out AJ Madison. I used them and no two items I bought were from the same company. They have great filters for searching and will work a deal with you if you buy multiple items... just ask.

Everything I learned about appliances I learned over on teh appliance forum and here. Great resources.

Don't go to Consumer Reports and don't get all of one brand. Pick and choose. I've had a DCS range for 8 years and am very pleased - Capital same founders as DCS is also a good choice for the range. Subzero good for fridges, Miele or KA for DWs. Do some research on the appliance forum and elsewhere and don't necessarily go through your builder for you appliances - take you allowance and shop on your own.

I agree with checking on the appliance forum. Those folks love their ranges and have the knowledge to go with it.

Thanks everyone.
I will post in the appliance forum to see what they have to add.
You are all awesome!

That was around my budget too. I ended up with GE Monongram built in fridge 48" side by side, GE Monongram double convection ovens, Wolf 36" range top, Kitchen aid hood, Sharp microwave drawer, and Asko panelled dishwasher. I have been very happy with my choices. I am loving my double ovens!

Like some of the posters mentioned, Consumer Reports, which I joined during this remodel to help with decision making, ended up not being all that helpful. In fact, there was a dearth of information on these brands. The appliance forum is an awesome resource.

I looked at AJ Madison, since I was on my own for appliance shopping (outside of my GC contract, but they did do the installation.) I ended up going with a nearby Ferguson store, just so I would have someone local to call if I had any issues. So, we'll see how that works out....

Good luck to you!

That was near my figure and we have Wolf rangetop, Wolf double ovens, Dacor warming drawer (only one 21" deep), Sharp micro drawer, Thermador column fridge and freezer, a pair of Thermador DWs and Perlick fridge drawers. The hood (Best by Broan)may have pushed us slightly over. The warming drawer does it's job but isn't anything exciting (until I think about putting one in the bathroom for towels -- LOL), but we've been happy with all our choices.

We were building five years ago. I went with a GE Monogram 48" dual fuel range (six burners and a griddle), 48" GE Monogram fridge, VAH liner w/custom hood and F&P Dishdrawers (double). I don't know what these are running today, but I did not spend $20K. You do realize an allowance is just a number plugged into the contract. You can spend less (saving some money) or spend more (going over budget). I always tried to be less than or at least not go over. Did well in some categories (like lighting) but went over in cabinetry. lol

That's about what our budget is, and we were leaning towards the Thermador package as well until we found a wolf 48inch dual-fuel and a subzero Pro46 fridge floor model on sale. Those units plus hood insert and dw will be less than Thermador (by a very small amount) and will be better quality (plus the thermador range we were considering for that similar price was all gas). I'm not sure if you're open to looking at floor models, but we happened to just ask at a showroom, and they said that they weren't advertising but would be willing to consider selling the floor models. We are getting full warranty, etc. It may be worth asking when you are at showrooms because you can get some great deals if the timing is right. We were so happy to find this as we couldn't consider that high-end of a subzero fridge and wolf otherwise.