Many people mix appliance brands - as long as they look okay together you won't have a problem with most potential buyers. Check out the Finished Kitchen Blog and you'll see how many of us mix appliances.

I have no experience with the MW you're consider. You can search for reviews on various sites. Appliances go on sale for any number of reasons - to get customers in the store, because a new model is due out, because they have an oversupply of that model. If you can find good reviews on that model, be glad for the sale.

How's this for a mix?:
Fratelli Onofri Range
Futuro Futuro Hood
Samsung Fridge
Asko Dishwasher
Viking MW

I'm not kidding--I shopped like you--based on individual records and reputations of the appliance/manufacturer and large part in price (both the DW and MW were unbelievable off-price discounts because of warehouse overstock and new models due in...never would have paid full price for them)

So, suffice it to say I don't think mixing is a problem.

Samsung gets good reviews in terms of value for the money. I'd go for it.

No one will mind about the different appliance manufacturers. If a buyer is a sophisticated kitchen person he/she may mind that you have an OTR MW instead of a proper hood. Are you venting to the outside; that would also be an important consideration when looking at a kitchen. Also, regarding future home sale, if it is many years down the road, potential buyers may want to change out the appliances for new ones regardless, so I wouldn't worry. Sounds like you are getting a good deal on that MW.

What is the "regular" price of that model. Check out ajmadison.com or Sears or another site to see what prices are typically charged for that model. If Best Buy's price is lower on the same product then it's a great deal: Snap it up. If the price is similar, then that's just what that particular model is worth. If it is much cheaper than other models you have been looking at then you do need to ask yourself, what features or quality may this model be lacking? If it is similar in price to other brands and models that you look at then just choose the one you like best.

As for the mixing appliance brands, most of us here are too picky/demanding/informed to be happy with every appliance from one brand. People do, do it but a potential buyer will not be turned off simply for that reason. What may turn off a potential buyer is if you mix different distinctive styles and especially colors (such as black, white, bisque). Stainless does mix with either black or white in many cases, but it depends upon your specific placement.

- Jim

Thanks for the replies. As to the microwave model, the MSRP is $240, and my concern is simply that every other oven with comparable specs seems to be $350 or higher. While the design is somewhat basic, (which could be the differentiator) it goes well with the clean lines of our new oven also.

To the question about mixing brands, I didn't think it would be a big deal, but figured it was worth asking... :) Our stove is a Kitchen-Aid, and unfortunately KA over-the-range microwaves are priced over $500 and have some pretty horrible reviews. So thanks for making me more comfortable with that decision!

As an aside, I must say that I'm really digging the gloss black look, especially with the ash cabinets we're putting in making for a great visual contrast. I'm sure I'm not the only one getting sick of stainless steel every-frickin-where. And the fact that it's cheaper is just an added bonus :)

To answer shannonplus2, we cannot vent outside (stupid stupid HOA, don't get me started) so the MW's recirculating vent is the best we can do.

IMO, you shouldn't pay a ton for a microwave. I think you should go for it! $350 for a microwave seems outrageous.

I bought an upgraded Samsung MC from BB about three years ago. It was nothing but problems. Sensor died after about a year.I would stay away if I was you. I replaced it with a LG which I love!

If you are looking for bargains - check out a high end dealer that has scratch and dent models. We bought our over the range GE Profile Stainless MW at 1/2 off list - it had one small dent on the underside near the light. You would have to lay your head on the stovetop and look straight up to see it.

We also buy demo's - the ones that are "in store" displays. New models come out and the demo kitchens are upgraded. We bought demo's in our current kitchen - GE Profile cabinet depth refrigerator and a GE Monogram DW.

We have had great luck with both of these alternatives in the past - all come with full factory warranties, and you save a few bucks.

The reason the over-the-range microwaves are so much more expensive than countertop models is because they have to be better insulated to withstand the heat and grease splatters from the range below. In addition, they have to have the extra ventilation system for the range exhaust. However, as everyone in this forum knows, price is not always indicative of quality.

I know I'm prejudiced, but based on the ones I've seen in action plus two I've had in rentals, I have not been impressed with the exhaust capability and filtration back into the room. I do not know how you can test for these, but you should do some research.

As long as your appliances look good together, you should not have any complaints from prospective purchasers about mixing brands. Actually, when I was house hunting and would see all same-brand appliances, it was actually a turn-off because I imagined (possibly erroneously) that they got a huge discount/rebate for getting the same brand and did not bother looking into which were the best individual units.

I found this site helpful when I was researching.

http://www.applianceadvisor.com/

FWIW - we bought almost everything in one brand but that's only because we wanted the handles to match. ( Does this mean we are superficial ??)