And wow, I did not realize that everything would all be crammed into one giant paragraph!

To summarize: looking for quality coordinating stove, fridge and microwave and wondering if its ok to mix finishes, such as a slate stove with a stainless dishwasher.

I guess by "matching", maybe coordinating is a better word? The stove, fridge and microwave are on one wall and the dishwasher is across from them. I guess I was hoping that stainless items could coordinate with the slate since I already have a stainless dishwasher that is only a few months old.

I am thinking that b/c of the amount of cooking I do, I may want to splurge on the range. Splurge doesn't necessarily mean pro to me, I can't afford that. But the best I can get within the major brands that are available at Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. I do want the biggest fridge I can find (I buy a lot of food and even with just 2 people, our fridge is often busting full), although it seems no matter what fridge I go with, I will likely end up replacing in 5-7 years anyhow.

As far as "matching" the reason I put that is because to me the
stainless between different companies looks very different, as well as
design elements like handles. For example, I am not even considering
KitchenAid, because I don't like the way the handles look at all (and
b/c they are in the Whirlpool family). Likewise, even if I did like them, I think putting a Kitchenaid appliance on the same wall as another brand would look silly because to me the styles are so very different. Those handles are a more industrial look vs Whirlpool's more sleek handles.

If you have electric now for your range you would be surprised by the increase in performance by moving to induction for the cooktop of a new range. Super simple to clean with more power and control than gas without the waste heat to warm up the kitchen.

Thanks Dan. I'm not really able to watch videos at work. I have heard great things about induction, but I don't know much about them, other than only certain types of pans work with them. I don't know anyone who personally has one. Also, are they good for re-sale?

I am totally open to one, any particular models I should look at?

I have both gas and induction, and mostly use induction. You do have to have iron or steel or steel clad pans. Do a search in this forum and you'll find tons on the subject. If you do a lot of cooking, I think you'll love it. If you have any questions, I'll be glad to answer them.

Re models of induction--most major brands are good quality. The biggest differences are in power and control features. You should have at least 17 power levels on each element. An element rated at least 2kw has plenty of power. Smaller ones are fine with less. That's the very short of it.

You can do a slate range with the stainless, but I wouldn't do it with a stainless hood.

Yes, I did a bit of a search either and some people do seem to love them. Which model do you have? Do I have to have a range hood or is a microwave over the stove fine (yes, yes, I KNOW the Houzz community is not a fan of microwaves over the range, but also, in the real world, I don't know anyone who actually has this set up). Are hoods expensive? Can I generally have one installed pretty easily where the microwave is at?

Also, while I understand induction may be great, I am not necessarily thrilled about the idea of having to buy all new pans. Most of mine are the heavy Cuisinart non-stick. I use those a lot because they don't require a lot of oil. Can I use non-stick pans on induction? I would think that would hurt re-sale.

Assuming you mean to live there for at least five years and aren't doing a flip, unless your house is an obvious "starter" home in a starter community where many houses of the exact same design are on the market at the same time, the cooking fuel is not going to affect resale. In that limited circumstance, it could turn away some and attract others. In that case as well, the feature range would be equally a turn off to some and a benefit to others.

There are some well liked induction cookware sets, some of which have properties that discourage sticking, though I'm not sure about actual non-stick itself. If you search the forum or start a new thread asking about it, you're sure to find the info. It's just not something I can keep in my head. Because so many like these sets that are $100-200, I wouldn't let the pans be the limiting factor.

Hoods can be anything from cheap to expensive. A microwave just isn't built right to be very useful. If you do have one, however, the range should match it (stainless with stainless, black with black, doesn't have to be the same brand or handle). If there's a good duct, however, replacing the microwave with a simple under cabinet hood shouldn't be very expensive. The expense comes in when you're dealing with a big dragon's breath range or you want the most perfectest custom housing that you design yourself, or if you don't have a good source of make-up air. For a small hood, opening a window can be sufficient, but sometimes the local building code demands more. If you want to put in a new hood, definitely start a new thread about it and get advice that fits your particular situation.

I'm not trying to sell you on the induction however. There's nothing wrong with gas. It needs a hood, though. The issue is radiant electric under glass. A very few people like it, but for most it's an exercise in frustration. Even that wouldn't hurt your ability to sell your house, but that's the big turn off kind of stove.

Bosch has several levels with Benchmark the top. Miele is a good manufacturer. AJMadison has info and the manuals to review.

Dan, she's not looking for a top of the line Miele.

Look at electrolux too for induction. Actually I think Frigidaire has an induction stove that gets good reviews.

Yes you need a hood. If you go with induction you can probably get away with one that only requires 400 CFM if you don't do a lot of frying and stuff like that, although 600 would be better. Check with your code as to how big before you need make up air.

If you go with a gas range, you absolutely need a range hood and higher than 400 CFM's.

Thanks CPA. I am sure the Miele and the like are fantabulous, but this is not going to be a designer kitchen. Its not a "starter" home, but its not an area where people would expect those sort of high end appliances (nor can I afford them).

I am hoping we will be here another 5 years, but you just never know what will happen. I could happen upon another house with a better kitchen and decide to buy that one and sell mine. :)

Here's a 30" Miele induction cooktop on CL in Dallas. Miele cooktop If you want something you can often get it.

Hi Dan, I am looking for a full stove/oven combo. Also, I am not a fan of buying a big ticket item on Craigslist, out of state. I appreciate your help though. I will search the boards this weekend to find out more information on the lines that might be in my price range new.

You don't need a Miele to get a good induction cooktop!

Something can always come up that has one sell one's house. If you're unattached enough to consider (I'm not sure how much was a joke) buying a new house to get a better kitchen, and because induction is more expensive, those might be factors for getting gas. It's not that you can't sell a house with induction, but if you feel like you might be moving soon, going average and accessible (to the knowledge of uninformed buyers) can never hurt, and you're not going to recoup the money you put into the kitchen.

There are a lot of people who will tell you that you'll make back your money on resale, but that's only true if you start with a kitchen that's nigh on unusable, falling to bits or ugly as sign. In other words, you didn't pay for a decent kitchen to start with.

Generally, we think of kitchens as depreciable. A "new" kitchen can be a selling point, but after a year it's not new anymore. After five years it's old. After ten years, even if it's perfectly fine and decent looking, it's considered negligible and it's expected the the new owners will change it to suit themselves.

I get why you want to splurge on one nice thing. With the consideration that this isn't your long term home, however, and that you do a lot of cooking, if I were you, I'd throw the splurge money on the quality of the range, rather than the appearance.

Pllog-I like my home a lot, but its just a house and I would consider moving at a later date if say my husband and I both got promotions and were able to afford something larger. I am not saying that is the plan, nor would I likely move *just* for the kitchen.

I get what you are saying about re-sale. My house was built in 1997 and all of the appliances (with the exception of the dishwasher) are original and quite frankly pretty basic. They work, but my electric stove burners are uneven for example and the finish on the fridge is rubbed off so that you can see rust underneath (outside only). They are functional but I know if I ever do want to sell a buyer would want to see new appliances. Its not an emergency situation, but I am going to put something that I would want to cook with in there, but also while being mindful not to go too fancy as this likely won't be where we live forever (we are only in our 30's, so plenty of room to change).

Eventually I would like to replace the cabinets and counters (MDF and laminate currently) and likely change the flooring as well. Due to the open floor plan, this would also involve new flooring in the living room and that just isn't a can of worms I want to open at this time. But due to those sorts of things I want...upgraded cabinets, quartz, nicer flooring, I feel I would spend less replacing my appliances, waiting for my house to increase in value and sell it to buy something else, vs. spend $30K or whatever the going rate is for a kitchen these days.

I did speak with someone at work today who has an induction cook top. He said he prefers gas over induction, but its not a possibility where he lives. He said the induction functions a lot like gas and is responsive without getting hot. He did say he knows a lot of people don't like them because of the cookware needed and because they are quite expensive (he said the induction was about twice as much as electric). He has a Wolfe. But his entire kitchen is way out of my league. :)

Tansunny, it's true that some people just prefer gas. They like the flames. As to the cookware and price, that's another whole story. In your position, I wouldn't buy electric radiant. Gas is fine and likely (not guaranteed, but likely) costs less.

I get your thinking now. I wasn't trying to pry, but looking for positioning based on what you said. If I got it right, you like your house but it's not your beloved forever home, and you'd ideally prefer something larger. The kitchen is worn and builder basic, but you're not ready for a remodel. You are ready for some nice appliances for the pleasure of your cooking.

One thing to keep in mind, if you're buying free standing refrigerator and range, you don't have to worry about them at all at resale. At all. Buy the best you're willing to pay for and if the money fairy smiles upon you to the tune of the larger house you want (especially if you haven't redone the kitchen), you can take them with you (assuming they'll fit and are better than what's in the new house), and get brand new big box special buys for the old house's sale. Just put them in before you show it. Buyers will like the new appliances even if they're nothing much, and you'll like the appliances you chose for your pleasure.

I put a hood above my stove where there had been a microwave/hood combo. It was not a big deal. Literally they just put it in the place of the micro. It was a basic Broan from an appliance store and it has worked just fine.

I also switched from electric to gas - when the opened the wall to run gas they found it already there. So it wasn't a big deal. I personally prefer gas to electric (I like the flames :)), but you will get used to what you have...

I agree with pillog and if you ever do move you will most likely be able to take your new appliances with you if you love them enough.

Generally, we think of kitchens as depreciable. A "new" kitchen can be a selling point, but after a year it's not new anymore. After five years it's old.

My six year old kitchen is what sold my condo. Define old.

I would go find a store that allows you to try out induction cooking. Many of the higher end appliance stores will have one or two induction cooktops that are turned on for you to try.

Personally, the reason I like induction:

It's most responsive.

It does a great simmer.

It boils water faster than gas or electric.

It's cool to the touch so no burnt fingers, unless you touch the pot.

You can go to a boil to a simmer on the same hob. No having to switch hobs to get it cool enough to use.

Spills clean up with soap and water. No baked on crud to clean since the cooktop doesn't get hot.

Having had gas in the past, no having to lift heavy grates, and scrub them clean or put them in the DW.

No having to get around the nooks and crannies of a gas cooktop to clean and then try and get the burnt on guck off.

If you're cooking something with lots of sputtering grease, all you need to do is put paper towels underneath to keep the surface clean.

I agree with Cpartist on all those benefits of induction, though gas is still fine.

Cpartist, I was talking generalities. There are always exceptions, and it sounds like you did very well as one. If a top quality kitchen is put in at the beginning of the style trend (even "timeless" is a trending style) and is still not looking past its day, and is very well kept, it need not be seen as "old" for longer, depending on specifics. Even more, a well laid out kitchen that is comfortable to work in and has convenient storage never goes out of style.

Appliances, however, especially out of the box, rather than customized ones, tend to show age much quicker, and in busy households start to look and feel old by the time they're five years in use. I'm no accountant, but I've also read that five years is the standard for depreciating appliances for tax purposes. I'm not saying to throw out the appliances! Heavens, no! But unless they're aspirational, they're just there. Functional, but with little monetary worth beyond the convenience of not having to replace them.

Our 3 cents (adjusted for inflation) on a few of these topics:

* Do you need a hood? Yes. Even with an induction cooktop. Here are 10 reasons why: http://www.futurofuturo.com/reasons-to-have-a-range-hood

* Does stainless steel vary between brands? Yes, and usually even between different lines from the same brand. But is it really noticeable? Not unless the appliances are right next to each other - many people don't take that factor into account.

* Is it worth sacrificing different features for the sake of matching the stainless steel / handles / knobs / nameplates? Usually not. No single appliance company excels at every type of appliance.

This is actually a common enough question that we've dedicated an entire section to it, in one of our main-site FAQ articles - check out "Same manufacturer for all appliances, or mix-and-match?" via this link: http://www.futurofuturo.com/questions-to-ask-before-kitchen-remodel

Even from a few feet away, the minor difference in stainless steel textures is indistinguishable.

That's a teeny pic from here, so I can't really say. :)

Anyone have an opinion on LG fridges and/or induction stoves?

"I did recently replace the dishwasher and ended up with a Whirlpool ... Its ok, but the average cycle is around 3 hours and 15 minutes minimum, which I am not thrilled about"

HOLY CRAPPPPPPPP that's long.

I have a Frigidaire dw (nothing fancy) and I ALWAYS use the express option. It still takes an hour. I can't believe with technology and people trying to save water we'd have new machines with 3 hour cycle times. Absolutely ridiculous.

I'm with you, I don't like appliances running when I'm not at home so I feel your pain. I'd go around to local appliance retailers and see what they offer. I bought a package deal through a discount place and saved a lot of money. All the appliances were new with a warranty (they were NOT scratch and dent). I prefer them to match. But hey, if my dream stove pops up someday then I'll get over the matchy matchy really quick.

Yeah, you're right. Its a very long time for a DW. I never thought to ask about it. And we had it replaced and then went out of town for a week and then we had a bunch of other stuff going on...basically the first month we weren't home as much, so I didn't really think about it. Lowe's was actually going to let me return it outside 30 days, but my friend just bought a Bosch and hers runs about 2.5 hours or something with no heated dry, so I figured why bother. (I was going to have to pay another install and delivery fee too).

I guess if I found a great deal on a suite, I could have them yank that Whirlpool and I could sell on Craigslist.

As far as local appliance retailers...its pretty much big box places...Lowe's, Home Depot, Best Buy. We have JCPenny but they are pretty new in the game. And then there is Sears, but I'm not totally convinced they will be in business the whole life of a new appliance. We have 2 local places I am aware of. One is high end stuff that is way out of my league. The other is a mom and pop type place, where I have gone in and e-mailed a salesperson back and forth (once about 2 years ago, and again a few months ago). Both times, they would respond to a couple emails and stop responding. And these were e-mails like, "I really like, X, Y, Z...what is the price if I buy all 3?" etc. I was a motivated buyer! (my financial situation was a bit different at the time..we have a pretty ill dog). Anyhow, they have a big selection, but we are not in a large metro area, and its the type pf place that has been around a while...I figure it would be easy for the owners to retire and close the place.

@ Angela M - "That's a teeny pic from here, so I can't really say. :)" - well, we chose that pic to demonstrate that you can't really tell, even from standing inside the room. If you compare stainless steel samples side by side, i.e. holding sample pieces in your hand, sure, you can tell the difference. But 99% of the time, in real-world situations, it doesn't matter.

Have you looked at Fisher/ Paykel? I sound like a salesperson but a fridge, stove installation I did 4 years ago for my mother in law came with a free microwave. She thinks I'm a magician ever since.

I haven't. I don't even think I've seen any models of them. Where are they sold?

Where I live is not a big metropolitan area. We are 5 hours away from big cities like Atlanta. Even smaller ones like Pensacola are over 2 hours away. So I take that into consideration, that if i butt something not very commonly sold here, it's going to be harder for me to get service.