Miele makes a very good refrigerator, so the only thing you'd be losing by switching would be width. Can you give up that width? Do you want to? In a couple of years would you rather have the money or the fridge? Which do you like better inside? Which layout works best for you? As I see it, with the Miele you gain twelve linear inches and $800 (plus tax, if any). And you lose 12" of storage space and your first choice appliance. Which one do you want??? Is the $800 going to make a big difference to you? Is the lack of more cooler space going to make a big difference? Does the relative amount of fridge to freezer space matter to you? If it's not enough space, would having a new cheapie fridge in the garage for overflow, using the $800 savings, work better for you anyway? To me, the difference between the two units isn't big enough to call them really different, especially since you're getting more cooler space with the more expensive one, making it a fair difference (though it might not be arranged the way you can best use it). Since both units are built in, however, does the narrower fridge require more cabinet and counter footage that'll cost you more than the $800 in the long run?

Yes, I am happy and would still recommend Wolf. I got a lemon right out of the box, we just didn't know until they came to see why it wasn't baking evenly. They replaced a coil, and when they pulled it out of the oven, the old one was so knarled and twisted I was amazed it worked at all! I suspect the overheating thing was something that was also damaged but not discovered at the time. When I called Wolf on that, they had no hesitation in immediately placing a replacement order. The only question was which serial number was correct since they had it down with one digit off in one place. I have had no problems with the new oven -- other than impatience. If I put something in the minute the preheat signal goes off, I can get dark bottoms because the heat has not evened out. If I give it a minute or two, it seems to be fine. On the other hand, it seems to heat a bit faster, so I'm not really waiting longer. I'm willing to accept that even the very best made and strictly controlled product can have a lemon slip out. In my case, the coil was in a tray that slides in and probably caught on something as it went in. That flaw may have led to the other problem. While I had the control panel replaced, it was a cosmetic issue (fogging) and it too may have been caused by an underlying electrical problem that was overheating but hadn't made itself apparent. I have not heard of another problem like this. The first guy who came out said he'd never had a call on a new Wolf and rarely had calls on Wolf at all. That was pretty much the reaction I had from everyone, so I was reassured about the product quality. This was a fluke damage problem as far as I can tell -- not a design problem or bad parts with thousands of problem ovens out there. Another thing I am very happy with is Wolf's customer service. Couldn't be better. If you need them, they are there, quickly, they speak clear English on clear phone lines, talk nicely to you, the service is friendly, helpful and efficient. No one wants to have a problem, but if you do, what more can you ask for than for someone to quickly and easily help you resolve it without any arguements, hoops to jump through or other hassle? I can deal with a headache or two like that, but even one where you have to hassle over it is too many (i.e., Whirlpool and my dead washing machine). I think you will be good with any of the ones you are looking at, but I have no problem recommending Wolf. We liked the looks of the Wolf too, and I certainly didn't need the rotiserrie (can roast without it or grill with one pretty much 12 months out of the year) or the fancy programming. DH was sold on the quality after talking to a Wolf rep about the one product/one man assembly approach (they KNOW who screwed up my old oven, poor guy LOL) The Wolf cost less for me too. Let me know if you have any other questions.

We have a subzero and love it. We didn't get an external dispenser because every appliance expert I spoke with agreed that no matter the brand, that is the first thing to break on a fridge. I know so many people who have had to fix their external dispenser or not use it anymore because it's not worth the cost to fix, but the fridge and freezer work great. No matter what brand you get, consider no external ice/water dispenser.

We are considering including all stainless steel appliances, but with a 48 inch KitchenAid refrigerator/freezer with external dispenser and Miele contour handle combi-steam, oven, cooktop, and dishwashers. Ok to mix? What about difference in handles and stainless? Ok to mix higher end of Miele with lower end of KitchenAid?