The "Affordable Luxury" category is between the Premium and Commodity categories. The brands in the Premium Luxury category are Bosch, Electrolux, GE Cafe, Jenn-Air, Kitchen Aid, Frigidaire Pro, Samsung and LG. Some of these brands also sell appliances in the Commodity category but use other brand names in the Premium category.

It is often wise to select all appliances from the same manufacturer because of package discounts. Sometimes the dishwasher is free.

Here is a rough summary of who makes what:

Bosch makes its dishwashers in N. Carolina but their refrigerators are made by the Turkish company Arcelik in various countries. The same goes for Bosch's Premium brandsThermador and Gaggenau.

Electrolux owns Viking and Frigidaire. Their refrigerators are made in Sweden but their dishwashers are made by Arcelik.

Miele is a Premium brand. its refrigerators are made by Arcelik and Bosch makes their dishwashers.

Whirpool owns Magtag, Amana, Kitchen Aid and the Premium brand Jenn-Air.

Sub Zero owns Wolf and Cove and makes its own appliances.

Samsung owns Dacor and makes appliances in S. Korea.

These relationships change so verify them with appliance stores.

Operating features also change so visit an appliance store for that.

Corrections are in brackets:

Bosch makes its dishwashers in N. Carolina but their refrigerators are made by the Turkish company Arcelik in various countries. [This applies to the 36" Bosch Benchmark built-in refrigerator the OP asked about]

Electrolux owns […. ] Frigidaire. [Viking was included by mistake; it doesn't belong in this list]

Miele is a Premium brand; its refrigerators are made by [Bosch/BSH which are made by] Arcelik and [they] make their [own] dishwashers. [from Yale Appliance website]

We bought our Bosch double oven to replace the Whirlpool that had been installed for one day. The Whirlpool was so loud! Came here, as I should have in the first place, and learned the Bosch was much quieter (and why modern ovens make noise in the first place!). We really like the Bosch. Turn a knob to turn on the oven. (Unlike another oven we had where you had to set the temp THEN press start.) It defaults to 350 degrees, just turn another knob to change the temp.

We also like our Bosch dishwasher, except that it is a two-step process to run it. You turn it on, then press "start". Sometimes we forget to hit the second button. The dishwasher is very quiet.

Great post RES. For the OP, I would add:

You can see, from RES's post, the "inter-marriages" of brands. As a recent one-off custom home build owner, I have to say:

You don't, really, need a "suite". Shoot- I have a Wolf cooktop- workhorse!- a Bosch dishwasher, because YES. Whisper quiet, even 3 years in. I would have bought the Bosch oven- 800 series- except the interior space is small, compared to my Kitchen Aid oven. I need that space.

Refrigerators? I consider this a war. DO NOT buy anything from Samsung. They break- fast- customer service stinks. It took my sub-contractor's very diligent work, to get my $$$ back, and a whole 'other fridge in my home. Ended up with an LG, but it works, and no need for customer service- 2 years in.

All of the appliances have very similar handles. It all works.

My Wolf cooktop- Oh, my. I've had a recent "oops" injury that resulted in my left shoulder, surgery to fix, and my left hip- total replacement. Because of that, we hired a cleaning service. And they completely ruined the burners. Whatever cleaning product they put on it, just screwed it up.

Cleaning company took responsibility- my, that was nice. Wolf repair came in, and WOW. So easy to replace the burners, and caps. I was shocked at how cheap it was (even though it was $$ from cleaning company) and how professional they were. Cleaning company was very worried that they'd need to replace the whole thing, but nope. Easy, fairly cheap and?

As a result, I bought new caps and burners, on the backside- knowing they'll fit. It's all about a future sale of my house. Nothing says "almost new" like a kitchen that looks like you've never cooked! And an entire $50 to get it replaced. OK- I will win with that, and the surface cleans like a dream. A bit of clear soap, a bit of water, wipe and it shines like brand new.

So- pick and choose, correctly. Make very sure that you have excellent, available service in your area. And have a blast. I did!

Regarding the Sharp microwave drawer, FYI I believe it's still the case that Sharp makes ALL the micro drawers, including the ones branded by others.

I have had all Bosch and was a very happy camper. Do verify the refrigerator, on a recent thread someone said Bosch switched from the Turkish manufacturing to Korean, so double check and consider KA instead of Samsung or lg.

You don't need a "suite" of appliances. That said, we bought 3 Bosch appliances and received a $500 rebate.

I love my Bosch induction cooktop. I'd never go with an electric cooktop again. And I much prefer it to gas. It's super easy to clean, and extremely responsive and exact, I can melt chocolate directly in the pan, no need for a bain marie.

My benchmark oven works beautifully - except it's timer is designed to not be heard. No kidding, it appears the Bosch philosophy is all about quiet appliances and they weren't going to stop at the alarm. 3 volumes to choose from, (lol), you can't tell low from medium or high, they're all the same, and designed that way ....inane. I know. If you get the benchmark side-opening oven, be prepared to have a $3000 oven, but you'll need an old school wind-up timer to not burn your food! As I said on another thread, I guess I'm glad we didn't buy our smoke/CO detectors from Bosch...

I had issues with my Bosch DW, I couldn't switch from the default cycle to any other, without going through a multitude of steps in a specific sequence. When, shortly after having it installed, I called Bosch customer service, I was told that I just needed to reset the appliance. Well, resetting it every time is very complicated, so I ended up just using the default cycle. After mentioning this here on GW/Houzz, and everybody telling me, that their machines are easy to use, I called customer service again. Going through the steps, they and I realized that while the machine would beep and turn off after a cycle, it didn't reset itself for the next cycle. Bosch came out, replaced the electronics and now it works as intended.

We have an integrated Fisher Paykel fridge. Love how it sits seamlessly flush with the surrounding cabinetry. No problems with it after one year...touch wood!

I bet CP is correct. We had a super quiet Miele dishwasher in the late 80s (even quieter than my Bosh now), so I can't imagine why Miele would outsource the manufacturing of their dishwashers to Bosch. Miele and Gaggenau were the first appliance manufacturers to offer super quiet dishwashers. Most of Bosch's current technology was purchased versus developed. They just buy top brands (Thermador, Gaggenau, JennAir and others).

I have all Bosch appliances that came with the home I puchased. They are now 13 years old and going strong. I had a small repair done to the dishwasher because the people who owned this house previously did not take care of the home very well. The dispenser spring had to be replaced. The repairman told me that he never sees Bosch appliances needing any repairs and that it was a pleasure to work on my dishwasher. He said they are the Rolls Royce of appliances. I love them!

Thank you so much everyone for all the help and information!

I went to the second appliance store today. The girl here spent two and a a half hours with me explaining everything and asking me tons of questions. I loved her. She helped me narrow down my kitchen appliances to two groups.

1) All Bosch appliances: double ovens, refrigerator (loved the inside), dishwasher, cooktop (the benchmark which she took the time to explain to me how it worked) and then the Sharp microwave drawer. I chose Maytag washer and dryer. I looked at LG and some others but the drums are so deep I couldn't reach the bottom! I am not a fan of front loaders.

2) Kitchen Aid or Maytag refrigerator (Bosch has nicer drawers), KA double oven-both ovens can be convection (or not) and have blue interiors and it comes with a probe and has the same easy slide bottom rack,

KA dishwasher ( difference from Bosch is very top rack cannot be used for silverware but can be used for larger utensils and small cups (ramekins) and silverware rack on bottom cannot be taken out and prongs cannot be laid down on bottom rack,

Bosch cooktop and Sharp microwave drawer.

The Bosch does not have fingerprint proof stainless but the KA does.

The handles for the Bosch are flat while the handles for KA are round so you would be able to see a difference if I bought say the Bosch fridge and double oven. There are positives and negatives to both. The difference in price is possibly about 1k. Price does not matter to me as much as which is the better working appliances and it looks like the double oven for KA got some negative reviews but that was on HD site and not where I am buying my appliances.

Thoughts?

Bosch does not make Miele’s dw. That is an absurd claim. I missed it upthread.

jenn Air is not related to Bosch in any way. Their parent company does own Gagg and Thermador, though.

zalco -

As per Yale Appliances:

Thermador is part of the Bosch family and their top of the line brand is Gaggenau.

Bosch is the manufacturer of both Thermador and Gaggenau dishwashers.

Miele outsources refrigeration. In Europe, it's Liebherr. In the US, they outsource the refrigeration to Bosch. However, Bosch doesn't really make the refrigeration. It is actually produced by Arcelik (Turkey). This company builds most of the integrated refrigeration (not Sub-Zero) in the U.S.

As per me: Gaggenau was a top German brand based in the little town of Gaggenau in the Black Forest region of Germany. I'm pretty sure that I read years ago that Bosch had bought Gaggenau and some other German brands, then later bought Thermador as well.

Are you saying above that Jenn Air's parent company owns Gagg and Thremador? If that's the case and after reading Yale's statement, I would assume then, that Jenn Air too was aquired by Bosch.

Who can possibly keep u with all this? it sure gives me a headache....

I am confused ;-)

i agreed about Gagg and Therm being a part of BSH. I said Miele makes its own dw.

Jenn Air is owned by Whirlpool. That is what Google and Yale Appliance both say.

I am not trying to argue. Just confused.

When considering the KitchenAid ovens, do your research on issues with the blue enamel....

CP is correct that freestanding Bosch refrigeration is from China.

zalco,

You're not the only one...

Thanks for clarifying!

I was just reading about the the Sharp microwave drawer a few weeks ago. Seems to have some safety issues that have been experienced...

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/3142409/problems-with-sharp-drawer-microwave#n=110

I read good and bad about Bosch double ovens, Some complain it throws out heat exhaust in your face and the inside of the ovens are smaller than Kitchenaid 4.6 vs 5. I have not yet read anything on the blue enamel.

I have (surprisngly) read negative comments about the Bosch dishwashers saying they did not work properly. I also read KA dishwasher is very quiet. I realize you will always read negative and positive about all appliances but it makes it hard to make a decision between the two. I can't even begin to figure out who makes what anymore.

I said "These relationships change so verify them with appliance stores." Everyone should do their own research.

kmg11 THANK YOU SO MUCH for telling me about this issue! In no way do I want a microwave drawer if I have to worry about it burning up. I would be afraid to purchase a Bosch for fear the same exact thing would happen. Why are they no recalling this if they have so many issues!

Now I need to go back to the KD and see where I can put my microwave. I have a counter microwave that I could either put on a counter near the refrigerator or do something like this:

I agree that Samsung refrigerators are junk--just plain junk. I speak from personal experience. I love their tvs but will not buy their kitchen appliances. No repair person in our area will even touch Samsung appliances. Customer service stinks. Plastic crap CONSTANTLY breaks under normal use. Contact me if you want more info.

The issues (very rare) with Sharp drawer MWs happened years and years ago. We've had one in in the lake house for years, no problems. (Extended family stays there almost year round, so gets lots of use. We also put one into our new kitchen about a year ago. No problems with either.

All brands of appliances have occasional issues. If you make decisions to purchase or not based on every bad review on the internet, I would think you will end up cooking over an open fire ;-)

Loved my Bosch dishwasher, but sadly after 13 years I just replaced it with a $200 temp that was cheaper than the repair. Now I know why it was worth the money.

Did a home full of Bosch for my long time real estate agent, and she still loves them. We built and sold many homes with Thermador (Bosch rebranded dishwashers) and other high end appliances as well as many Kitchen Aid filled mid priced customs.

Thank you so much everyone for all the help and information!

I went to the second appliance store today. The girl here spent two and a a half hours with me explaining everything and asking me tons of questions. I loved her. She helped me narrow down my kitchen appliances to two groups.

1) All Bosch appliances: double ovens, refrigerator (loved the inside), dishwasher, cooktop (the benchmark which she took the time to explain to me how it worked) and then the Sharp microwave drawer. I chose Maytag washer and dryer. I looked at LG and some others but the drums are so deep I couldn't reach the bottom! I am not a fan of front loaders.

I wouldn't get double ovens. I'd get two separate ovens and have one above the other. Why? Because if one of the double ovens goes, they both go and then you're out thousands with no oven.

As for front loaders, I love my LG front load. I have them up on blocks so I just reach in.

2) Kitchen Aid or Maytag refrigerator (Bosch has nicer drawers), KA double oven-both ovens can be convection (or not) and have blue interiors and it comes with a probe and has the same easy slide bottom rack,

I know nothing about KA or Maytag fridges, ovens, etc. However I'd be careful about the blue interiors.

KA dishwasher ( difference from Bosch is very top rack cannot be used for silverware but can be used for larger utensils and small cups (ramekins) and silverware rack on bottom cannot be taken out and prongs cannot be laid down on bottom rack,

The KA top of the line dishwasher I had in my condo was the worst piece of cr@p. Cheap parts.

Plus that third tray for silverware is the best! Now I line them up and put them away in seconds versus minutes having to sort the silverware.

But having looked at both Bosch and Miele, I went with Miele.

Bosch cooktop and Sharp microwave drawer.

When you say Bosch cooktop, what kind? Electric, Gas or Induction? BIG DIFFERENCE.

The Bosch does not have fingerprint proof stainless but the KA does.

Bosch is not necessarily known for their fridges and if I had it to do over, I'd probably choose another brand. Mine is great except as mentioned the ice maker.

The handles for the Bosch are flat while the handles for KA are round so you would be able to see a difference if I bought say the Bosch fridge and double oven.

NO ONE IN A MILLION YEARS WILL NOTICE THE HANDLE DIFFERENCE!

You were in my kitchen. I had custom handles on my fridge and DW. I had Bosch oven handle and my microwave had a different handle. Did you notice the difference? Unless you're putting all the appliances literally next to one another, no one will notice the difference.

There are positives and negatives to both. The difference in price is possibly about 1k. Price does not matter to me as much as which is the better working appliances and it looks like the double oven for KA got some negative reviews but that was on HD site and not where I am buying my appliances.

Check Yale Appliances for info and see their repair lists.

I was just reading about the the Sharp microwave drawer a few weeks ago. Seems to have some safety issues that have been experienced...

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/3142409/problems-with-sharp-drawer-microwave#n=110

I had my original Sharp drawer MW for 6 years from 2010-2016. I now have a second Sharp MW drawer since April. No problems. Yes any appliance can have issues and I hope I don't eat my words in the future. LOL.

CP have you melted butter yet? :)

CP have you melted butter yet? :)

Yep, several times! LOL

I could melt butter even on my old HATED electric cooktop. On my Bosch induction though, I am able to melt chocolate. Now THAT is a splendid thing!

Pippa its kind of a joke with the butter. They are saying you cannot melt butter in the microwave drawer without it smoking and crackling. Good to know about the chocolate on the induction though.

I am bringing DH to the appliance store to help me decide on the appliances. I Iike the KA double ovens but they dont seem to get good rating but the Bosch has some bad ratings as well *sigh*. So hard to know if they are real issues all around.

First place I went said she'd send me a quote and didn't bother. She just lost a sale of a complete house. She also took a personal phone call on her cell while showing us appliances and was texting. I thought that was kind of unprofessional.

I purchased an all Bosch for my renovation. Prior I had Bosch and Whirlpool (refrigerator). Loved the refrigerator and had it 15 year with issues with water/ice dispenser in last two years. I love the Bosch dishwasher (2nd one) and only replaced due to rebate for new appliances. Recycled my old Bosch range to neighbors kid purchasing first place as nothing was wrong. I wanted a slide in this time with those new racks that slide in and out smoothly. Check Bosch web site as they are offering between 12 - 15% rebate until June 2019. This was same deal back in Sept 2018. You would need to buy min. of 3 items. I did this and ended up purchasing 4 items. In the end the rebate covered the cost of new dishwasher 800 series and microwave/convection so 4 for price of 2. I was not sure about the refrigerator as I don’t know anyone with a Bosch refrigerator but I love the style and the drawers perform as advertised. Very happy with purchases. Note my appliances are SS so expect you will be cleaning doors if you have people who like to touch but this is the down side of SS.

Note when mixing appliances from different vendors expect you will see differences in finishes. My Bosch and Whirlpool were both SS but finish was different which is more noticeable if on same wall. Note the new black SS really is different from manufacturer to manufacturer. Good luck

They are saying you cannot melt butter in the microwave drawer without it smoking and crackling.

From what I was reading, it wasn't singled out to just butter. if you do a search you find the problems are still happening and not being addressed. I do realize if you're unhappy with a product, the more likely to write a negative review. And yes, all appliances can definitely have things go wrong. But, the issues of smoking and burning are quite different than a hinge breaking or the ice maker going out. Not something you'd expect from such a high price point. Always good to be aware. Good luck on your quest!

NewEnglandgal

What's just as important as what brand you eventually choose, is where you buy it, and it's not due to the salesperson's personality. I'm in the Chicago area and we went to Abt, a huge local appliance/electronics superstore. The reason: they employ multiple repair crews and have a great customer service reputation. I know, that if in the future, should I have an issue with anything I bought there, they will come out and fix it and will do so within a couple of days. Plus they schedule by 2 to 3 hour time slots, vs. whole day slots. Good luck to anybody getting an appliance fixed (especially after the warranty period) if it was bought from a small appliance store without repair crews, or at a big box store. These days, it's almost impossible to find anybody to come out and fix anything for you, as in the repair business it's basically impossible to make money.

Are you planning on getting down to FL in the near future? If so come by and I can demo all appliances for you. BTW this is my second set of Bosch. I also had Bosch in my condo

Hopefully!

Pippa I will ask them about repairs. They are a smaller appliance store but have been in business for years. I'm in a small town in RI. Not much except big box or small appliance.

" the inside of the ovens are smaller than Kitchenaid 4.6 vs 5. "

Look at the rack to get an idea of usable space. Sometimes the convection fan takes up usable space. Also look at the height above the lowest rack position. The cubic feet measurement leaves a lot out.

Just a couple points.

Check your favorite cookie sheets to make sure they fit in the ovens, don't assume that just because capacity specs seem large that your things will fit (Bosh didn't fit my extra large cookie sheets that my former Thermador double oven always did). Sometimes rack rails get in the way with some ovens (new Thermador), and the Bosh oven rack has a bit of a lip on the back that kept my sheets from going all the way back.This may not be an issue based on the size of the baking sheets you use...but always do the test.

Also, and this is most important, check

-warranty differences between your options

-make sure you have an authorized repair place available that services the brand you go with

-call and see how quickly service can be at your house (took me 3 weeks for an LG refrigerator to get repaired ....and a TON$ to rebuild it after only 3 years owning it....never again will I try LG or Samsung or any other company that takes forever to get parts. Also, I was still in the "covered parts" of the warranty but it still cost me $800 in labor!! I knew when I bought it I would regret it one day but I was a sucker for capacity)

-speak with an actual repair tech if either brand has any consistent issues with their ovens, cooktops, etc

-ask about the amount of times both ovens are not working in a repair situation

-ask the tech which one he would buy

Finally, in the few times I had service on my Thermador double oven, it was never the "whole oven" being out of commission. It would be the door of one, or the temperature of the other, etc...never both. In the end, an outdated control panel is why I had to replace it, and in the end I was down to one oven working/hanging...I was never without both. That's not to say it can't happen, but I think that a good double oven is built to take this risk into account. I have a new double-oven being installed on Tuesday and am getting another double-oven, not two separate.

Maybe I was lucky, but thought it was worth mentioning because I like my ovens having just one control panel at eye level.

Hopefully!

Actually we just want to see you again and hopefully this time meet your hubby too. ;)