Okay, this is where I'm at right now. Let me know if you think I'm on target now. The only thing I'm unsure about it where to go refrigeration wise if I can't make the Thermador Freedom columns work in my kitchen. What's the best fridge quality wise if going with a side-by-side while not having the stomach to pay Sub Zero money. Kitchen Aid or Jenn Air pro? I have a two year old Jenn Air in my current kitchen (Amana with the fancy handles). Also, is it a no-no to do a built in look and have the water and ice in the door? I know it looks better without but man I'm going to hate to have to open a door to get ice and water. Appliance worksheet Option 1 1. Wolf Range top RT366 2. Wolf single or double wall oven SO30F/S - Classic Stainless Framed or DO30F/S - Classic Stainless Framed 3. Sharp microwave in kitchen island 4. Thermador dishwasher (Bosch) DWHD64EP 5. Thermador freedom collection fresh food and freezer columns Option 2 Wolf Range DF366 - 6 burners Sharp microwave in kitchen island Thermador dishwasher (Bosch) DWHD64EP Thermador freedom collection fresh food and freezer columns

We were ready to buy the Thermador double oven until we went and tried out the buttons. They're super difficult to push, not sensitive at all. Our one Thermador purchase was a 36" induction cooktop, which we couldn't demo anywhere. Fingers crossed that the buttons are more sensitive! We ended up going with a recently retired Miele MasterChef double oven, which we hope will be installed next month.

DH and I have been appliance shopping for our new kitchen for the last couple of weeks and after seeing what your builder is charging for upgrades, I'd be tempted to tell him where to go. Here is what we found from a local appliance dealership that carries several brands (KA, JennAir, Bosch, Electrolux, Wolf, etc.) First of all, JennAir is running a special that ends 12/31 for a $200 install credit per item as well as the buy rangetop and oven (or a range) and get a free dishwasher. Here's the link for the JennAir deal: http://jennair.com/promotions/your-purchase-your-reward Secondly, be aware that any griddle offered on a KA or JennAir is an electric griddle and not a gas one like Wolf or Viking makes. Thirdly, due to Viking's past reputation, we decided to steer away from them even though DH REALLY loved their D3 double oven with KNOBS. Prices we were quoted (in TN) were: JennAir 5 burner cooktop $1099 JennAir 36" rangetop $2699 JennAir 36" rangetop with griddle $3099 JennAir 30" double oven (convection on top only) $3399 Electrolux ICON 30" double oven $3099 KA 36" rangetop $2099 KA 30" double oven $2399 (convection on top only) Lastly, Viking is about to discontinue their 48" rangetop with double griddle in center. We found an awesome deal for it on Elite Appliances website with free shipping and no tax for $3599. Again, if we weren't worried about our griddle usage or past rep, we would've jumped on it. DH still is waffling somewhat because he really wants KNOBS on an oven...lol. In the end, our decision is to go with the KitchenAid 36" rangetop and 30" Electrolux ICON double oven. We already have our fridge and dishwasher but if we hadn't, JennAir would've been in the running. P.S. I think Viking also has a $200 per appliance rebate right now, too. I'd definitely check around with some local appliance showrooms and see what kind of deals you can get and really consider selling the builder appliances on craigslist, with the exception of the KA fridge, which seems to be an okay choice.

I can also speak to how much I love Jenn-Air. I got a full kitchen suite with them delivered last month. Gas cooktop, convection wall oven, obsidian fridge, dishwasher, microwave/convection combination oven. There have been a few hiccups, bulb burnt out on microwave, ended up scratching one of the door shelves in the fridge, one of the fridge shelves was kind of screwy and mis aligned, and the outright impossible nature of trying to connect their wi-fi appliances to the app. (The Miele washer/dryer also has their own app connectivity issues BTW). That said, their customer service has more than made up for it. When I called about the shelf being screwy, they immediately ordered a replacement, then graciously sent along an extra water filter, and stainless steel wipes. I screwed up that door shelf and they still sent a replacement at no cost. That bulb being burnt out? They sent two replacements and had a technician scheduled to come out within 3 days. The wi-fi not working? They sent me a very generous gift card to say thanks and sorry for the hassle and the app developers are working on it. I really *like* the appliances I chose, but the customer service? Out of this world! Does not make me regret my decision one bit and I also really wanted a Miele kitchen suite.