Appliance reviews

[Anonymous]

We are embarking on a high end kitchen remodel this spring. We Will have a 48 inch range and hood, 48 inch fridge/freezer, steam oven, two dishwashers and microwave. Our architect has warned the subzero/wolf wait times are a year at best, often more, and they are doing shady stuff with pricing so warned against that.

Does anyone have a non wolf/subzero high end range, refrigerator, or steam over they love? Had a bad experience (10 years ago) with a thermador, but otherwise I’m in the dark as my last kitchen remodel was all wolf and subzero!

[Anonymous]

Reliability of Wolf, Sub-zero, and Thermador is generally much lower than several other brands, see Consumer Reports for example, but some people get lucky and have reliable units.

We prioritize reliability over “perceived status”, so we would never consider those brands. We have been happy with both function and reliability of our Bosch units, but no doubt some people with Bosch (or any brand) will get lemons. Your mileage will vary.

[Anonymous]

If what matters to you is that it’s “high end,” just pay for whatever kind looks good to you.

With respect, the whole point of “high end” kitchen appliances is “shady stuff with pricing.” So just pay the money and get what you want.

[Anonymous]

Anything you get will last 7ish years. Why spends many thousands more on "high end". Unless you're getting restaurant workhorses.

[Anonymous]

The other thing people don't really think about when installing high end non-standard size (GIANT) appliances is that even the fancy stuff is not made to last anymore. You will almost certainly need (or want) to replace them in 10-15 years. And for a replacement fridge? You absolutely cannot wait a year.

[Anonymous]

I recommend Bosch dishwashers and Kitchenaid stoves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If what matters to you is that it’s “high end,” just pay for whatever kind looks good to you.

With respect, the whole point of “high end” kitchen appliances is “shady stuff with pricing.” So just pay the money and get what you want.

Op here. We are actually pretty good (and frequent) cooks. What I mostly care about, though, is something that looks good/interesting and won’t break down. I don’t care if the oven costs 5k or 15k.

[Anonymous]

Don't buy for the brand name, buy for what will be the most durable. In our experience, that has been Whirlpool Gold for refrigerator and dishwasher, and Kitchenaid for cooktop.

[Anonymous]

Buy the best actual quality appliances (see consumer reports) for the lowest price. Then remove the labels from your old appliances with a razor. When the new appliances are installed remove the labels and double side tape or super glue your old labels on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anything you get will last 7ish years. Why spends many thousands more on "high end". Unless you're getting restaurant workhorses.

My 40 year old fridge and 60 year old stove scoff at you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If what matters to you is that it’s “high end,” just pay for whatever kind looks good to you.

With respect, the whole point of “high end” kitchen appliances is “shady stuff with pricing.” So just pay the money and get what you want.

Op here. We are actually pretty good (and frequent) cooks. What I mostly care about, though, is something that looks good/interesting and won’t break down. I don’t care if the oven costs 5k or 15k.

If price is not an issue, can you order the Wolf (or other high end brand) range you like and buy another cheap, in stock brand that fits the space that you can cook with while you wait for the former?

[Anonymous]

I just bought a Miele dishwasher. Seems like a solid machine and they are offering an upgrade to a 5 year warranty right now. Not much more expensive than a Bosch. Read online reviews and comparisons…

[Anonymous]

I love my 60-inch Bluestar range. 15 years and going strong. If I was in the market now I’d also consider induction.

[Anonymous]

We recently did a high end remodel and given our home price point, it made sense to have high end appliances, but I was more interested in function than appearance or “matching”. We went with a Bosch dishwasher (had replaced a Kenmore badged Bosch with a GE at our previous house and it was much worse)- also considered a Miele, but I didn’t like the top rack; Sharp microwave - apparently drawer microwaves are all made by Sharp bc the mechanics are proprietary, so even high end drawers are just rebranded. We have a 20yr old Subzero that we reused as a second fridge - the repair guy said the only thing that kills the older ones is rust - all the parts are still available - but I’m not sure about the newer ones )he wouldn’t say, but implied the more electronics, the shorter longevity). We did Gaggenau fridge/freezers mainly bc I found a discontinued model - otherwise would have done subzero or Bosch. Then for our range I debated a Lacanche or a La v Cornue - neither have any electronics so I figured they would last forever. I almost did induction, but because it has electronics, I would have done an inexpensive cooktop and a wall oven, but really just wanted the range. The other appliance I considered was a Gaggenau or Miele steam oven, but I needed cabinet space more.

[Anonymous]

GE corporation sold the “GE Appliances” brands and business unit to a (communist) Chinese company - I think it was “Haier”. Those items are no longer made by the actual GE company. Just FYI.