Imagine stepping into a kitchen that exudes opulence at every turn—a professional-grade range, a sleek, stainless steel refrigerator or a built-in wall oven. It’s true a skilled chef can create a culinary masterpiece on a budget-friendly cooktop and oven that could rival anything cooked on a high-end appliance. But that’s not the essence of luxury. Here are the top 3 high-end appliance brands we always recommend to our customers (and for a good reason).
Watch John’s deep-dive into the best high-end appliance brands.
Are high-end appliances a match for you?
Pros: Reasons to Buy a High-End Appliance
- Outstanding cooking performance. This includes the highest and lowest BTUs for precise temperature control. Burning delicate chocolate or needing an outdoor grill to get a decent sear is a thing of the past.
- A robust build quality that ensures longevity. These appliances are built to last, with an average lifespan of up to 20 years, often outliving their counterparts.
- You’ll find unique options and possibilities like built-in coffee systems, dedicated ice makers, and microwave drawers.
- Custom designs and built-in look. You’ll be able to select from various sizes, panel options, knob colors, and other personalized features. This level of customization ensures that the appliances seamlessly integrate into your kitchen’s aesthetic, offering a cohesive and tailored appearance.
- They significantly boost the value of your home. When it comes time to sell, potential buyers are often drawn to properties that feature premium appliances, viewing them as indicators of a well-appointed and modern kitchen.
- It’s a big investment. Outfitting a kitchen with high-end appliances can start at around $10,000. Depending on the number of appliances you incorporate and the brands you choose, this can easily escalate to a range of $20,000 to $30,000 or more.
- There might be a learning curve. The advanced features and technology that often define these appliances might require users to invest time in understanding their operation to maximize their potential.
- Potential delays. Sometimes inventory can run low or customizations take longer to arrive. This could effect specific timelines but rest assured, we at Designer Appliances are always at the top of the list to receive new stock. Don’t hesitate to call and see if we have a particular model in-stock.
Our Top 3 Luxury Brand Recommendations
1. Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove – A Luxury Icon
Did you know that Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove are all part of the same family? Together, they offer a complete suite of kitchen appliances, each known for their exceptional performance.
These brands are icons in the world of luxury appliances. Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove are family-owned and American-made. They’re all about creating appliances that stand the test of time and their sole focus is on making the best products and offering top-notch service. Out of any brand we sell, no one takes better care of their customers than Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove. For example, if your oven stops working on Thanksgiving, they’re customer service team is available to help.
Why we like them:
- Sub-Zero fridges are a true masterclass in food preservation. They employ a system that continually scrubs the air to eliminate ethylene gas released by foods, significantly reducing spoilage. Plus, they have the most impressive lineup of fridges, ranging from standard units to columns, wine, even under counter options. And the build quality is truly robust – it’s not uncommon for us to hear from customers whose Sub-Zero fridges have been going strong for over 20 years.
- Wolf ranges and cooktops offer high performance. We love their dual-stacked burners, designed to deliver everything from a delicate simmer to a high-powered sear. Plus, their ovens have dual convection for even cooking on every rack. And you’ve got to appreciate those iconic red knobs – they are instantly recognizable.
- Top-notch cleaning and drying performance from Cove dishwashers. As the newest members of the family, they are making a stellar first impression. Plus, we’ve found their flexibility and user-friendly design makes loading dishes a breeze.
- Currently, you can get a Cove dishwasher for half price if you buy it as part of a Sub-Zero/Wolf kitchen package!
- The biggest boost to resale value out of any other luury appliance brand.
Points to Consider:
- Availability can be a bit of a hiccup with Sub-Zero. With their popularity, if you find yourself at the back of the queue, you could be looking at a wait time of 6-12 months or more. However, the situation is getting better with Wolf and Cove products.
- “Me too” factor. Being the top luxury brand, you’ll spot Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove in many high-end kitchens. If you’re someone who values uniqueness, you might want to explore other brands for a different look. But remember, these brands are at the top for good reason.
Pro Tip: Schedule an appointment to visit on of our showrooms in Bedminster or Montclair, NJ where you’ll receive a tailored experience guided by our team of appliance experts.
2. Thermador – Most Attractive Promos
Renowned for their high-end appliances, they also offer some of the most attractive promotional programs on the market. Thermador is a part of the BSH Group that also encompasses Bosch and Gaggenau. Their legacy began in 1916 and they’re still going strong, with a broad range of high-end appliances that are primarily manufactured in the U.S.
Why we like them:
- Exceptional cooking performance. Attributed to its patented star burner design that ensures even heat distribution on ranges, promoting optimal cooking results and simplified cleaning, what truly sets them apart is their innovative freedom induction cooktops, which provide unparalleled flexibility by enabling users to freely move a pan to any location across the cooking surface.
- Robust selection of integrated refrigeration columns. Designed with beautiful stainless-steel interiors in most models, these are enhanced by carefully crafted lighting.
- Innovative drying tech. Thermador’s premium dishwasher models are equipped with zeolite – currently the most advanced drying technology in the market.
- Attractive deals. Their offer includes a free dishwasher with the purchase of a range, and a second free appliance when you add a fridge. Extra discounts may also be available for new home construction, making Thermador an affordable option for a luxury kitchen look.
Points to Consider:
- While its ranges and cooktops are exceptional for a variety of cooking techniques, those who frequently bake might find the single convection oven lacking compared to other high-end competitors.
- The complimentary dishwasher included in the promotion is decent but not outstanding – an upgrade to the quieter zeolite model might be worth considering.
- If you’re torn between Thermador’s knob interfaces or digital touchscreens, we’d lean towards the knobs. The digital interface can sometimes be laggy and lacks the menu-driven options found in other brands.
3. Monogram – Leading in Style & Tech
As GE’s luxury brand that’s fast gaining prominence, their innovative appliances include tech features rarely found in other high-end brands. Monogram stands out on our list with its cutting-edge appliances loaded with tech features that are hard to find in other premium brands.
Why we like them:
- Sleek, modern look. Monogram has trendy brass accents available in a full suite of appliances at a competitive price.
Effortless functionality. Their ranges feature hefty 23,000 BTU sealed burners, infrared grills, and an articulating display option for enhanced functionality and ease of use. - Thoughtful design. Monogram refrigerators are designed with a cold airflow above each shelf and a rapid-chill crisper for quick cooling or thawing.
- Dishwasher features. Equipped with special features like bottle washers, it becomes easier than ever to clean all parts of your glassware.
- You can expect a well-rounded tech experience with WiFi capabilities, LCD touch screens, LED backlighting, and robust smart functionality through their SmartHQ app linked with Hestan Cue cooking or their Chef Connect feature which allows Monogram ranges to communicate with matching range hoods, automatically activating ventilation and lights when cooking, further enhancing your kitchen experience.
Points to Consider:
- Prestige level. Since Monogram is made by GE (who also makes Cafe) some people have a hard time equating luxury with that brand and it may not carry the same prestige in the resale market as brands like Wolf or Thermador.
- Brass knobs might not appeal to everyone and swapping them for stainless steel knobs will require an additional purchase.
- Outdated built-in fridge design. While their integrated refrigerator columns are impressive in design, their normal built-in refrigerators haven’t quite matched up in terms of style or aesthetic appeal. Their range size options also max out at 48″, leaving those in need of a larger, 60″ model without a suitable option.
- There’s also a lack of cooktop flexibility when it comes to configuring the cooktop burner setup on ranges.
When it comes to high-end appliances, you really need to experience them firsthand to understand their value.
When it comes to high-end appliances, a showroom visit guided by an experienced sales associate is key. While many products may appear similar, it’s often the subtle, unseen differences that distinguish one brand from another.
The specifications for these premium items can be intricate, and assuring the right fit for your space may pose a challenge. However, with the expert guidance of a sales associate, you can be confident that your selected appliances will blend seamlessly into your kitchen layout.
FAQs
Do luxury brands have better warranties?
Yes. For example, Sub-Zero you’ll get a full two-year warranty from the date of original installation on all parts and labor to repair or replace. On top of that, you’ll get a full five-year sealed system warranty covering all parts and labor to repair or replace compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier and all connecting tubing. Then you’ll get a limited twelve-year sealed system warranty to repair or replace the following parts that prove to be defective in materials or workmanship: compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier and all connecting tubing.
For Wolf, you’ll get a full two-year warranty to repair or replace any part of the product that proves to be defective in materials or workmanship as well as a limited five-year warranty to repair or replace certain defective parts.
For Thermador you’ll get a limited two-year warranty on the entire appliance, parts and labor.
For Monogram, you’ll get a two-year warranty on all appliances with all labor and related service costs to replace the defective part free of charge.
Where can I see high-end appliances in person?
We invite you to immerse yourself in the world of high-end appliances by visiting our welcoming showrooms conveniently located in Bedminster, NJ, and Montclair, NJ. Our appliance experts will be on hand to guide you through the showroom, answer your questions, and provide personalized recommendations based on your preferences and needs. We accept walk-ins, but for a personalized experience, book your visit today at one of our showrooms here.
Is there special financing available?
We offer flexible financing plans through Synchrony that suit your budget. To explore this option further, we encourage you to reach out to our experts either by giving us a call or visiting one of our showrooms. For more information, you can also visit our financing page here.
What does delivery and installation look like?
We proudly offer a white glove service from delivery and installation to haul-away in NY and NJ-based addresses. Our installation experts have years of experience so you can ensure every detail is attended to, and your appliances not only fit seamlessly into your space but are also set up and calibrated to perform at their best.
Can high-end appliances be customized?
Absolutely, high-end appliances offer a world of customization possibilities to suit your unique style and requirements—from the finish to the configurations and even panel-ready options. Select from a diverse range of finishes, such as stainless steel, matte black, or custom colors, ensuring that your appliances harmonize perfectly with your aesthetic preferences. Additionally, the ability to choose configurations that align with your kitchen layout and workflow guarantees optimal functionality.
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