Thinking of buying a luxury appliance, but not sure which is the best? Have you wondered what makes them worth the money?
Here’s the low-down on the top brands, such as Subzero, Wolf, and Viking as well as other high-end names like Miele, Thermador, and Gaggenau. These brands put your kitchen into the league of professional chefs.
Subzero
SubZero has been the innovator in refrigeration since 1945. It pioneered separate cooling systems for the fridge and the freezer. This cuts down on both freezer burn and drying of fresh vegetables. It has a NASA-engineered air purification system that scrubs the entire volume of air every 20 minutes. This reduces ethylene gasses emitted by apples and other fruits that can make vegetables like carrots bitter. The interior is spacious and the exterior is stylish.
Sub-Zero water filtration systems offer pure, better tasting water and ice. Door seals are so tight that food will stay frozen even after several days of a power outage. Most importantly, Sub-Zero fridges are built to last for 20 years or more. Sub-Zero offers a 12-year warranty. (Sources: Clarke Living.com, “What Makes Sub-Zero Refrigerators Worth the Price?” June 3, 2022. Mountain High Appliances, “Are Sub-Zero Refrigerators Worth the Investment?” March 25, 2024. )
Visit the SubZero showroom in Scottsdale to try one out for yourself.
Wolf
Wolf is the division of the Sub-Zero company that focuses exclusively on stoves and ovens. Wolf ranges offer a patented two-tier, dual-stacked burners. The lower tier is used for simmering. The dual fuel range pairs the gas burners with an electric convection oven, which allows you to cook desserts and savory meals at the same time without transferring flavors. Wolf is know for its signature red knobs, which allow quick heat adjustment.
Wolf ovens also have the "set it and forget it" Gourmet mode. It automatically provides detailed instructions for 50 different foods. It tells you which rack position to use, and where to insert the meat probe that regulates the oven temperature. (Source: Clark Living, “Is a Wolf Range Worth It?” June 29, 2023.)
Visit the Wolf Showroom in Scottsdale to try one out for yourself.
Viking
Viking offers both refrigerators and stoves, as well as faucets, dishwashers, and microwaves. If you want a cohesive Scandinavian look in your kitchen as well as professional-grade appliances, you might prefer Viking. The company has been an industry leader for 40 years, and was founded in Greenwood Missisippi. It is now owned by Middleby Corporation, giving it the funds to improve its products’ design and features. (Viking.com, “The Viking Story.”)
Viking refrigerators come in four collections, from freestanding to built-in, and in a full range of sizes. Some models offer an advanced air filter to remove bacteria, odors, and mold. Other models sound an alarm if the door is left open, or the temperature gets too high. Viking refrigerators last 12 years to 15 years. (Source: Friedmans Appliance, “Are Viking Refrigerators Worth the Price?” March 9, 2023.)
Viking ranges offer come in four series, six sizes, and four fuel types. Many have innovative features such as VariSimmer for precise simmering and ProFlow Convection Air Baffle for even baking. Others offer LED lighting for knobs, a soft-close oven door, and high-output burners. One of Viking’s series allows users to combine both induction and gas elements. (Source: Tahoe Life Real Estate, “Wolf vs Viking Range,” January 25, 2024.)
Miele
Miele (pronounced melee) was founded in 1899 in Herzebrock, Germany. Owners appreciate the German engineering and reliability, which offer at least 20 years of use. Miele is especially known for ovens, dishwashers, and washers/dryers. The refrigerator has multiple wire-free lights that can be placed anywhere. The company prides itself on energy efficiency and sustainability in its products. (Source: Mountain High, “Are Meile Washing Machines Worth the Price?” June 26, 2024.)
Visit the Miele showroom in Scottsdale.
Thermador
Thermador entered the market 75 years ago, and was purchased by Bosch in the late 1990s. Although it offers ranges and cooktops, it is most known for its refrigerators. Its ThermaFresh Pro Drawers create the ideal humidity and temperature for each drawer. It also offers a ThermaFlex Drawer that can change temperatures to freeze ice, keep meat at safe temperatures, or simply chill soda. It also has a dishwasher that cleans and dries in just 20 minutes. (Source: Thermador.com.)
Gaggenau
Gaggenau was founded in the 1680s, and was acquired by Bosch in 1995. Its appliances have a distinctive industrial look. It allows you to customize your cooktop. There is a full surface induction cooktop that is zone free. The gas cooktops offer 12 levels of power. Gaggenau introduced the combi-steam oven 20 years ago. The combi-microwave oven allows you to defrost frozen food with its microwave, cook with its convection oven, and brown under the grill. (Source: Gaggenau.com.)
How This Affects You
Buyers: Luxury appliances will make your life easier, especially if you love to cook and entertain. Find out which brands you like by visiting showrooms before, or while, you are house shopping.
Sellers: High-end appliances improve the appearance and desirability of luxury homes. Most luxury buyers expect homes that cost millions will have any of these brands. Keep that in mind when buying new appliances, or renovating a home before putting it on the market. Find out now what your home is worth.
