Why does your husband care about the same brand. You'll do much better if you mix and match like most of us do. For example, KA makes good fridges and DWs, but not so much with their cooking products. If you insist on the same brand, check out Bosch.

The reason behind the matching of the brand is the finish on the stainless steel and that they all look cohesive together. I know Kitchenaid have problems with their ovens due to the self-cleaning. I thought Whirlpool Gold was another option even though they make Kitchenaid. I never considered Bosch because of their fridges not being big enough for a family of six.
Thank you for answering.

Even within a given brand, the stainless finishes may not match. I have a KA fridge, DW and compactor and although they're close, the finshes are not exactly the same. You can get different brands that look good together. Good luck.

Thanks I need all the luck I can find. What would you recommend if you had to get a cooktop, single oven, quiet dishwasher, and a fridge. Keep in mind I have a 1970's Tapan cooktop, a broken Maytag dishwasher, an eight year old GE double oven, and a GE side by side that is still going strong after 15 years.
So if you know of any recomendations let me know even if they don't match.

Well, I think you'd be fine with a KA fridge and DW. I can't really recommend a cooktop and ovens since I have a range - but I think Wolf would be a good brand to look at if it fits in your budget.

Not only is buying all your appliances under one midrange brand a bad idea so is an over the range microwave/hood.

Ineffective extracting grease and smoke from serioius cooking and can provide a hazard to short adults and children removing hot liquids from a high microwave.

I would invite your husband to research here and elsewhere.

My advice.....

Cooktop
Bluestar RBCT365BSS 36" $1948

Hood

Kobe RA0236SQB RA-02 $1128

Wallovens

Electrolux EW30EW65GS $2899

Fridge

Whirlpool Gold GUS5VHAXWA $1229

Dishwasher

Whirlpool Gold GU2300XTVS $519

Microwave

Whirlpool MT4155SPS $204

Total $7927

That kitchen will not be featured in a luxury kitchen magazine spread but is a powerfully effective cooking kitchen.

Wow thanks to all that have posted. I have to start from the beginning and check out some of the recommended appliances that are listed above.

Thank you Deeageaux for the info on the OTR micro but there isn't any room for it anywhere else. My hubbie (a contracter) is thinking of running seperate ventalation along side of the micro or just under the micro on the wall for extra ventilation when needed. I know a hood is the better bet but it is a hard to convince otherwise.

Given your parameters we ditch the hood get less bad OTR MW and upgrade the DW and Fridge then.

Revised.

Cooktop
Bluestar RBCT365BSS 36" $1948

Wallovens

Electrolux EW30EW65GS $2899

Fridge

Whirlpool Gold GS6NHAXVY $1779

Dishwasher

Whirlpool Gold GU3600XTVY $772

Microwave/Hood

Electrolux Ei30SM55JS $599

Total $7997

Regarding getting all one brand, ask your husband if all of his tools are the same brand, so they "match". :)

My Bosch refrigerator and dishwasher aren't an exact match, and I have a stainless steel hood, backsplash, and range from three different manufacturers in a vertical line, ceiling to floor, that look fine together.

To the OP - if you are going to have an OTR MW, you probably need to stick with a 30" cooktop/rangetop, not the 36". It will look weird to have a 30" OTR MW over a 36" cooktop. Furthermore, a 30" cooktop doesn't provide a lot of room for pots, cause the knobs take up so much room. A better choice in a 30" width would be a rangetop, where the knobs are across the front - i.e. it is just the top part of a range. That way, you get all 30" of cooking space, and your knobs are out of the way of the cooking surface.

I agree with Deeageaux' recs except for the Elecrolux OTR MW. Just check its reviews. Also, the price of $600 for an OTR MW without convection is ridiculous. A better OTR MW is the Panasonic. It not only works well, but it is nice to look at. It has 420CFM's of exhaust power. The Panasonic does not make an OTR MW with convection. If you want an OTR MW with convection, you should get the Sharp model (note: you lose a lot of cu. ft. when you get a MW with convection).

Bluestar 30" Rangetop RGTNB304BSS, approx. $2600

Panasonic 2.0 cu. ft., 4-Speed 420CFM, OTR MW #NN-SD277SR (no convection), approx. $400

Sharp 1.1 cu. ft. 300 2-speed 300CFM, OTR MW with convection, #R-1874, approx. $511

I agree with Deeageaux' recs except for the Elecrolux OTR MW

Since one of Suzy's original goals was one brand I was trying to keep the number of brands to a minimum to match handles etc:)

I would get the Panasonic in that situation if all else were equal but it seems it is not:(

Since one of Suzy's original goals was one brand I was trying to keep the number of brands to a minimum to match handles etc:)

Oh, OK. I think because I find the idea of matching appliances so arbitrary, non-sensical and simply unwise, I had glossed over it. To the OP, try to convince your husband that matching appliances is a bad idea. Here are some reasons:

- no company excels at all appliances. You leave yourself open to buying a poor appliance by making your primary goal that they match, rather than that they are good. Similarly, you may forego a really good appliance because it doesn't match. The microwave example from my post and Deeageaux's above is a good example. You could buy an Electrolux MW just because it matches, you'll be paying $200 too much for it, and it isn't very good. The Panasonic MW, which won't "match", is a good-looking machine, works well, has higher cfm's and is reasonably priced.

- as Weissman already said, stainless steel sometimes doesn't match even within the same manufacturer

- if you want a certain specific feature in an appliance, are you willing to forego it because the brand you must match doesn't have it?

- the "free" dishwasher or whatever appliance is offered "free" in a same-brand package a store is selling usually is being offered "free" because (a) it's a poor seller, (b) it's a poor performer or (c) it's being discontinued, or any combination of those reasons.

- You raise your "appliance risk" by buying all one brand. If something goes wrong with more than one appliance, you'll be dealing with the same people for multiple appliances, and if you don't get satisfaction, you will be stuck with that poor customer service for all your appliances, since they're all the same brand. Instead, you should diversify--just like the stock market. You wouldn't put all your money into just one stock would you?

- the "matchy matchy" look is considered dated. Check out kitchens in high-end design magazines. They use different brand appliances.

I just realized I need to take back my rec of the Bluestar rangetop. It is too powerful for an OTR MW to be above it. I still stick by my rec that you will need a 30" size under an OTR MW, not 36". Also, I believe a rangetop is preferable to a cooktop in the 30" size due to increased cooking area. Given those parameters, I would recommend the Electrolux rangetop. As I've already mentioned, I don't like the Electrolux MW, but I do like the Electrolux rangetop, and it will match the wall ovens that Deeageaux recommended, and perhaps that will satisfy your husband's requirements. The rangetop still needs a stronger exhaust than a MW can give--it really needs about 600 cfm's--but if you don't use all burners at once you can squeak by with a 400 cfm exhaust.

Here is a link that might be useful: Electrolux E30GC74GPS Rangetop = $1900 incl. rebate

It will look weird to have a 30" OTR MW over a 36" cooktop.

Not just weird, but dangerous and against Code. A 30" MW over a 36" cooktop means that there will be cabinets--those on either side of the MW--directly over the 36" cooktop, 3" on each side. Cabinets are combustible and not permitted directly over a cooktop.

There are three solutions: (1) as already mentioned, get a 30" cooktop/rangetop instead, (2) put a 36" real hood over the 36" cooktop/rangetop, and find a place elsewhere for the MW (check out the Sharp MW drawer, many people here love them, and it's a great solution), and (3) there are a couple of 36" wide OTR MW's available. Note that the OTR MW's that are 36" wide are actually 30" wide MW's with "wings" so that you avoid the combustible materials issue. They do not exhaust over the 36" wide area, and their interior is not wider than a 30" MW. It only has 300 cfms of exhaust. My preference would be solution #2, since the OP really wants a 36" wide cooktop, and since we all agree that an OTR MW has inadequate exhaust.

Here is a link that might be useful: GE Profile 36 inch wide OTR MW

Thank you to all for the info. I am going to sit hubbie in front of this computer to view this thread of posts. It should be quite fun. I am going to look into all recommendations and will let you know if hubbie will let go of this matchy-matchy thing he has with the appliances.
We have to go to an undermount single oven now because cabinet space is limited. I know some posts said a rangetop could become a possibility, but I don't think that you can install an oven under that due to the space and the knobs.
Oh well it's research time and again thanks for all your posts.

Because you can't do the wall oven, just search for a range (i.e. not separate components). It'll save you money since usually a range is less expensive than buying a separate cooktop and wall oven. A 36" range is nice, and its oven will fit anything. Having said that, because the oven of a 36" range is large, it takes longer to preheat than a 30" range. People love them though.

If you decide on a 36" range, again the comments above about an OTR MW are important. Try to get a 36" hood if you can. Look into the Sharp MW drawer if you don't have countertop space for a MW, or see if you can put a MW on a shelf in your cabinetry.

A couple of hints regarding ranges: since you are on a budget, I wouldn't look at the "dual fuel" ranges. Just get an all-gas range. The dual fuel ranges are more expensive than the all gas, and you get more bang for your buck with the all-gas ranges. Furthermore, some people (salespeople) will say that you need a dual fuel range because the electric oven is superior for baking. That is a holdover from years ago before ovens had the electronic ignitors, superior insulation, and sensitive temperature controls. Gas ranges today bake as well as electric, and many people feel gas ovens are superior for meats. Also, regarding self-clean - some people would never have an oven without self clean. I have a self-clean oven, and I never use the self-clean function - too hot, takes too long, and leaves a burning smell. Others couldn't do without it. So, when searching for a range, decide for yourself your preferences regarding self-clean.

I am linking to the AJMadison website because it has a really good search function. You can search for ranges, and then sort by size, price, brand name, etc.

Here is a link that might be useful: AJMadison Website

I second (or third, fourth, fifth, whatever) the vote NOT to get the same brand throughout. As someone mentioned, the stainless on X (say, a fridge) may not perfectly match the stainless on Y (say, the stove) even within the same brand, in part because they use different guages on different appliances. A stove has very different technical requirements than a fridge, so it may not be made of the exact same metal. And the appliances probably aren't right next to each other, so who cares? It's not as if stainless is ever going to be dramatically different from one brand to the next. And it is FAR more important to get GOOD appliances than to get matching ones--and a manufacturer that makes a great stove is not necessarily going to make a great fridge.

So, assuming you decide you can get, say, 2 or 3 different brands, I have two thoughts for you:

(1) Over the range microwave... that may not be a good idea if you want a 36" range. Ranges that size are generally made for the more serious cook, so they have higher BTU burners, requiring higher CFM vent hoods. A microwave vent hood may not cut it. I'm not saying it WON'T, I'm just saying you need to pay attention to this. The basic math is this: find out how many BTU's each burner on your desired stove has, and add them all up. (So if there are two 3500 BTUs, a 12,000, a 15,000 and an 18,000, that's a total of 52,000 BTUs.) Divide that by 100 and you have the number of CFM's your range hood needs to be able to handle at its top capacity--so, that example would require a 520 CFM range hood. So at the very least, you need to know how many CFM's your desired range requires, and see if there are any over the range microwaves that are capable of that kind of power.

Personally I think a lot of people overdo it in the range hood department; they buy 1200 CFM range hoods, for example, when their range only requires 600 CFM. That's basically money spent that didn't need to be spent, and it's also a potential hassle because a lot of city planning departments have extra requirements if you get a range hood over a certain power. Call your city planning folks--whoever it is that issues building permits, etc.--and ask them if they have any rules on range hoods. In my city, any range hood with more than 400 CFM requires "make-up air," which is a total hassle and a big expense.

Fortunately my 36" range only requires something like 380 CFM, so I'll get a 400 CFM hood and NOT have to deal with the planning department. Yay! Anyway, not to complicate things, but this is one of those areas where "surprise" costs can pop up and bust your budget, so find out in advance what requirements (if any) your city has. That could help you rule in or rule out certain ranges.

Okay, on to point (2)...
If you're a serious baker and you want a stainless 36" range that fits your budget, take a look at the Fratelli Onofri Evolution (see link below). It's a dual-fuel range, so you have an electric convection oven, great for baking. AJ Madison has it for $2499, with free shipping and, I think, no sales tax unless you're in NY state. They also may be willing to throw in a free extended warranty--they once offered me that when I was shopping for ranges. This range does not require a vent hood over 400 CFM--I know because I bought a Fratelli range with the same cooktop but a different style. This range would leave you with $5500 for the fridge, DW and microwave (and/or hood), which might be a little tight but certainly isn't impossible, especially since AJ Madison exists and so do outlet stores, scratch-and-dent places that give you huge discounts for scratches that won't even be visible once the appliance is installed, etc.

Good luck with everything!

Here is a link that might be useful: AJ Madison Fratelli Onofri Evolution Range

PS If you love to bake, you're on an $8000 budget and your husband is really intent on matching brands, then here's a thought (and please forgive me if someone else already mentioned this, I haven't read through the entire thread): You may be better off with a 30" dual-fuel range.

Why? Because YOU LOVE TO BAKE and you bake EVERY NIGHT. It is therefore imperative that you have an electric convection oven. But unless you like electric cooktops, which it sounds like you don't, the only way you can get that electric convection oven is with a dual-fuel range. If you're that serious of a baker, a 30" dual-fuel range is WAY better for you than a 36" gas range.

And it is a lot easier to find a matching dishwasher, fridge and microwave in your budget range if you go with a 30" range, because the manufacturers who make 36" ranges AND refrigerators AND dishwashers are high-dollar brands (e.g., Viking--and Viking isn't even that great reliability-wise). But the manufacturers who make 30" ranges and those other appliances are normal brands--KitchenAid, Bosch, etc.--so you could get your immensely important dual-fuel range and still be able to afford all the other appliances in the same brand.

So here are a few ideas, all of which you can find by searching for dual-fuel ranges on AJ Madison:

Frigidaire Professional Dual-Fuel 30" range in stainless, $1739 (but currently 10% off, so $1565). Has a 4.2 cu. ft. True European Convection Oven and a warming drawer. And is Energy Star compliant, saving you $$ on bills.

Bosch Evolution 700 dual-fuel 30" range in stainless, $1859 (but on sale for $1673). Has a 4.6 cu. ft genuine European convection oven and a warming drawer. Has those nice continuous grates on the cooktop.

KitchenAid Architect dual-fuel 30" range in stainless, $1989 (but on sale for $1790). Has a 4.1 cu. ft True Convection System oven and a warming drawer.

GE Profile dual-fuel 30" range in stainless, $1916. Has a 5 cu. ft convetion oven AND a 1 cu ft lower oven (where the broiler normally is).

So those are all good options. The one thing I will say is that a big reason I went for the Fratelli over any of these, apart from the size and looks, was that it contains no electronics or computers, in other words, there's nothing complicated and delicate that's liable to break. The one issue with electric and/or dual-fuel ranges is that the electronics are always the first thing to go. If you have an extended warranty you're fine--you're without an oven for a while, but you're not out of pocket moneywise. But still, it's annoying. THAT BEING SAID, I looked pretty thoroughly and I just don't think there are any dual-fuel ranges in your price range that don't have electronics/computers in them, other than the Fratelli, but Fratelli doesn't make anything else so if you want them all to be the same brand, then your best bet is surely to get a range like the ones listed above and also a 5-year extended warranty. And it is true that if you get a "package" of appliances from the same place you're likely to get a discount, so that is an advantage.

So, in sum: if you must get all the same brand, then, since baking is so important to you, get a 30" dual-fuel range and make sure you buy a brand that is known for its stoves. As someone who bakes every night(!!), it would be easier for you to deal with a temporarily broken dishwasher than with a temporarily broken stove, right? So do your research and pick the best 30" dual-fuel range you can find in your price range, and then match the other appliances to that.

Here is a link that might be useful: AJ Madison dual-fuel 30-in ranges under $2000

One question is what do you cook on the cooktop? What's the smokiest and greasiest thing you cook and how often do you do it? This will define what kind of venting you need better than specs on a sheet of paper. I never believed that an otr microwave hood would do anything but make noise but when we moved into our new house, we cooked with the existing setup until we demo'd for our new kitchen. Surprisingly, the vent in the mw was ok for things as smoky as bacon and eggs and such. I'd never attempt to use a wok or do heavy duty saute where flair ups are common but if you don't have the need for more, then otr mw might be acceptable.

That said, if you can turn your husband around, you'd have a nicer kitchen I think. IMHO, his two requirements are not very well considered. I don't think we have two appliances of the same brand in our whole kitchen. The hood and range match perfectly even though they are different brands (Prestige and Capital respectively). Yes, there might be a difference in the finish but unless they are sitting right next to each other, nobody will notice.

I assume the requirement for an otr mw is that you don't have counter space for a separate mw? If so, there are the options of under counter mw or, if you have a full height counter depth pantry cabinet, you can build in a mw alcove there. Both of these should be easily done especially if your husband is a contractor.

Good luck.

**I assume the requirement for an otr mw is that you don't have counter space for a separate mw? If so, there are the options of under counter mw or, if you have a full height counter depth pantry cabinet, you can build in a mw alcove there.**

I totally agree. There are also microwave drawers designed to install in the lower cabinets (i.e. just below the counter), but with 4 kids, having a microwave at their height might not be a good idea ("OH NO little Timmy put a raw egg in the microwave again!").

Also, you might find that with some creative thinking there actually is room for a counter microwave. If you're redoing the cabinets and/or pantry at all, you can shift things around and it might turn out that whatever is currently taking up counter space doesn't need to be there after all. And even without a remodel, a bit of creative thinking about how you organize things and what you need (as opposed to what you have but never use and thus don't need) can sometimes lead to the same result.

Well I am back and thanks for all the posts on this subject. I sat my wonderful, stubborn hubbie down this past weekend and showed him these posts. It seems that the brand matching is for the package deals and only having to deal with one company. Also the OTC mirco is for the room. The kitchen is small and yes there might be more than raw eggs in the microwave if it was installed below the counter level.
Also, the kids now love to cook and now are "helping" me with dinner and breakfast on the weekends. When you get all 4 of them (three cooking and 1 organizing the tupperware) its a lot of action and a lot of food flying. That is why I was considering a cooktop with a undercounter oven (with childlock) installed. Its all sealed in and food doesn't mutate behind or under anything.
Also to answer amcook's question I cook everything from fried chicken, eggs and hashbrowns, simple mac and cheese, sauces, and playdoh on the cooktop. As for the oven I roast meat, bake 6 loaves of bread at a time, lots of cookies, biscotti, you name it.
So thanks for your posts and your help.

I will pile on here on the matching appliances idea. You will get much better appliances if you research each element and choose based on performance. AND, you will probably do better than any package deal if you shop your chosen appliances carefully. Look in clearance rooms, watch for rebates, etc.

I noticed that you never said that you HAD to have a gas cooktop. So, since nobody else has said it...have you considered an induction range? If you have small kids in the house that will, eventually, enjoy helping you cook, you may want to look into it. You would get the responsiveness and power of a gas cooktop without the flame, combustion byproducts and heat loss. (I'm not bashing gas cooking--just stating a fact) You also could get a great performing cooktop with an electric convection oven--if that's what you wanted. They are pricey, but if you were looking at a cooktop/oven combo, you'll probably come out just about the same pricewise.

I just installed an induction cooktop (after years of planning for gas, btw) and I love it--I can let my 12 and 14 year old kids go to town on it without worrying about accidently setting a towel on fire or leaving a burner on. (Induction burners turn themselves off if there's nothing on them). For me, I get power and an immediate response to adjustments. It's easy to clean up, too. If it's intriguing to you, do a search on induction. And if it holds no appeal--feel free to ignore the suggestion. I have teenagers. I'm used to it. :-p

Cj

ps, you can also get induction cooktops in 36 inch wide configurations, but you'd have to find out which ones can accomodate an oven underneath. And...there's that smaller OTR microwave problem...

Cj

Ideagirl2 - it was very nice of you to write about those range recommendations for the OP. But, as I said in my post above, a dual fuel range is quite an upcharge over an all gas range, and the OP is on a tight budget. The idea that an electric oven is superior for baking has been pretty well debunked. Ask any professional chef. I recall a recent post here from a professional baker who said s/he has a gas oven and there is no difference over an electric oven. Salespeople like to say an electric oven is better for baking as a way of justifying the higher price for the dual fuel range. Also note that a dual fuel range may require additional electrical wiring in the kitchen, depending upon the OP's kitchen setup, so that could be even more expense. A modern gas oven will bake as well as an electric oven, so I would advise the OP to save some money and buy an all gas range.

You might also want to consider a "platinum" or "stainless look" finish on the refrigerator. I love mine and it looks fine with the stainless appliances. Easy easy maintenance.

Hi Shannonplus,

Well, the OP did say she wants a convection oven, which means electric (I've seen a few gas ovens that use the word "convection" as a marketing gimmick, but it's not really convection). Also, while it's certainly true that electric ovens aren't "better than gas" on every level--for example, I've heard it said that meats tend to come out juicier in a gas oven, because electric heat is dryer--where electric ovens are definitely better is for baking breads, pastries, etc. And baking is what the OP does the most, so for her, electric truly is best.

She doesn't have to do dual-fuel to get the electric oven; she could do all electric. But I was just pointing her to some dual-fuels that are under $2500 and in several cases, way under $2000. That should be well within her budget if she's got $8000 to spend and only needs to buy four appliances (of which one is a microwave--so really, it's like she's got $7500 to spend on three appliances).

Gas convection ovens are not a marketing gimmick - gas ovens that have a fan are convection ovens. It's true that you only get "true" convection in an electric oven where there's a heating element around the fan, but some people consider that a marketing gimmick :-) Shannonplus2 is absolutely correct - a gas convection oven is fine for baking unless you're a very fussy professional pastry chef.

There are plenty of commercial gas convection bakery ovens so it's certainly not a gimmick. Gas still dominates commercial and restaurant settings due to cost in most areas. I have owned a "true convection" top of the line oven from Decor and never thought it was all that fantastic. In fact, the new Culinarian gas oven bakes more evenly than my old Decor oven ever did.

Certainly gas ovens have higher humidity since water vapor (along with CO2) is a natural byproduct of combustion but at typical baking temperatures of 300+ the vapor won't condense. For breads and pastries, where you want a nice crust and moist center, I think it's less important whether you use gas or electric than knowing when it's done baking. You don't want the internal temp to get much above 200F or you will get massive steam output form the doe which dries out the inside and makes the crust chewy. You want the external temps get high enough so that it dries out quickly. Both gas and electric ovens can do that but it may require an adjustment in baking time and/or temp.

I think if you ask a professional pastry chef, they will tell you they can get equally good results from either. IMHO, the reports of "electric is better" by consumers are usually people used to baking in electric and finding that their recipe doesn't work the same in gas. The reverse is can also be true. Someone used to baking with gas might have a hard time adjusting to electric.

Alright already with the OTR micro. I can see that it doesn't show much favor here :)

As for the baking I have baked in both gas and electric ovens (which I currently have an electric) and granted it has been over 9 years since I baked in a gas oven. I think I am okay with either. I just love to bake and cook. I think it has something to do with my name.
I feel that I will be spending more on this oven/ cooktop which will be gas. I love cooking on gas vs. the induction. My mom has induction and we do a lot of family cooking on it and it works perfect for her but I love the fact that I can see the flame.
As for the other appliances I am getting a hood. Thank you ideagirl2 for your imput on the cfm of the hood. And I was thinking of a french door fridge. I have a side by side right now and love it. I don't know if the french door will hold the six gallons of milk I use every week

So, what brands are wonderful for gas ovens and cooktops?

Suzy

If you go all gas, then get a range since it will save you space and you'll have one less item to pick. As people around here know, I'm all about open burners so unless you already know if you want open or sealed burners, you can do some research here or we can rehash it in summary here.

For open burners, you'll have to pick from Capital Culinarian or Bluestar RNB. The Wolf semi-open is another option but I think you'll get more bang for your buck with either Capital or Bluestar. I picked the Culinarian for my new kitchen because the burners are very well designed and the oven is well insulated and the Bluestar oven has some well documented problems. These problems may or may not have been fixed on the latest Bluestar V1 range but I don't think there has been sufficient time to determine that yet.

For sealed burner, the field widens a bit to include DCS, Decor, as well as Wolf and Capital. Bluestar doesn't have a sealed burner range so they would be out.

I only skimmed the latter 1/3 of the responses, but FWIW, here is my intended appliance package at under $6k for good midrange pieces (30" range). Hope it's useful!

Range - 30" GE Profile PHB925SPSS $2,299
Range Hood - TBA. Got a simple Kenmore last time and was happy with it.
Fridge - 36" French Door Samsung RFG297AARS $2,449
Microwave - GE Profile PEB2060SMSS $239
Toaster Oven Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven (toast/bake/broil/roast functions, basically a small second oven with 9x13 capabilities) $250
Dishwasher - Whirlpool GU3600XTVY, Quiet Partner V (52 db) $839