Choosing Kitchen Appliances

10 years ago

We are building a new home, out in the woods. There is no natural gas service and have chosen to stay all electric. By process of elimination we looking at Miele, Jenn-Air, or? Miele seems to be at or near the top on everything, but the refrigerators (built-in) - although great - are really pricey for the 30 cu. ft. that we want. We are thinking about a 42' Jenn-Air which led to looking at the entire line. Going Jenn-Air with all of the incentives would mean about a $9K-$12K savings over Miele. We're getting a 5 burner Induction cooktop, Steam and Speed ovens, full size single oven, and a warming drawer, Miele would run about $19K installed without the fridge - Jenn-Air would be at $22K for all pieces. We will spend the money for Miele is it's truly worth it, but with other cost over runs, we'd like to use the money elsewhere. I'm looking for real-life testimonials (pro and con) for both appliance lines since I can't find anything of any value online, even Consumer Reports let me down. Let's hear it from the real-life experts!

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PRO

Patricia Colwell Consulting

10 years ago

Do you just want matching appliances IMO you buy appliances according to what you want from them I rarely would advise my clients to buy from one maker as there is none that make everything well. As for brands I do not really have an opinion other than what I stated . I have a fridgeadaire fridge/ freezer side by side with builtin kit a Bertazzoni all gas range a bosch DW and Kitchenaid full size double wall oven that is electric this is what works for me and how I cook and that is how i would advse you to shop too.

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Comments (7)

teamaltese
10 years ago
I agree with Patricia. Buy not by brand, but by appliance. If you buy a "bundled" group, you'll get one or two good ones, the rest not so good. Strongly suggest you research each appliance individually. Consumer Reports is a great resource.
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carlux
10 years ago
I have (in France) various Miele appliances, which I love -dishwasher, oven, induction cooktop. All of these I think are well worth the money we paid. On the other hand, I had a (fairly basic) Miele fridge, which didn't impress me, and which rusted in parts. I personally can't see what added value a fancy expensive fridge brings. So I would agree with the other posters, that you should consider the value/purpose of each appliance and buy what makes sense. But Miele are very good.
Randy Love
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for input. We would like all of the wall ovens to match - the dishwasher and refrigerator will be panel front anyway. I subscribed to Consumer reports only to discover that they don't review each and every product or line...no steam ovens, no speed ovens, and very little Miele at all...so $30 wasted there. It would've been nice to know that going in. From all the research that I've done, and it's all in bits and pieces, it seems that I can't go wrong with any Miele products, and Jenn-Air is becoming one of the higher end manufacturers, so they may be a bargain at this point - which leaves me exactly where I started - go with the more expensive sure thing, or save a boatload and go with a slightly less proven line. Sigh...

Thanks again for your thoughts.
PRO
European Kitchen Center
10 years ago
Recently I have used both Miele and Jenn-air products in my designs. I'm very familiar with both product lines. Even Jenn-air is boutique brand, I find it to be a bit expensive for what it is. Miele, on the other hand, produces superior appliances and it worth the money. However, I find (from my customers reviews) that the steam oven and the warming drawers to be waste of money.

Good induction cooktop is a must. It will make your life so much easier.

Speed oven is an extremely versatile appliance. Everybody loves it.

If you planning on paneling refrigerator, Miele takes the panel the best. Thermador is another option.
Randy Love
Original Author
10 years ago
This is the first negative comment I've ever read about steam ovens. From everything I've seen the steam oven sounded like the most used and best loved appliance in the kitchen. Surprising.

We have a gas cooktop currently but in the move we're looking forward to the induction cooktop.
PRO
European Kitchen Center
10 years ago
rlove55

I'm not anti steam oven, but I don't find "value" to justify the money.

I test the appliances myself

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WPP0RZWThM