We are facing the same dilemma. If you ask 100 people you will get 100 different opinions and all are valid based on their experience. The only appliance brand we have decided on is a Bosch dishwasher. We subscribed to consumer reports and are just going through each item, one by one. There are just so many factors to consider....aesthetics, how your family uses each appliance, etc.

We are currently building. Looking for the same info. I grew up with sub-zero as only option. Recently, introduced to Electrolux refrigerator and freezer combo. Everyone we know with it loves it. Huge. Components separate so can pull one if a problem without replace whole thing. About 1/3 the price. Appliance store supports it totally. Unfortunately, only in stainless, no option for wood panels...

That is exactly what we keep running into...if it fits certain criteria, it doesn't on others. We did get an Electrolux microwave...our first purchase, appliance-wise and have been very happy with it. Now if it was in the new cabinet instead of sitting sadly on a table, life would be good!

Csmoorhead, thermador now has the separate columns in 24 and 18 inches and subzero will offer that size in 2015' they presently have in wider sizes of course. The thermador condenser is on the bottom so it lifts the level to reach in a. It higher and you do not see the venting on the front, a smooth clean look.