well, if you're talking practicalities over looks: I'd put in an induction range rather than gas, to future proof the house. gas is no longer considered a green resource. and personally, the potential for gas leaks freaks me out. (also, gas ranges are a giant PITA to keep clean.)

most people who switched from gas to induction have loved it. there are plenty of nice looking options too -- I think the Cafe and Wolf ones are gorgeous (but I can't personally speak to the quality, as I don't have those. I'll let somebody else chime in for that).

I loved our subzero and had a new one installed when we moved from our house to an apartment. They are super pricey though. I recommend anyone buying appliances do a lot of research on Yale Appliances website. They gather a lot of data from their repair center, which is really helpful.

https://blog.yaleappliance.com/resource-center?_gl=1puywcw_gaNDY2MDMxMTQ1LjE2Nzc2MDQ3ODc._ga_1H5T66S4DE*MTY3NzYwNDc4Ny4xLjAuMTY3NzYwNDc5Mi41NS4wLjA.&_ga=2.39237987.153821692.1677604787-466031145.1677604787

Wolf makes stoves, sub zero makes fridges, are you asking about both? As a broad generalization more money spent on cooking appliances likely has a higher ROI than fridges (they will all keep your food cold, some a bit longer). Is your fridge going to be integrated (built into the cabinetry)?

Definitely go with SubZero and Miele dishwasher if you can afford it. I would recommend Wolf cooktop only, they have problems with the blue enamel ovens. Then get a Miele wall oven. If you only have room for a range, look at Miele as well, I love mine.

If you want something with look but don't want to sacrifice quality get a Blue Star range. They are great quality and come in custom colors so you can have at least one appliance with snazzy, steal the show look. Then for the rest of your appliances just go for the best possible quality.

Not sure what your color scheme is or the retro vibe you are going for but here are a few:

Leawood Colorful Kitchen · More Info

Roanoke 4 Square · More Info

BlueStar Retro Range & Hood · More Info

M. Millar, You are crazy, mixed up or basing your assessment of Big Chill on one piece of dubious anecdotal evidence or maybe it is just your personal taste clouding your judgment as you admitted you don't like their "old timey" lool.. I have been researching retro refrigerators and you are the only person I have ever seen make such a bold and negative assesment of Big Chills refrigerators. By far the reviews are positive both from consumers and repairmen. The Big Chill units are made of American made Whirlpool componets and the units themselves are also assembled in the USA. I love how you name drop appliance 15k as if the ones you name are the only ones worth buying. You are so good at spending other people's money. Also Blue Star is hardly no frills. With over a thousand colors to choose from as well as a variety of metallic choices in knobs including a rose gold tone, they have frill to spare. Besides that, everyone knows Bosch makes a better dishwasher than Meile. Bosch has a unique water heating system that far surpases anything else on the market. Still I like my new Asko better because it is quieter than the Bosch dishwashers I have owned and my last Bosch was 2 year old when I put it in our rental. I agree, that it is often wise to buy your appliances from different manufacturers. It is best to configure your kitchen appliance package based on your unique needs and desires not just what is supposed to be "the best." But if aesthetics are the most important thing to a particular consumer, there is more to matching appliances than door pulls. If he wants the paint colors to match, he is going to have to go with one brand.

Wolf and sub zero are the same co now. As far as brands I love sub zero, expensive but 24" deep and always looks great. Another great feature of it is that when service is needed it does not need to be pulled out from the wall (alcove). It is serviced from the front panel. Another great one is kitchen aid pro line. GE Monogram or Thermador is also great and u can get a diswasher to match.

M. Miller writes thoughtful, sensible posts & has done so consistently over the several years that I've enjoyed this forum & her/his comments. M. Miller is the last person I would consider to be crazy or mixed up, and if she/he ever bases an opinion on single, anecdotal experience, I would very much trust that opinion from someone like M. Miller who has an intelligent approach to kitchen workflow & cooking techniques.

Kathytoo, if you're going to make ad hominem attacks on M. Miller, can't you at least spell the name right?

I agree totally, with @awm03. @M Miller (note the spelling, @kathytoo), has proven to be one of the more knowledgable and thoughtful contributors to this forum, over many years. YOU are the first person to ever call out M Miller, in any negative way.

Hey, Kathy…you’d best check your facts before declaring ”everyone knows Bosch makes a better dishwasher than Meile.” While I have a Bosch 800, (and think it’s a great machine), there are many, many people who frequent this site, who would greatly disagree with your blatant declaration. Since I’ve never owned a Miele dw, and thus, have no first hand experience with it, I would never make such a ridiculous statement, as you did. I only know from several friends, that they would not have any dw in their kitchens, but Miele.

Oh, and btw, I’ve read several negative reviews of Big Chill fridges by pros on this site. If you’d been here for more than a minute, you’d have seen them, too.

Whatever you do dont use the Fisher & Paykell dish drawers, absolute nightmare....

I am flattered and truly touched by the nice comments here. @kathytoo, I am sorry you were so activated by my comments about Big Chill refrigerators, but this forum is all about giving opinions, not squashing them. Regarding your statement that "By far the reviews are positive both from consumers and repairmen", I have only seen them on the Big Chill website, which will be biased. But you love Big Chill appliances, and I hope you enjoy your purchase.

I would ask why is a 30-33" Whirlpool refrigerator that costs $600-1,000 costing $4,000-5,000 because it has the Big Chill casing? Evidently people are willing to spend that for the appearance, but I would not - again, just my opinion, which is what this forum is for. I would also ask about customer service for the Big Chill refrigerators. If something goes wrong, do you want to wait weeks for a part, or have to deal with a customer service number that doesn't help you?

Quite honestly a good brand of refrigerator will last for many years. It’s real job is to make sure the food gets cold and stays that way with a few other bells and whistles. The main difference between $1000 units and $5000 or $6000 units is usually the depth of the refrigerator from the back wall to the front of the cabinet. Most refrigerators stick out into the room about 32 inches. You could make your cabinets deeper where the refrigerator is going or get a cabinet depth model, which is about 24 inches deep and looks almost invisible, (like a subzero) The great advantage of these units is that you can put almost any facing on them to match cabinets or even just a sheet of glass. Another wonderful feature is servicing, they usually have their compressors accessible on the front so the unit does not need to be pulled out to repair.

Here's my take on refrigeration/SZ: I'm not sure any built-ins are lasting 20 (or even 10) yrs anymore. I have an old SZ (installed when house was built in 1994) which was here when we moved in 18 yrs ago. It's still going strong (few repairs here and there - though I'd never get an ice/water dispenser on the outside of the door after having this (don't think they make this now?)). So, I assumed I'd get a new, smaller, one for our remodel (it was always too lg for the space). But, a site called Consumer Affairs has 400 reviews from SZ purchasers, many with 1 star for newer models. I stopped reading, but the only top reviews I read were from people like me, who've had theirs for many years. I also read bad reviews on this site (though related to the french door style (the one I was interested in). But, in Consumer Reports, most models are still rated in the upper 70s/low-mid 80s. The model I was considering (though wider - the 42" french door) is rated only 71 (4/5 for reliability). Thermador's french door is rated 83 (5/5 for reliability) but, for someone who is shorter, I don't think it's a great option (condenser is on bottom). I'm convinced that the reliability of all appliances has gone downhill. I read a report that it's due to the many more electrical components in fridges now than back in the day (and other appliances) not the compressors. Also, if you haven't checked, our subzero rep said they're running 16 months out now (which means what, like 20 months?). Having not owned any of the other appliance brand mentioned, I cannot advise you about them (and I'm still trying to find consistent good reviews for each appliance). But, I agree with the others - I'm choosing each appliance for its reliability/suitability for us and will probably end up with multiple brands. Your house looks like it will be amazing, btw! What I wouldn't give for an actual pantry and proper room for an island ....

@HU-523184021 I couldn't agree with your about the fact that appliances are not made for reliability anymore. Even the high end ones, which is making me second guess my choice of SZ for my refrigeration. Wolf/SZ is at the point where their claim to fame is how long it takes to GET an appliance from them rather than how long it will LAST. If they can't get parts to build, can they gets parts for service?

2015 kitchen reno: SubZero french door bottom freezer fridge, built-in. Wolf 36 inch 6 burner duel fuel range. Bosch dishwasher at least 10 years old not replaced. All are fabulous, no issues, worth the money.

Totally disagree. We have the 42” SZ FD fridge, now 7.5 years old. Works like a charm. Has never needed a repair. Our first SZ was still going strong at 26yo, when we sold our former home. I expect the 42” FD to have a similar lifespan, though I may not live to see it.

While it’s true, as @SafelyBuild said, a good brand of refrigerator will last many years…few will have the durability, and lifespan of a SZ…or, the customer service.

And, while it’s unfortunate that SZ is still having supply issues getting parts for new fridges, the wait will be worthwhile. If it were me, I’d get a cheapo fridge as a placeholder, until the ordered SZ arrives.

One other thing with our SZ...we are faithful about vacuuming the coils and changing both the water and air filters as recommended. No repairs so far in 8 years.

Have you found a refrigerator you like? I did find some interesting ones for much less in cost. Please let me know if I can be of help :-) Darren

Just came from the wolf/subzero manufacturer store in Salt lake City. They are running behind about 14-20 months and in some cases longer. Our renovation will take 7-8 months and frankly I don’t care how reliable the brand it, I can not go that long without appliances. I will probably lean on the thermadore for refrigeration/wall ovens and range top . Keep my fiskal paykal dishwasher it is reliable, my first one lasted 18 years and my newer one going strong after three. Conveinent two drawers for smaller frequent loads. For the butler pantry I will probably go with Big chill refrigerator/ dishwasher the reviews are strong enouth to support the purchase

Wow, that is insane! It really does make me worry about buying anything from Wolf/SZ! If they can't manufacture, can they provide parts? I also worry about the longevity of the company. If they can't fill orders their customers will go elsewhere.

I think they have decoded to do scale marketing , intentionally make less units to drive demand , unfortunately , i have owned subzero before and love them but they juat lost me as a customer

@SafelyBuild which fridges have you found that are interesting and cost less?

@SafelyBuild...I am also interested on what you have found out. We are doing a major renovation in Arizona and every appliance needs replacing. The house is not Wolf/SZ worthy...but also not Samsung nonsense either.