Name brands compete for the top spot on the market, and they all boast incredible features that can make “kitchening” and cooking more convenient. Investing in quality appliances is one key way that you can make your kitchen all that you dreamed it could be.
If you need a little help with your shopping, these top kitchen appliances will make it easier for you to purchase lasting goods.
Sinks
Most homeowners focus on major appliances like the stove or refrigerator when building the perfect kitchen and often neglect one very important detail: the sink.
This appliance is used just as often as (if not more often than) the other appliances found in the kitchen. However, most people are underbuying in the sink department without even realizing it.
Think about how often you use your sink. You use it to hold dirty dishes, fill up a pot of water to boil pasta, and flush unwanted food down the sink via the garbage disposal. There are endless reasons why you turn to your sink to help you make your kitchen run smoothly.
If you use it for all of these things and more, why not invest in a nicer kitchen sink than your standard utilitarian option?
Once you are convinced that you need a better kitchen sink in your next remodel project or kitchen construction, here are the top brands that you will want to consider.
CopperSmith
CopperSmith is known for manufacturing and designing some of the best sinks on the market. If you want a custom sink made from natural and anti-microbial materials, then look no further than CopperSmith.
Sinks are easily customizable, so you can order a sink in any size and metal that you prefer. They come in multiple different styles, including:
- Apron kitchen sink
- Farmhouse kitchen sink
- Undermount metal kitchen sink
- Workstation kitchen sink
Each sink style comes in a variety of metals, colors, and textures that you can match to your interior design. You can customize the apron texture, bowl finish, bowl texture, and even the sink gauge.
For those who don’t know, a sink’s gauge relates to its thickness. The most common household sinks are 18 gauge. The most durable measurement is 14 gauge, although sinks of this thickness are typically in commercial kitchens.
Keep in mind that the sink bowl is only available in select living finishes. A living (or organic) finish is without a protective coating—a popular option for copper, brass, bronze, and nickel silver sinks. The apron itself is available in all finishes.
Better yet, the width, depth, and height are fully customizable so that they are sure to fit into your kitchen space.
Kitchen Range Hood
Another neglected aspect of kitchen design is the kitchen range hood. These appliances are designed to remove cooking heat, moisture, steam, and even odors from the kitchen. As a result, there will be less mold and bacteria buildup around the central hub of your cooking areas. It even helps to protect the cabinets from grease buildup and condensation. The range hood is an essential part of having a well-functioning kitchen.
Much like there are different types of sinks, range hoods come in various styles and finishes. Some can be mounted under the cabinets, built into the cabinets, or mounted to the wall above the stovetop. Your placement depends on how you’d like to design your space and use your appliance.
What are the best brands to consider when purchasing this key appliance? Here are some of the major players you may want to research before investing in a new range hood.
Zephyr
A range hood naturally comes with some sound as it works to pull humidity, grease, and more out of the air of your kitchen. But what if you could minimize the sounds of your kitchen with a hood designed to be much quieter?
The Zephyr range hoods have special technology known as the DCBL Suppression System. The company boasts that this system leads the way with brushless DC energy instead of standard AC energy. This might sound like technical jargon that doesn’t mean much to many homeowners, but it has a big impact on your kitchen. This technology gives you greater power and efficiency, making it 77 percent more energy-efficient. It also gives off 77 percent less noise.
Zephyr range hoods come in a variety of styles, including:
- Under-cabinet
- Wall
- Island
- Insert
- Outdoor
- Downdraft
No matter what type of application you need for your kitchen, Zephyr likely has a powerful and quiet range hood for you.
Vent-A-Hood
Homeowners searching for a custom range hood solution may want to investigate the technology associated with the Vent-A-Hood brand. Vent-A-Hood manufactures some of the quietest and most efficient range hoods on the market. Not to mention, their designs also boast an appliance that is easier to clean than the average range hood.
The secret to their powerful range hood is the Magic Lung Whisper Quiet Technology. It focuses on creating high fan speeds while remaining relatively quiet. They also utilize an ARS Patented Duct-Free system for recirculating range hoods.
You have several excellent options for your range hood when it comes to design. Vent-A-Hood is perhaps best known for its copper and black range hoods, but they present a variety of options to match any kitchen decorating style. Choose from a wide selection of metal types, finishes, and even textures to make your kitchen truly sing.
Refrigerators
The refrigerator is one essential appliance that every homeowner needs to keep in mind when designing a new kitchen. A fridge keeps food fresh and allows you to have a refreshing glass of ice water whenever you want. You should be seeking models with the layout you prefer, whether that means a side-by-side, bottom freezer, or French door design.
You should also be looking for advanced technology and any other upgraded features that might be important to you.
Keep in mind that a quality refrigerator is likely to be a bit expensive. However, if you’re going to splurge on one major appliance, this should be it. Make sure to evaluate the warranty and the average lifespan of each model before you make your final purchase. Learn more about how to invest wisely in a new refrigerator here.
Sub-Zero
Homeowners who want the best refrigerator need to research whether they can afford a Sub-Zero brand appliance. You might like their Classic Over-and-Under Refrigerator/Freezer combination or their Side-by-Side Refrigerator/Freezer.
All of their appliances come with advanced technology that will serve you well into the future. For example, they have an extensive air filtration system influenced by NASA. The appliances also include magnetic door seals and climate systems that keep your food within one degree of the temperature you set it at.
The finishes and configurations found in the Sub-Zero lineup are worth looking at. They are well-known for their stainless steel looks, but they can also be made with custom panels to coordinate with kitchen cabinets. Their full-size units come in a variety of configurations, including:
- Side-by-side
- Over-and-under
- All-refrigerator or all-freezer
- French door
Sub-Zero is excellent for any size kitchen with variable widths ranging from 18 inches wide to their widest 72-inch models. Perhaps the best part is that all models are backed by a two-year warranty in case anything goes amiss with your new refrigerator.
Thermador
Thermador is a brand recognized for its commitment to excellence in other areas of the kitchen, and you may want to consider them for your refrigerator as well. Their Freedom refrigerators are extremely reliable and have high owner satisfaction ratings compared to other luxury brands. They include tech that can keep your food fresher without sacrificing style or convenience.
Some of the key features included with a Thermador refrigerator are:
- Theater-style illumination
- Stainless steel interior
- Customizable bins and shelves
- Numerous configurations (French door, side-by-side, bottom freezer, wine, and more)
If you are interested in a refrigerator that can keep up with modern technology, you don’t need anything other than a Thermador appliance. The TFT display and WiFi-enabled Home Connect functions allow you to control the conditions of your refrigerator from anywhere. You have access to the temperature and humidity level even if you happen to be out of town.
Much like Sub-Zero, Thermador has a variety of designs that you can choose from. While many homeowners like the sleek look of their stainless steel appliances, they can also be manufactured with custom panels that match your cabinetry.
Miele
Another brand that ranks high in features and consumer satisfaction is Miele. They offer custom designs that ensure you get everything you want and need from your refrigerator. You can opt for a refrigerator, a fridge-freezer combination unit, or a freezer. If you are searching for a way to store your wine, Miele can help with that too.
Once you select the configuration that appeals to you for your new kitchen design, you will want to filter through all of the luxury features this brand offers. To name a few, you can select a refrigerator with some of these features:
- Frost-free (no ice on frozen foods and no manual defrosting)
- Dynacool (uniform distribution of temperature in the refrigerator)
- Super Freeze (gentle yet rapid freezing)
- VarioRoom (increase freezer compartment size for large or bulky items)
Some of their other key features include doors that automatically (and quietly) close when they are at an angle of 30 degrees or less. The interior also features premium LED lighting so that you can always see what is going on in your appliance.
Depending on the size of your kitchen and the opening left for your refrigerator, you can select either a 30-inch or a 24-inch freestanding refrigerator-freezer combination. For French Door design, consider the KF2982SF, or for top and bottom fridge-freezer, look at the KF2802Vi.
Range
Investing in a quality cooktop or oven range is an essential piece of the puzzle when assembling a new kitchen. While your refrigerator is there to keep food chilled until you are ready to cook it, your range is the real star of the show. It is impossible to ignore the classy style of a quality stove range, and it gets used almost every night around dinnertime.
Some of the features you may want to look for in a range include aesthetics and technology. Certain ranges are very heavy on tech-related items that can make cooking more convenient and enjoyable. Consider some of these luxury name brands that deliver an excellent value to homeowners willing to invest money in their range.
Wolf
When you think of professional-quality ranges, what brand comes to mind? For many shoppers, Wolf is the one, and its name is synonymous with quality. Wolf offers all-gas ranges, dual fuel, and even induction models depending on your needs. Most homeowners feel that Wolf is worth the investment, as they are designed to last for twenty years or longer.
Performance is the most important factor when you're considering a Wolf appliance. Look for models like the Pro-Style Dual Fuel Range in Stainless Steel or the Stainless-Steel Induction Range. Models like these come with features that make cooking easier, such as dual-stack burners and Dual Verticross convection in the oven to make cold spots a thing of the past.
Wolf also makes a variety of configurations so you can customize your range to your unique needs in the kitchen. Models come with four to eight burners. They also have add-on features that can make cooking a new experience, such as a French top, infrared griddle, or charbroiler.
If you want a quality range, consider the Wolf Legacy Model with a 36-inch dual fuel range and six burners.
Viking
Viking is the ultimate dream brand for many at-home chefs. When designing a new kitchen space, many homeowners covet the style and elegance of a Viking range. Whether you choose the 7 Series, 3 Series, or something in between, you are certain to find a range that you can fall in love with if you search Viking’s lineup of products. This brand is the preferred option for many interior designers because of their custom looks.
One of the great things about Viking ranges is that they are fairly customizable. They come in widths ranging from 30 inches to 60 inches and can cater to several power options:
- All-gas
- Dual fuel
- Electric
- Induction
Homeowners often prefer the Viking name brand because they come with many custom features that make cooking more enjoyable. They have Elevation burners, VariSimmer settings, and dual flow convection. Some models even have open burners.
Thermador
Much like the top refrigerators on the market, Thermador is also associated with high-quality ranges. In particular, you may want to look at the Pro Harmony and Pro Grand. The focus with these ranges is on performance and customization, with sizes ranging from 30 inches to 60 inches. They also come in two different depths (24 and 27 inches).
Thermador provides the option for gas ranges, dual fuel ranges, and even ranges with a griddle, as most top range brands do. All of their ranges include Pedestal Star Burners that yield 56 percent better heat coverage when compared to the standard round burner output. Choose a model with four to six burners.
Thermador oven options come with features like steam and convection. There is also the added convenience of having a Wi-Fi-enabled range. If the technical aspects of what makes a range great appeal to you, you will appreciate that it produces 22,000 BTU of output.
You will love the sleek and professional look of a Thermador range in your kitchen. Manufactured with beautiful stainless steel, it will look a lot like walking into a professional chef’s haven.
Wall Oven
Many kitchens make good use of their space with wall ovens. If you don’t have the space for a range that includes both a cooktop and an oven, then you may need to investigate the possibility of a wall oven. While the bells and whistles on a wall oven may not leave you feeling impressed, selecting an appliance built to last is still crucial.
Look for models with built-in features like Wi-Fi-enabled options that allow you to control your oven from anywhere. This is great for those holiday meals where your turkey has to be in the oven for hours on end.
What brands can you trust to provide the best experience for you as a home chef? Take a look at some of these luxury brands that will leave you satisfied with your cooking experience.
Bosch
Bosch is a great name brand for those who want to invest in either a single or a double wall oven. They come with different widths ranging from 24 inches to 30 inches instead of a one-size-fits-all solution. This is great if you’re still in the planning stages of your construction or remodel and have yet to decide on a cutout width for your appliances. You can choose to go with the bigger wall oven that can cook more food at one time.
Unlike some of the most premier brands that focus exclusively on stainless steel appliances, Bosch offers other options. In addition to the gleam of traditional stainless steel, you can also get black stainless steel and straight black wall ovens to match any interior design element that might catch your fancy.
Much like the Thermador range, the Bosch wall ovens often come with Home Connect that pairs with your smartphone. This allows you to monitor and control the oven through a mobile device, such as your phone or tablet. You never even have to set foot in the kitchen to cook.
Some of this brand’s models, such as the 800 Series, are also equipped with a self-cleaning mode. You can use this feature in two-, three-, and four-hour cycles.
Miele
If high-end features are important to you, then Miele wall ovens might be the way to go. You can decide which features are essential for your appliance, with options ranging from European convection to a steam oven to a speed oven. Of course, a traditional wall oven is also an option for those who don’t want to branch out into new technology but still want to invest in a quality appliance that will last for years to come.
A few of the models you may want to explore include:
One of the nice features of the Miele oven is its large size. You can choose a width ranging from 24 to 30 inches, but they also have variable heights. Their wall ovens come in 24-inch to 52-inch heights so that you can truly make the most of your cooking space.
If you do a lot of baking, you will love the ability to add additional moisture. It works out well for light dough where you want a brown crust while baking or roasting.
In terms of the control panel, you can get a model with a touch display or the more traditional knobs, depending on your preferences or needs. Most models also come with a self-clean option so that you can take good care of your wall oven into the future. Colors range from stainless steel to graphite gray to black.
Dishwasher
Nobody loves washing their dishes by hand at the end of a long day. This is why so many people fit dishwashers into their kitchen plans. They’re now considered to be a staple item in many kitchens. When the time comes to purchase a new dishwasher, you need to think about all of the features that are important to you, including:
- Stain removal
- Cycle time
- Redeposit (food transferring from one dish to another)
- Drying speed
- Third rack availability
Of course, noise should also be considered when making a purchase decision. Quieter models allow you to wash your dishes in the background without disrupting normal conversation or requiring an adjustment of your music or television. The quieter your dishwasher is, the better it will be for your home.
Cut back on the amount of time you have to spend cleaning your kitchen and invest in a high-quality dishwasher for your remodel or new construction.
Thermador
The Thermador name brand is synonymous with high-grade appliances, and their Sapphire model is no exception. This model inherits its name from the blue interior lighting that makes it easy to load up your dishes. Not to mention, it is an extremely quiet unit with just a 42-decibel sound rating. Like their other appliances, it can also be connected through the Home Connect app to make management even easier.
One of the unique features of this model is that you can open it in multiple ways. Users can either push or pull the door to access the interior. This makes it great if your hands are full, but you need to unload them into the dishwasher.
Under the normal cycle, you get excellent stain removal and dry dishes within about 2.5 hours. If you want to dry your dishes faster so that you can put them away immediately, Thermador offers a StarDry feature that makes them ready for placement on the table faster.
It also includes a spacious third rack to accommodate more dishes than the average dishwasher.
Monogram
Monogram is a well-known brand for luxury appliances, and they make an excellent dishwasher. Some of their models include up to 90 spray jets with dedicated jets for silverware and bottles. If you get a Monogram, you can rest assured your dishes will be spotless after the first sink wash.
Much like the Thermador Sapphire, Monogram dishwashers come equipped with interior LED lights so that you can better examine the cleanliness of your dishes. Another great feature is the marine-grade ball bearings on the racks that allow you to smoothly maneuver them in and out. Some models, such as the Smart Fully Integrated Dishwasher, also have WiFi built in so that you can control your appliance from anywhere.
In addition to thorough washing, Monogram dishwashers also have a Max-Dry System designed to dry every dish it contains, including glassware and plastics.
Microwaves
Warming up your food or cooking in the microwave is essential for everyone, whether you are a professional chef or an amateur. You need to find a powerful microwave that has enough wattage to be effective in your kitchen, but it also needs to have other features. Many homeowners also want a microwave with a defrost setting and pre-programmed options to make their time in the kitchen as short and simple as possible.
Noise is one of the deciding factors for many homeowners shopping for microwaves. Some have technology that makes them quieter than others. Make sure to evaluate the microwave’s noise level before committing to a particular brand or model.
Panasonic
When it comes to making quality microwaves, Panasonic does an excellent job. They have several models that you may want to consider for your kitchen, including the HomeChef NN-GN68KS and the NN-SE785S.
These particular models stand out because they offer consistent microwaving and heating. No one likes a microwaved dinner or reheated leftovers that are warm on the edges but cold in the middle. Expect your food to be evenly warmed throughout.
Panasonic microwaves also do a solid job of defrosting your frozen goods. Some models come with a sensor that makes it easy for users to know when their food is ready to be consumed or moved from the microwave to the oven.
The only real downside to the Panasonic family of brands is that they are a bit noisier than some other models on the market. If a lower sound rating is key for you when making a new purchase, then Panasonic might not be the best choice for you. On the other hand, since most people run their microwaves for very short periods, this may not be crucial in your decision-making process.
GE
GE is known for making quality products, and its microwaves are no exception. The model number PVM9005EJES is an over-the-range sensor microwave oven that packs a punch in any kitchen. It is a fairly large microwave with a 2.1 cubic foot capacity, making it great for larger dishes that need to be heated through.
One of the main benefits of the GE microwave is that they are relatively quiet. While you may not notice a huge difference between the Panasonic brand and the GE brand in noise level, the GE is just a touch quieter. In terms of other features, it comes standard with a sensor, auto-defrost, and touchpad controls.
It also comes in four colors: stainless steel, black slate, black stainless, and slate. This ensures that it can match any kitchen design that you have your heart set on instead of forcing you to choose the more prominent stainless steel color only.
Collecting the Kitchen of Your Dreams
Building the kitchen of your dreams is essential to making your time spent slaving away over a hot meal more enjoyable. You want to invest in quality pieces that will last you for years to come to ensure that you are spending wisely. Consider which features are the most important to you in a refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, and even your oven.
All models and name brands are not necessarily created equal. This is why doing your research upfront is such an important part of redesigning your kitchen. Keep in mind that aesthetics also play a huge role in what appliance is the right fit for you, with some coming in only stainless steel and others featuring custom panels to match your cabinetry.
When you are ready to start shopping for new kitchen appliances, you will want to have this handy appliance buyer’s guide with you. It can help you to answer common questions and select the top brands in each category.