I wanted to take some time today to discuss what I think is an overlooked part of the home buying process. And I get why! I would argue that if the kitchen is the heart of the home, the range is what keeps the heart beating. And that’s why I think buyers and sellers should take more time evaluating their kitchen wants and needs along with the intended aesthetic of the space. While a standard stainless-steel range won’t hurt anyone, it also might not help as much as you’d like for the price tag. So, let’s look at the more common brands I’ve seen in the luxury homes here in Phoenix Metro. Also, none of this is sponsored. No affiliate links, no kickbacks, nada. Keep reading to enjoy my honest opinions.
Far and away the most common appliance package is Wolf, especially in new homes or homes striving for a seamless kitchen look with paneled appliances. They make every appliance that goes in your kitchen, including espresso machines. There are three names they use for the appliances – Wolf for heating (ovens, coffee systems, and microwaves), Cove for cleaning (dishwashers), and Subzero for cooling (fridge/freezers and wine/drink coolers). Wolf promotes itself as being the top tier of at-home professional-grade cooking with heavy-duty power behind it. While still sleek, Wolf tends to air on the side of industrial with their aesthetics. It’s also fairly affordable for this list, asking just $14,255 for the 48” range. With that price tag and great reliability, it makes sense that they’d be everywhere.
Bosch, a German producer, had packages that were very popular in luxury homes through the 90s and early 2000s. They’re currently getting a resurgence in popularity in lower-end luxury homes, and I would say they’re the second most common brand I see in kitchens. The price is substantially more approachable than Wolf, making it an easier upgrade to any luxury home that needs an appliance update. Bosch also offer a robust home system, including washing/drying machines and vacuums. Sleek and European, Bosch adds a level of sophistication that you don’t get with most run of the mill brands. One key downside is that they only go up to 36” ranges, a full foot shorter than most luxury competitors. They’re also in a weird price spot with the 36” range asking $5,199. That’s well below the other names on this list, but also well above the average range. You’ll frequently see these in Biltmore and some Scottsdale homes, since they tend to be a little older and needing some renovations.
Miele is the German version of Wolf, though Miele started making kitchen appliances about 30 years before Wolf/Subzero, all the way back in 1899. Sleek and simple, these appliances are more often seen in luxury homes that want to distinguish themselves. Where Wolf focuses on high power, Miele tries to stay on the cutting edge of technology and offers steam cooking appliances, a nice touch for certain audiences. Aesthetically, Miele airs on being more sleek, European appearance. The price point firmly establishes its luxury presence, commanding $17,999 for a 48” range, indisputably the highest on this list. If you see these in a home, you’ll most likely be in Paradise Valley or Arcadia, as few other areas support homes nice enough to justify the upfront costs.
I’ve sporadically seen Ilve ranges in higher end homes. They also make refrigerators, freezers, wine coolers, and dishwashers, but I haven’t seen those in Phoenix Metro. The ranges are highly customizable, with dozens of coatings and knob colors to choose from. Aesthetically, they’re delightfully rustic in appearance. I’ve enjoyed seeing them in homes as they make the kitchen feel a little cozier and more interesting, rather than like a nice commercial kitchen. The price point is similar to Wolf at $16,090 for a 48” range on their website, putting them at the high end of luxury appliances. Another noticeable difference is that their 48” range has three normal burners, a griddle, and a French Top, which intentionally has less heat on the edges to allow for controlled cooking of multiple things in the same pan. A little different, in a delightful way, but something to be aware of, nonetheless. The last home I saw with an Ilve was a new build in Clearwater Hills, Paradise Valley.
GE Monogram is another less-common appliance name in luxury homes. Priced at $14,600 for a 48” range, it certainly doesn’t feel like a GE on your wallet. Completely separate from other GE lines like the Café and Profile, this line amps up the luxury with minimalist, contemporary style and a strong focus on smart technology Where I’ve seen these the most is in the lower-end luxury homes or with particular homeowners who don’t want to deal with higher end brands that can be perceived as somewhat temperamental. I see this brand pretty inconsistently, but when I do it’s a pleasant surprise. These will pop up more on the edges of Arcadia/Arcadia Lite and Scottsdale, where the homes have a bit more variation.
Other brands you might see are Thermador and Viking, but they’re a distinct minority compared to the other brands we’ve discussed. Why those two brands are so infrequently seen is a mystery to me, since they land around the same price point as most of the ranges on this list and were pretty popular a few decades ago. You’ll also find more KitchenAid appliances than I’d care to admit. Don’t ask me why, they aren’t even close to the same price point or quality of the other names on the list. But you’ll see them.
At the end of the day, a few of these really do boil down to aesthetics. The ability for a range to evenly heat your food in a controlled manner only goes so high. If you have a smaller range space, or don’t care enough about cooking to commit to a 48” range, go with Bosch. Go with Wolf if you want to look like a pro. If you want a smart, clean look to your kitchen go with Monogram. If you want all your friends and family to know you have disposable income, go with Miele. And if you don’t cook and never intend to cook, Wolf is the safe bet given how prolific it is in luxury homes.
One final thing that you MUST remember: DO NOT MIX BRANDS. Obviously if you’re in a crunch, do what you gotta do. Or if you want a very specific vibe from your range. Outside of those, keep your fridge, freezer, and range all the same brand. Some deviation is fine on dishwashers and drink fridges because not all the brands make those. For the love of all that is holy do. Not. Mix. Brands. When I see a kitchen full of mixed brands, I instantly begin looking for cut corners in other places. It’s an easy thing to overlook, but trust me, your home will look a lot more put together and will have a better chance of selling if you keep your appliances under the same umbrella.