Induction cooking is already known for its speed, precision, and efficiency. But as induction ranges grow in size—like BlueStar’s new 48" induction range—they present exciting opportunities for home chefs. However, larger ranges also bring unique challenges, particularly when it comes to power management and electrical requirements.

Why Can't You Run All Burners on High?

Large induction ranges, like BlueStar's 48" model, often feature multiple high-power cooking zones and ovens. For example:

• Six cooking zones, including the most powerful burner at 7,400 watts.
• Bridge functions that combine zones for 7,400 watts on the left and 3,700 watts on the right.
• A large oven with a 3,500-watt bake element and a 5,000-watt broiler.
• A small oven with a 2,100-watt bake element.

If you add these up, the potential maximum wattage can far exceed the limits of a typical residential circuit, which is usually 240 volts at 50 amps. This circuit provides a maximum of 12,000 watts, while the range’s combined maximum demand could surpass 23,000 watts.

How Power Management Systems Work

To stay within safe electrical limits, modern induction ranges use power management systems. These systems dynamically allocate power among the burners and ovens to prevent circuit overload.

Here’s how they work:

• Prioritization: High-demand zones like the 7,400-watt burner are prioritized, while less critical zones may operate at reduced power.
• Load Balancing: The system distributes power to ensure the total draw remains below 12,000 watts.
• Usage Limitation: Certain high-power features, like boost mode, may be restricted if other zones are already using significant power.

BlueStar’s 48" induction range includes a Power Optimization System, which ensures uninterrupted cooking while adhering to circuit limitations.

What Does This Mean for Cooking Performance?

For most day-to-day cooking, you’re unlikely to notice any limitations. The range will automatically adjust power to prioritize the zones you’re using most. However, during high-demand scenarios—like hosting a large dinner party—you might encounter:

• Longer Cooking Times: Burners or ovens might take slightly longer to reach their target temperatures.
• Reduced Boost Power: The highest heat settings may be unavailable if multiple zones are active.
• Occasional Power Throttling: Burners may cycle between higher and lower power levels to balance demand.

These effects are minimal but worth considering if you frequently use all burners and ovens simultaneously.

Tips to Maximize Performance

To make the most of your 48" induction range, follow these tips:

1. Stagger Usage: Start cooking tasks that require high power (like boiling water) first, then switch to lower-power tasks.
2. Plan Your Cooking Sequence: Use high-power burners for quick tasks and smaller burners for simmering or warming.
3. Understand Your Range: Familiarize yourself with the power optimization system so you know how it allocates power.

The Benefits of Power Management

While power management might seem like a limitation, it’s actually a feature. By ensuring your range operates safely within electrical constraints, manufacturers like BlueStar provide appliances that balance performance and safety. This means you can cook confidently without worrying about overloading your home’s electrical system.

Conclusion

As induction ranges get larger, like BlueStar’s impressive 48" model, they bring new cooking possibilities but also require innovative solutions to handle their increased power demands. Thanks to advanced power management systems, these ranges deliver exceptional performance while staying within residential electrical limits. For most users, this system works seamlessly, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Are you considering upgrading to a larger induction range? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

If you want to impress dinner guests with exceptional cocktails and enjoy drinks that aren't watered down, the Monogram Forge Heated Ice Press may be what you’ve been looking for. It quickly transforms 3-inch ice cubes into perfect spheres in less than a minute. Priced at $1,500, we'll review its features and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it merits a spot on your countertop!

Monogram Appliances: Smart, Dependable Luxury

Monogram appliances (GE's luxury brand) are a must if you're planning a high-end, pro-style kitchen. They offer every appliance to fully equip your kitchen including stunning ranges or cooktops, wall ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, undercounter appliances, and specialty appliances like a built-in pizza oven. Now joining the line-up is their newest addition, their Forge Sphere Ice Press. This small but mighty appliance levels up your entire kitchen and bar experience.

So, how does the Forge work?

It couldn't be easier! Turn it on to preheat for 8-10 minutes (it gets pretty hot to the touch so be careful when handling). Meanwhile, take the large cubes out of the freezer to warm up a little (this will prevent them from cracking). Once preheat is done, simply put an ice cube on its base using the provided tongs, lower the top, and watch the magic happen. The outside of the cube melts away and drops into the resevoir base. In 30-40 seconds, you’re left with a glistening ice sphere, ready to add some serious glam to any liquor, cocktail, or mocktail! When you're done, all you have to do is empty the water resevoir and unplug.

Pros: Reasons to Buy Monogram's Forge

• The presentation of a drink using one of these crystal-clear ice spheres is unrivaled. Imagine the look on your guests’ faces when you transform an unassuming 3-inch ice cube into a glistening, glass-like sphere. Paired with an expertly-mixed cocktail or even just whiskey, the Forge is sure to add that “shock” factor your guests will be talking about long after the party is over.
• Your drinks won’t get watered down. Spheres are scientifically proven to be the slowest-melting shape of ice, due to their optimal surface area to volume ratio. Using 1 large sphere takes that one step further, ensuring your drink stays cold without losing its flavor or strength. This also means that just one ice cube could be used for more than one drink while largely maintaining its size.
• The process couldn’t be easier. The Forge does all the work for you, your only job is to gather your ice cubes and wait! Simply turn on the unit and allow it to preheat for 8-10 minutes and after placing the ice cube on the forge, you’ve got an ice sphere in less than a minute! The Forge comes with a pair of specialty ice tongs to help you carefully transfer your ice to a glass without creating a single imperfection. There’s no need to reheat the press between cubes, so you can make up to 9 spheres before having to empty the drip pan.

Cons: Reasons to Avoid Monogram's Forge

• The Forge does not make ice. It is simply pressing an existing ice cube into the perfect sphere shape. While there is an included ice mold to make the 3 by 3-inch ice cubes in your own freezer, home freezing doesn’t result in perfectly clear ice. If the glass-like clarity is what you’re after, you’ll need to special order the cubes from an ice distributor like kentuckystraightice.com, who has partnered with Monogram for the release of the Forge. You’ll receive a coupon for one free round of ice with the purchase of a Forge, but future orders will set you back a few dollars per cube.
• It’s large and heavy. The Forge relies on weight as one of the main ways that it carefully crafts the ice spheres without any cracking or chipping. Because of that, the Forge itself is a heavy appliance, weighing in at about 15 pounds. Once the Forge is set-up, it could be difficult to move, making it something you would probably leave on the counter all the time.
• It’s difficult to customize the ice. The internet is chock-full of ways to elevate your ice game with different shapes, infusions, herbs, flowers, and even fruit. Due to the nature of the ice-pressing process, it’s difficult to make the ice spheres out of anything that isn’t a pure liquid. Trying to suspend ingredients in the ice would require them to be perfectly centered in the sphere so that they don’t get “melted off” with the rest of the cube.

Conclusion

If you’re passionate about creating impressive cocktails that maintain their flavor, all with minimal effort and maximized visual effect, the Monogram Forge is a great way to elevate your cocktail game in a show-stopping way.

FAQs

How can I get the Monogram Forge?
If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen with a new appliance, you may be eligible for a free Forge! Choose from a select Monogram range, cooktop, or Hearth oven and receive a free appliance or up to $1,500 in credit towards an appliance of your choice. For full details on this promotion, click here (offer ends December 31, 2023).

Where can I try it?
If you’d like to see the Forge in action, we invite you to visit one of our showrooms in Bedminster or Montclair, NJ. You can even press a cube on us! Our expert team will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Can I shape other liquids like coffee?
Yes! The appliance works great with anything that is liquid-only; juice, coffee, tea– the possibilities are endless!

Appliance Matchmaker

Are high-end appliances a match for you?

Pros: Reasons to Buy a High-End Appliance

• Outstanding cooking performance. This includes the highest and lowest BTUs for precise temperature control. Burning delicate chocolate or needing an outdoor grill to get a decent sear is a thing of the past.
• A robust build quality that ensures longevity. These appliances are built to last, with an average lifespan of up to 20 years, often outliving their counterparts.
• You’ll find unique options and possibilities like built-in coffee systems, dedicated ice makers, and microwave drawers.
• Custom designs and built-in look. You'll be able to select from various sizes, panel options, knob colors, and other personalized features. This level of customization ensures that the appliances seamlessly integrate into your kitchen's aesthetic, offering a cohesive and tailored appearance.
• They significantly boost the value of your home. When it comes time to sell, potential buyers are often drawn to properties that feature premium appliances, viewing them as indicators of a well-appointed and modern kitchen.

Cons: Things to Consider When Buying High-End Appliances

• It's a big investment. Outfitting a kitchen with high-end appliances can start at around $10,000. Depending on the number of appliances you incorporate and the brands you choose, this can easily escalate to a range of $20,000 to $30,000 or more.
• There might be a learning curve. The advanced features and technology that often define these appliances might require users to invest time in understanding their operation to maximize their potential.
• Potential delays. Sometimes inventory can run low or customizations take longer to arrive. This could effect specific timelines but rest assured, we at Designer Appliances are always at the top of the list to receive new stock. Don't hesitate to call and see if we have a particular model in-stock.

Our Top 3 Luxury Brand Recommendations

1. Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove - A Luxury Icon

Did you know that Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove are all part of the same family? Together, they offer a complete suite of kitchen appliances, each known for their exceptional performance.

These brands are icons in the world of luxury appliances. Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove are family-owned and American-made. They're all about creating appliances that stand the test of time and their sole focus is on making the best products and offering top-notch service. Out of any brand we sell, no one takes better care of their customers than Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove. For example, if your oven stops working on Thanksgiving, they're customer service team is available to help.

Why we like them:

• Sub-Zero fridges are a true masterclass in food preservation. They employ a system that continually scrubs the air to eliminate ethylene gas released by foods, significantly reducing spoilage. Plus, they have the most impressive lineup of fridges, ranging from standard units to columns, wine, even under counter options. And the build quality is truly robust - it's not uncommon for us to hear from customers whose Sub-Zero fridges have been going strong for over 20 years.
• Wolf ranges and cooktops offer high performance. We love their dual-stacked burners, designed to deliver everything from a delicate simmer to a high-powered sear. Plus, their ovens have dual convection for even cooking on every rack. And you've got to appreciate those iconic red knobs – they are instantly recognizable.
• Top-notch cleaning and drying performance from Cove dishwashers. As the newest members of the family, they are making a stellar first impression. Plus, we've found their flexibility and user-friendly design makes loading dishes a breeze.
  • Currently, you can get a Cove dishwasher for half price if you buy it as part of a Sub-Zero/Wolf kitchen package!
• The biggest boost to resale value out of any other luury appliance brand.

Points to Consider:

• Availability can be a bit of a hiccup with Sub-Zero. With their popularity, if you find yourself at the back of the queue, you could be looking at a wait time of 6-12 months or more. However, the situation is getting better with Wolf and Cove products.
• “Me too” factor. Being the top luxury brand, you'll spot Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove in many high-end kitchens. If you're someone who values uniqueness, you might want to explore other brands for a different look. But remember, these brands are at the top for good reason.

Pro Tip: Schedule an appointment to visit on of our showrooms in Bedminster or Montclair, NJ where you'll receive a tailored experience guided by our team of appliance experts.

2. Thermador - Most Attractive Promos

Renowned for their high-end appliances, they also offer some of the most attractive promotional programs on the market. Thermador is a part of the BSH Group that also encompasses Bosch and Gaggenau. Their legacy began in 1916 and they're still going strong, with a broad range of high-end appliances that are primarily manufactured in the U.S.

Why we like them:

• Exceptional cooking performance. Attributed to its patented star burner design that ensures even heat distribution on ranges, promoting optimal cooking results and simplified cleaning, what truly sets them apart is their innovative freedom induction cooktops, which provide unparalleled flexibility by enabling users to freely move a pan to any location across the cooking surface.
• Robust selection of integrated refrigeration columns. Designed with beautiful stainless-steel interiors in most models, these are enhanced by carefully crafted lighting.
• Innovative drying tech. Thermador's premium dishwasher models are equipped with zeolite – currently the most advanced drying technology in the market.
• Attractive deals. Their offer includes a free dishwasher with the purchase of a range, and a second free appliance when you add a fridge. Extra discounts may also be available for new home construction, making Thermador an affordable option for a luxury kitchen look.

Points to Consider:

• While its ranges and cooktops are exceptional for a variety of cooking techniques, those who frequently bake might find the single convection oven lacking compared to other high-end competitors.
• The complimentary dishwasher included in the promotion is decent but not outstanding – an upgrade to the quieter zeolite model might be worth considering.
• If you're torn between Thermador's knob interfaces or digital touchscreens, we'd lean towards the knobs. The digital interface can sometimes be laggy and lacks the menu-driven options found in other brands.

3. Monogram - Leading in Style & Tech

As GE's luxury brand that's fast gaining prominence, their innovative appliances include tech features rarely found in other high-end brands. Monogram stands out on our list with its cutting-edge appliances loaded with tech features that are hard to find in other premium brands.

Why we like them:

• Sleek, modern look. Monogram has trendy brass accents available in a full suite of appliances at a competitive price.
  Effortless functionality. Their ranges feature hefty 23,000 BTU sealed burners, infrared grills, and an articulating display option for enhanced functionality and ease of use.
• Thoughtful design. Monogram refrigerators are designed with a cold airflow above each shelf and a rapid-chill crisper for quick cooling or thawing.
• Dishwasher features. Equipped with special features like bottle washers, it becomes easier than ever to clean all parts of your glassware.
• You can expect a well-rounded tech experience with WiFi capabilities, LCD touch screens, LED backlighting, and robust smart functionality through their SmartHQ app linked with Hestan Cue cooking or their Chef Connect feature which allows Monogram ranges to communicate with matching range hoods, automatically activating ventilation and lights when cooking, further enhancing your kitchen experience.

Points to Consider:

• Prestige level. Since Monogram is made by GE (who also makes Cafe) some people have a hard time equating luxury with that brand and it may not carry the same prestige in the resale market as brands like Wolf or Thermador.
• Brass knobs might not appeal to everyone and swapping them for stainless steel knobs will require an additional purchase.
• Outdated built-in fridge design. While their integrated refrigerator columns are impressive in design, their normal built-in refrigerators haven't quite matched up in terms of style or aesthetic appeal. Their range size options also max out at 48", leaving those in need of a larger, 60" model without a suitable option.
• There’s also a lack of cooktop flexibility when it comes to configuring the cooktop burner setup on ranges.

Conclusion

When it comes to high-end appliances, you really need to experience them firsthand to understand the value.

When it comes to high-end appliances, a showroom visit guided by an experienced sales associate is key. While many products may appear similar, it's often the subtle, unseen differences that distinguish one brand from another.

The specifications for these premium items can be intricate, and assuring the right fit for your space may pose a challenge. However, with the expert guidance of a sales associate, you can be confident that your selected appliances will blend seamlessly into your kitchen layout.

FAQs

Do luxury brands have better warranties?
Yes. For example, Sub-Zero you'll get a full two-year warranty from the date of original installation on all parts and labor to repair or replace. On top of that, you'll get a full five-year sealed system warranty covering all parts and labor to repair or replace compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier and all connecting tubing. Then you'll get a limited twelve-year sealed system warranty to repair or replace the following parts that prove to be defective in materials or workmanship: compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier and all connecting tubing.

For Wolf, you'll get a full two-year warranty to repair or replace any part of the product that proves to be defective in materials or workmanship as well as a limited five-year warranty to repair or replace certain defective parts.

For Thermador you'll get a limited two-year warranty on the entire appliance, parts and labor.

For Monogram, you'll get a two-year warranty on all appliances with all labor and related service costs to replace the defective part free of charge.

Where can I see high-end appliances in person?
We invite you to immerse yourself in the world of high-end appliances by visiting our welcoming showrooms conveniently located in Bedminster, NJ, and Montclair, NJ. Our appliance experts will be on hand to guide you through the showroom, answer your questions, and provide personalized recommendations based on your preferences and needs. We accept walk-ins, but for a personalized experience, book your visit today at one of our showrooms here.

Is there special financing available?
We offer flexible financing plans through Synchrony that suit your budget. To explore this option further, we encourage you to reach out to our experts either by giving us a call or visiting one of our showrooms. For more information, you can also visit our financing page here.

What does delivery and installation look like?
We proudly offer a white glove service from delivery and installation to haul-away in NY and NJ-based addresses. Our installation experts have years of experience so you can ensure every detail is attended to, and your appliances not only fit seamlessly into your space but are also set up and calibrated to perform at their best.

Can high-end appliances be customized?
Absolutely, high-end appliances offer a world of customization possibilities to suit your unique style and requirements—from the finish to the configurations and even panel-ready options. Select from a diverse range of finishes, such as stainless steel, matte black, or custom colors, ensuring that your appliances harmonize perfectly with your aesthetic preferences. Additionally, the ability to choose configurations that align with your kitchen layout and workflow guarantees optimal functionality.

What Is Dual Fuel and Why Is It Great?

Dual fuel ranges offer the best of both worlds by combining two fuel sources. Gas for the cooktop, electric for the oven. Gas burners are highly favored among home cooks due to their responsiveness, precise flame adjustment, and visual indicator of the flame, which allows for better control and a more intuitive way to monitor heat.

Gas ovens on the other hand can be unpredictable with temperature fluctuations, which can affect baked goods. Electric ovens offer more reliable temperature control for consistent cooking and baking.

A dual fuel range requires both a gas line and high amperage 240v electrical line. If you are upgrading to a dual-fuel range you'll need to consider the potential costs of hiring an electrician or plumber. However, if you're undertaking a new build or renovating your kitchen, the associated costs should be minimal.

Appliance Matchmaker

Is BlueStar's Dual Fuel range a match for you?

Pros: Reasons to Buy BlueStar's Dual Fuel Range

• Outstanding oven performance. The electric ovens on this Bluestar range offer ample space, precise control, and a range of cooking modes to elevate your culinary skills. The oven cavity is remarkably spacious, accommodating full-sized commercial baking sheets. Bluestar ensures consistent performance across all three racks, delivering perfect results from front to back and top to bottom.
• Say goodbye to the inconsistencies of traditional cooktops. Bluestar’s X-8 burner, a robust star-shaped design has 152 individual ports and no burner cap. This results in 152 individual mini flames evenly distributing heat across your entire pan - no hotspots, just the perfect temperature wherever your ingredients lie.
• Easier to clean. Their all-gas counterpart requires you to remove a pull-out tray (similar to a grill) to clean your cooktop. The dual fuel has a smooth surface that you can easily wipe down with a sponge. And when it comes to cleaning the inside of your oven, you can leave the racks inside. They are engineered to withstand the self-clean cycle, eliminating the need for removal!
• All new control panel. Bluestar's latest dual fuel range introduces a modern touchscreen control panel, departing from traditional knob controls. With eight cooking modes and convenient timers, this user-friendly interface simplifies cooking with as few as 3 touches.

Cons: Reasons to Avoid BlueStar's Dual Fuel Range

• New touchscreen panel. While it offers a modern and sleek aesthetic, it can be considered a drawback for some users due to the need to cycle through screens, which can be inconvenient when dealing with messy cooking or if you’re in a rush.
• Less well-known brand compared to some of its competitors. If you prioritize brand recognition or desire a sense of vanity in your kitchen appliance, Bluestar might not offer the same level of prestige or status associated with more established names.

Dual Fuel Feature Breakdown

For most cooktops on the market today you'll notice the flame ports are hidden beneath a burner cap. While this design is intended to spread heat evenly, it still manages to create an uneven cooking environment because the flame that originates underneath makes inconsistent contact with the pan via the cap, often leading to hot spots. The result is usually food browning faster on one side of the pan than the other or parts of your meal ending up more cooked than others.

Bluestar underwent a complete redesign, aiming to replicate the excellent heat distribution of their open burner design while transitioning to a less daunting and easier-to-clean sealed burner format for the dual fuel range’s cooktop.

Bluestar’s X-8 burner, a robust star-shaped design made from durable cast aluminum, has 152 individual ports and importantly, no burner cap. This results in 152 individual mini flames beautifully distributing heat across your entire pan - no hotspots, just the perfect temperature wherever your ingredients lie.

Burner flexibility. If you need the ability to transition from a high-heat sear to a gentle simmer, Bluestar's X8 burners embody this concept. With a commercial-grade high output of 25,000 BTU for quick searing, they can also delicately simmer at just 500 BTU. And thanks to their unique burner design, this heat doesn't escape around the sides of the pan as with other burners resulting in faster boiling, enough firepower for high heat wok cooking, and quicker heat-up and recovery times for your pans.

LED safety feature: Rear burners offer an 18,000 BTU high down to the same 500 BTU low, but with such a low simmer, it's easy to forget a burner is on. That's why Bluestar has cleverly equipped each burner with an LED light that indicates when a burner is active.

Oven Performance

Bluestar ovens impress with their exceptional build quality, particularly the heavy, smooth-gliding stainless steel racks. These ranges feature two full extension racks and one standard rack, all engineered to withstand the self-clean cycle, eliminating the need for removal. The oven cavity is remarkably spacious, accommodating full-sized commercial baking sheets, allowing for baking up to 20 cookies on one sheet or 60 at a time with all three racks in use. Bluestar ensures consistent performance across all three racks, delivering perfect results from front to back and top to bottom.

The oven performance on this Bluestar range is nothing short of extraordinary, offering ample space, precise control, and a range of cooking modes to elevate your culinary skills.

Touchscreen

Bluestar's latest dual fuel range introduces a modern touchscreen control panel, departing from traditional knob controls. With eight cooking modes and convenient timers, this user-friendly interface simplifies cooking with as few as 3 touches. Additional features include dehydrating, proofing, and a sabbath mode, expanding cooking possibilities. Their dual oven models offer a split screen mode to monitor both ovens simultaneously. Plus, you can customize the screen clock color to match your range or kitchen decor, adding a personal touch to your cooking experience.

Color Customization

While the standard stainless steel finish is certainly appealing, the true excitement lies in the extensive range of colors and trims available for customization. With over 1,000 color options to choose from, the possibilities are endless.

Bluestar even offers curated color collections like their current summer collection to inspire your decision. If that's not enough, you can even opt for a custom color match, just like our realtor friend in Montclair who matched her beloved pistachio-colored KitchenAid stand mixer! These custom options only add about 10 weeks to the lead time, while other brands can take six months or more for custom colors. On top of the vast color selection, you can also personalize your range with 10 different trims, including variations of brass, copper, and bronze.

Conclusion

Bluestar's dual fuel range elevates the experience of owning a range, especially for baking enthusiasts. With the perfect blend of gas cooktop precision and electric oven reliability, these ranges offer a truly exceptional cooking experience.

But it's not just about performance. Bluestar understands that a kitchen is a reflection of personal style and taste. That's why they offer an extensive array of customization options allowing homeowners to personalize their range and make it a centerpiece of their kitchen decor, whether it's a bold red, a soothing blue, or a sleek metallic finish.

Owning a Bluestar dual-fuel range is more than just having a high-performing cooking appliance—it's an experience that combines culinary excellence with the joy of self-expression.

FAQs

My current range is all gas, what do I need for dual fuel?
A dual fuel range requires both a gas line and high amperage 240v electrical line. If you are upgrading to a dual-fuel range you'll need to consider the potential costs of hiring an electrician or plumber. However, if you're undertaking a new build or renovating your kitchen, the associated costs should be minimal.

Can I purchase a BlueStar range online?
We would advise against purchasing Bluestar appliances without the help of a trained sales associate. Since each option on a Bluestar range is custom-made for you, it’s a bit like signing your life away so you want to make sure you get the details right. Also, keep in mind that color and trim options may appear differently online compared to in person.

Appliance Matchmaker

Is Gaggenau appliances a match for you?

Pros: Reasons To Buy Gaggenau

• Get a premium look in any kitchen style. Gaggenau appliances have a sleek and sophisticated look but that doesn't mean they only work in ultra-modern kitchens. We're always surprised at how they fit into transitional, contemporary, and even traditional kitchens.
• Unique vario cooktop configurations. You can piece together multiple different cooktop modules to create a truly bespoke cooking surface. This includes knobs that are custom designed to be surface mounted on the front face of your cabinet.

Cons: Reasons To Avoid Gaggenau

• High-end prices for a built-in look. If you want a built-in look at a better price point, you may want to consider Thermador since they have better package deals.
• Mode-driven cooking vs menu-driven cooking. It won't be as easy popping something in the oven. You’ll need to learn which mode to use and for what types of foods. But if you're the type of person who can whip up a meal from random ingredients in your fridge, you'll appreciate the high level of control to fine-tune the perfect results.

Design - Is it just for ultra-modern homes?

While Gaggenau's website mainly showcases modern designs, we've come to realize that their appliances can work great in more transitional and even traditional homes. Gaggenau appliances have a unique striking design that stands apart from all other brands. Design is more than just aesthetics for Gaggenau. Every detail serves a purpose, and only those that enhance the cooking experience are included. This level of attention to detail is what sets Gaggenau apart from other appliance brands and makes it the top choice for those passionate about cooking.

Ovens

Gaggenau’s oven collection is truly the star of their offering, featuring stunning full glass-covered stainless steel doors with a side swing hinge that opens from the left or right. They’ve opted not to include a trendy touch screen only interface like many competing brands and instead rely primarily on a dual knob control system to control mode and temperature. Gaggenau is the only brand to offer a luxury minimalist knob interface giving you quick easy access to cooking modes and temperature settings.

Cooktops

Gaggenau's cooktops are also uniquely impressive. The 400 series in particular is stunning, designed to be installed completely flush with your countertops for a seamless look, and their vario cooktop modules allow you to create your own bespoke cooking surface with knobs mounted through the front of your cabinetry.

Refrigeration

Their refrigeration lineup includes a full array of built-in refrigerators, freezers, and wine columns featuring luxury details throughout including a full stainless interior, crystal clear frameless glass shelves, white oak full extension racks in the wine columns, and the option of stainless steel doors, fully flush custom panels, or even a completely handleless push to open design.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers feature fully glass-covered stainless steel, and the interior features warm LED lighting highlighting the crystal-clean wash results.

Performance - Precision is Key

If we could sum up the performance of Gaggenau into one word, it would be precision. Gaggenau appliances are designed with the needs of serious cooks in mind. With Gaggenau appliances, you'll have the precision and control you need to create culinary masterpieces. More specifically, their cooktops and ovens are a home-chef’s dream.

Ovens

Gaggenau is a brand that's known for its commitment to precision and performance, making it a popular choice for serious cooks. Whether you're whipping up a simple meal or tackling a more complex recipe, Gaggenau appliances are designed to help you achieve perfect results every time.

However, it's important to note that there may be a learning curve when it comes to using Gaggenau ovens and their incredible steam oven. Unlike some other brands that have touch screen displays, Gaggenau has a mode-driven display that requires some getting used to. But for those who are passionate about cooking and eager to fine-tune their skills, Gaggenau provides a high level of control that can help take their culinary creations to the next level.

On the other hand, if you're only using your oven to heat up pizza on the weekends, Gaggenau appliances may be overkill for your needs. But for those who are serious about their cooking and want to invest in high-quality appliances that can help them achieve the perfect results every time, Gaggenau is definitely worth considering.

Cooktops

Gaggenau cooktops are the perfect addition to any kitchen, offering the ultimate level of cooking precision. With their dual ring burners, you'll have complete control over your cooking, whether you need a gentle simmer or a powerful, evenly distributed high heat. This level of precision is what sets Gaggenau apart from other cooktop brands.

In addition, Gaggenau's full surface induction cooktops offer unparalleled freedom in the kitchen. You can move up to six pots and pans anywhere on the cooktop, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once with ease. This feature not only saves time but also makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.

Whether you're a home cook or a professional chef, Gaggenau cooktops are sure to exceed your expectations. With their innovative design and attention to detail, these appliances are a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and performance. Experience the ultimate level of cooking precision and freedom with Gaggenau cooktops.

Reliability - Will they last?

Gaggenau appliances are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and durability, so they are designed to last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

In terms of warranty, Gaggenau offers a standard limited warranty that covers parts and labor for two years from the date of purchase. However, this warranty can be extended for an additional three years, giving you a total of five years of coverage.

Additionally, Gaggenau offers a special warranty program called "Gaggenau's 5 Year Limited Warranty," which provides extended coverage for select appliances. This program covers parts and labor for five years from the date of purchase and is available for their dishwashers, refrigerators, and wall ovens.

It's important to note that warranty coverage may vary depending on the country and region where you purchase the appliance, so it's best to check with the manufacturer or authorized dealer for specific details.

Value - Are they worth the money?

Gaggenau is a brand that has earned a reputation as one of the most elite and luxurious appliance brands on the market. However, if you're on a tight budget and looking for the best value for your money, luxury appliance brands like Gaggenau might not be on your radar.

But for those who value the finest details and the highest level of craftsmanship, Gaggenau is hard to beat. As the brand eloquently puts it, each appliance is a piece of architecture in its own right. From the smallest details to the overall design, Gaggenau appliances are a reflection of your personal taste and style.

Of course, the quality of Gaggenau's appliances isn't just skin deep. The brand's commitment to excellence extends to the performance of each appliance. The brand's appliances offer unmatched precise control over your kitchen environment, appealing to even the most discerning home chefs.

If you're looking for a more affordable option but still want a built-in appliance look, you might want to check out Gaggenau's sister brand, Thermador. With package discounts and a more accessible price point, Thermador can give you a similar look and feel at a better value. Be sure to check out our reviews on their wall ovens, refrigerators, and their innovative Freedom induction cooktops.

Conclusion

Gaggenau appliances are renowned for their exclusivity, exceptional design, reliability, and precise cooking performance. Their innovative and high-quality products consistently meet the demands of even the most discerning customers, making Gaggenau one of the leading brands in the world of luxury home appliances.

FAQ

Where can I see Gaggenau in person?
If you are in the NJ/NY area, visit one of our showrooms and our team will be happy to walk you through the Gaggenau product line and work on a package of appliances to fully meet your needs. If you are outside of our area, Gaggenau has their own showrooms throughout the country including California, and Chicago, which you can find via their dealer locator on their website.

Can I just order my appliances online?
We strongly recommend against purchasing Gaggenau appliances without the help of a trained sales associate. Gaggenau appliances are all about getting a perfectly finished installed look and many factors can keep you from achieving that, from your kitchen designer not correctly accounting for a fully flush oven installation to correctly sizing custom panels to create an integrated refrigeration design.

The Monogram range boasts an attractive design with mixed metals, a tilted screen, and a spacious oven, but how does it perform?

I'm the founder of Designer Appliances, a premier appliance store in New Jersey. Over the last 15+ years, I've tested many ranges in my own home and in our showrooms and heard real-life feedback from thousands of customers in real time.

To assist you in determining if a Monogram range is right for you, I have highlighted its key advantages and disadvantages. I also delve into its exceptional features, including air fry, Wi-Fi connectivity, reverse convection oven, and more, to help you compare it to other pro-style stoves in terms of both performance and price.

Appliance Matchmaker

Is Monogram range a match for you?

Pros: Reasons To Buy a Monogram Range

• You’re all-in when it comes to upscale design. Monogram ranges have an elevated style. The mixed metal look is a winner for most people. But don’t worry… if that’s not your thing you can swap the "gold" knobs back to stainless steel and choose black burners over brass. You can even select the traditional panel over the touchscreen controls. As for the accent lights, you can pick your color.
• Excellent cooking performance. The cooktop has a variety of pro burners with 15K to 23K BTU power. They are dual-stacked and multi-ring. This design presents the home-chef with consistency and control. The oven has an extra large capacity. Reverse convection ensures even cooking results without hot spots.
• You rank practical, popular, real-world functionality on the same level as luxury details. Like air-frying, and guided cooking thanks to Monogram's meaningful Wifi and App integration. While many pro-ranges lack even a temperature gauge, timer, or clock, Monogram incorporates them all effortlessly. TrueTemp burner supports Hestan Cue on select models and you can link your ventilation hood to the range.
• You are not a body-builder and want an easy-to-clean stove. Single square grates are easier to lift and maneuver compared to other pro-ranges (welcome news for people who are suffering from arthritis). "Wipe-down" porcelain enamel cooking surface. Steam clean on all models, self-clean on dual fuel ranges.
• You want a range with an entire kitchen package to match. Monogram is currently offering some really attractive promotions in 2023 where you can receive up to three free eligible Monogram appliances or generous credits towards an appliance of your choice.

Cons: Reasons To Avoid a Monogram Range

• Some important features are reserved for dual fuel ranges. While self-clean is on all dual fuel ranges, TrueTemp burner with Hestan Cue support is reserved for just a few models.
• No 8 burner 48-inch range option. Many people prefer to have full 8 burners on their pro-stoves. Monogram offers at most 6 burners with a griddle.
• You want appliances in a color or a matte finish. Monogram only offers stainless steel, and the brass accents are your only opportunity to add some color.
• You want something old-world, with big chunky knobs and heritage details. Monogram appliances look a bit sleeker and are packed with modern conveniences like touch screens, accent lighting, and robust WiFi capabilities which you may not need or want.
• You want induction. Monogram doesn’t currently offer an induction range. But they do offer it as a cooktop.
• You want something huge. Monogram ranges come in a variety of sizes, but they are missing a 60” in their lineup. A 60” allows you to have two full-size double ovens and maximum cooktop flexibility like 10 burners or 6-8 burners with full grill and griddle.
• Resale value is your number-one priority. Brands like Wolf and Thermador may have more cachet in some potential buyers' eyes. Since Monogram is made by GE (who also makes Cafe) some people have a hard time equating luxury with that brand.

Series Overview

The Stovetop

Grates

Each set of front and back burners is surrounded by a rectangular frame in which 2 porcelain-coated cast-iron grates sit. All of the grates on the stovetop are arranged adjacent to each other, forming a continuous surface that allows you to easily slide pots and pans off and onto the heat or from one burner to another. However, because the grates are not overly large or bulky, they aren’t difficult to lift and fit in the sink for cleaning. Each grate is reversible; one side is flat and is the one you’ll use for most cooking; the other side has an indentation to hold a round-bottomed wok without the need to use a wok support ring to keep it stable.

Ignition and Control Knobs

Monogram ranges have electric ignition with an auto re-ignition feature. That means the burners will relight if the flame goes out.

The diecast metal knobs have brass accents and give precise control from a very low simmer to high heat. When a burner is in use, an accent light shines on the knob. Using the Monogram app, you can change the brightness and the color of the light.

Versatile Burners

All Monogram burners are solid brass for good heat retention and durability. On each range, you’ll find a combination of at least one multi-ring burner and several dual-flame stacked burners. A multi-ring burner offers a wide outer flame and high power, ideal for heating large pots and pans uniformly, boiling water quickly, and searing foods. On the multi-ring burners, there’s a brass cap that can discolor. Monogram also provides black enamel caps. Some people like to use black enamel caps for cooking and replace them with brass ones when they’re having company.

Depending on the model you choose, it will have burners ranging from 15,000 to a whopping 23,000 BTUs of power. All burners can be used on a very low setting for simmering and melting.

The 48” Dual Fuel model ZDP484NGTSS and the 36” Dual Fuel model ZDP364NDTSS have a 21,000 BTU Tru Temp burner. It allows you to set precise temperatures rather than heat settings. In addition, it can communicate with Hestan Cue cookware, which has built-in sensors that sync with a guided recipe program on the Hestan Cue app; it takes the guesswork out of which setting to use and when your food is done.

Monogram Infrared Grill

If you choose the Monogram 48” Dual Fuel Monogram Range with a 14,000 BTU infrared grill on the stovetop, you can enjoy the taste of barbecued food year-round. The grill has a reversible porcelain-coated cast iron grate. One side is grooved and designed to stamp grill marks into foods like steaks and chops and the other is intended for cooking delicate items like seafood and vegetables.

Pros:

• Gives food the great flavor of outdoor cooking
• Imparts attractive grill marks on food

Cons:

• Produces smoke and fumes
• Can be difficult to clean

Griddle

A griddle is useful for cooking everything from pancakes to grilled cheese sandwiches to hamburgers. Griddle surfaces with 18,000 BTUs of power are available on Monogram 36” and 48” All Gas and Dual Fuel Ranges. The griddle can be used at temperatures from 200ºF to 450ºF. Thanks to its polished stainless steel surface, a Monogram griddle can be thoroughly cleaned. To keep it free of dust, grease, and debris, the griddle comes with a cover to protect it when it’s not being used.

Pros:

• Gives a large flat surface for cooking foods like bacon and pancakes
• Can use it as a warming tray

Cons:

• Takes time to preheat
• Can produce smoke and fumes
• Requires extra work to clean

The Oven

Power

Monogram All Gas ranges have an oven with a 23,000 BTU bake and 18,000 BTU broil output. On the Dual Fuel range, the oven features 2,700 watts and the broiler 4,000 watts. Those specs give enough power for the oven to heat up quickly and for the broiler to give results that rival the kind you get from outdoor grilling.

Large Oven Cavity

Monogram ovens are among the largest in capacity you can find, ranging from 5.3 to 6.2 cubic feet, depending on the model. The All Gas ranges have larger ovens as they don’t have a self-cleaning feature which requires additional insulation. On Monogram 48” ranges, you’ll find an additional smaller oven to use for everyday cooking like making a sheet pan dinner or heating up a pizza as well as to give you even more oven space at the holidays.

The ovens in Monogram ranges have large windows and are well lighted thanks to multiple halogen bulbs. That makes it easy to check on what you’re cooking without opening the oven door and losing heat. Monogram oven doors close slowly and smoothly, which means they’ll never slam shut and will experience less wear and tear. Every Monogram range comes with a broiler pan, a convection roasting rack, and a probe to cook foods to precise internal temperatures.

Oven Controls

On most Monogram ranges, the oven function and temperature are selected with a knob and the temperature and time are displayed on an LCD screen. The oven light, timer, probe, and special functions are controlled with small buttons below the screen. On the Monogram 48” Dual Fuel model ZDP484NGTSS and the Monogram 48” Dual Fuel model ZDP364NDTSS, there is a 7” full color touch LCD screen for all functions. When you use it, it pops forward so it’s easy to interact with.

Luxury Racking

All Monogram ranges come with three racks in their full-size ovens. In the dual fuel models, all of them are full extension gliding racks that are easy to pull out but can’t accidentally be pulled out all the way. All gas models come with 2 gliding racks and one standard rack. In the small oven on 48-inch models, there are 2 racks.

Convection Oven

In all gas ranges, the convection fan reverses direction to promote even heating which is particularly desirable when you’re baking cookies. The dual fuel range uses true European convection which means there’s an additional heating element around the fan.

Air Fry Setting

This feature, which is unique among pro-style ranges, just might be the feature you find most valuable. It will allow you to make the crispy foods like French fries, chicken nuggets, and even Brussels sprouts that your family clamors for without having a large and unattractive air fryer appliance taking up space on your countertop.

Pros:

• Produces crispy food with little or no oil
• Frees up countertop space by replacing a stand-alone air fryer appliance

Cons:

• None we can think of

Steam Clean

The ovens in all Monogram ranges are equipped with a steam clean feature which is helpful for tackling boilovers and splatters right after they happen or touching up lightly soiled cavities.

Pros:

• Cycle is only about 30 minutes long
• Doesn’t produce fumes or smoke
• Loosens small stains

Cons:

• Can’t remove large burnt-on stains
• May need a scraper to thoroughly remove residue

Self Cleaning

Monogram dual fuel ranges also have a traditional high heat self-cleaning oven to tackle burnt-on messes. In 48” dual fuel ranges with two ovens, both have steam and high heat cleaning. One of the great things about the racks in dual fuel models is that they can remain in the oven during self cleaning.

Pros:

• Cleans a badly soiled oven thoroughly without any scrubbing
• Racks can remain in oven during self cleaning

Cons:

• Produces smoke and fumes
• Need to keep pets out of the kitchen during the cycle

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Monogram ranges have built-in WiFi. When you download the SmartHQ app on your mobile device and connect it to your appliance, you can control your range remotely or by voice through Alexa and The Google Assistant, connect to a database of recipes, download new settings, and even troubleshoot problems.

All-Gas vs. Dual Fuel

Many people ask us about the differences between gas vs dual fuel ranges. It really depends on you and how you like to cook. For starters, the all gas models are less expensive. You won’t find a major difference when it comes to stovetop cooking so if you rarely bake or roast, you can economize by purchasing an all gas stove. However, dual fuel models really shine when it comes to baking, giving more even results. They’re also equipped with self-clean cycles which make it much easier to clean an oven that’s badly spattered from roasting chickens and has burnt-on gunk from pies and lasagnas that boiled over. I’m a big believer in self-cleaning ovens.

Gas Range Pros:

• Less expensive
• Easier and less expensive to install

Gas Range Cons:

• Doesn’t have a self-cleaning oven
• Gives less even baking results

Dual Fuel Range Pros:

• Offers the best in both stovetop and oven performance
• Has a self-cleaning oven

Dual Fuel Range Cons:

• More expensive
• More complicated and expensive to install

The Beauty of Monogram Design

Monogram ranges have an aesthetic that manages to be both professional and elegant at the same time. While they’re not as aggressively commercial in appearance as Wolf ranges, they definitely communicate that they’re intended for serious cooking. Unlike Wolf ranges, they have a kickplate on the bottom which gives them a more finished look.

Monogram ranges only come in stainless steel with brass accents on the knobs and the ends of the oven handle. Over time the brass can develop a patina and require polishing to restore its shine. If you want to minimize the look of brass, you can purchase stainless steel knobs.

Build Quality and Service

According to our customers, our staff, and professional reviewers, Monogram can be depended upon for excellent performance. With Monogram ranges, you get a limited 2-year warranty on the entire appliance and the surface burners as well as a limited lifetime warranty on the racks. Service is provided by GE, Monogram’s parent company, which has a well-established and reliable network or providers.

Monogram vs. GE

Over years of testing kitchen appliances, I have found that all cooking appliances manufactured by GE from the humblest to the most expensive offer superior performance both on the stovetop and in the oven. Burners on GE cooktops cook quickly and evenly while the ovens bake uniformly so you can even make several sheets of cookies at once without rotating them. In addition, it has been my observation that GE values convenience, producing knobs that are easy to turn, control pads that are intuitive to use, and parts that are easy to clean. With all GE ranges, you get a thorough owner’s manual.

However, as you move up in price, from GE to GE Profile to Cafe appliances to Monogram, there is an increase in the features, the sophistication of the design, and the quality of construction of the products. GE ranges look and feel like basic stoves that you would expect to see in a low-priced rental unit. Only the most expensive GE ranges have features like convection ovens, self-cleaning settings, and WiFi connectivity. GE Profile stoves are sleeker in appearance, have higher power burners, and are more likely to have convection and self cleaning ovens. All GE Profile ranges are “smart” which means you can download new settings like Air Fry as they are introduced.

The Cafe line is a great choice if you’re looking for a heavy duty commercial look and all the features of GE Profile ranges at a somewhat affordable price. When you step up to Monogram, you get a range with the highest quality construction, most luxurious styling, and greatest attention to detail that GE has to offer. A Monogram range is a statement piece that will be the focal point of your kitchen.

Conclusion

When you buy a Monogram range, you get an impressive-looking range without going over your budget. You’re also assured of excellent cooking results and get one of the most convenient-to-use pro-style ranges on the market.

Monogram is known for offering useful features like an air fry setting in the oven, a stovetop that can hold a wok. With easy to remove grates that fit in the sink and oven racks that can remain in place during self cleaning, Monogram ranges are easy to keep clean.

While Monogram products are known for their durability and reliability, if a problem does arise, they’re backed by GE service, one of the most dependable in the business.

FAQs

What is a multi ring burner? A dual flame stacked burner?
A dual flame stacked burner has two levels. The upper level of the burner produces up to 21,000 BTUs of power for quick boil times or a good sear on a t-bone steak. The lower flame allows for a range of low heat settings for everything from braising meat to melting chocolate.

On the 23,000 BTU multi ring burner there is an outer and an inner ring of flame. When you use the outer ring, you have a wide flame that is ideal for heating large pots and pans. The inner ring is used for low heat.

Are all burners the same on Monogram ranges?
No. Each range has an assortment of burners and the assortment varies on each model. However, on each range there are burners that vary from 15,000 BTUs which is moderately powerful to 21,000 or 23,000 BTUs which is formidable, helping a Monogram range live up to its reputation for pro-style cooking.

Where can I see Monogram ranges?
Visit our showrooms to experience the look and feel of the brand. You’ll meet with our knowledgeable product experts who can help you pick the perfect model for your kitchen.

What’s special about Monogram 48-inch Ranges?
In addition to more surface burners, Monogram 48-inch dual fuel models have two ovens: one that's a standard 30 inches wide and another that's 30 inches wide. Both ovens have convection heating and exactly the same features.

Do Monogram Ranges come in colors?
At this time Monogram only makes ranges in stainless steel. All ranges come with knobs with brass accents.

How does a Monogram range stack up against Wolf?
We get this question a lot. Both brands produce high quality ranges that will not only serve as the centerpiece of your kitchen but give you excellent cooking performance. On GE you get conveniences like air frying, easy-to-maneuver grates, and racks that can remain in the oven during self cleaning. Wolf ranges have more industrial-looing styling and are available in a 60” width. They also have a lot of cachet and could help you to see more return on your money if you’re remodeling your kitchen with an eye to selling your home. There are no induction ranges in the Monogram line while Wolf offers both a 30” and a 36” model.

Looking for a 60" range? We recommend considering the Wolf range or Thermador to take advantage of double ovens and maximum cooktop flexibility.

What are the key differences between Monogram and Thermador?
Thermador is another line with gorgeous styling and an excellent reputation. Its most powerful stovetop burner has fewer BTUs than Monogram’s. Thermador grates are large and heavy and therefore more difficult to clean in the sink but as the burners themselves are raised, it’s easy to clean around them. Like Monogram ranges, Thermador ranges can be connected to an app to download recipes but the oven doesn’t feature an air fry setting.

Thermador’s 36” and 48” dual fuel ranges are available with a combination of gas and induction burners on the stovetop. The 48” and 60” dual fuel models can be purchased with a steam oven and a warming drawer in addition to a full-size convection oven.

Monogram appliances should be at the top of your list if you're planning a high-end kitchen. Hey, if it's good enough for Gwyneth Paltrow, you know it's good, right? The GE brand recently made the actress/entrepreneur an ambassador to promote its luxury design appeal and wellness features.

We agree with GP that Monogram has a lot to offer. As GE's premium product line, it's grown increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to its aesthetically pleasing features and top-of-the-line functionality. We think of it as an attractive and more accessible alternative to brands like Wolf and Thermador—and you should, too. We also like that it's backed by GE's excellent nationwide service network.

Monogram offers six product categories, so you can fully equip your kitchen with a Monogram range or cooktop, wall oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, undercounter appliances, and specialty appliances (including unique ones like its built-in hearth oven and rotisserie). We're going to give you an overview of each, with our expert take on their best features and a few shortcomings you'll want to note.

Keep reading for our hands-on take on everything Monogram has to offer, plus our expert insights on what sets it apart from other pro-style brands.

Appliance Matchmaker: Monogram

People often say they "fall in love" with a statement range or refrigerator. We get it: Kitchens are where our lives happen, and the decisions you have to make about how to equip yours are emotional ones. We've helped over 300,000 customers build their dream kitchen, and we're here to help you understand which brands align best with your wants and needs, from budget to design details. Let's take a look at Monogram as a potential match.

You'll Love Monogram If...

• You want a pro-style kitchen at a competitive price point
• Practical, popular, real-world features and functionality, like air-frying, matter to you as much as luxury details do
• You want your entire kitchen package to match, including any undercounter appliances like an ice maker or beverage center
• You're interested in a panel-ready refrigerator or dishwasher
• You're intrigued by the idea of a glass-door refrigerator
• You want a look that's different from your neighbors' kitchens
• You're interested in unique appliances, like Monogram's brick-oven-style hearth oven or rotisserie

Monogram Might Not be Right for You If...

• Resale value is your number-one priority; brands like Wolf and Thermador may have more cachet in some potential buyers' eyes
• You want appliances in a color or a matte finish (Monogram offers only stainless steel, with panel ready option for fridges and dishwashers)
• You want something old-world, with big chunky knobs, heritage details, and few screens. Monogram appliances look a bit sleeker and are packed with modern conveniences like LCD touch screens, LED backlighting, and WiFi you may not need or want.

How Much Do Monogram Appliances Cost?

Monogram appliances are designed to bring high-end polish to a premium kitchen. Here's a breakdown of the Monogram series price points—they run about 10 to 15 percent higher than Cafe appliances, Monogram's trendy little sister brand in the GE family.

If you're considering purchasing multiple matching appliances, keep in mind that Monogram runs seasonal promotions and special packages all year.

Note: GE doesn't make laundry appliances under the Monogram brand name—or as part of the Profile or Café lines. Instead, the company consolidated them under the GE washer brand.

Monogram Design Styles: Statement, Minimalist & Designer

Monogram appliances belong to one of two distinct collections: Statement or Minimalist. They have the same functionality and technology inside, but their exterior design is quite different.

Monogram Minimalist Collection Appliances

Love the contemporary look? You can go ahead and narrow down your search to Monogram's Minimalist collection. These stainless steel appliances install fully flush and look totally seamless in your kitchen.

Instead of chunky knobs and handles, they have either a clean-lined handle or handle-less push-to-open doors and touch screens.

On the wall ovens and even the refrigerators, you can get a sleek, full-width black glass front.

Pro Tip: You'll want to look at Monogram cooktops instead of ranges for all of your appliances to match perfectly.

Monogram Statement Collection Appliances

These pieces combine traditional and modern design elements in a way that we think looks beautiful in pretty much any style kitchen. You just have to like mixed metals: Stainless steel with brass accents is the statement that Monogram's Statement collection is making.

You'll also notice that these appliances have chunky, pro-style handles and knobs for a commercial, restaurant-style feel.

Similar to the Minimalist collection, they still have wide glass viewing windows and touch screens, so they're not totally traditional in the old-fashioned way.

Monogram Designer Collection Appliances

Monogram debuted these pieces, designed by its creative director, Richard Anuszkiewicz, in 2023. They're available only by custom order, and come in two colorways: brass (including a fully brass refrigerator and range hood) and titanium. At 96 inches tall, the Designer Collection refrigerator is taller than a standard 84-inch built-in fridge, to create a sense of height. Another luxurious touch is the handle on the range, which is wrapped end-to-end in leather.

Monogram Ranges and Stoves

A Monogram range is likely to be the first thing guests in your kitchen–it’s a showstopper. They're available in three sizes: 30, 36, or 48 inches. You’ll have your choice among six models.

One choice you’ll need to make is between gas or dual fuel. The latter, which combines a gas cooktop with an electric oven, is popular because electric ovens can offer more consistent cooking temperatures. Dual fuel ranges tend to be slightly more expensive.

Monogram stoves also come in several cooktop configurations, which can include a griddle, grill, burners, or a combination of the three elements.

Pro Tip: Interested in induction? Monogram doesn't make an induction range, but it does offer an induction cooktop you can pair with a wall oven.

Monogram Range Configurations

GE has reimagined the Monogram line recently, giving the ranges (and the line's other appliances) a more streamlined design, tasteful brass accents, and coordinating handles. The latest iterations are the most luxurious yet.

Monogram Range Special Features

You’ll also find a few unexpected but useful surprises in Monogram ranges. Grill grates can be flipped to create a wok ring. Burner dials are backlit, emitting a red warning light when left on.

Monogram calls its 21,000 BTU burner the TrueTemp burner. This one, like the burners and heating elements on its cooktops, is specially designed to work with Hestan cookware and the Hestan Cue app. It's a guided recipe program with an extra-cool feature: It syncs your pan to the burner, so your food cooks perfectly with no effort at all from you.

You also get air fryer capability that's built right in. It's a feature of all GE ovens, and GE has perfected the convection oven technology that gets food ultra-crisp.

No need to clutter your countertop or haul out an air fryer for every use. Best of all, the in-oven air fryer offers plenty of room for cooking (5.7 cubic feet in the 30-inch model), thanks to an upgraded convection system. That means much bigger air fryer capacity–and much bigger batches of snacks.

Monogram Rangetops and Cooktops

There’s a lot to love about a Monogram rangetop or cooktop. They have the same great features as its ranges but give you more flexibility in how you lay out your kitchen.

Monogram gas rangetops are part of its Professional series; they have the same brass detailing, including chunky, front-facing knobs, as its ranges.

Monogram cooktops fit more seamlessly into the top of your counter and can be fueled by gas, induction, or electric.

Want to learn more about cooktops vs rangetops? Basically, these are cooking surfaces with burners or heating elements without an oven underneath; you'd coordinate them with a separate wall oven or stack of ovens. Learn the differences and similarities in our detailed buying guide.

Monogram Professional Gas Rangetops

From $4,400 to $5,400
Commercial-style rangetops with all the trimmings of Monogram's ranges come in a 36-inch width with six burners or four burners and a griddle, and a 48-inch width with six burners and a griddle.

Monogram Gas Cooktops

From $2,400 to $2,700
If you prefer a less commercial and beefy look, you may want to choose Monogram’s 30-inch or 36-inch gas cooktop. Both of these spacious sizes offer five burners with continuous grates, making it easy to move heavy pots and pans between flames, as well as high-end brass detailing. The 36-inch size is available with or without brass-accented burners, and a griddle attachment is available to fit over the two left-hand burners of all sizes.

Monogram Induction Cooktops

From $2,800 to $3,500
Nothing heats faster than an induction cooktop, and Monogram’s is available in a 30-inch size with four elements or a 36-inch size with five elements, in black or patterned silver glass. They can be flush mounted to be completely flat with your kitchen countertop. They also boast a lot of versatility. You can "bridge" (aka combine) two burners for a larger-sized pan, so that the area in between heats up. The burners also expand to heat larger pots or pans. For safety, it has a pan presence sensor (it'll shut off when it doesn't sense a pan) and hot surface indicator.

One thing we really love: Monogram’s induction cooktop does away with the buzzing sound some other induction cooktops make.

Monogram Electric Cooktops

From $2,000 to $2,200
Monogram’s five-burner electric cooktops, available in 30- and 36-inch widths, also fit neatly into your countertop to keep your kitchen looking sleek. They feature many of the same handy features you’ll find on the brand’s induction models, including a keep-warm area, a hot surface indicator light, and a melt feature, although they're less efficient and responsive to temperature changes.

If your budget allows, we recommend induction over electric cooktop any day.

Unique Features

Hestan Cue: GE brands, including Monogram, work with Hestan's temperature-sensing smart cookware to automate cooking for you. Monogram cooktops (including on its ranges) can connect to the Hestan Cue app, which features guided video recipes that automatically adjust the pan temperature as you cook.

WiFi: All Monogram appliances are WiFi-enabled, giving you access to settings, features, troubleshooting, and even downloadable extras via an app or smart assistant's voice controls.

Monogram Ovens

Monogram makes a wide selection of ovens in both its Statement and Minimalist collections. If you have an older 27-inch wall oven, you can slot a new 27-inch oven right into its niche without needing to make any major changes to your kitchen cabinets.

Monogram Smart Five in One Wall Ovens

Available in 27- and 30-inch widths; 27-inch in Minimalist style only
120V or 240 V
From $3,500 to $4,100
Monogram’s 5-in-1 Advantium speed oven functions as an air fryer, microwave, warming/proofing oven, toaster oven, and convection oven all in one, and its upgraded cooking technology requires no preheating. Single- and double-wall oven configurations are available in both the Minimalist collection, which features an edge-to-edge glass front, and the Statement collection, which is bordered by stainless steel. (The collections are similarly priced, so choosing between them is really a matter of aesthetic preference.)

Monogram Electric Convection Single and Double Ovens

Available in 27- and 30-inch widths, in either Minimalist or Statement style
French door oven also available in 30-inch Statement style
From $3,700 to $5,800
Apart from their style and size differences, Monogram's latest electric convection wall ovens have twin-fan true European convection; the previous generation of ovens doesn't have the twin fan. They also have more convection baking modes, LED lights (as opposed to halogen), and two heavy-duty self-clean full-extension racks as opposed to just one.

One note: The newer ovens can't be installed underneath a cooktop.

Monogram Steam Oven

Available only in Statement collection
From $3,900
Introduced in 2023, it's GE's first steam oven —you won't find one in the Profile or Cafe lines. Gwyneth Paltrow has one in her home. Monogram's version is a little different from other brands' in that it runs on water from a removable tank (it's not plumbed) but recirculates the water—helpful, so that you don't have to refill it as often. It can multitask as a true European convection oven. Another pro: It comes with a six-piece stainless steel cookware set designed especially for steam cooking.

Monogram Electric Hearth Oven

30-inch width
From $8,999*
This unique brick-oven-style appliance is among the first of its kind, and Monogram recently updated it so that it sits fully flush with your cabinetry and has a new brass detail that works nicely with other Statement Collection pieces. It also now has more preset cooking modes and is ideal for pizza, fish, vegetables, and more. And thanks to its unique ventless design, you won’t have to worry about odors escaping into your home or need to have additional ductwork installed.

Monogram Rotisserie

Launching later this year is an indoor rotisserie built on the same ventless technology as the hearth oven. If you love cooking on a spit (or just want something truly unique in your kitchen), it'll set your space apart.

Monogram Refrigerators

Monogram makes refrigerators for any size kitchen—and any height ceiling. In addition to true built-in refrigerators and columns, it offers freestanding counter-depth refrigerators. And here's another luxury touch: You can get a glass door refrigerator, similar to ones made by pricier competitors like Sub-Zero and True.

All are available with Statement or Minimalist handles; if you go for a panel-ready model, you can choose either of those or use your own handle.

Full-Size Configurations

Monogram refrigerators feature clean lines; they don’t have the louvered top you see on Sub-Zero refrigerators, for example.

Counter-Depth Selection

• 36" French Door w/ bottom freezer drawer, $4,500

Built-in Selection
From $8,400 to $12,500

• 48" side by side, with or without dispenser, stainless steel or panel ready
• 42" side by side, with or without dispenser, stainless steel or panel ready
• 36" French door, stainless steel or panel ready
• 36" side by side with dispenser, stainless or panel ready
• 36" bottom freezer, left or right hinge, stainless steel or panel ready
• 30" fridge with two bottom freezer drawers, glass or stainless steel door

Customers can choose from four different sizes, from a standard 30-inch to a hefty 48-inch option. If you’ve built your kitchen around a cutout refrigerator and are worried it will be difficult to replace, rest easy: the Monogram refrigerator’s specifications match those of SubZero exactly, so you can easily swap in a new Monogram fridge when the time is right.

Your customization options are extensive: Order your Monogram fridge as a side-by-side unit or with the freezer on the bottom. Include a water and ice dispenser or opt out of it altogether. Go with a stainless steel or glass door or cover your fridge with a cabinet panel to match your kitchen decor. And that’s just the outside of the fridge–you can also customize the shelving and compartments within.

Monogram Column Refrigeration

From $6,500 to $9,500
Monogram's built-in fridges come in lots of configurations, but you might want something totally custom. That's where columns fit in. Available in 18-, 24-, 30-, and 36-inch sizes, Monogram’s columns allow you to create as much as room as you want. For example, you could place two refrigerator columns next to each other for an expansive 60 inches of fresh storage , combine one with a 30-inch bottom mount freezer refrigerator if you need only a little freezer space, or place a 30-inch fridge, freezer, and wine sommelier side by side. The wine It’s all a matter of your storage needs and the space you’re working with.

Column Refrigeration Selection

• 36" fridge or freezer, panel ready
• 30" fridge or freezer, panel ready
• 30" wine sommelier, panel ready, two zones, up to 106 bottles, convertible fridge/freezer/wine drawer, freezer drawer with ice maker
• 24" fridge or freezer, panel ready
• 18" freezer, panel ready

Monogram Undercounter Appliances

Monogram's undercounter selection complements its full-size refrigeration to meet all your entertaining needs. It includes refrigerators, wine coolers, and ice makers. We’ll dive into specifics on each below.

Monogram Undercounter Refrigerators

From $2,100 to $3,100
Monogram offers three 24-inch undercounter refrigeration options: single door, double drawer, or indoor/outdoor. The double drawer style, available in stainless steel or panel ready, offers a convenient place to stash drinks, desserts, or other prepared food when entertaining. And the single-door one (also in stainless steel or panel ready) has a handy slide-back shelf for storing taller items like water bottles or pineapples. The indoor/outdoor version has a stainless steel, weather-proof exterior perfect for outdoor kitchens.

Monogram Undercounter Wine & Beverage Coolers

$2,200 to $2,300
Monogram’s line of undercounter beverage coolers includes a wine reserve with 57-bottle capacity and a beverage center with room for 126 12-ounce cans or 10 bottles of wine. You can choose a stainless steel frame for the glass door or add your own custom panel. These sleek options mean your kitchen will be fully equipped for entertaining.

Monogram Undercounter Ice Maker

From $3,199 to $3,799
Both Monogram 15-inch ice makers are app-enabled, so you can get ice going while you're still at the grocery store picking up party supplies. The app also provides helpful reminders for routine maintenance, like changing the filter.

Monogram Dishwashers

In general, we're big fans of dishwashers in any GE product line, and Monogram's no exception. There’s plenty to love about its feature-packed, highly rated appliances. You'll enjoy its super-quiet decibel rating and superb cleaning thanks to its having a greater number of water jets than any other brand (90, to be exact). The dishwasher’s jets are located on the side, bottom, and spray arms to ensure the most pristine dishes possible; and special jets for silverware and baby bottles are another handy feature.

The 24-inch standard size is available in stainless steel with a Statement or Minimalist handle or with a panel ready door; a small 18-inch dishwasher is also available with a panel-ready door.

Conclusion

As GE's premium appliance line, Monogram delivers a professional-style kitchen whether you prefer the more traditional Statement collection or the more modern, seamless Minimalist collection.

Monogram's also ideal for you if you like a traditional aesthetic but want cooking and cleaning tools that are packed with the latest technology. From the no-preheat air fryer and twin-fan true European convection modes in its ovens to its dishwashers' unparalleled number of water jets, GE invests in practical technologies that people will get use out of week in and week out.

And did we mention that the whole line's backed by GE's proven service network? Go with Monogram, and you'll love the dependability and style.

Monogram Appliances FAQs

Who makes Monogram appliances?

Monogram is owned by GE, which also makes GE, GE Profile, and Café appliances. GE is now owned by Haier. These four product lines share features and technologies as well as GE's nationwide service network. Monogram is GE's premium, pro-style brand, followed by design-savvy Café; the company considers GE Profile to be focused on cutting-edge technology, and GE offer more standard, entry-level products.

Is GE Monogram or Profile better?

GE considers Monogram to be its premium brand. The Monogram line is more fully featured—and, as a result, more expensive. The brands do share much of the same technology and reliability, however. The best brand for you depends on your style and your budget.

Is Monogram appliances a good brand?

We find it to be very reliable because it's backed by parent company GE's excellent service network. All of the offerings in its packages—even the dishwashers—perform well in our experience and that of our customers.

Whirlpool washer and dryer is the first name that comes to mind for many people when shopping for a new laundry set. It's little wonder, since the company's been around for more than a hundred years. Thanks to that history, most reviews associate the Whirlpool washer and dryer with quality.

I'm the founder of Designer Appliances, a premier appliance store in New Jersey. Over the last 15+ years I've tested many Whirlpool washers in my own home and in our showrooms, and heard real-life feedback from thousands of customers in real-time.

Whirlpool has a big product lineup, so there's a solution for every budget and household size. But with that broad range of options comes a challenge—namely, deciding which washer and dryer set is the best fit for your family. That’s where I come in. Read on to learn more about Whirlpool washers, including their features, upsides, and downsides—and then which models I recommend.

Appliance Matchmaker

Is Whirlpool a match for you?

Pros: Reasons To Buy Whirlpool Washer and Dryer

• Whirlpool prices its laundry consistent with the feature set presented. There are certainly less expensive products on the market, but they lack the reliability that Whirlpool offers.
• Whirlpool has a large selection. Its laundry products range from full size front loaders to compact-apartment size washers and dryers. The company even carries legacy products such as top load washers, laundry centers, and commercial washing machines. The same goes for its dryers. The brand makes gas and electric dryers with or without vents.
• Prominent convenience features. Whirlpool front load washers are stackable to save space in your laundry room. The Load and Go dispenser, which stores bulk detergent -for 20 loads or so- is a time saver. Post wash tumbling prevents musty odors when you cannot attend to your laundry immediately.
• Are you tired of fighting mold? Choose a Whirlpool top load washer. Even the front load selection does an excellent job regarding mold, thanks to its antimicrobial gasket.
• Whirlpool does a fantastic job in cleaning as long as you don't over-pour detergent. Select models in the top load catalog get you the 2-in-1 option where you can use a traditional agitator vs a gentle impeller.
• If you are looking for a true blue "Made in the US" brand, Whirlpool should be on top of your shopping list.

Cons: Reasons To Avoid Whirlpool Washer and Dryer

• Not a flashy look. Whirlpool laundry is reliable, but the styling is not up-to-date compared to its Korean competitors. The brand still offers the "chrome shadow" color, which helps if your laundry is in a visible area of your home.
• Lower spin speed in washers. Whirlpool (front load) washers come with a maximum 1,160 RPM spin speed (in comparison, other modern brands offer washing machines between 1,200 and 1,300 RPM). Washing machines with higher RPM's extract more water leaving less work to the dryer while saving you time.
• Wifi connectivity is an afterthought. Whirlpool offers wifi connectivity only in its top models.
• Not the most shallow depth laundry on the market. Whirlpool correctly identified an issue that affects many customers -some people simply don't have the depth to accommodate the modern full-size washer and dryer pair-. If depth is a significant concern for you, check out Whirlpools 4.5 cu. ft. washers with an almost 32-inch depth. However, keep in mind that the depth of LG washer and dryer is 30-inches.

The Whirlpool Washer and Dryer in 2024

Whirlpool makes a broad selection of front load and top load washers. It also makes two types of top load washers: traditional agitator and high-efficiency impeller models.

The following are the best Whirlpool washer and dryer models suitable for most families.

1. Best Overall Front Load Whirlpool WFW6620HW

W x H x D (in): 27 x 38-5/8 x 31-9/16 | Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft. | RPM: 1,160 | Color: White, Chrome Shadow | Steam Washer/Dryer: Yes/Yes | Stackable: Yes | Energy Star: Yes

Appliance Matchmaker

Is it a match for you?

• Load and Go bulk detergent dispenser.
• Steam washer and dryer.
• Extended post-wash tumbling to keep your laundry fresh.
• White and chrome shadow (gray) finish.

• No WiFi.
• Washer door is not reversible (Left hinge opening).

Sleek and high-powered, this 27-inch front load washer offers 4.5 cu. ft. capacity and multiple wash cycles. In addition, it comes standard with steam, and sanitize wash cycles which is not common for laundry in this price band. The quick wash cycle takes less than 30 minutes and is ideal for a small load of clothes that you need in a hurry.

Other Front Load Whirlpool Washers:

• Budget front load: WFW5620HW covers all the basics, still at 4.5 cu. ft. capacity. It even has the Load and Go dispenser. (Later in 2023 we expect Whirlpool to replace this model with WFW5605MW which will not have the automatic dispenser.)
• Larger capacity front load: WFW8620HW With a 27-inch profile and 5.0 cu. ft. capacity, you can rest easy knowing your family’s laundry needs are met. Even more convenient are this washer’s ability to tumble dry clothes once the wash cycle ends and its 12-hour FanFresh Option, an automatic fan that keeps clothes fresh for up to 12 hours if you don’t have time to switch clothes to the dryer. A one-step wash and dry, plus more capacity? That’s a win-win.

2. Best Budget Top Load Whirlpool WTW5010LW

W x H x D (in): 27 3/4 x 41 1/2 (55 3/4 lid open) x 27 | Capacity: 4.6 cu. ft. | RPM: 770 | Color: White | Steam Washer/Dryer: No/No | Energy Star: Yes

Appliance Matchmaker

Is it a match for you?

• Traditional top load washer with modern features.
• Built-in faucet for pre-treating/soaking clothes.

• Not gentle on clothes.

This 28-inch HE top load washer boasts a 4.6 cu. ft. capacity, 12 wash cycles, a built-in water faucet, presoak option, quick wash cycle, and the deep water wash function, which breaks down loose soils by using more water.

Other Top Load Whirlpool Washers:

• Premium top load: WTW8120HW Our favorite Whirlpool workhorse, this 5.3 cu. ft. capacity washer has plenty of features to get excited about. It's great for larger families with a lot of laundry, and with 26 cycles, there's one for every situation that might arise.

Additional features include Whirlpool's Adaptive Wash Technology with Active Bloom Wash Action and ColorLast. These two functions ensure that your clothes look newer for longer by caring for fabrics and preserving vibrant colors.

This washer can be placed anywhere in your home and used at any time thanks to the Quiet Wash Ultra Noise Reduction System, which keeps operational sounds at a minimum. You can also save money on your energy bills, since this is an Energy Star certified product.

Washer Dryer 101: What to Look For

Whether you’re buying a washer for the first time or upgrading the one you bought a decade ago, you’ll no doubt have certain expectations about what your new appliance will offer. Let's run through the checklist of qualities you should look for and see how Whirlpool stacks up.

Choose a Type

Whirlpool Front Load vs. Top Load Washers
Like many big, global brands, Whirlpool makes both front load and top load washers. Neither is necessaraily better, per se—it really comes down to your routines and preferences.

Front load washers are better at cleaning, quieter, more efficient (in terms of overall water and energy use and faster spin speeds), and nicer looking, in our opinion. You can stack them or set them side by side. They do tend to require more regular cleaning to keep stinky mold and mildew under control.

Top load washers don't have mold issues. That makes them better for people who won't want to bother with weekly maintenance and better for basements. They also finish cycles faster and are smaller, although they can only be installed side by side. If you're looking to spend as little as possible, we recommend going for a top loader—the technology is simpler and less likely to give you problems.

Whirlpool HE (Impeller) Top Load vs. Agitator Top Load Washers
So you've decided that you want a top load washing machine. It’s important to note that there are two types—agitator and HE impeller—and they're different. Agitator top load washers have a familiar technology where a central post rubs against clothes to remove and rinse away dirt. High efficiency (HE) washers utilize an impeller. It's a textured surface at the bottom of the tub that spins and rotates to rub clothes against each other and get them clean.

Typically, agitator top load washing machines tend to be less expensive, have shorter cycle times, use more water, and can be tougher on fabric. HE washing machines are the more expensive option, but they're more efficient in terms of water and energy usage and gentler on fabric. The higher spin rates on HE washers equate to shorter drying times, which means more time and energy savings for you.

Check Out the Features

Reliable Cleaning Performance
Exceptional cleaning is the number one thing you want, of course. Whirlpool is a company that gets this. They’ve come up with an innovative feature called Deep Water Wash that adds extra water to the wash cycle to help break down and remove soils and stains.

Whirlpool washers also ensure that colors stay vibrant, thanks to each washer’s ColorLast wash option. Your clothes run through at the ideal temperature and duration, reducing bleeding and fading.

Here are a few more of Whirlpool’s cleaning innovations:

Adaptive Wash Technology: This is a core technology across all Whirlpool washers. It senses the weight and soil level of each load and adjusts the water levels and wash actions to clean them thoroughly but gently. It should help your clothes and linens last longer.

Precision Dispense: Present in all Whirlpool washers, this feature ensures that detergent and fabric softener are released at the ideal time during a cycle.

Steam Clean: This brilliant stain-fighting option penetrates fabrics to soften and break down stains and soils. With increased wash action, rinsing, and heat, even stubborn stains are more likely to lift. Steam also helps your washer use less water.

Quick Wash Cycle: By using a smaller amount of water and higher spin speeds, this feature gives you clean clothes in less than 30 minutes.

Time-Saving Active Spray: This technology ensures better cleaning and stain removal by spraying your load with water and detergent before washing, removing the need to pretreat clothes before a cycle.

Oxi Dispense Option: This feature releases oxygenated additives to your laundry to improve cleaning performance.

Built-In Water Faucet: Positioned inside the rim of Whirlpool top load washers, this faucet helps to prewash clothes and remove simple stains before the cycle even starts.

EasyView Frameless Glass Lid with Slow-Close Technology: It closes your washer’s lid slowly and quietly, and even allows you to see inside the drum.

Although washers generally get more attention than dryers in terms of their technology, Whirlpool dryers also have some notable features.

Wrinkle Shield Option with Steam: This feature adds steam to the drying process to ensure the absence of wrinkles—which makes it a great option for those who don’t have time to iron.

Sanitize Cycle: With this function, 99.9% of common household bacteria is eliminated, keeping your clothes clean and your family healthy.

Energy Efficiency

Whirlpool washers are known for low energy consumption, which helps you keep your water bill lower. The company's mid-high-end washers also exceed minimum Energy Star requirements. And while most typical high-efficiency washers take around 80 minutes to complete a cycle, Whirlpool’s quick wash cycles can effectively clean a load in less than 30 minutes, using less water and increased spin speeds. This feature can save you a lot of time—and the environment a lot of water.

Reduced Noise

There’s nothing worse than a clanking, clattering washing machine, which is why Whirlpool washers include sound-absorbing material and a compact motor that runs around the wash drum. Thanks to the Quiet Wash Ultra Noise Reduction System, you can place your washer anywhere in the house and wash a load any time of day without disturbance.

Smart Size, Configuration & Ergonomics

As we mentioned above, Whirlpool makes top load and front load washer, so you'll need to decide which configuration you like best. One of the biggest ways they differ is ergonomics: Top load washers are easier on your body. How? Because they don’t require you to bend down to load or unload clothes.

Another is stackability. Front load washers allow you to stack the dryer on top of the washer, saving you floor space.

However, top load washers do boast a smaller footprint: The width of both washer and dryer generally ranges between 27 and 27 1/2 inches, making it easy for you to place the Whirlpool top load washer and dryer side by side in your laundry room. (However, make sure you leave an inch between the washer and dryer, per manufacturer recommendations.) Budget about 28 inches for depth and between 40 1/4 and 44 inches for height, and keep in mind that the lid is approximately 21 inches high when in the open position. You’ll also want to reserve 4 to 6 inches behind the washer for the hoses and vent kit.

Do those dimensions sound tight for your space? You might want to consider a compact washer and dryer instead. Keep in mind that Whirlpool makes multiple ventless dryer models to facilitate versatile installation.

WiFi Connectivity

Do you want to be able to stop and start your laundry using your smartphone? If so, look for a WiFi-enabled set—most of Whirlpool's machines are.

Whirlpool's mobile app acts as a remote control for your washer. You can use it to start and stop cycles and select a preferred cycle—even if you’re not at home. It has an alert and diagnostic tool that can let you know if your machine has an unbalanced load or if you’ve used too much detergent.

You can download customized cycles for various laundry needs, ensuring the best possible care and wash performance. As new cycles are released, they can be downloaded through the app; you can also create your own unique cycle.

Amazon replenishment is another great feature you get from Whirlpool's WiFi-enabled washers. By syncing the Whirlpool app with your Amazon account, you can set it up to automatically place an order for a detergent refill whenever you’re running low.

The option to pair your set with the Nest Learning Thermostat is another cool feature: Because energy costs differ over the course of a day, it can tell you when energy costs are below average so you can run your cycle then, decreasing your electricity bill.

Conclusion

Whirlpool washers and dryers appeal to a big range of customers, thanks to their name recognition and wide array of options. Whether you’re looking for a base or deluxe model, with Whirlpool you know you’ll be getting a quality, high-performance machine, one that will care for your clothes with every wash.

Cover Photo by MVP Detroit (@mvpdetroit) via Home Bunch House Tours (@homebunch); design and build by Petrucci Homes (@petruccihomes)

FAQs

Is Whirlpool a good brand?
Yes, Whirlpool is one of the most highly sought-after manufacturers of laundry appliances, and its washers and dryers consistently rate high.

How long should a Whirlpool washing machine last?
With normal wear and tear, a Whirlpool washing machine should last about five to seven years.

Who makes Whirlpool washers?
The Whirlpool Corporation, which also oversees and manufactures Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and other household appliance brands.

Where are Whirlpool washers made?
Right here in the United States. Whirlpool headquarters are located in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and the company maintains nine factories throughout the U.S.

When you clean a front load washer, you're not just removing lint and dust. You're fighting a battle against mold and mildew, not to mention the musty smell that comes along with them. The only way to keep the odor at bay is cleaning your machine, one laundry day at a time.

When front load washing machines first debuted in the U.S. in the late '90s, they won people over because they don’t have an old-fashioned agitator. They can wash clothes without beating up the fabric. But that's not their only advantage: Even though most Americans still have a top loader, front load washers keep rising in popularity because they clean clothes more thoroughly, run more quietly and efficiently, give you more installation options (i.e., they can be stacked, which is huge), and spin faster, saving time and energy during drying.

But there’s one caveat: Front load washers can be a handful to maintain. That's something you should know up, well, front if your dream washer and dryer set are front load style.

All it really takes is consistency, starting with the very first load you throw in. Keep reading for our foolproof cleaning formula to prevent mold and mildew from stinking up your machine, plus expert tips to make maintenance easier.

Why Do Front Load Washers Smell Bad?

First let's look at the culprit behind this problem: mold. Where does it come from, and why pick on front loaders? As amazing as these machines are, the way they’re built encourages mold growth. The door has to be waterproof and airtight to prevent leaks, and the components that seal it can hang onto mold-causing moisture.

That's why mold is arguably the biggest sticking point in the front load vs top load washer debate.

Front loader washers have a heavy rubber gasket that surrounds the door and forms a leakproof seal that keeps detergent and water in during the wash cycle. In addition, the detergent dispensers on front load washing machines are notoriously poor when it comes to drainage. Even the drum of these machines can hold onto moisture in a way top load washers just don’t, since it can evaporate through the space around the lid.

Water, excess detergent, and oils from your clothes can build up in these three spots, creating a veritable buffet for mold, mildew, and bacteria.

Over time, your washing machine can develop a musty odor as a result of mold and mildew growth. If it gets out of control, your clothes will end up taking on this smell as well. Until these issues are solved by the manufacturers—and they're working on it!—you’ll need to stay on top of mold if you opt for a front loading washer.

How to Prevent Odors in a Front Load Washer

It takes only a bit of regular cleaning to keep your front load washing machine free of mold, mildew, and their associated stench. You can make it even easier by incorporating these tips into your laundry routine:

• Always use HE detergent. They're specially formulated to clean using less water and suds than regular detergent, which means less soap can linger in the drum, gasket, and dispenser. Don’t use any that say they’re merely “front load compatible.”
• Use the correct amount of detergent. Using too much detergent won’t make your clothes smell better or get cleaner. Instead, it works in quite the opposite way: it doesn’t rinse away completely. The excess detergent will build up in the tub and gasket, giving mold something to nosh on and leaving a dingy film on your clothes.
• Consider a plant-based detergent. Many commercial liquid laundry detergents are petroleum-based, which makes them more likely to leave behind an oily, filmy residue in your machine—especially if you use too much. Plant-based laundry detergents rinse away cleaner with every cycle.
• Include bleach or Borax occasionally. Once a week, run your washing machine without clothing on a hot cycle. Add ½ cup bleach or Borax (a naturally occurring mineral, sodium tetraborate, that softens water, giving detergent a boost and helping remove soap residue) to the load to scrub the drum and the rubber gasket. Alternatively, you could add a bit of bleach to your weekly load of whites to freshen up your washer.
• Inspect the drain hose. In rare instances, your drain hose might be pushed too far into the drain stand pipe so that it’s allowing dirty water to run back into the machine and cause a musty odor. Ideally the hose should be clipped to the side of the stand pipe to prevent this issue.

Pro Tip: Don't ignore the clearest sign of all that your washer needs a little TLC: an auto alert. That's right, many washers notify you when they need to be cleaned. For instance, our favorite front loader for mold prevention, the GE GFW850SPNRS, tells you when it’s time to run its self-clean cycle. It also has built-in features to help prevent mold, like a venting system called UltraFresh and Microban antibacterial surfaces.

How to Clean a Front Load Washer Daily

We’ve all heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Those wise words certainly apply to a front load washing machine. Take these steps to clean a front load washer after you've moved the last load of the day into the dryer.

1. Gather Supplies

You need only two basics: a soft, clean cloth and a multipurpose cleaner (we like Biokleen). Keep them in your laundry room, and it'll make these steps easier to remember.

2. Clean the Gasket

Spritz the cloth with cleaner and wipe down the gasket around the door. Be sure to gently fold it back to clean the inside, too. You might be surprised by what you find in there: hair, pet hair, stickers from clothing, lint... There will also be excess water.

3. Hit the Detergent Dispenser

Use your trusty cleanser and cloth to wipe out the detergent dispenser drawer.

4. Let 'Em Dry

Leave the dispenser open and the door ajar so they can fully dry out. This step is most important. If you do nothing else, leaving the door open so that water can evaporate is key. Ask your family members to do this even if they're not responsible for cleaning.

How to Deep Clean Your Front Load Washer

About once a month, or more often if you do a lot of laundry, you’ll want to give your front load washing machine a more thorough cleaning. Follow the steps below if you’re wondering how to clean a front load washing machine, including the drum.

1. Gather Supplies

For this simple process, you’ll need:

• A soft, clean cloth
• Multipurpose cleaning spray (we like Biokleen)
• Distilled white vinegar, bleach, or Borax and washing soda; you can also use a commercial cleaner like Affresh

2. Wipe the Danger Zones

Wipe down the detergent dispenser, drum, door gasket, and exterior of the machine with a soft cloth spritzed with cleaner. Wipe down the dryer while you"re at it, too.

3. Clean the Drum

Add your cleaner of choice—2 cups of distilled white vinegar; ¼ cup bleach; some Borax and washing soda; or a commercial cleaner like Affresh—directly to the drum and run a hot cycle with no clothes. If your washer doesn’t specifically have a hot water cycle, choose the “whites,” “stain,” or “heavy” setting. Manually select a second rinse cycle if your washer has one. If not, run the same cycle a second time without the cleaner.

4. Let 'Em Dry

Leave the door and detergent dispenser drawer open so they can dry after the cycle’s finished.

If your washer’s still smelly after this, repeat steps 1 through 4 until the odor's gone.

Pro Tip: Miele washing machines should NOT be cleaned with bleach; it can damage the machine’s components. Just use the “clean machine” program and wipe out the detergent dispenser (even if your machine has the TwinDos automatic detergent dispenser and you don’t use it). The company also says not to use a commercial cleaner on the exterior since they’re too abrasive. A damp cloth should be plenty. You can use a stainless steel cleaner to clean the drum.

Conclusion

Although they require a bit more maintenance than top load washers, front load washers still come out ahead in our opinion. They're excellent at cleaning clothes, and they’re energy efficient.

Taking the time to keep your front load washing machine clean will ensure your clothes stay in top condition and smell as fresh as possible. It’s not too much of a chore if you make it part of your routine.

But if this sounds like too much to you, consider a top load washer instead—they require practically zero maintenance.

Gas vs electric stove: You want to know which is the smarter choice for your kitchen. Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer. Each has distinct advantages as well as disadvantages, and how you cook will help you determine which one is right for you.

However, whether you opt for a gas or electric stove may depend on which energy source is available to you. According to the federal Energy Information Administration, only about half of U.S. homes have access to natural gas. That limits your options considerably unless you're willing and able to install propane yourself.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to choose an electric or gas stove, we’re here to help you sort out the differences and decide which will best serve your cooking needs.

Wondering if it’s worth paying more for a hybrid stove with gas burners and an electric oven, aka a dual fuel stove? We have the lowdown on that option as well.

Gas vs. Electric Range: Key Differences

Installation

In order to install a gas range, you ideally need to live in an area that has a natural gas line.

If you live in a house with a yard, however, you have the option of installing an above-ground exterior LP (aka propane) tank. It's not the nicest thing to look at, but you'll likely need to refill it only once a year or so. You can also use the tank to power amenities like a gas fireplace if you want one of those.

On the other hand, if your home currently has a gas range and you want to swap in an electric one, you may need a new circuit since electric ranges require more power than a typical household outlet provides. Before you make the switch from all-gas to an electric or a dual fuel range, we recommend that you have an electrician assess the electrical lines in your kitchen.

Appearance

A gas range gives a kitchen a professional look. Often, it’s the centerpiece of the room and immediately signals that someone who loves to cook is in the house. However, a gas range is harder to keep pristine, and it can look messy.

On the other hand, an electric range with a smooth glass top is sleek and contemporary looking and easier to keep clean. That makes it appealing to anyone who wants a clutter-free kitchen.

Performance

We’ll get into the key differences as to which is better for stovetop cooking, baking, and broiling below. However, you can get good results from either fuel source. Contrary to popular belief, gas isn't necessarily better for stovetop cooking, and electric ovens only have a slight edge when it comes to consistent performance.

Resale Value

How a cooking appliance will impact the resale value of your home will depend largely on the preferences of potential buyers. Those who are avid cooks will love the look of a kitchen with a professional-style range. However, people with a taste for sleek modern design will gravitate to a kitchen with a range or cooktop that has a smooth glass ceramic surface.

Regardless of whether it’s gas or electric, a high-end range or cooktop will make a better impression.

Gas vs. Electric Stove FAQs

Which is better at cooking?

A gas cooktop heats up more quickly than an electric one, which makes it better for preparing something with a very short cooking time, like an omelet. Gas is also very responsive. As soon as you switch to a lower setting, the heat level reduces. If you’re making chocolate pudding, you can turn down the heat as soon as it thickens to prevent scorching. Chefs love gas because it helps them control the heat under sauces so they don’t curdle or become too concentrated.

While it takes electric ranges longer to start heating, once they do, they catch up. An electric element will bring a pot of water to a boil significantly faster than a gas burner; some electric cooktops can bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in less than 15 minutes while gas ranges typically take 25 minutes.

How evenly gas and electric ranges cook, whether you’re browning burgers or simmering a stew, will depend to some degree on what kind of cookware you use. Electric ranges will give extremely even browning and searing results when you use a pan with a perfectly flat disc on the bottom that makes good contact with the stovetop. On the other hand, gas ranges brown better when cooking is done in a so-called clad pan that has an interior layer of aluminum that extends from the bottom of the pan up the sides.

To get steady simmering on any type of cooktop, your best bet is to use a clad pan as it can conduct the heat up the sides. When you use a pan with a flat bottom, you can get scorching at the point where the base meets the sides.

Which has a better oven?

An electric oven holds a steadier temperature and therefore bakes more evenly. However, gas ovens on the market today are vastly improved over older ones, and many bake as well as an electric oven.

While gas ranges are believed to be better at broiling because they have an open flame like an outdoor grill, for the most part electric ranges brown more evenly. However, few broilers will give steaks the kind of dark brown crust that they develop when they’re cooked outdoors.

Gas ranges with infrared broilers, such as a Wolf range, do the best job of approximating the crusty results you get from a grill.

Which is cheaper?

There’s no major difference between the cost of gas and electric cooking appliances as long as they are the same size and in the same line of appliances. Features and styling have the biggest effect on price. As the number of extras increases and the styling becomes more sophisticated, appliances become more costly.

A dual fuel range with a gas cooktop and an electric oven is premium priced; by how much it exceeds all-gas and all-electric options depends on the brand.

Which is safer?

You have to be more careful with gas burners because they have an open flame. Sleeves, curtains, dish towels, and pot holders can easily catch fire.

On an electric cooktop, the chief danger is of a burn from touching the hot smoothtop surface. Most glass ceramic cooktops have hot surface indicators that light up when the cooktop is hot to remind you to be mindful.

Electric ranges are also better for indoor air quality. Gas ranges release carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide as well as other pollutants into the air, which can make them problematic for anyone who has a respiratory illness. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to install a range hood that exhausts to the outdoors over a gas range.

With gas appliances, there’s also the risk of a gas leak. If a gas range is installed correctly, it’s unlikely to leak. But if your home has gas appliances, you should have a carbon monoxide detector and be diligent about keeping it in good working order.

Which is easier to clean?

Hands down, an electric range is easier. On a gas range, there are burners, grates, and burner pans, all of which have crevices and can be difficult to maintain. To clean them thoroughly, they need to be removed from the cooktop, soaked in the sink, and put back in position. Often, they are large, heavy, and unwieldy to handle. If the grates are cast iron, you'll ideally want to season them the way you would a cast-iron pan to keep them gleaming.

While in theory all you have to do to clean the glass ceramic surface on an electric range is wipe it down, spillovers and splashes can burn on and become hard to remove. To keep an electric range in pristine condition, it’s important to clean up any splatters with a wet sponge or paper towel as quickly as you can. If burnt-on residue develops, it needs to be scraped off with a razor blade or glass scraper made for this purpose, with the blade held at a 45 degree angle. Scotch-Brite Glass Cooktop Cleaning Wand is another is another handy tool for stubborn messes.

On electric cooktops, you should avoid using glass cleaners like Windex, which can leave streaks, as well as abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can cause scratches. To polish the glass cooktop surface and get rid of smears, use a small amount of a glass ceramic cleaner made by EZ Brite, Weiman, Carbona, or Affresh and a soft clean cloth.

We strongly recommend ovens with traditional high heat self-cleaning cycles. Virtually all electric ovens are self-cleaning, but some gas ranges aren’t, particularly if they are either inexpensive or professionally styled. If a self-cleaning oven is important to you, and we think it should be, make sure any gas range you are considering purchasing has one. Don’t settle for a steam clean cycle, which will only loosen light stains.

Which is more environmentally friendly?

Neither gas nor electric ranges are energy hogs. Cooking appliances are responsible for only about 4.5 percent of a typical household’s energy costs.

Having said that, the cost of gas is lower than of electricity.

However, electric cooking appliances are more energy efficient than gas appliances because less heat is lost into the air.

Dual Fuel Stove: The Best of Both Worlds?
If you can’t decide which is better for you, a gas or electric range, the solution might be to invest in a dual fuel range with a gas cooktop and electric oven. It will give you the open flame and control over the heat that cooks love about gas and an oven that bakes evenly. It's the no-compromise option, but it'll cost you a premium, and you do have to have access to both natural gas and a 220 to 240 V electrical line. That means in addition to the higher cost of a dual fuel range, you may have the expense of installing an LP tank or calling in an electrician.

Gas vs. Electric Stove: Our Top Picks

The Best Gas Stove 2023: Bosch HGI8056UC 800 Series

We highly recommend the Bosch HGI8056UC 800 Series for its combination of high-quality design, reliability, and ease of use. On the cooktop there are 5 burners including a center one with a powerful 18,000 BTU output for a large stockpot. Below the 4.8 cubic foot self-cleaning, convection oven there’s a warming drawer.

The Best Electric Stove 2023: Café CES700P2MS1

If you’ve decided on an electric range, we think the Café CES700P2MS1 is the best one you can buy. While it costs less than many luxury models, it has impressive professional styling that will instantly upgrade your kitchen. Its cooktop features five heating elements, including a high wattage one dubbed Power Boil and a center element for keeping food warm. The large 5.7 cu. ft. convection oven has both self-clean and steam-clean capabilities. As it has an air fryer setting, you can jump on the healthy frying trend without investing in a countertop appliance. Below the oven, you’ll find a warming drawer. You can connect the GE to your smart phone to give you remote programming, the ability to give it voice commands, and automatically receive new features as they’re introduced.

The Best Dual Fuel Stove 2023: Wolf DF30450SP

If you’re willing to invest in a dual fuel range, the very best model is the Wolf DF30450SP. This luxury stove features impeccable workmanship that distinguishes it from ranges from almost every other brand on the marketplace. In your kitchen, it'll stand out for its heavy-duty, professional design as well as for its outstanding performance both on the stovetop and in the oven.

The Wolf has four gas burners of varying power, including one with 20,000 BTUs for quickly bringing water to a boil. Each of the burners can be reduced to an ultra-low 300 BTUs for melting chocolate or keeping food warm. In the 5.1 cu. ft. self-cleaning convection oven, there are three racks, including one that glides out to make it easy to baste a chicken or put a topping on a casserole. While the burners are turned on and off with easy-to-use oversized knobs, the oven is controlled with a touch screen control panel that offers 10 cooking modes and over 50 preprogrammed recipes. A probe for cooking to precise temperatures is included.

Conclusion

As long as you buy a high-quality stove, you can get excellent cooking results regardless of whether you decide on a gas or electric model. Many people have to make the selection based on which energy source is available in their home.

While those who love to cook prefer gas ranges because they respond quickly, electric ranges cook more quickly and if used with the right cookware, very evenly.

In general electric ovens bake more evenly, but many gas ovens also give great results.

However, often, cooks who swear by cooking with gas come to love electric ranges once they get used to them.

If you can afford a premium price and can pay extra to install both gas and electric lines in your kitchen, a dual fuel range will give you the best of both worlds.

But we feel strongly that you can be a great cook and have a beautiful kitchen regardless of which type of range you install.

A wine cooler might seem like an indulgence if you’re not a connoisseur or collector. But these little appliances–along with their cousin, the beverage cooler–can do a lot for the design and functionality of your kitchen.

Storing drinks in a spot that’s separate from your fridge gives you more space to keep fresh food in there, and it redirects the flow in your kitchen. When someone’s thirsty, they don’t have to step into the cook’s path to get what they want and potentially create a traffic jam.

When you look at it that way, these appliances start to look less like a nice-to-have and more like a savvy design decision. Now that we spend most of our time in the kitchen, we want different zones for different activities. Consider a wine fridge or beverage cooler is the heart of your entertaining zone.

And that entertaining zone doesn’t have to be huge to function well. In our design partners’ work and that of other interior designers, we’ve come across ultra-creative ideas when it comes to fitting them in, whether they’re full-size columns or undercounter wine or beverage coolers.

Keep scrolling to see some of the best spots we’ve seen, and get ready to chill.

1. Flanking the Fridge

Design and photo via Sub Zero (@subzeroandwolf)

Tell your guests you know your wine without telling them you know your wine by installing two twin Sub-Zero wine columns, part of the company’s Integrated Designer series of appliances. One could be for reds, one could be for whites–or they could both be tuned to the exact temperatures of the varietals you love to collect. Set right next to two refrigerator columns, these appliances give you easy access to your favorite bottles at happy hour or dinner time. You'll love that there’s no need to leave the party to grab another round.

2. Twinning with the Fridge

Design by Villafane Design; photo by Designer Appliances/Kristyna Saja

A French door fridge is many homeowners’ holy grail because its doors take up less space (since they’re less wide) and give you wider shelves for storage inside; they also let you store all your fresh food at eye level, as opposed to an old-fashioned freezer-top fridge. Plus, we just love the modern look. This Bosch refrigerator is a great example. So why not double down? A French door beverage cooler has all the same benefits and looks elegant underneath the counters.

3. Escaping to the Island

Design by Maggie Mangano of MAM Designs Inc.; photo by Kristyna Saja/Designer Appliances

An extra-long island replaced what had been a peninsula in this kitchen. Designer Maggie Mangano then placed a kitchen island table at one end, right across from a coffee station, and a Marvel beverage cooler at the other, adjacent to the wet bar. The resulting flow works perfectly, morning and night.

4. Sidled Up to the Counter

Design and photo by Emily of Project Ivel (@project_ivel)

Think you can’t fit a wine cooler anywhere in your kitchen? Consider taking away one barstool. That’s all the space you need at your island for one, as the photo above shows. There’s even space for an extra storage cabinet and drawer to the left, ideal for stowing wine openers, cocktail stirrers, napkins, and all your other essential host gear.

5. Lounging in the Laundry Room

Design by Nikole Starr Interiors (@nikolestarrinteriors); photo by Colleen Scott (@collscottphoto)

This laundry room designed by Nikole Starr Interiors does double duty as a tucked-away party zone. There’s a full-size Sub-Zero wine fridge and beverage cooler (great for soft drinks, beers, and wines), plus an extra full-size dishwasher that’s ideal for guests’ pint and wine glasses you can’t fit into the one in the kitchen.

6. Luxuriating in a Bathroom

Design and photo via Sub Zero (@subzeroandwolf)

Take inspiration from your favorite spa, and build a bathroom vanity around an undercounter beverage cooler, like in this Sub Zero design. You can use a Sub Zero beverage cooler to chill not only bottled water (or rose) and face cloths but also favorite eye creams, sheet masks, mists, and stone facial rollers. They feel even more like a treat when they’re cool.

7. Getting Dressed in a Closet

Design and photo via Sub Zero (@subzeroandwolf)

This Sub Zero equipped closet could give Oprah’s dressing room a run for its money. In addition to the wine and beverage coolers, there’s a built-in coffee maker for espressos and frothy coffee drinks. The only question is: Why would you ever want to hang out anywhere else?

8. Maxing Out a Mudroom

Design and photo by Bischoff Cabinetmaking (@bischoffcabinetmaking)

This mudroom by Bischoff Cabinetmaking has everything a busy family needs: shelves and hooks for jackets and bags, a bench and undershelf space for shoes, closed cabinets to hide the stuff you don’t want to see, and–in a stroke of genius–an undercounter beverage cooler installed at eye level. Just grab a bottled water or sports drink, stick it in your bag, and go. Brilliant!

9. Hanging at a Home Bar

Design by Campell Minister (@campbellministerdesign) and Stonington Cabinetry & Design (@the_brothers_stonington); photo by Mike Van Tassell (@mikevantassell)

The components of a classic home bar, as shown in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, features off-white closed and glass-front cabinets, wooden countertops, brass hardware, and a mirrored backsplash. The simple undercounter beverage center provides cold storage for all types of drinks and a few bottles of wine.

10. Under an Appliance Garage

Design: Stonington Cabinetry & Design (@the_brothers_stonington); photo by Chris Veith (@chrisveithinteriors)

First of all, we love a removable ladder. But that’s not even the best thing about this beautiful kitchen. Just to its left, there’s an appliance garage with slide-in doors, ideal for hiding countertop appliances like your coffee maker. And right underneath? A beverage cooler for the milk and creamer. It’s a setup that streamlines every morning.

An undercounter ice maker is the ultimate luxury. Say you’re a homeowner who takes pride in their kitchen and loves to entertain at home. There's one key element every good party needs: lots of ice. Therefore, you might be in the market for an appliance that churns out enough for group cocktails and takes up no counter space: an undercounter ice maker.

We run into five types of people who want an undercounter ice maker:

1. The Everything-But Fridge Owner

You bought the best refrigerator on the market. It’s going to last you a decade, its luxe, spacious interior is rivaled only by its elegant exterior, and it’s going to keep your produce perfectly cold and fresh. It has absolutely everything you could possibly want—except an ice maker. (Some high-end fridges don't have integrated ice makers, because they tend to be the first parts to break down.) Now you’re wishing you had one.

2. The Entertainer

You relish throwing dinner parties, brunches, and holiday gatherings. You plan the menu a month in advance, you go to market every day the week of your event for the freshest ingredients, and you’ve handwritten place cards for everyone. Every element of your feast is perfectly planned, except when it comes time to serve water and cocktails. You're tired of asking a friend to run to the grocery store for an extra bag.

3. The Bartender

So you’ve assembled your dream at-home bar. Your wine cooler is state of the art and perfectly temperature controlled, your liquor selection is top shelf, and your Champagne flutes and martini glasses are enviably modern. But you find yourself having to constantly peel yourself away from your guests in order to run to your kitchen to grab ice.

4. The Connoisseur

You love a cool, tall glass of ice water (okay, or soda) that tastes perfectly crisp. You dream of clear, fresh ice on demand, and lots of it. You'd drive out of the way to hit up a Sonic drive-thru for that soft, crunchy pellet ice.

5. The Space Saver

You live in an apartment and have limited countertop space—in fact, it’s your apartment’s most precious real estate! You’d be loath to give up another square inch for a new appliance. If only you could take advantage of the bountiful space below your scarce counters.

Whether you're the Everything-But Fridge Owner, Entertainer, Bartender, Connoisseur, or Space Saver, what you need to improve your home—and drinks situation—is an undercounter ice maker.

What Is an Undercounter Ice Maker?

An undercounter ice maker is an appliance separate from your refrigerator. It's installed underneath your countertop, just like a dishwasher or beverage cooler, and it produces a steady supply of fresh ice.

Types of Undercounter Ice Makers

There are stylistic decisions you’ll have to make when buying an undercounter ice maker:

Built In vs. Freestanding vs. Portable

• Built-In ice makers are installed right into your kitchen cabinets, meaning you’ll have a seamless, integrated fit under the counter.

• Freestanding ice makers stand on their own and don’t need to be integrated. A freestanding ice maker’s sides tend to be finished, and its front tends to have ventilation.

• Portable ice makers tend to be smaller. They can sit wherever you place them—whether that be on or under your counters—as long as they’re near a power source. A con is that you’ll have to refill this ice maker’s water by hand, but a pro is that you won’t have to install any new plumbing to feed the machine.

Bin Style vs. Pan Style vs. Bucket Style

• Bin style ice makers feature removable storage bins.
• Bucket style ice makers store ice in a stainless steel bucket that can be removed.
• Pan style ice makers look like small fridges that you dip into to get ice from, though some also have dispensers.

Indoor vs. Outdoor (some can be both!)

Outdoor ice makers are built to withstand the elements (rain, wind, snow). This means that features like door panels, door hinges, and fan motors may be made from materials that can better survive weather. Furthermore, outdoor ice makers should be able to produce ice at any outdoor temperature, no matter how dramatically it swings, so you won't have to worry about your machine shutting down in a heat wave or snowstorm. Some ice makers, like the True Residential ice maker, can be installed indoors or out.

Reasons You’ll Love an Undercounter Ice Maker

Once you have an undercounter ice maker, you'll never know how you lived without it. Here’s why:

1. Bountiful Ice

An undercounter ice maker provides the volume of ice needed for the whole family, or a host who entertains frequently. If you find yourself constantly refilling ice trays and still finding there’s never enough, an undercounter ice maker is the time-saving machine you’ll fall in love with.

2. Fresh ice

There’s nothing worse than stale ice. The first few sips of your drink are glorious, and then a minute in when your cubes have just begun to melt, you taste the grave error you’ve made by plopping old ice into your drink. With an undercounter ice maker, your ice will always be fresh.

3. Different shapes

Cocktail lovers, meet your favorite feature. The beauty of an undercounter ice maker is that you can get fancy with the shapes. Many undercounter ice makers are capable of producing ice in various forms: crescent, crushed, cubed, dimpled, top hat, and nugget ice. Certain shapes are better for certain drinks: Crushed ice cools your drink fast and melts quickly, so a cocktail that benefits from dilution like a mojito would benefit from it. Other drinks, like a whiskey on the rocks, need an ice cube that melts slowly, like a large cube, so the flavor remains consistent as you sip.

4. High-quality, clear ice

The ice you pop out of your normal ice trays tends to be cloudy. Why is that? Well, it’s because of impurities. You can boil your water first to get rid of them, but nobody wants to take the time to do that, then let it cool. Built-in ice makers can make clear ice–that is, ice without impurities that is not only visually pleasing, but also superior tastewise.

5. More freezer room

Ice makers built into freezers take up valuable real estate. With an undercounter ice maker, you can opt for a freezer without an ice maker, thereby freeing up space for more frozen food and supplies.

6. More counter space

If you can’t imagine giving up one more square inch of counter space to yet another appliance, then an undercounter ice maker is the perfectly tucked-away machine for you.

Reasons You Might Not Love a Built In Ice Maker

On the other hand, an undercounter ice maker may not be the right fit for your home. Here are three things to consider:

1. You don’t use that much ice

Undercounter ice makers are for folks who need a great volume of ice on hand, like those with big families and those who entertain frequently. If you find yourself rarely reaching for ice, you likely don’t need to invest in an undercounter ice maker. We'd suggest using that space for something more practical—perhaps a beverage fridge or an auxiliary dishwasher.

2. Your freezer already has an ice maker, it’s just small

You’d like to have a bit more ice on hand, but you’re seeing that undercounter ice makers produce a lot of ice. In this case, you might consider investing in a smaller, portable ice maker that you can store somewhere discreet and use as needed.

3. It requires maintenance

You’re intrigued by built-in ice makers, but the upkeep is a dealbreaker for you. You have to clean an ice maker about once every six months, so you’ll have to decide if the time spent cleaning will be worth the extra fresh ice.

How to Shop for an Undercounter Ice Maker

There are seven factors you should take into account when considering different models of ice makers. Let’s explain each, why it matters, and what questions you should ask yourself as a potential buyer:

1. Size and Capacity

You want an ice maker that fits in your space and can store the volume of ice you desire.

Regarding size: The standard width for ice makers is 15 inches. You’ll need to measure the height and depth of the space you have available beneath your kitchen counters, and make sure the ice maker you’re considering will fit in that space with some room on the sides and top (in order to allow the ice machine proper ventilation).

Regarding capacity: You’ll need to consider both the amount of ice you think you might need in a day and the amount of ice you’d like your machine to be able to store. For example, some machines can produce up to 80 pounds of ice in one day, but can store up to only 30 pounds.

QUESTIONS TO ASK: Will this ice maker fit in my space? (Is the width standard? Does it fit the height and depth of my available under-counter space?) How much ice can it make at one time and store?

2. Ice Quality

Ice quality comes down to two factors: ice cube shape and clarity.

Regarding shape: Ice makers can produce various shapes. They include crescent, crushed, cubed, dimpled, "top hat," and nugget ice. You’ll want different shapes for different drinks (for example, nugget ice is best to use in drinks you want to be quickly cooled and diluted). When selecting an ice maker, make sure it produces the shape of your preference, and investigate whether it can produce multiple shapes.

Regarding clarity: You want to buy a clear ice maker. These appliances produce ice without impurities, which looks nicer and tastes better.

QUESTIONS TO ASK: Which ice cube shapes can this machine make? Does it produce clear ice?

3. Cooling System

The cooling system is what handles interior heat buildup in an ice maker. You’ll want to know whether you’re looking at an ice maker that uses an air-cooled system or a compressor-based system. An air system, which doesn’t require huge vents to allow heat to escape, tends to work better in hot surrounding temperatures. You’ll also want to confirm that any cooling system runs quietly, especially if it's going in your kitchen.

QUESTIONS TO ASK: Is this ice maker’s cooling system air-cooled or compressor-based? Is it noisy?

4. Drainage

There are two main drainage options for ice makers: a gravity drain or a drain pump. Your selection of one of the two will be based on the installation location.

Gravity Drain: You should go with a gravity drain if you’ll have a kitchen drain within one to two feet of where you install your ice maker—that way, gravity will be able to do the drainage work.

Drain Pump: If you’ll be installing your ice maker any farther away than that, you should select a drain pump–it'll move the excess water away from your machine and force it down the drain. The drain pump may be built into your ice maker, or you may need to buy an external one.

QUESTIONS TO ASK: What type of drainage option does this ice maker come with, gravity drain or drain pump?

5. Water Supply

In order to make ice, you of course need water. Therefore, your under-counter ice makers will need a dedicated water line, so make sure there'll be access to a water line in the spot in your kitchen where you want to install your ice maker.

QUESTIONS TO ASK: Do I have access to a dedicated water line for an ice maker in my kitchen?

6. Maintenance

In order to maintain your ice maker, you'll have to clean it at least once every six months. You should check out the website of the manufacturer of your ice maker for model-specific cleaning instructions. But, we have included six general steps for cleaning your ice maker in the FAQs below.

QUESTIONS TO ASK: Do I have to buy special cleaners to maintain this ice maker? How often does it require cleaning, and is it complicated?

7. Customization options

Many ice makers come with custom finish options. A panel-ready option means you can take advantage of the beauty of a built-in ice maker, and design it so that it matches and blends into your surrounding cabinetry. However, some ice makers may just come with a standard stainless steel option, so if your heart is set on customizations, you’ll want to make sure your model has them available before you purchase.

QUESTIONS TO ASK: What options does this ice maker have for finishes and colors? Is there a panel ready option, or just stainless steel?

Our Top 5 Undercounter Ice Makers

1. Sub Zero Ice Makers

The Sub-Zero UC15I is a 15-inch built-in ice maker. It produces up to 50 pounds of clear octagonal ice cubes per day and can store 25. This ice maker has automatic defrost, water filtration, an LED bin light, and a custom panel-ready finish. You can select your desired type of drainage, gravity pump or drain pump (UC15IP).

The Sub-Zero UC15IO is the outdoor model of this ice maker.

2. XO Appliances

The XO XOUIM1565OP is a 15-inch, built-in ice maker that can produce up to 65 pounds of crystal-clear cubes daily. The machine has a 25 pound of storage capacity, a zero clearance hinge, and front venting. You have some decisions to make when it comes to style customization (fingerprint resistant stainless steel or a panel-ready finish) and drainage (gravity drain or drain pump).

3. Perlick Ice Makers

The Perlick H50IMSR is a 15-inch built-in ice maker that can be installed indoors or outdoors. It can produce up to 55 pounds of clear, top-hat-shape ice cubes per day, and it has a 27 pound storage capacity. This ice maker is front vented and has a forced air refrigeration system. For finish options, you can select stainless steel with either a right hand door hinge or left hand door hinge (H50IMSL), or an option requiring a custom panel (H50IMW). There's also an ADA height version of this model (H50IMSADR).

The H80CIMSADL is Perlick’s cubelet ice maker. It produces up to 80 pounds of chewable, nugget-shaped ice per day, and has the capacity to store 22 pounds. You can select a stainless steel or panel-ready (H80CIMWAD) finish. This ice maker is also ADA compliant.

4. Scotsman Ice Makers

The Scotsman DCE33PA1SSD Cuber Series is rated as one of our best ice makers. It produces crystal-clear, taste-free, odorless, slow-melting ice. The secret is Scotsman’s unique ice cube shape resembling a top-hat that won’t overly dilute your drinks. This 15-inch machine can produce up to 30 pounds of ice daily and stores 26 pounds. It has an auto shut-off feature for safety. For drainage, you can select a gravity drain or drain pump. For finish options, it comes with a stainless steel cabinet and aluminum door, but the door panel can easily be replaced with a custom panel.

We sell two Scotsman ice makers in the Brilliance Series. The first is the SCCG30MA1SS Clear Ice Machine. It produces Scotsman’s signature top-hat-shaped ice that's clear and won’t dilute your drinks. This ice maker produces up to 30 pounds of ice daily, and can store up to 26 pounds of ice. It has a self-closing door and interior light to help reduce energy consumption. On its control panel, an LED indicator light signals when the unit is on, when water is present, and when the unit needs to be cleaned. For finish options, you can cover it with a custom panel or select a stainless steel door. And for drainage options, you can select a gravity drain or drain pump.

The next ice maker we sell in the Brilliance Series is the SCN60PA1SS Nugget Ice Machine. Ranked as one of our best ice makers, this 15-inch appliance produces up to 80 pounds of chewable, nugget-shaped ice cubes per day. The rest of its features are the same as the SCCG30MA1SS Clear Ice Machine, so if you’re set on a Brilliance ice maker, it really comes down to which ice cube shape you prefer (top hat or nugget), and how much ice you want your machine to produce daily (30 pounds or 80 pounds).

The Scotsman SCCG50MB-1SU is a 15-inch under-counter ice maker with a LED indicator light. It can produce up to 65 pounds of ice per day and store up to 26. This machine produces Scotsman’s unique top-hat-shaped ice that won’t dilute your drinks. It also has a water-quality sensor that detects hard water conditions and a control system that purges mineral-laden water with every harvest cycle, which helps extend time between cleanings. The SCCG50MB-1SU has a lighted bin and self-closing door, both of which make access easy. Finally, its control panel is user-friendly; it informs you as to whether the power is on and reminds you when it’s time to clean. It has a custom panel/handle, and a stainless steel cabinet. This ice maker also comes in an outdoor version, the SCCG50MB-1SS, which has a stainless steel finish.

Finally, we have the Scotsman SCCP50MB1, which is a clear ice maker that can produce up to 65 pounds of ice daily and store 26. It shares all of the features of the SCCG50MB-1SU discussed above, except this model has a built-in drain pump assist to maximize convenience for cleaning. The Scotsman SCCP50MB1 comes in a panel ready option (SCCP50MB1SU) or stainless steel option (SCCP50MB1SS) that's approved for outdoor use.

5. True Residential

The True Residential TUI15RSSD is a 15-inch clear ice maker with a built-in filter and drain pump. You can install it indoors or out—either way, it can make 28 pounds of ice a day and store up to 70 at once—making it our pick with the largest storage capacity. We love that you can adjust its lighting to 14 different settings and that it's Energy Star certified. This particular one has a stainless steel finish.

How to Install an Undercounter Ice Maker

Ice maker installation can be tricky, so we recommend bringing in a professional licensed plumber or contractor. But, if you’d like to install it yourself, here are some dos and don’ts:

DO: Level your spot

Your ice maker will work best if it’s level, which means you need to install it on level ground. Measure to make sure your kitchen floor is level beforehand, and if it’s not be sure to use leveling legs.

DO: Leave space for ventilation

In order to prevent your ice maker from overheating, you’ll need to leave some space on all sides of the machine (including the front and back). Reference the instruction manual to determine the necessary amount of space.

DON’T: Install near heat sources

What is the mortal enemy of ice? Heat! Don’t expose your ice maker to any extra heat from appliances like grills, dishwashers, and ovens.

DON’T: Install an indoor ice maker outdoors

Indoor ice makers aren’t designed to withstand the elements (rain, snow, wind, extreme heat or cold). So buy an outdoor ice maker if you’re intent on installing it outdoors.

Conclusion

We’ve gone over the world of built-in ice makers from top to bottom in this article. We started out by discussing the people who'd benefit most from a built-in ice maker—the everything-but fridge owner, the entertainer, the bartender, the connoisseur, and the space saver—to help you decide if this appliance is really worth investing in.

You should also have a good sense of the different types of these appliances, what they're capable of doing, and how to buy one that suits your space and your needs. The bottom line is: If you're someone who loves cocktails and entertaining (or is obsessed with ice), these machines could make hosting a whole lot easier.

FAQs

Why are undercounter ice makers so expensive?

Any good, sturdy, long-lasting appliance is going to have a higher price tag. With undercounter ice makers in particular, you’re buying a very powerful machine in comparison to its compact size. Some factors that may be contributing to your ice maker’s lofty price tag in particular are: size, capacity, brand name, water filter, and the ability to produce nugget ice.

How long do undercounter ice machines last?

A good rule of thumb is five years, though some ice makers will last beyond a decade.

Does an undercounter ice maker need a drain?

Undercounter ice makers absolutely need a way to drain. You have two drainage options when you’re selecting a model—a gravity drain or a drain pump—and your selection of one of the two will be based on installation location.

You should go with a gravity drain option if you’ll have a kitchen drain within one to two feet of where you place your ice maker—this way, gravity will be able to do the drainage work. If you’ll be installing your ice maker any farther away than that, you should select a drain pump–this will move the excess water away from your machine and force it down your kitchen drain. For the drain pump option, it may be built into your ice maker, or you may need to buy an external one.

How far can ice maker be from sink?

That depends on the drain type. As we mentioned above, an ice maker with a gravity drain should be installed no more than 2 feet than two feet away.

Are undercounter icemakers portable?

Some undercounter ice makers are portable but not all. The model you're considering should specify whether it is portable in its description.

How to clean undercounter ice maker?

You should check out the website of the manufacturer of your ice maker for model-specific cleaning instructions. But, here are six general steps for cleaning your ice maker:

1. Unplug your ice machine.
2. Empty your ice bin and wash it with dish soap.
3. Turn off the ice maker’s water supply, remove the drain cap, and allow the water pan to drain into an empty container. Once drained, replace the drain cap. Then fill the water pan with one part ice machine cleaner and two parts water.
4. Replace the ice bin, plug the ice maker back in, and run a cleaning cycle.
5. Dump the first batch of ice. Then refill with clean water and run another cycle.
6. Dump that batch of ice, then reattach the water supply.

You should clean your ice maker at least once every six months.

A kitchen island is one of the big reasons people want to remodel. Having one gives you space to spread out while you’re cooking and provides a spot for friends and family to hang out at the same time. It’s also a smart place to install extra appliances, like a wine fridge or beverage cooler—or, depending on where your sink is, the dishwasher. It’s so versatile and useful. It just might become your homework, happy hour, and weekend breakfast headquarters.

There are lots of kitchen island ideas out there to consider as you plan your kitchen remodel, and the best ones can help you make the smartest use of your space. Among all the other kitchen design trends, we’ve seen lots of customers opt to open their kitchen up into another room, like a dining room or adjacent breakfast room, to fit an island. If you have an older kitchen, you might have a peninsula that takes up more square footage than you’d like, and want to swap it for something more streamlined.

Scroll on to see some of the best kitchen island ideas we’ve seen lately.

1. Build in a Microwave

Design by Dawn Reeves Design (@dawnreevesdesign); photo by Ryan McDonald (@rymcdon)

There’s a lot to love in this kitchen by Dawn Reeves Design, starting with those twin Sub Zero refrigerators paneled in blue cabinetry. Look closer, and you’ll see a convenient microwave drawer built right into the island. We like this placement, right across from the Wolf range, so you can heat everything up at once and slide it over onto the island for a casual dinner.

2. …Or a Wine Fridge

Design and photo by Emily of Project Ivel (@projectivel)

You may think you don’t have space for a wine fridge, but you just might be able to sneak one in this way. The seating side of a kitchen island is a great hidden spot. We love how the 15-inch appliance can squeeze in next to the barstools. This kitchen layout couldn’t be more convenient.

3. Add a Kitchen Island Table

Design by Maggie Mangano; photo by Kristyna Saja/Designer Appliances

Homeowner Ruth Williams was a little skeptical when her kitchen designer, Maggie Mangano, suggested adding a section topped with a contrasting material at the end of her new island. They had already shifted the layout from a peninsula to a very long, straight island. But Mangano was right, says Williams. “My husband and I eat breakfast here almost every day.” They sourced the wood from Grothouse.

At the opposite end of the island, there's a beverage cooler and shelves to hold their cookbook collection.

The BlueStar range is a custom color, and the light fixture is from Ballard Designs (Williams painted it to match her palette).

4. Use Furniture Instead

Design and photo by Peter Pennoyer Architects (@peterpennoyerarchitects)

This charming English kitchen designed by Peter Pennoyer Architects takes an “unfitted” approach, meaning most everything, including the vintage Viking range, is freestanding—no walls of cabinets here. The wooden worktables fit right in.

5. Wrap the Seating Around

Design by J. Patryce Design (@jpatrycedesign); photo by Kirsten Francis (@kirstenrfrancis)

This black-and-white kitchen has a cool mod twist, thanks to its rounded furniture and globe lights. Its island has countertop overhang on two sides, so more people can hang out. Just be sure you have enough room for people to walk behind on all sides. You don’t want to have traffic jams or have it feel too tight to get by. Three and a half feet is generous; a little over three feet might do in a pinch, depending on your particular space.

6. Double Up

Design and photo by Jade Lundgren (@jadelundgren)

This double island kitchen is as well equipped for cooking as a restaurant, and we love how the “galley” layout puts everything in easy reach. The matte white Cafe appliances add to the style factor. There's a range and dishwasher on two sides of the rectangle, and a single wall oven on another—everything you need to prep a big meal like Thanksgiving. The backsplash with its narrow shelf is a beautiful (and practical) detail as well.

Ruth Williams was waiting for just the right moment to renovate the 1979 kitchen in the Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey, home she, her husband, and their college-age son had been living in since 2002. She thought the ideal time for her kitchen remodel would be November 2019.

“I wanted a cleaner, fresher look and much more functionality. I was tired of getting down on my knees to dig pots and pans out of the cabinets and having doors that came off their hinges when you opened them," says Williams. "This was going to be Barbie’s Dream Kitchen. And then Covid hit.”

The work was delayed until right after Labor Day 2020, but after that, the five-month project proceeded according to plan, thanks to Williams’ clear vision.

In March 2021, Williams finally got the kitchen of her dreams, replete with Paris bistro chairs and unique lantern pendant lights. Read on as she shares how she remodeled what’s now her favorite room in the house.

Choosing the Appliances

Williams knew what color palette she wanted—blue and white, “but not hospital white,” she says—and she was counting on her new appliances to be a big part of it.

“I had a whole folder of photos from magazines, and I found myself pulling the same images over and over again,” she says. “There were certain design elements in my head.”

One of the interior designers she found herself going back to again and again was Dallas-based Caitlin Wilson. Williams had seen Wilson’s work in a home magazine.

“It was exactly what I had imagined in my mind," says Williams. "She had a BlueStar range in this beautiful custom cornflower blue. I knew that was exactly what I wanted too.”

Funny enough, that’s the exact color she saw on display when she visited the Designer Appliances showroom in Bedminster, New Jersey, and met sales manager Peter Tamburro. It seemed destined to be. Her first big decision—the range—was made. She ordered a 36-inch version of the same piece.

As for her other selections, Williams didn’t have as many specifics in mind—she just knew she wanted everything to be analog.

“I didn’t want really sexy digital computerized appliances that talked to me or told me what to do,” says Williams. “I wanted a Sub-Zero, and I didn’t want a talking stove. I wanted a great big knob to turn it on. BlueStar is the only one like that.”

In addition to the BlueStar range and matching hood and Sub-Zero panel ready refrigerator, Williams chose a Miele steam oven, a paneled Bosch dishwasher, and a Marvel beverage cooler.

“Honestly I couldn’t have done it without Peter’s help. He had endless patience and was delightful to work with,” Williams says. “Kitchen remodels are like childbirth—it’s all worth it in the end, but the process can be daunting!

Planning the Design

Williams worked with kitchen designer Maggie Mangano, president and founder of MAM Designs Inc., in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, to bring her dream kitchen to life.

"We changed just about everything," says Williams. They took out the peninsula and designed a more functional galley layout with an island. They replaced the back door with French doors to let in more light and added another pair to open up the formal dining room into the kitchen. They eliminated the eat-in kitchen table by the existing fireplace and created a cozy sitting area. And they took out a wet bar in the back of the kitchen that had been a part of the hallway to free up that space too.

Mangano works with a cabinet shop in Amish country in Pennsylvania, and so she and Williams collaborated to add a lot more cabinets in the larger space and choose their paint color.

“There are so many details to choose from, but Maggie helped me with that!” says Williams. The cabinets and walls are painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove. ("No one can ever go wrong with White Dove," says Williams.) It's softened by a sandy-hued Phillip Jeffries Japanese paper weave grasscloth on the adjacent walls.

Hiding the dishwasher and fridge behind custom cabinetry created a homier, less industrial look, and the mirrored panel on the fridge helps to make the room look larger and airier.

The two also talked about countertops early on.

“I told Maggie that I wanted a Carrara marble look, but I didn’t want marble. I don’t want to be angry at anyone in my family for staining it,” Williams says. Marble is notorious for its sensitivity to acidic things like tomato sauce, which can easily leave behind countertop stains.

So Mangano sent Williams to her marble source, who helped her pick out a countertop that looked the most like Cararra but was much more forgiving: a quartz called Karis from LG. "It has a low sheen and delicate veining, so it looks very much like Cararra," says Williams. "I love these countertops. They're easy to clean with vinegar and water and never ever stain."

Because the kitchen island is so long, Mangano suggested adding a "table" section at one end with a contrasting wooden countertop. "I was skeptical at first, but my husband and I use it almost every day for breakfast and dinner," says Williams. They found the mahogany at Grothouse.

At the opposite end, there's a Marvel beverage fridge and space for Williams' cookbooks.

Life During the Remodel

For the five months the work was going on, the Williams family simply prepped and ate their meals in the living room.

“We made meals using use the toaster oven, coffeepot, and hot plate,” she says. “I blew the fuse at least once a week whenever I tried to use all of these appliances at once!”

What the Family Loves Most

“Thanks to Maggie, the space is really opened up,” says Williams. “The whole room has a light, airy feeling to it.”

Her favorite detail is in the adjacent sitting room. “I always wanted to have blue-and-white Delft tiles around the fireplace in the kitchen’s sitting area,” Williams says. A couple of years ago, she was shopping at Borregaard Interior Design, an antique store in Peapack-Gladstone, and found 24 blue-and-white Delft tiles inside a bureau.

“I bought them, took them home, and scrubbed them, then I wrapped them up and put them in my basement, where they stayed for three years,” she says.

Until now, that is. They’re the perfect accent to tie together the blue notes of the kitchen and sitting room. “I love how they bring in the blue and white,” she says.

Williams’ Advice to Remodelers

1. Listen to your gut. Williams knew that she wanted analog appliances, but she invested in the Miele combi-steam oven after trying it out at a cooking class at the company’s experience center in Princeton, New Jersey. “It was was great,” she says. “The oven tells you what time to put the shrimp in and what time to put the broccoli in. I just haven’t really used it.”

2. Mix and match sources. Williams may have found her Delft tiles on a lucky antique-store outing, but “all of my other blue-and-white items are from HomeGoods!” she says. “I went from store to store collecting inexpensive, large blue-and-white things. I don’t think I paid more than $39.95 for any piece!”

A kegerator may sound like a kitchen appliance that’s either working with or against Sarah Connor, but we promise Skynet doesn’t make any kegerators. Thankfully, kegerators are much more benevolent innovations: They’re draft beer dispensers that combine a keg and a refrigerator that are made for home use. They keep your beer cold without the need to lug around ice.

Kegerator makers are as wide and diverse as the types of beers at a brewery. Whether you're planning to host the ultimate Super Bowl party, looking for a new way to keep your beer cold, or just want to switch from bottled beer to draft beer at home, one of the best kegerators can be a great addition to your kitchen or bar.

Your kitchen is probably already packed with appliances like a dishwasher, and, of course, a refrigerator, so you might be wondering where you're going to put it. Most beer dispensers, whether built-in or portable, are very compact, between 15 and 30 inches wide. They aren’t tall like a full-size refrigerator because they just need to accommodate one or two full-size kegs side by side. Mini kegerators are even smaller, since they hold about a quarter of a keg barrel or a pony keg.

The anatomy of a beer dispenser varies from model to model. Whether you’re interested in a mini kegerator, one that’s built into your countertop, or an outdoor beer dispenser, this appliance’s construction is pretty simple. From the outside, kegerators look like mini fridges with a beverage faucet on top. The system has tubing and a CO2 tank on the inside. They use CO2 to pressurize and carbonate your beer. All kegerators come with some type of CO2 regulator that controls the amount of CO2 pressure that’s released, and it lets you know how much CO2 is left in the tank.

Sure, you could just continue to buy kegs for parties and tailgates, but beer dispensers have a few nifty advances over regular kegs. The CO2 regulator we were just talking about keeps your draft beer from going stale for longer. They also can have other fun and useful features, like color-changing LED lights and drip trays.

Like any appliance, kegerators have their perks and downsides. That's why we've crafted this brief guide about these dispensers to help you figure out if a kegerator is worth the investment and who makes the best kegerator on the market.

Who Are Kegerator Beer Dispensers for?

Beer dispensers are perfect for a wide variety of people. If you brew your own beer, prefer the taste of a pint on tap, host a lot of parties, or love to tailgate, then you might benefit from a kegerator.

If you brew your own beer or have always wanted to try, a kegerator is the easiest way to keep your homemade concoction from going flat. Bottling beer, especially by yourself, is a tricky science. If your beer isn’t bottled perfectly, then it can go flat in half a day in your fridge. However, a kegerator can keep your home brew immune to that dreaded staleness for six to eight weeks. Since kegerators rely on C02 tanks, your draft beer doesn’t get the chance to oxidize. Dodging oxidation means you get to keep your beer longer than you would in a manually tapped keg.

Kegerators can cost a few hundred dollars, but if you really enjoy draft beer, you can save quite a bit on your bar tab.

They're also versatile appliances. Despite having beer in its name, you can store a few other CO2-carbonated drinks in it, like kombucha. Just keep in mind that dispensing kombucha in a beer dispenser requires a few extra parts and tinkering including barrier tubing, according to EdgeStar. Sparkling wines such as prosecco, cava, and Champagne can also be stored in a beer dispenser. We know: It probably seems strange to keep any type of wine in a beer dispenser. However, a lot of keg distributors sell more than just beer kegs. Many liquor stores sell kegs of sparkling wine that can fit in your full-sized dispenser or mini kegerator.

As with kombucha, it requires a little tinkering: You’ll need a special piece of equipment called an in-line flow control compensator to help sustain the pressure from the sparkling wines as you dispense your drink of choice. You’ll also need a special kind of regulator to dispense the wine. Once again, if you’re a homebrewer, you’ll benefit quite a bit from dispensing wine on tap.

Because draft beer dispensers are compact, they’re best for people who live in smaller apartments or who have small kitchens that can’t accommodate large commercial-sized kegerators.

Who Are Kegerators NOT For?

Kegerators probably aren’t a match for you if you don’t want another appliance that requires some maintenance. Like your refrigerator and microwave, a kegerator requires regular cleaning. Because beer has yeast in it, you’ll need to flush the lines in your kegerator whenever you switch out your kegs. This prevents harmful bacteria from building up and contaminating your drinks. Plus, it makes sure to remove any lingering flavors when you switch to a different brew. If you're looking for something with less upkeep, consider a reusable growler you can refill at your beer shop or grocery store instead.

They're also not for you if you're hoping to dispense cold-brew coffee. Maybe you want a dual-barrel kegerator to dispense your favorite beer and homebrew cold-brew coffee blend. Unfortunately, cold-brew coffee needs a nitro-based dispensing system. But don’t worry because there are a few coffee-specific dispensing systems on the market.

Beer dispensers aren’t for people who want to store and chill bottled beer brands. After all, it’s a lot of work to tap dozens of beer bottles and pour them into a homemade keg just to dispense them from your kegerator.

What Are the Different Types of Kegerators?

There are quite a few different types of kegerators for different keg sizes: freestanding kegerators, built-in kegerators, full-size kegerators, mini kegerators, outdoor kegerators, and dual tap dispensers. They can have a single tap or a double tap. Some people have even tapped into their creative side to transform an old mini fridge or cooler into a homemade kegerator using a DIY kit. Beyond the realm of homemade vs. storebought beer dispensers, the main differences come down to size and functionality.

Regardless of the type, many freestanding kegerators have caster wheels built in so you can move them around to clean them more efficiently. This also makes it easier to move it around whenever you decide to revamp your home layout. Freestanding kegerators are self-explanatory. You can move them to the side of your couch or next to your kitchen cabinets. However, you cannot retrofit them underneath your countertops since they don’t have the proper vents. Because freestanding models have vents on the back, they can overheat if you place them under your counters. Not to mention all that condensation can damage your countertops.

If you want a model that can fit perfectly under your counters, a built-in kegerator would be your best option. These are specifically designed to be built into your countertop. The portion of the appliance that holds the keg, tubing, and CO2 fits under your countertop, while the tap sits on top. Built-in kegerators are ideal for people who are in the midst of or are planning to remodel their kitchens. After all, you do need to plan a space for your built-in beer dispenser and drill a hole in your counter for the tap.

Having wheels doesn’t automatically make every freestanding kegerator ready to use outdoors. Outdoor kegerators have slightly different temperature regulators that prevent the appliance from overheating when it’s hot. These types of beer dispensers also make sure your draft beer stays cool regardless of the temperature outside.

Dual tap kegerators are another unique type. As the name suggests, you can stock a dual tap kegerator with two or more different beers. One of our favorite dual tap models is the EdgeStar, which can hold two sixth kegs and dispense them simultaneously.

There are also some crossovers in the world of kegerators. For example, there are select models of dual tap outdoor kegerators.

What Makes a Good Kegerator?

The primary component that makes a good kegerator, well, good is if it’s compatible with your living space. If your kitchen is a bit tight, then an outdoor kegerator might be a better option. Regardless of the size and type of dispenser, there are a few features you should look for:

1. A high-quality cooling system

It needs to be able to keep the beer cold and dispense it at the right temperature. The best kegerators use glycol chillers as opposed to water chillers. Glycol cooling systems are of higher quality because they can keep large volumes of liquid cold.

2. Cabinet insulation

The cabinet should be well insulated to ensure that it can hold the temperature of your kegs for as long as possible. After all, finding the perfect temperature always makes your beer taste a little bit better.

3. Temperature control display and external controls

This is especially useful if you need to set a specific temperature, like with homebrewing. Temperature control displays also make sure your beer doesn’t get too cold. If your beer falls below its ideal temperature, it can lose a lot of its body and flavor. Granted, the ideal temperature for your favorite beer depends on the beer type. If you’re a stout person then 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect, whereas a kolsch needs to sit at around 40 to 45 degrees F.

4. A large cold plate or cooling coil system

This is where the keg sits while cooling, and it should be spacious enough to accommodate a commercial beer keg. Having a large cold plate makes sure the beer inside the cabinet is consistently the same temperature. When you’re particular about your beer’s taste, an inconsistently chilled cabinet can compromise your draft’s flavor.

5. A protective guard rail around the inside of the door

If you're putting your beer in through a window on top of an existing cabinet or fridge, this will prevent scratches whenever someone opens or closes the door.

6. An airtight seal around the kegerator

This is to ensure that no outside air gets in or out of the cabinet while you’re storing a commercial keg inside. This is an extra measure to ensure your draft beer stays temperature-controlled and oxidation-free.

The 5 Best Home Kegerators

The best kegerator beer dispensers have something in common: They make it really easy to keep your favorite draft cold and fresh.

1. Best Built-In Kegerator: True Residential Beverage Dispenser

True refrigerators are the gold standard of the appliance industry. Consider this undercounter dispenser the Cadillac of home kegs. It keeps a quarter keg precisely as cold as you want it to be, and it can be installed indoors or outdoors—wherever you do your entertaining. There's a digital display to keep tabs on the temperature. You can choose a sleek stainless steel finish or cover it with custom cabinetry to match the rest of your kitchen, and you can customize the LED lighting to one of 14 settings. It's also flexible: You can convert into to a beverage center or undercounter mini fridge in the future, thanks to the wire shelving system inside.

2. Best Freestanding Beer Dispenser: EdgeStar KC2000 Full-Size Kegerator

Although you have to wait 24 hours for any kegerator to acclimate before use, this unit comes ready to go right out of the box. The EdgeStar KC2000 even includes an extra CO2 canister. Since the EdgeStar KC2000 is a larger unit, you can dispense and store more beer, so you'll have to deal with less hassle switching out barrel kegs. It's ideal for a garage or basement.

3. Best Mini Kegerator: Pyle NutriChef Pressurized Mini Keg Dispenser

The Pyle NutriChef is the perfect solution for people who want to drink a pint on the go without compromising quality. The NutriChef Mini Beer Dispenser is the perfect size and shape to carry around, and it’s durable. The stainless steel has a protective coating on it to protect it from scratches and scuffs.

4. Most Versatile Kegerator: Kegco K199B-1 Keg Dispenser

The Kegco K199B-1 kegerator is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite craft brews because it has a wide temperature range that can be set from 34 degrees F up to 45 degrees F. Its removable drip tray also makes it easier to clean off any extra foam that spills over from glasses. The most unique detail about the Kegco K199B-1 is that you can convert it into a regular refrigerator. When you’ve finished the keg inside, you can slide the shelves in place and use it as a mini fridge.

5. Best Portable Kegerator: Coldbreak 1T-RRR Jockey Box, 1 Tap, Roto Molded

Because the Coldbreak Jockey Box doesn’t use batteries or electricity, it’s super portable. Plus, it has handles so you can easily carry it to a tailgate, the beach, or out into your backyard. It’s also one of the most affordable kegerator options. The only downsides? It can’t hold as much beer, and it doesn't have casters for rolling it around.

Conclusion

We’ve gone over the basics of beer dispensers, but there are a lot of details we didn’t get a chance to explore in this guide. From mini kegerators, stand-alone kegerators, built-in kegerators, and even mobile beer dispensing carts, there are a plethora of options on the market. There are even tutorials about DIYing custom draft beer dispensers. The best beer dispenser is the one that fits your lifestyle, your home, and your needs. After all, maintaining a kegerator shouldn’t cut into your relaxation time.