Thanks, MattyTude! I was impressed with the GE Advantium oven. Love at the first sight.

To myDiscover, I had never heard of BlueStar before. I did some research after your post. People just love this range and 22000 BTU! Thanks for the recommendation. I like the burner combo you got (2 power, 3 regular and 1 simmer). One problem is that not too many stores carry Bluestar. I went to their website and called one of the numbers listed there. The nearest two stores are 1.5 hours away (I live in Orange County, CA), although I see them being sold on internet. I think I will drive there to check out the item this weekend. Any suggestion on how to purchase them? Since there is no local store that sells it, the item will be shipped anyways no matter where I purchase it. So I am open to internet if they can give good pricing and ship the unit safely and promptly. But I would avoid getting it from unauthrized dealer. I also notice the prices vary. What is the warranty like? How is the service? I would appreciate any information on the purchasing process.

GE monogram and Wolf (owned by subzero) seem to have the best reputation and best repair records in the high end. My friends with Viking and Dacor (some thermador models) always have repairmen at their homes. Wind Crest makes high end cooktops for less $$$ supposedly same parts as Wolf but I don't know who repairs as they don't have distributors everywhere. Monogram cooktop claim to fame is the high 18,000 BTU burner and the 140 degree burner which is supposed to melt chocolate without burning. Miele is supposed to make the best ovens but they are pricey. They say don't buy ovens with the ball bearing racks as they are almost impossible to get in and out. That will give you a start. E-opinions sometimes has reviews as well as google groups.

xualice said:We are going to do a big remodeling job for the kitchen and we plan to get high-end appliances such as Viking/Thermodore/GE Monogram/etc. I am pulling my hair out trying to select the appliances. Anyone has any suggestion on what to get or not to get? What are some good websites that review high-end appliances? I already looked at Consumer Reports and I found the information to be limited.

Thanks!

From a restaurant standpoint Viking, Wolf, and American Range all suck. Montague by far makes the best ranges but you would have to retrofit a commercial range into your house.

Appliance advisor is probably your best resource. Navigating the site is a joke, but from the top menu use 'Report' 'Advisor' and 'Consumer' options.

Hi everyone,

After a dozen trips to appliances stores and many sleepless nights, I have finally made the decision. Thanks for everyone's input. For those who are interested in this topic, I will list my choices below:

1) Refrigerator:
KitchenAid 42'' Built-in, French door, bottom freezer
This is the only 42'' french door bottom freezer one on the market. None of the Thermadore/Sub-Z/GE Mono makes it.

2) Dishwasher
KitchenAid, the model is top of the line, with a third level tray
I chose it over Bosch because it seems to have a larger capacity (bigger utensil holders) and more customizable racks.

3) Range
BlueStar 6 burners 22000 BTU!
I can't wait to do some wok stir-frying on that new range.

4) Hood
Independent 42'' 1200 CFM
Independent made all the Wolf hood until the end of 2006. The design is identical but the price is much cheaper. Besides, I heard there is a huge backup with ordering Wolf hood. And I dare not to try any product too new (Wolf is just starting to make their own hood in 07) even if it is Wolf. I chose a slightly bigger hood than the range because there is some concern over the strong BTU possibly damaging the cabinet overtime.

5) GE Profile Advantium oven
I was going to choose the Monogram for the look. Then after reading the specs, I realize Profile actually provides bigger capacity (mainly more depth. Thinking pizza night...) and more cooking modes.

6) GE Profile warming drawer
To match the Advantium oven

im a bit late in this thread but when we bought appliances last year the gardenweb forum was the best resource...

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/appl/

we ended up going with an induction cooktop and miele dishwasher

the miele while expensive is crazy quiet and very very very very nice i think the bosch rates similarly.

I have a hookup on LG appliances and pondering whether to get a fridge, gas range, and a dishwasher - I can basically get any model. Is LG reliable? I don't want to get a discount and then have the appliances go bust in a couple of years.