Site Logo

Life of an Architect

  • Podcast
  • about me
  • Questions / Contact
  • F. A. Q.
  • Do you want to be an Architect?
  • Architecture Books+
You are here: Home / Materials and Products / Top Kitchen Appliances for 2012

Top Kitchen Appliances for 2012

April 9, 2012 by Bob Borson 27 Comments

Kitchens are the heart of a home and probably the space where clients have the strongest thoughts and opinions. I suppose that makes a lot of sense because it’s the one room in the house that everyone generally uses the most – both individually and in untold combinations with friends and family members.

Even if you don’t really cook.

 

I wrote a post on the Top Ten Modern Kitchen Design Trends back in September of 201o and to my great surprise, it is one of the most popular articles on this entire site. Not because the information isn’t good (it’s great by the way – 16 months later and it’s still relevant and current), it’s because I didn’t ever think that this site would turn out to be a resource on kitchen design.

This got me thinking that it was time to put together another kitchen post but this time focus on kitchen appliances. My office probably specifies between $500,000 and a million dollars worth of kitchen appliances a year and we have learned a few things along the way. To help round out this post (because I would like to have every one of these appliances in my own house), I asked some renown kitchen designers (who also happen to be trusted colleagues and my friends) to give me opinions on their favorite appliances. Surprisingly – or maybe not surprisingly – there were several appliances that ended up on everyone’s list.

In no particular order, the Top Kitchen Appliances for 2012 are:

.

Gaggenau CX 491 full induction cooktop

Gaggenau CX-491 – full surface induction cook-top

Gaggenau’s CX 491 full surface induction cook-top is the first induction cook-top to turn the entire surface into one large cooking area. Cookware of all shapes and sizes can be placed anywhere on the CX 491’s surface, which can accommodate up to four pots and pans simultaneously. Beneath by the glass ceramic surface are 48 closely-spaced, staggered micro-inductors. Unlike conventional large induction coils, this structure transforms the entire cook-top into one large cooking area.The intuitive controls are operated by an extra-large TFT touch display.

Of all the appliances on this list, this one is definitely the coolest.

.

Thermador CIS365GB Materpiece Induction Cooktop

Thermador Masterpiece – cis365gb – induction cook-top

Includes the Thermadore exclusive – SensorDome™ – a retractable sensor that measures the heat of the pot. This unique retractable sensor utilizes an infrared beam that continuously measures the heat from the cookware to maintain the precise temperature needed. To take advantage of this feature, simply use your existing enamel-coated cookware or attach the included dishwasher-safe stickers onto non-enamel cookware.

Note: All the experts I spoke with had induction cook-tops on their list – every single one. We have been seeing our clients choose them more and more often and the market demand seems to be catching up with what these systems offer.

.

Miele KF 1901 VI Refrigerator Freezer Combination

Miele KF 1901 VI – Refrigerator/Freezer Combination

As far as refrigerators go, this one is about as stylistically clean as they come. A fully integrated appliance with loads of features – including “Remote Vision” which allows the fridge to tell a monitoring system that there is a problem so that it can be fixed before you have to throw away the contents of the interior. Great storage capacity, great interior visibility and “ClearView” lighting system –
with this unique halogen-based lighting system cascading from the top and sides of the appliance, blind or dark spots are eliminated, making it easy to see and access virtually all food items.

.

Wolf Convection Steam Oven CSO24

Wolf CS024 – Convection Steam Oven

Delivering precise control is easy with a variety of steam, convection, and combination steam and convection cooking options. Unique technology senses the amount, size, and shape of food once an automatic mode has been selected. While cooking, it monitors the time, temperature, and environment, eliminating all guesswork in the kitchen. It is also a great looking appliance which sometimes counts more than it’s functionality … in this case you get both.

.

SubZero IF-27R Refrigerator Column

Sub-Zero all refrigeration IC-27R and all freezer column IC-27FI

Electronic controls are up front and easy to use, flat to the ceiling bright lighting in cabinet and drawers, door alarm will alert you with an audible beep if the door is left ajar. The integrated design accepts custom wood panels. It has adjustable, spill-proof glass shelves and soft close crisper and deli drawers. This is one of the appliances that sets the Gold Standard for refrigerators and freezers.

If given the chance, I would do just about anything to get these into my own house … [sigh] When this site really started taking off, I had dreams of someone from Sub-Zero calling me and telling me

“Congratulations! We love you and your site and we are sending the IC-27R and 27FI to your house as we speak!”

It hasn’t happened because I would totally tell you if it did. It still remains a dream.

.

GE Monogram 48" All Gas Professional Range model RZGP48NDRSS

GE Monogram – 48″ All Gas Professional Range – ZGP486NDRSS

This is a great range and one that we use all the time. It has an authentic professional appearance, sealed, dual-flame stacked burners, infrared broil burner and the largest all-gas professional oven capacity available (in the 48″ range size). If you cook big meals (or just want to look like you do) this is a fantastic appliance. Furthermore, until you’ve had a range-top griddle at your disposal to work with, you don’t know what you are missing.

.

Miele Dishwasher Diamond G 5975 SCSF

Miele Dishwasher – Diamond G 5975 SCSF

The quote from my expert pretty much says it all;

“Honestly, it gets no better than this machine. Between its configurable trays, brilliant interior lights and self-closing door, what more could anybody want. Oh yeah, it also cleans dishes really well.“

I have a Miele dishwasher in my house, it was the first appliance I swapped out when I moved into my current house. In fact, part of the reason I did it was I had to replace my dishwasher in my last house and I went with a Miele and I was so amazed at how well it performed, there was no way I was going back to another brand … it was that good.

.

I would like to thank the following kitchen designers and appliance savants; they all gladly gave me their opinions freely which is saying something, most people have to pay to consult with theses experts! They are all very knowledgeable and maintain websites that generally contain the latest ideas and thinking when it comes to all things associated with the kitchen. Check them out:

Susan Serra Kelly Morrisseau
Jamie Goldberg Paul Anater
.
.
.
.
.

even better stuff from Life of an Architect

SEO for Dummies like me
Hindsight is 20/20
Top 10 Things you'll never hear an Architect say ... in Turkish?
The not-so-sexy side to Architecture
The Salk Institute
The Finalists - 2015 Life of an Architect Playhouse Design Competition
How to survive Architectural School Juries
How big is your blog?
Happy Easter!
#patiocontractorfail

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Materials and Products, Observations Tagged With: kitchens, Products

Search Life of an Architect

Trending on Life of an Architect

Architectural Graphics 101 - Symbols
Ep 117: Graphic Matters
Architectural Graphics 101: Finish Schedules
Architectural Graphics 101 - Window Schedules
Architectural Graphics 101 - Reflected Ceiling Plans
Do you want to be an Architect?
Architectural Graphics 101 - Wall Types
Architects and Fashion: The Top 6 Styles
Architecture and Math
Studio Lessons 101: Architectural Precedents

Subscribe to Podcast

Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyAndroidiHeartRadioby EmailTuneInRSS

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

Apparel for Architects

T-Shirts for Architects - Bob Borson

Support for Advice or Guidance

Thanks!
Other Amount:
Project Reference or Support for Questions Answered:

My “Serious” Disclaimer

The complimentary advice provided on ‘Life of an Architect’ is based on an abbreviated examination of the minimal facts given, not the typical extensive (and sometimes exhaustive) analysis I conduct when working with my clients. Therefore, anything you read on this site is not a substitute for actually working with me. Following my casual advice is at your own peril … if you want my undivided attention, I would recommend hiring me. Cheers.

Pages

  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Architecture Books+
  • about me
  • Questions?
  • F. A. Q.
  • Do you want to be an Architect?
  • Podcast

Life of an Architect | Bob Borson

  • View lifeofanarchitect’s profile on Facebook
  • View bobborson’s profile on Twitter
  • View bobborson’s profile on Instagram
  • View bborson’s profile on LinkedIn

Archives of Awesomeness

Copyright © 2023 Life of an Architect

 

Loading Comments...