Last Friday I shared some photos of my new kitchen. (Click here to check it out.) Today I’m going to show you the details of the goodies inside. And by goodies, I mean the stainless steel kind. Many of you, upon hearing that I was building a new house and kitchen, inquired about what type of appliances I was going to put in it. I’m going to share what I chose and what I like about them, in hopes that it will be helpful to others looking at similar things. Feel free to ask any questions you have in the comment section and I’ll do my best to answer everything!
As most of you know, I live in Boise, Idaho, but I actually zipped down to Salt Lake City, UT to start my appliance hunt. My husband and I are in Salt Lake a lot, both for personal reasons and on business so we immediately thought of our favorite culinary store when we started planning out our kitchen. Kate and I have done a lot of our cook book events at Orson Gygi, and I know, love, and trust the staff there, so it seemed like the perfect place to start what seemed like an exciting, but overwhelming project. One of the things that I think is most helpful when looking at appliances is to go somewhere (even if it’s just online) where you can see the pieces in an actual kitchen. It helps to visualize, and to get a feel for how everything functions in an actual space. If you’re in the SLC area and even thinking about a new kitchen, or appliances, Orson Gygi is a great place to look around. They have tons of beautiful display kitchens to browse, with different appliance brands in them, so it’s super fun to walk through and see where you can imagine yourself living!
(That’s my right-hand-appliance-man Dave, who I had on speed dial during our build. I called him countless times with frantic, “Quick! I need to know how wide that one appliance thingy is!” phone calls and he put up with all of my nonsense.) I loved walking through the many Gygi display kitchens and connecting with styes I liked. It was also great to confirm that both my husband and I liked the same things (whew!) For example, we found we really liked sleek, modern looking stainless steel, but combined with more traditional cabinetry and decor.
From the beginning, I looked into a number of appliance brands, including Bosche, Viking, Wolf, and Fisher and Paykel and I ended up deciding on Thermador. A couple of years ago Kate and I even visited the Thermador test kitchens and cooked along side their chefs and learned the ins and outs of their products. I decided back then that if I ever built my dream-kitchen, Thermador would be a top contender. I like the brand, I like the look of their products, and I felt confident that they’d last a long time and perform well for me and that’s what I ended up deciding on.
When we were building our home a few months ago, my husband and I each had different milestones that we got excited about. My husband’s happy day was the day the audio-visual guys showed up and put wires and buttons everywhere. I still don’t know what those do, but apparently they’re useful. My happy day was one cold, drizzly afternoon when I pulled up to check on the house and this was parked out front:
I tried to not get in the way as these shiny silver things carefully got unpacked from big brown boxes.
The Orson Gygi installers were fantastic and made quick work of a lot of appliances. (If anyone out there is reading this and now saying, “hey! That’s my man!” then just know I had an autographed cook book to send home for you, but those guys slipped out like ninjas in the night and I didn’t get a chance to pass out books. Boo.)
This might win the award for longest OBB post ever, so I’ll cut to the chase! Here’s a run-down of what went in my kitchen. I’ve linked all of the exact models in case that’s helpful for anyone.
REFRIGERATOR
Thermador 30 inch Built-In Fridge Column
Thermador 30 inch Built-In Freezer Column
Without fail, the first thing that 98% of visitors say when first entering our kitchen is, “Is that a….fridge??”
It’s a massive beast, measuring 5-feet across and almost 7 feet tall. With 32 cubic feet of storage space, we can fit enough food in there to last us through a zombie apocalypse. Or like, a Saturday. My children are darling little bottomless pits.
One of my favorite features is that it’s so big, my youngest toddler can’t open it himself (hallelujah) and my middle child has to get a good grip and use all of his might and a couple of good grunts, therefore giving me a few seconds of warning before it’s open to yell, “Dude, you just finished eating dinner 4 1/2 minutes ago- GET OUT OF THE FRIDGE.”
It’s so tall I actually have to stand on my tippy toes to reach the butter. And I suppose obstacles between me and butter are a good thing.
Other Fridge Loves:
– Nice deep, well-lit drawers for storage
– Bright LED lighting
– Units are modular, meaning the fridge and freezer are separate so when you’re designing your kitchen you can decide if you want them right next to each other, like mine, or placed in separate areas, which is sometimes useful.
– In case you need something bigger, there’s one that’s a foot wider than mine.
RANGETOP
Thermador 36 inch Professional Series Gas Cook Top
One of the big questions we get from readers is about what type of cook top we recommend. Honestly, it’s a matter of personal preference. I had a flat porcelain cook top at my last house and one of the things I loved was that (especially in a smaller kitchen) it kind of doubles as extra counter space. But when it comes to the actual cooking process, I love cooking with gas. It offers a lot of quick control over the heating.
So far I’ve loved having that griddle. I heat it up all the time while I’m cooking and warm up bread, cook quesadillas, grilled sandwiches, etc. It’s super heavy duty, and usually it just takes a quick wipe to clean it off.
One of my favorite features is that this range has an “extra low” setting. I can put delicate things, like chocolate for example, on that burner and completely forget about it, and come back to it perfectly melted. It automatically cycles the heat on and off at an extremely low temperature. It also comes in handy when you need a very low simmer for things like soups.
WARMING DRAWER
Thermador 36 inch Professional Series Convection Warming Drawer
Right under the range is a sleek steel drawer. It wouldn’t be something I would have thought of before looking at appliances and seeing how helpful it would be to have one. I’m so often needing to keep things warm while waiting to serve dinner, or needing to keep a plate warm if my husband isn’t home, or my very favorite- warming up our dinnerware. Eating on hot plates makes me feel fancy. Even if I put chicken nuggets on them.
OVENS
Thermador 30 inch Masterpiece Series Double Wall Ovens
I love having two ovens, and I often use them simultaneously. One of my favorite features of these particular ovens are all of the cooking modes. I have the option of convection and tons of presets for different types of cooking like roasting, warming, and baking. I use the “proofing” mode all the time. It keeps it at an optimal temperature to proof yeast breads. I often proof in one oven, and preheat the other one so when it’s ready to cook I can just pop it in.
I also love the heavy-duty, smooth-rolling oven racks,
and an automatic soft-shut door. That means that instead of slamming shut, it automatically catches itself and slowly creeps to a close on its own.
STEAM OVEN
Thermador Masterpiece Series Steam and Convection Oven
I admit, this is kind of a fun splurge. Thermador makes a steam oven, that also functions as a regular confection oven. It has a smaller capacity than a standard wall oven, but you can still fit a 14-pound turkey in there.
Basically, you fill up a small pitcher with water and it inserts right in the side of the oven. The water is then injected into the oven in bursts of steam during the cooking process. A steam oven allows you to keep food super moist. Professional kitchens have fancy steam ovens to make artisan breads (the secret to chewy crusts with soft interiors), steam vegetables and meats, and it works especially well to reheat foods without drying them out.
This oven is pre-programmed with tons and tons of information, so you just have to push a few buttons and the oven does the rest. And because of the steam and the convection air circulation, you can cook multiple flavors (garlic chicken and cookies, at the same time!) and the flavors don’t transfer to each other. Kind of amazing.
I’ve been having fun experimenting with this oven and can’t wait to show you some of the fun things I’m making in it. I’ll tell you more about it sometime because honestly, I could fill up a whole post talking about it.
MICROWAVE
Thermador 24 inch Built-in MicroDrawer
When we were designing our kitchen, we had a really hard time figuring out where to put the darn microwave. I didn’t want another appliance on the wall (for aesthetic reasons, and because I wanted the cabinet space) and stacking it above the wall ovens like some people do, just made it too tall. So a microwave drawer solved our problems. It opens and closes with a push of a button, pretty cool.
Right after we moved into our new house, a friend of mine asked my 4 year old how he was liking his new house, and if it felt different than our old house. His response was, “Yeah, the dishwasher is much more quieter.” It’s true. We used to have to turn our dishwasher off when we turned on the tv because it made it too hard to hear. This one is so whisper-quiet, the only way to know it’s on is by the little blue light that shines on the floor.
One of my favorite things is an extra 3rd rack on the top. You know all of those little things that don’t really fit anywhere and end up falling to the bottom and melting? Or getting stuck in the rack openings? They all sit up on top in this handy-dandy upper tray.
If you have little ones at home, like I do, then a dishwasher with buttons and controls on the inside is a huge plus as well.
It’s taking me a while to get out of the habit of actually washing the dishes before we put them in the dishwasher. This thing is crazy good at cleaning dried up gunk off dishes. I’m in love.
ICE MACHINE
Scotsman Ice Maker: Inventor of the original chewable ice.
EDIT: I have received tons of questions about my ice maker from people wanting the exact model number, specifications, etc. If you have any questions at all, click here. There’s a phone number there, just ask for Dave and he’ll get you all the info you need!
I hinted in my last post about an unassuming little cabinet that secretly housed my most favorite appliance in the history of appliances.
I have an obsession with ice. I’m an ice chewer. It’s especially bad when I’m pregnant; people tell me that means I’m iron deficient, I just think I really like ice. I will seriously fill up giant cups full of crushed ice and then let them sit for a very specific amount of time so the ice softens and I can chew it loudly and annoy my husband. But my whole life I’ve had a special obsession with a certain type of ice. You know what I’m talking about? I love hearing people’s reactions and noting what they call it. “Oh my gosh, you have Sonic Ice!” “You have hospital ice!” “You have pellet ice!” or wherever else they associate it with. (What do you guys call it?) During those pregnant days I would actually go through drive-throughs of places I knew served chewable ice in their drinks and order nothing but a giant cup of it (like, without the beverage!) Scotsman actually invented that soft, chewable ice.
“Scotsman Ice Systems invented The Original Chewable Ice® in 1981 and changed ice history forever. Named nugget ice for its soft, small, unique shape, this beloved form of ice is also known as pellet ice. Perfect for fountain beverages, smoothies, blended cocktails, salad bars and therapeutic use, Scotsman Nugget Ice® is a favorite the world over.”
When I first got to Orson Gygi to sit down and talk about appliances, someone offered me a drink of water, and as they kept talking I had no idea what they were even saying because my eyes were locked on the hands scooping beautiful little nuggets of ice into my glass. I stopped them mid-sentence and said, “Hold on. Do you SELL those machines???” They just laughed and nodded. “You mean I could buy one?? And like, have it in my HOUSE??” I just looked at my husband and he smiled and shook his head saying, “Better put that thing on our list.”
My obsession is complete now that I have a handy little freezer that cranks out a constant 20-pound supply of chewable nugget ice. My kids eat it like candy. I’ve actually said, “Finish your dinner and you each can have a cup of ice.” more than once. Feel free to do as some of my friends do, and fill up your own cooler at my house, any time.
Whew! I think that’s it. I hope you enjoyed that extra peek into my kitchen. My next project is getting my office all put together- wish me luck! And don’t stray far- we have some extra posts this week! Kate will be posting a killer new dinner recipe tomorrow, which coordinates with a dessert I’ve got for ya (along with a special surprise) on Friday. And just for fun, we’re throwing a giveaway in there as well. So come back every day this week so you don’t miss out!
Thanks for this information and I really didn’t know about this Kitchen appliances. I must buy these products.
I am trying to choose appliances for my new kitchen and was planning on getting a steam oven over a single oven. After your experience with a double oven and a steam oven, do you think a single oven and steam oven would be adequate?
Hi there! I’m building a house and picking appliances so I loved hearing what you had to say. I know you said you loved the new dishwasher since you don’t have to pre-wash, but how does it dry? Plastics? Thanks!!
I was looking for these tips. Your collection of cooking appliance and others looks so good. I have same business. So you can have a a href=”http://www.bestelectricpressurecooker.com/” rel=”dofollow”>Electric Pressure Cooker Reviews look here.
Frankly speaking, your choice is superb and the photos you have shared are awesome!! I love the type of refrigerator you have installed in your kitchen. I also love stainless steel accessories in major appliances. Your kitchen stuff will definitely help someone to design his/her kitchen.
Garage doors in Cincinnati OH have kept my house safe for two generations.
Hi Sarah! We are thinking about getting an ice machine like yours!
I have heard that they can be noisy…is that true? Is the sound annoying? My kitchen is very open and has tile floor…
Thanks for your help!
Brittany 🙂
I am still debating about the steam oven for my new house. Now that you have had it for awhile is it worth the money? Does it really cook better? Thanks
I really love it Amy! I think of it as kind of a fun splurge, and not something that’s totally necessary- but because I have it I use it quite a bit and I’ve really enjoyed it.
I would never leave that kitchen! LUCKY (insert napoleon dynamite voice here)
Love your new kitchen and that fridge! Does your refrigerator door bump into your pantry door? My kitchen was remodeled a few years ago and looks almost exactly like yours (but smaller)! I too have a corner pantry with the fridge just to the left, and lots of cabinets in varying heights/depths. But my fridge door butts right up against the pantry when open, making it hard to clean out the bins, and a lot of the cabinet doors hit the cabinet next to it when open and was wondering if you have the same problem. But I absolutely LOVE cooking in my new kitchen as I’m sure you do too! And I’ve loved several of your recipes!
Nope- we predicted that problem in the design phase and made sure they didn’t collide 🙂
My favorite part about this blog might be the dishwasher! Other than the fact that this kitchen is the one I see in my dreams at night. That top drawer for the utensils is a perfect addition to the dishwasher.
I loved your kitchen appliances and since we are remodeling, I decided to use the same units! The oven and cooktop were delivered yesterday( from a store that is closing read no returns!), I somehow ended up on a website that had nightmare thermador stories! Now I am in panic mode! Have you had any issues with your appliances since you purchased? Like glass doors on ovens that spontaneously break, mother lode panel out, etc….???
WOW!! I will remind myself not to covet…you are VERY BLESSED. I am happy for you.
Is the freezer on the left side, and the fridge on the right? Just wanted to make sure ! 🙂
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your kitchen and all the appliances! I wish we had 2 stoves in our house.
Now I have so many ideas and thoughts for what I want in my own kitchen someday (when I find a husband….lol).
Also, so excited I found this site! I will definitely be following it from now on.
I love to spend time in my kitchen. I work at one of the local sub shops, and on my days off, I love to just go to my kitchen and try new things – mostly deserts. My friends think I’m crazy, but they never turn down any of my goodies. lol
Oh, and I call it “DQ ice” *Dairy Queen*. lol 😉 The DQ near my house is the only place I know that sells it. They sell large cups of it for 25 cents and a small garbage bag full for $1.
Most likely you got a discount with a deal with Gugi, but could you tell us what the ice machine retails for? I’m wondering if it’s worth squeezing that into my budget when I build.
Oh. My. Gosh. I had no idea you could buy that ice!
When I was pregnant, I’d drive to our local hospital, walk in, grab a cup of ice and walk out. My husband thought I was insane!
I am so so excited to find out that I can buy a crunchy ice machine for my home. 26 years ago when I was pregnant with my first daughter I would have my husband go to a local fast food place and order me two large cups of ice each night LOL. I craved ice each time I was pregnant especially with my twins.
Will your dishwasher fit a jelly roll (half sheet pan) in the bottom rack?
Hi there! I’m building a house and picking appliances so I loved hearing what you had to say. I know you said you loved the new dishwasher since you don’t have to pre-wash, but how does it dry? Plastics? Thanks!!
Beautifully done – enjoy!!
Look how many people you made so happy with that ice maker! The first time I actually bought a drink from Taco Time (usually I just buy the food in the drive through and come home, and why pay for a drink when I have drinks at home?) I thought “Oh my gosh, they have Sonic Ice too!” Because well, Sonic has fun drinks and happy hour, so I’d actually paid up for those 🙂
I know you’re not putting the entire cost of your kitchen out there (and I don’t blame you!) But is there a ballpark figure you could give me for the dishwasher? The website only had “get a quote” which makes me a little nervous, but if I could only splurge on ONE psychotically amazing appliance, it MUST be the dishwasher. Since phosphates became illegal in dishwashing detergent, (and I have found that the Honest Company’s dishwasher pods are the BEST option I’ve tried), that it’s becoming apparent that it wasn’t really the dishwasher doing the job, but the phosphates. Even my husband would put out more for a super amazing dishwasher. (Since 70% of the time he ends up doing the dishes). Oh, and the buttons on the INSIDE! I have a nearly 2 year old who loves to start the dishwasher. If we don’t remember to do the lock function, we often have the dishwasher ‘on’ at random times. And I cannot find ANY way to reset the darn thing once a cycle has been started (the joys of renting). Congratulations on all your great stuff! And thank you again for sharing all your wonderful talents with the rest of us so we can all feel like amazing cooks too!
My husband’s family calls it fish ice! Since that’s what the fish lay at grocery stores and my mother in law has been known to go to the butcher just to buy bags of fish ice!
Like everyone else I love your kitchen! Can you tell me what your flooring is?
Yep, it’s linked at the end of this post!
https://ourbestbites.com/2013/02/saras-kitchen-tour/
WOW! Your kitchen is amazing! I already told my husband I found my new dream kitchen. LoL
Coming out of lurkermode to say:
That was awesome.
Thanks for posting it and I’m so glad to see someone who loves cooking have an awesome kitchen. You truly deserve it!
Sarah, If I were a betting woman, which I am not, I would bet all the money that I have that you are anemic. The only thing that I ever craved while I was pregnant (six times) was ice. I chose my restaurants for their ice. Usually upon giving birth I lost the craving but after I started needing crowns, because we didn’t have Sonics in California at that time, and blood tests revealed I was anemic, I went to a hematologist and his first question was did I crave ice. It was a nice addiction to have as ice has no calories but it was very bad for my teeth so go see a Dr.!
Beautiful kitchen! I remodeled mine 3 years ago and my frivolous ice machine is baby far my most favorite appliance. I didn’t get a Scottsman so I don’t have the pellets but they are still small squares. That machine had paid for itself over the years. Particularly after injuries/surgeries.How lovely to have a 50 pound a day supply of ice!
What an awesome kitchen. My home is 45 years old and the only replaced appliance is the dishwasher…so this post made me salivate a little…okay a lot and I am not even that much in love with cooking. The thing that really got me was the ICE MAKER!!! I am such an ice cruncher. My husband looked up the price when I couldn’t find it…I told him I am worth it! 🙂
Such a blessing for you and your family to have such an awesome kitchen to convene we all know how much time is spent there
i am jealous! My dream Kitchen……nice of you to share it.