Investing in High-End Appliances — Ask Yourself: ‘Do I Really Need It?’

Story by JAN NORRIS
Photography by Carri Lager

The kitchen is probably the most interactive space in the home, and one of the rooms that brings the largest return on investment.

Realtors will attest that homebuyers will turn thumbs up or down on a sale over the quality perceived in a kitchen

The Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa has a romantic feel in its main dining room at Latitudes. Warm woods soft lighting and that coveted ocean view make for a cozy atmosphere.

“High-end appliances transform a home by blending luxury with functionality — offering superior performance, efficiency and durability while elevating both aesthetics and resale value,” said Heather E. Towe, a real estate broker with Jupiter’s Paradise Real Estate International.

Appliances today can cost in the five and six figures, so thinking of them as an investment means choosing wisely when equipping a new home or replacing old models.

“These are not your mother’s appliances anymore,” said Susan Harris, spokeswoman for Jetson Appliances in Stuart. For instance, she said, “A lot of things are no longer made with plastic, and there’s different coolants used in them today.”

Energy efficiency is increased resulting in lower power bills.

New residents might find their bills are still higher than up North. Appliances perform differently in South Florida than in Northern homes.

“Florida is the toughest state on appliances. The climate, salt air, humidity, lightning strikes and power surges take their tolls,” Harris said.

Hide the refrigerator

If you can dream it, it’s probably available, such as this under-counter refrigerator.

“Price isn’t always the thing,” Harris said. Quality and reliability can be found in all levels of brands.

Style plays a role, as well, but don’t fall for a trendy look that may not hold long or may be clever and have myriad bells and whistles, but are not practical.

Be careful what you wish for as add-ons in big refrigerators and massive ovens. “The more things you have, the more things that can go wrong,” Harris said.

Is a separate fridge door for ice, and another door for condiments necessary? Do you cook enough variety to have an indoor grill or flat-top griddle built in? How about a pot filler over the stove.

Trim your wish list, she said. “Ask yourself, ‘Do I really need it?’”

A showroom is easy to get lost in, but picture the usage to determine whether a massive refrigerator or six-burner stove is really necessary for a smaller household.

Before investing thousands on an appliance, picture the usage to determine whether a massive refrigerator or six-burner stove is really necessary for a smaller household. Plus ask yourself if you’ll really use a new feature.

Fit the appliances to your style of cooking — or lack of cooking. Get versed in ways to heat up cooked foods: warming ovens, holding drawers, convection ovens, and the new combo ovens that do it all in one place.

Unclutter your countertop with built-ins, but be aware of venting that is needed and can add to cost.

While these can cost more, they make up for separate pieces that could add up to the same figure, and take up more space.

Keep in mind potential repairs, and ask a sales person which are more prone to break down than others. Research online and read about specific models and which draw the highest ratings.

Don’t be afraid to call a local appliance repair shop and ask which brands they see more of and would advise against.

Kitchen designer Beth Hales with Custom Cabinet Designs of Jupiter recommends top brands that bundle. “A lot of my clients go for Sub Zero, Wolf, Thermadore — they are related. A Sub Zero can last 20 years and more as opposed to a bargain brand that might need to be replaced after five years.” It’s the same with top dishwashers Bosch and Miele. “Sub Zero is making their own now, and they’re doing well in performance.”

These feature the modern amenities cooks want — even at a price. “Things like the steam ovens, convection — they do it well,” she said.

Choices of settings in dishwashers, especially, make it worth getting a top model that can wash fine crystal as well as silver. “It’s a personal thing now. And some people want top racks for silverware, others want baskets on the side. It’s all preference.”

Those ice makers? She laughed. “What kind of ice do you want in your drink? Clear, fogged, square, round, small, large? It’s all custom now. Definitely not your mother’s kitchen.”