First, in order to be completely transparent, we stopped selling Monogram in November 2011.
Let's talk about the product. Advantium is the only speed oven powered by 240 volt light bulbs. It can cook 8 times faster than a regular oven as a result. The Advantium also has four different cooking technologies: Speed cook, true European convection, sensor microwave and warming as well as 75 preprogrammed recipes, so it is simple to use.
There are three models, a 220 volt wall oven, a 120 volt wall oven and an over-the-range vent combination. A whole chicken can be cooked in 33 minutes in the 220v, 45 minutes minutes in the 120 volt and almost 2 hours in a regular oven. Seafood cutlets are 4.5 minutes in a 220v Advantium and 30 in a regular oven. There is also less preheating, because you are basically turning on a very hot incandescent bulb.
We have been pleased with the performance of the product in live demonstrations. It is a very good niche second oven. Let's compare the GE Profile and GE Monogram version.
Units have the same capacity, same features and electrical specifications. Difference is aesthetics and $480. We have written posts like this before, most notably Whirlpool vs Maytag laundry. There is a mentality in manufacturing. Place a different label on the same product, sell it in a different channel and consumers will buy it like Buick, Chevrolet and Pontiac or in this case Monogram vs Profile.
If you like the handle, then buy the product. Just don't buy a label thinking it is any different than the less expensive version.
If you like to cook, download a Yale Buying Guide, we have three:
If you REALLY like to cook, sign up for our cooking newsletter with recipes and invitations to private chef demos (you will really like this newsletter).
A downdraft appliance redirects steam and grease from the cooking surface down through the product itself or via a separate blower to the outside.
First, let's discuss ventilation or how to remove bad odors and heat out of your house (so your house doesn't smell like bad odors). Ventilation is a simple concept. In order for the bad stuff to be removed, you need the following:
- Good CFM: CFM is an acronym for cubic foot per minute or how many cubes of air can be removed in a minute. So a 900 CFM blower removes 900 cubes of air. Blower speed is essential in pushing or pulling odors out of your home especially with professional ranges or even high output gas ranges in general.
- Capture area: Capture refers to the amount of area in a hood where smoke can be pooled. Even with a high CFM blower, smoke from wok, grilling and other "heavier" cooking smoke is channeled until the blower can force it out of your home. Larger hoods, for that reason, are the best choice for pro-type cooking.
- Duct run: The optimimum duct run should be straight up mimicking how smoke travels. Horizontal or straight back is a viable option. Bending or elbowing venting greatly reduces efficiency so avoid as much as possible. Also, shorter runs are more efficient.
- Duct Size: Do not use 4 inch dryer duct as smoke will never be exhausted efficiently. 6 inch round duct should be minimum with 8 or 10 inch ducting the standard with professional cooking.
Downdrafting should be considered a last option only. Look at island hoods manufactured by Zephyr or Faber because downdrafts have zero capture area and the duct runs are usually bent a couple of times and are too long to be effective. Have a look:
Still a downdraft is sleeker and many times is the only option for ventilation, so let me show you best practices.
How to downdraft a range:
This is easy. Jenn-Air is the only manufacturer of downdraft ranges as GE, Roper, Amana and Modern Maid have long exited this niche. It is integral in the middle of the unit and available in electric and dual fuel. The blower is roughly the same as an over-the-range microwave at 310 CFM, so keep the cooking on the light side (or open a window).
How to downdraft a cooktop:
Jenn-Air has a downdraft as well, which is identical to the range in blower speed, but the better option is a separate downdraft unit with a cooktop. You can choose any cooktop, as well as have a more powerful blower up to 1500 CFM. Zephyr, Faber, Viking, Wolf, Broan and Thermador all market this type of downdraft.
Have a look at both:
One word of caution, don't try this at home...
A few manufacturers still recommend this type of installation of a pro cooktop with a downdraft, but it is not an appropriate solution. If you are facing this quandary, consider induction, which is more powerful than a professional cooktop but emits much less heat.Downdrafts were first manufactured 30 years ago, and the blower speeds have been improved in the last few years. However, they are not equipped to handle the heat output of a professional range. Remember, there is almost no capture area in a downdraft, so the smoke will almost bypass the downdraft completely.
For more about downdrafts and ventilation in general, consult our Ventilation Buying Guide with best practices, products and features.
According to analytics, 300 people were inquiring about VestFrost refrigerators in the last two weeks. So my first question was: What is a VestFrost refrigerator? VestFrost is an interesting product built with all recyclable material. They are the largest refrigerator manufacturer in Scandanavia. Their story or claim to fame is energy efficiency, green manufacturing and counter depth products. It is also not self-defrosting, so the VestFrost does not consume electricity heating the outside of the refrigerator in a defrost cycle.
Unlike most counter depth refrigerators, the VestFrost is only 24 inches wide, which is a standard in smaller European kitchens or tight American urban spaces. It is actually a decent, bottom freezer designed beautifully (can I say that?) by Bang & Olufson. The downside is small cubic footage at 10.5 and a taller height at 79.2 inches tall.
I do know VestFrost by its American name, Summit. More specifically, the model is CP171SS.
24 inches wide is a European specification, so there are other competing manufacturers being Liebherr and Blomberg.
The Blomberg has the same specs as the VestFrost, sorry Summit. Liebherr is larger at 13 cubic foot with an icemaker and is self-defrosting.
24 inch counter depth refrigerators will always be a niche product in America rather than the standard as it is in Europe. However, for the Bostonians and other urban dwellers with smaller spaces, these refrigerators at least provide a good option.
Couple of other counter depth posts:
For features, specs and brand comparisons, download our Refrigerator Buyers Guide.
Please note: We are offering 5-year free extended warranties on all Capital Culinarian, Viking, Wolf, JennAir and Thermador Pro ranges during our Home Show event.
Capital Culinarian versus Jenn-Air is an interesting comparison between two lower-priced yet compelling products. I honestly believe that you do not have to spend $10,000 to buy a worthwhile 48 inch professional range.
Capital is a relatively new company founded by the previous owners of DCS. It's styling is identical. Jenn-Air was acquired by Maytag and is now a Whirlpool company. Whirlpool recently invested 300 million into the brand with the emphasis being cooking.
In some ways, both Capital and Jenn-Air have better features than other professional ranges with much higher prices:
Capital Culinarian vs Jenn-Air Professional 48" Professional Ranges
Burners:
Capital is the hottest stove in the industry at 23,000 per burner. It is an open, unsealed burner. I like the unsealed because all the pieces are detachable and easy to clean at the sink. If you spill over, however, it can be tough to clean.
Jenn-Air would be the second most powerful with two 20,000 BTU burners and three 15,000 BTU burners. The burners are sealed.
Simmer:
Capital and DCS are the only companies which publish their simmer in degrees versus BTUs. Capital has a 145 degree simmer versus Jenn-Air which has a consistent simmer at 500 BTU. Chef Kurt Von Kahle says the Capital melts butter nicely, but customers have reported mild burning.
Configurations:
Jenn-Air manufactures only with an 18 inch griddle and 6 burners whereas Capital has grill and griddle combinations in 18 and 24 inch with 4 or 6 burners.
Griddle:
Capital is gas, and Jenn-Air is electric, so the Capital will heat faster. However, Jenn-Air infuses their griddle with chromium, so it is the easiest to clean in the industry.
Oven:
Jenn-Air is available in dual fuel with electric convection for the best baking as well as a straight gas. Capital manufactures gas only in self and manual clean. However, Capital does have a rotisserie for basting meats.
Controls:
Jenn-Air has the 7 inch LCD control screen, whereas Capital is similar to the basic Viking and offers no controls.
Rebates:
Jenn-Air offers this dishwasher free with purchase (pictured right)
Capital vs Jenn-Air is a good comparison, especially since both brands are viable, yet overlooked brands in highly hyped market segment.
Which do you like better?
For more information about professional ranges, download the Yale Professional Cooking Buyers Guide with features of every major manufacturer. Over 8,000 people have downloaded a Yale Guide (maybe they like the price).
Buying 33 inch refrigerators is tough due to a dearth of available products. To review, a counter depth refrigerator does not protrude from the cabinet except for the doors and handles. A professional counter depth like Sub-Zero or Viking is similar, but has the compressor on the top. An integrated counter depth refrigerator does not protrude from the cabinets including the doors.
Appliances are manufactured to fit within cabinets. For example, dishwashers are 24 inches wide to fit a 24 inch cabinet. Stoves are most commonly 30 inch to fit a (you guessed it) 30 inch cabinets. Appliances are pretty standard in that regard. You do not see a 22 inch dishwasher or 32 inch stove.
For refrigerators, the most standard and popular cabinets are 30 and 36 inch, followed by 33 inch. Every manufacturer markets several 36 inch products in counter depth. It is by far the most popular size. In 30 inch only the professional companies produce a counter depth.
For 33 inch, only three companies currently offer a 33 inch counter depth refrigerator.
33 Inch Counter Depth Refrigerators:
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Samsung RF197ACRS
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Fisher Paykel RF175WDRUX1
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Electrolux EI32AR65JS
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- Samsung RF197ACRS $1299: Samsung is the largest at 18 cubic foot. Remember, counter depth has less cubic foot due to less depth. It is also the only french door and is the most aggressively priced at $1299.
- Fisher Paykel RF175WDRUX1 $2109 / E522BRXU $1849: Fisher Paykel is a New Zealand company known for baby incubators and a double drawer dishwasher (same concept, I guess). Currently, they have the only water through the door models and have a gaggle of these types of refrigerators at the same price just with different door aesthetics.
- Electrolux EI32AR65JS $1999: Then, there is this inexplicable product. The Electrolux is an all refrigerator or all freezer unit. Electrolux hopes you buy one of each. Since a 33 inch counter depth is typically purchased for a small kitchen, thats not a popular option. You can also buy a cheaper version in Frigidaire.
Read this Post: The Five Best Counter Depth Refrigerators
For more information about counter depth refrigerators, download our most popular guide with 2,000 downloads...The Yale Refrigerator Buyers Guide.
Like any new technology, there are issues with LED lights in general. Let's look again at the new LED undercabinet lighting display at Yale.
First, let's talk about the incredible potential of LED lighting:
- Lamp Life: A LED light will last on average 40,000 hours compared to 750 hours of a comparable incandescent lightbulb.
- Efficiency: A LED bulb is 5 to 6 times more efficient than incandescent (at least), so a 10 watt LED should be equivalent to at least a 60W light bulb.
- Heat: An incandescent bulb with heat to 300°, whereas LED does not emit heat. Rows of bulbs, especially in commercial applications, will add tremendous amounts of heat into the room.
Now the issues with LED lighting:
- Dimming: LED does not work with standard dimmers. Dimmers are normally rated at 50 or greater watts and require at least half the stated load (say 25 watts in this case) to "read" or dim the actual lightbulb. Often times, LED will be far less than the required wattage. In order to solve this problem the bulb must have a dimmable LED "driver" or chip. You must also use electronic and not magnetic dimmers.
- Color, Kelvin or quality of Light: Quality of light is determined by the Kelvin scale. 2500° is incandescent and yellowish in color. 5000° is actually the color of the sun, it is very hot white light, similar to early fluorescent lighting. Typically, people want between 2700° and 3200° Kelvin, which is whiter than incandescent yet far yellower than a fluorescent light bulb. A low-voltage bulb has been the designer bulb of choice for that reason. It accentuates colors and textures. For example, before we converted to LED lighting, our showroom was virtually all low-voltage.
Color quality is the main issue of LED in general. If we scroll up to the picture, three of those light sources are LED with published Kelvin ratings of 2700° and three different color renderings. It's like the mattress police. There are standards and labels with no agency overseeing the standards themselves.
How to Buy The Right LED:
- CREE Chip: LED actually renders a bluish light and requires a semiconductor or chip to filter the blue light into more natural white lighting. The only semiconductor manufacturer producing white LEDs is CREE. Every other company seems to be inconsistent.
- Look at the actual light: As you can tell from the picture above, it is very difficult to buy based on Kelvin rating. Some desirable and more consistent manufacturers are FutureLight and CSL Lighting.
Additional Resources:
How much kitchen appliances cost was a much easier question to answer when I started back in 1986. There was Sub-Zero, Thermador and Gaggenau and pretty much every other company was a commodity. The basic appliances like top mount refrigerators, top load laundry, microwaves and self-cleaning stoves have stayed the same from a price standpoint due to outsourcing and increased competition.
The luxury companies of the 1980s are much more expensive today. These companies do not have the manufacturing scale of the commodity brands and therefore the pricing power with steel and other vendors.
Then there is the relatively new affordable luxury segment like Bosch, Jenn-Air, GE Cafe and Electrolux which are a hybrid of the two. They have better features with the scale of their commodity parents.
So how expensive depends on brand and features within the brand, but I will answer the question based on the three segments and the product.
How much does an appliance cost (all prices are after rebates)
Dishwasher
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Frigidaire DGBD2432KW
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Bosch SHE43RL5UC
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Miele G4205SS
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The difference between Frigidaire and Bosch is quietness and stainless steel versus plastic tub. Oddly enough, Frigidaire has more cycles. Miele is different than the any other for loadability with the third rack, better drying and an inferred 20 year life.
Download the Yale Dishwasher Buying Guide for more information.
Refrigerator
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Frigidaire NFTR18X4LW
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Jenn-Air JFC2089WEM
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Sub-Zero BI36
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Refrigerators are the toughest to compare as each configuration like top mounts, bottom mounts, french door, counter depth, professional counter depth and integrated have a different price and pricing structure. Refrigerators become more expensive as they become larger and as importantly, shallower. Counter depth, professional counter depth and integrated refrigerators are the most expensive.
Dowload the Yale Refrigerator Buyers Guide with more information about each configuration (as a personal note, this is an awesome guide with almost 2,000 downloads in a very short period of time).
Gas Ranges
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GE JGB281SERSS
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Electrolux EW30GS75KS
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Wolf DF304
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The difference in gas ranges would be freestanding with controls on the back versus the more expensive slide-in with the controls on the back. The professional ranges are the most expensive with all high-output burners and restaurant appearance. Convection, warming drawer and simmer capability are all added and more expenive features on the slide-in and freestanding ranges.
A couple of helpful reads:
Electric Ranges
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GE JB640SRSS
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Frigidaire FPCF3091LF
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Electrolux EW30IS65JS
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Electric ranges are somewhat similar to gas ranges as features like convection and warming drawer/second oven add expense. Induction (magnetic heat) is a different type of electric range. It is faster than a gas pro, better simmer, nearly child-proof and requires less venting.
Some required reading: Induction versus Pro Gas
You should have a decent, general idea of product costs based on your needs. Couple of more notable tidbits:
- Check rebates!! I cannot stress their importance as it could be 10-35% at different times of the year. We send a general rebate newsletter each month just covering the best rebates. You can see a sample here.
- Check the store for any in-store promotions (then check their online reputation especially).
It is very difficult to determine what is the best of anything. In many ways it would be simpler because we wouldn't need 25,000 sq ft. of display. In electric ranges, it is difficult because there are very different options. There are freestanding ranges, slide-in ranges and induction ranges all with different features and prices.
Below are arguably the best:
Freestanding Ranges
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GE Freestanding Range
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Frigidaire Freestanding Range
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Bosch Freestanding Range
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- GE JB640SRSS $599 after rebates: One of General Electric's strongest product categories is ranges. They've always manufactured a range with great features, but it's always been somewhat expensive. The JB640SRSS is just a good range with basic features at an uncharacteristic low price $599.
- Frigidaire FGEF3032KF $699 after rebates: Frigidaire is another good commodity product. This range is very similar to the GE JB640SRSS except it has a fifth burner element for warming into larger expandable burners for larger pots and odd shaped dishes.
- Bosch HES7052U $1299 after rebate: I like the Bosch because it's different. It doesn't look like any other range and it has a lot of good features like convection and a bridge element for odd shaped pans like griddles. The Bosch also has a warming drawer which can keep food for up to three hours and refresh leftovers without dehydrating the food.
Induction Ranges
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Frigidaire Induction Range
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Electrolux Induction Range
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Induction is basically magnetic heat. It is faster than even the hottest professional gas burner, offers an instant simmer, emits less heat and requires less venting.
- Frigidaire FPCF3091LF $1699: Frigidaire is actually a hybrid range. It is half induction and half regular electric, but it has really decent features like convection and a warming drawer. Frigidaire is also the least expensive induction range.
- Electrolux EW30IF60IS: Electrolux probably has the most features of any product we sell. There is every cooking mode available, like dehydration for drying fruit. It even has a perfect turkey button. Electrolux is an all induction range with convection and a second oven below.
Slide-In Ranges
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Frigidaire Slide-In Range
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Jenn-Air Slide-In Range
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Slide-In ranges have controls in the front and don't have a backguard. A slide-in range also fits on top of the counters eliminating seams to clean. Slide-ins are aesthetically more pleasing because you can see the tile work behind the range itself (see Slide-In vs Freestanding Ranges).
- Frigidaire FPES3085KF $1749: Although you can buy less expensive slide-ins, I like this particular Frigidaire for features like convection, warming drawer and bridge element on the top.
- Jenn-Air JES8850CAS $1599 after rebate: Jenn-Air offers a very competitive slide-in range with convection and warming drawer for the least amount of money. It is also part of our most popular package (see Jenn-Air vs Bosch Stainless Steel Packages).
For more information about electric ranges or features like convection, induction or even the difference between a warming drawer and a warming zone, download our Electric Cooking Buyers Guide. Over 8000 people have downloaded a Yale guide.
The difference between an integrated and professional refrigerator is depth. An integrated refrigerator fits within the depth of a 24 inch cabinet so the refrigerator is linear to the cabinet itself. The professional refrigerator has the compressors on the top and the door and handle will protrude into the kitchen. Both are highly desired in luxury kitchens and are appealing in different ways.
Most of the refrigerators on this list are either French door and regular bottom freezers, not side-by-side refrigerators. There is not enough refrigerator space at the most popular 36 inch width in a side-by-side refrigerator.
The most popular integrated and professional refrigerators.
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Sub-Zero BI-36
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Thermador T36IT71NNP
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Viking VCBB536RSS
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Jenn-Air JF42NXFXDW
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Liebherr CS-2062
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Sub-Zero 648PRO
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- Sub-Zero BI-36: Sub-Zero is a different type of refrigerator. It's mission is to keep food fresher longer. The Sub-Zero features a vacuum seal and magnetic crispers to prevent air infiltrating/exfiltrating in the refrigerator and two compressors for better temperature regulation. Last year they added an air scrubber to prevent food from spoiling in the refrigerator itself. Sub-Zero will be manufacturing a french door refrigerator in 2013. During the home show, we will be warrantying all Sub-Zero products for five full years.
- Thermador T36IT71NNP: Thermador manufactures a very good 36 integrated refrigerator (watch this video of an integrated refrigerator). It does not have the features of a Sub-Zero, but buy a Thermador refrigerator and double wall oven and receive a free dishwasher and hood.
- Viking VCRB536RSS: The retooled Viking is a competitive refrigerator. We recently compared the Viking to a Sub-Zero refrigerator. Although it does not have quite the features of the Sub-Zero, Viking does have a $750 rebate and is available in a myriad of designer finishes.
- Jenn-Air JF42NXFXDW: Jenn-Air manufactures the largest french door refrigerator at 42 inches wide. It is reasonably priced, and like Thermador, has aggressive rebates when purchased with other Jenn-Air products.
- Liebherr CS-2062: Liebherr is the least expensive professional refrigerator starting at under $4999. It is still manufactured in Germany and is a good quality refrigerator.
- Sub-Zero 648PRO: Honestly we do not sell many of these, but the 648PRO is one of the most heavily inquired products on our website. Sub-Zero manufactured the 648PRO to emulate a true commercial refrigerator. Most of the commercial refrigerators are not energy efficient enough to be sold in residential applications. The Sub-Zero, however, is not only rated for residential usage, but actually uses less energy than a 75 watt bulb.
Following are the answers to the various inquiries: It weighs 800 pounds. We use 4 to 5 guys plus electric stair climbers to deliver one of these beasts. During the home show, will be warrantying all Sub-Zero products for five full years.
For more in-depth information about integrated or professional refrigerators download The Yale Refrigerator Buyers Guide.
Gas ranges have become far more competitive with high output burners, convection and warming doors at better prices. In fact, most of the better gas ranges have one or two burners equivalent to a professional range (see The Highest Output Gas Ranges).
Click here for the best professional ranges.
Following are the best gas ranges:
Freestanding Gas Ranges:
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GE Freestanding Range
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Frigidaire Freestanding Range
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Bosch Freestanding Range
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- GE JGB281SERSS $649 after rebate: Like a Wolf or Thermador professional range, this General Electric has one 15,000 BTU burner for faster cooking. GE has always been known for ranges but now their prices are more competitive.
- Frigidaire FGGF3054KF $899 after rebates: This Frigidaire has five burners on the top with one being 17,000 BTU's with another at 15,000 BTU. It also has convection in the oven. Honorable mention goes to their top-of-the-line range, model FGGF305MF, which adds a convertible oven and warming drawer under the main oven.
- Bosch HGS7052UC $1299 after rebate: I like the Bosch because it's different. Interestingly enough, the lower model Bosch stoves are actually manufactured by Frigidaire. This unit, however, is all Bosch with European convection for even cooking, a high output burner of 16,000 BTU and a very low simmer at 400 BTU. The Bosch also has a warming drawer underneath the main of the compartment.
Slide-In Gas Ranges:
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Jenn-Air Slide-In Range
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Frigidaire Slide-In Range
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Electrolux Slide-In Range
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Slide-In ranges have controls in the front and don't have a backguard. A slide-in range also fits on top of the counters eliminating seams to clean. Slide-ins are aesthetically more pleasing because you can see the tile work behind the range itself (see Slide-In vs Freestanding Ranges).
- Jenn-Air JGS8850CDS $1699 after rebate: January has many attractive features for competitive price. It features a 16,000 BTU burner, an ultra low simmer 500 BTU, convection oven and warming drawer. Some people have commented on my recent favorable reviews of Jenn-Air. I am not for or against any product or manufacturer as long as the product works. Currently, Jenn-Air has decent products and very aggressive rebates. This range for instance has a $400 rebate and is part of our most popular package. See Jenn-Air vs Bosch Stainless Steel Packages.
- Frigidaire FPGS3085KF $1769: Like their freestanding product, the Frigidaire slide-in range has great BTU output with one burner at 17,000 and another at 15,000 BTUs. The oven is convection with a warming drawer underneath. Frigidaire also offers plenty of package rebates as well.
- Electrolux EW30GS75KS $2699: Electrolux is for the client that wants every cooking mode possible. Electrolux delivers with every conceivable mode like dehydration, perfect turkey, bread proofing and convection convert. This slide-in has five burners on the top with the power burner of 18,000 BTU. There is convection oven as well as a second oven underneath.
For more information about gas ranges download the Yale Gas Cooking Buyers Guide with brands, features and competitive comparisons.
