How Much Do Kitchen Appliances Really Cost?

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, JennAir, Café Appliances, 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

Frigidaire DGBD2432KW	Bosch SHE43RL5UC	Miele G4205SS

• Frigidaire DGBD2432KW - $349
• Bosch SHE43RL5UC - $699
• Miele G4205SS $1199

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

Frigidaire NFTR18X4LW	Jenn-Air JFC2089WEM	Sub-Zero BI36

• Frigidaire NFTR18X4LW - $499
• Jenn-Air JFC2089WEM - $1549
• Sub-Zero BI36 $8099 (varies depending on the finish)

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.

Download 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

GE JGB281SERSS	Electrolux EW30GS75KS	Wolf DF304

• GE JGB281SERSS - $649
• Electrolux EW30GS75KS - $2699
• Wolf DF304 - $5949

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 expensive features on the slide-in and freestanding ranges.

A couple of helpful reads:

• Slide-In vs Freestanding Ranges
• Highest Output Gas Ranges
• The Best Professional Ranges

GE JB640SRSS	Frigidaire FPCF3091LF	Electrolux EW30IS65JS

• GE JB640SRSS - $599
• Frigidaire FPCF3091LF - $1699
• Electrolux EW30IS65JS - $3199

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:

1. 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.
2. Check the store for any in-store promotions (then check their online reputation especially).