Should You Buy a Kitchen Appliance Package From the Same Brand?
September 5th, 2024 | 6 min. read

One of the most frequently asked questions among homeowners searching for new kitchen appliances is:
Should you buy everything from the same brand?
It's a decision that can impact both the look of your kitchen and your budget.
In this article, you'll learn the pros and cons of sticking with one brand, plus some tips on how to make either choice work for you.
Stick around until the end, and I'll share a trick to help you save the most money when buying appliances.
Let’s get started.
Should You Buy a Kitchen Appliance Package From the Same Brand?
The Case for Buying from the Same Brand
1. Matching Look
First, buying from the same brand allows you to coordinate the look of your appliances.
While stainless steel from different brands tends to match reasonably well, there are often differences in handles, which might not align even within the same brand.
This aesthetic concern is more important in smaller kitchens with appliances closer together and less of an issue in larger ones.
But don't worry—I’ll share a simple hack for this later.
If you are looking for a color (note: Yeah!), the differences between brands become more noticeable.
For example, compare kitchen appliances in white from Café, LG, and KitchenAid —each looks distinctly different.
If you're choosing colorful appliances, it's wise to stick with one brand, especially in a smaller kitchen.
2. Rebates and Savings
However, the bigger reason to buy from one brand is the increased rebates.
The more you buy from a single brand, the more significant your savings.
Let me walk you through a few examples:
GE Profile & Café Appliances Rebate Program:
You get $400 back when you buy four appliances, but only $100 if you buy two.
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Buy 2: $100
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Buy 3: $200
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Buy 4: $400
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Buy 5: $900
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Buy 6: $1,400
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Buy 7: $2,000
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Buy 8: $3,000
LG Rebate Program:
Similar to GE Profile and Café, you get $400 back when you buy four appliances, but only $100 if you buy two.
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Buy 2: $100
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Buy 3: $300
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Buy 4: $500
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Bonus: If you’re buying Studio models, add $200.
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Extra Bonus: Add $500 if one item is a built-in Studio fridge.
Miele Rebate Program:
Miele offers up to 15% off on qualifying purchases at certain times of the year, but only if you buy multiple Miele appliances. With pro ranges costing up to $15,000 and wall ovens over $8,000, these rebates can save you a lot.
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Buy 3: 5% off
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Buy 4: 10% off
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Buy 5 or more: 15% off
Note: To qualify, you always need to buy either a range or wall oven, plus complementary products like refrigerators.
Thermador and Monogram Rebate Programs:
Both brands offer significant rebates—up to $4,500 with qualifying purchases.
If you have a smaller kitchen, want to coordinate your appliances, and maximize your savings, buying from the same brand is a solid option.
The Case Against Buying from the Same Manufacturer
1. Features and Performance
Now, let’s explore when it might make sense to mix and match brands.
Many affordable luxury brands like Samsung, LG, Café, GE Profile, and KitchenAid offer similar features.
You can find comparable counter-depth and regular-depth refrigerators, convection ranges, quiet dishwashers, and over-the-range microwave vents.
However, there are some key differences.
For example, this Café stove has six burners with a 19,000 BTU griddle and a double oven, while the Bosch dishwasher with CrystalDry offers the best drying performance.
Both appliances have completely different styles, but you might prefer this combination because it suits your cooking style and helps you wash and dry plastics more effectively.
2. Customized Functionality
Over time, rebates might become less important than your overall contentment with how your appliances function and fit into your lifestyle.
If you plan to stay in your home for 10 years, a $400 rebate is just $40 per year compared to the satisfaction of buying exactly what you want.
For example, you could opt for a pro range like this Thermador with a free dishwasher and pair it with other less expensive appliances like a Bosch refrigerator.
Alternatively, you could choose a Wolf or BlueStar range for higher output and complement it with more affordable appliances.
Ways to Coordinate Mixed Brands
If you decide to buy from different brands, here are two ways to coordinate them:
Add Custom Cabinet Fronts to the Dishwasher and Refrigerator
If possible, adding a custom cabinet front, also known as paneling, to these appliances can create a cohesive look.
While dishwashers offer more options for custom panels, refrigerators tend to be pricier with fewer choices.
Choose Pocket Handles
Pocket handles (also known as handleless designs) match well with any appliance brand and offer a sleek, uniform look.
Premium Appliances: When Coordination Matters Less
In larger kitchens, coordinating appliances becomes less important. In luxury kitchens, no single brand offers the best appliances across the board.
For example, you might opt for a True or Sub-Zero refrigerator, a La Cornue, Wolf, or BlueStar range, and Gaggenau wall ovens.
For dishwashers, Miele, Cove, or Bosch are your best choices, along with a Miele or Wolf coffee maker.
You may still want to coordinate some appliances, especially if you're stacking wall ovens.
For instance, you might not like the look of a Miele oven with a Gaggenau coffee system above it.
But at the end of the day, it's your kitchen—buy what makes you happy.
Other Considerations
Reliable Service
When buying appliances, it’s not just about picking the right models—installation and service matter too.
These details can make a big difference in how smoothly everything works in your kitchen.
Choose a brand known for good customer service.
Some offer extended warranties or service agreements, which can save you time and the hassle if something breaks.
Quick repairs are essential, and some brands handle this better than others. At Yale, we have in-house service teams to get things fixed fast.
When comparing brands, don’t just focus on the price.
Consider how reliable their service is after the sale. A brand that takes care of its customers is worth the investment.
Installation
Installation is another big consideration, especially if you’re buying professional or built-in appliances, or ones with custom cabinet panels.
For instance, installing a Thermador 6-door built-in refrigerator with or without custom cabinet panels can take 4-6 hours. Plus, you need to add in the cost of 6 panels and handles.
It’s a detailed process, and getting it right is important to avoid problems later.
At Yale, our team of installers makes sure your appliances are set up correctly.
Choosing professional installation from the same place you bought your appliances makes the whole process easier—everything is done in one go, from delivery to setup.
Focus on service and installation now to avoid issues later. A smooth setup and reliable support make all the difference.
Conclusion and Final Tip for Saving Money
To recap: Buying from the same brand offers a coordinated look and better pricing compared to mixing and matching brands.
However, you can still achieve a cohesive appearance with pocket handles and paneling where possible.
Remember, this matters more in smaller kitchens than larger ones.
Now, let's talk about saving some serious money.
Almost every brand offers rebates, but buying during a holiday—any holiday—can boost your savings, especially with brands like Bosch, LG, Samsung, and GE.
The savings can be substantial, particularly as the industry remains in a recession while factories continue to overproduce.
These holiday promotions often stretch for nearly a month. For example, Black Friday now runs from Halloween through Cyber Monday, four days after Thanksgiving.
You can save 10-40% or more by stacking rebates with the same manufacturer during a holiday.
Pro Tip: Don't just look for discounts during major holidays. Watch out for mid-year sales, clearance events, and special promotions—timing your purchase can make all the difference.
FAQs
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about buying kitchen appliances.
What if my kitchen space is small?
If you have a small kitchen, coordinating your appliances can have a significant visual impact. Buying from the same brand or using paneling and pocket handles can make the space feel more cohesive.
Are there any risks in mixing brands?
The biggest risk in mixing brands is the potential for mismatched aesthetics. However, you can mitigate this with paneling or by choosing handleless designs.
How do I know if the appliances I choose will work well together?
When mixing brands, it's essential to consider the compatibility of features and technology. For example, if you're using a smart home system, ensure that all appliances are compatible with the same platform.
Think about how the different appliances will function together in your daily routine—like pairing a high-performance cooktop with a dishwasher that can handle heavier loads.
What if I want to change one appliance in the future?
If you think you might want to replace a single appliance later, consider choosing timeless designs or panel-ready options. This way, you can update one appliance without worrying about it clashing with the rest of your kitchen.
Staying with neutral finishes like stainless steel also makes it easier to swap out appliances as needed.
Are there any brands that offer the best of both worlds—variety and rebates?
Some brands, like GE Profile or KitchenAid, offer a broad range of appliances that cater to various needs while still providing competitive rebate programs. These brands can be a good middle ground if you're looking for diversity in features but still want to take advantage of rebates.
Additional Resources
Looking for more help on appliances? Get our free Appliance Buying Guide with the 10 most frequently asked questions, their answers, features on the major brands, and advice for the best buying strategies. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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Steve Sheinkopf is the third-generation CEO of Yale Appliance and a lifelong Bostonian. He has over 38 years of experience in the appliance industry, and he is a trusted source of information for consumers on how to buy and repair appliances.
Steve has also been featured in numerous publications, including the
New York Times,
Consumer Reports,
The Boston Globe,
Bloomberg Radio, the
New York Post,
The Wall Street Journal, and
Entrepreneur, for his knowledge of how to buy appliances and appliance repair.
Steve is passionate about helping consumers find the best appliances for their needs, and he is always happy to answer questions and provide advice. He is a valuable resource for consumers who are looking for information on appliance buying, repair, and maintenance.
Despite being the worst goalie in history, Steve is a fan of the Bruins and college hockey, loves to read, and is a Peloton biker. The love of his life is his daughter, Sophie.
A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.