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.
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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.
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.
Buy 2: $100
Buy 3: $200
Buy 4: $400
Buy 5: $900
Buy 6: $1,400
Buy 7: $2,000
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.
Buy 2: $100
Buy 3: $300
Buy 4: $500
Bonus: If you’re buying Studio models, add $200.
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.
Buy 3: 5% off
Buy 4: 10% off
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.