Are High-End & Luxury Kitchen
Appliances A Good Investment?
Exploring the benefits of buying high-end kitchen appliances.
The kitchen, they say, is the heart of a home. Yes, that may sound like a bit of a cliché at this point, but we tend to agree that it's true. And according to many in the real estate business, it can also be the key that unlocks a swift sale or the anchor that chains a property to the market. We believe that a great kitchen, the kind that elevates your whole home, is achievable at just about every price point. However, the aesthetic and functional charms of high-end kitchen appliances are particularly tempting, inviting the question: is it worth it to invest in high-end and luxury kitchen appliances?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no, but an invitation to analyze and ask still more questions before arriving at a conclusion that fits your needs, style, and budget. For those who are thinking of taking their appliances to the next level, we’ve compiled the most important angles to consider so that whatever you choose, the heart of your home brings you many happy returns (on your investment).
The Essentials of High-End
Kitchen Appliance Brands
1. Serve The Senses
Luxury appliances aren't just about function, they're about making the kitchen the most popular room in the house through the perfect marriage of convenience and aesthetics. Pieces like a boldly colored La Cornue or AGA range look as good as they perform, as do Gaggenau’s models with minimalist heavy duty metal knobs, sleek touch control screens, and modern stainless steel elements that are resistant to fingerprints. These alongside other high-end kitchen appliance brands like Wolf, Viking, and Thermador and other well-known premium brands like Monogram, JennAir, BlueStar, True, and Hestan bring a variety of striking design sensibilities to the table—it’s no wonder these appliance brands are popular go-to’s for interior designers and selective homeowners.
2. Zero Performance Anxiety
Forget burnt batches and uneven heating. Top-of-the-line kitchen appliances are engineered for culinary excellence. Many gourmet appliance brands like Miele's smart ranges offer Wi-Fi connectivity (using Miele@home) and the ability to use voice control so that you can speak to the oven while you’re busy whipping up the perfect meringue. Induction cooktops, like those from Gaggenau, offer precise temperature control and remote monitoring, while Thermador's wall ovens pack professional features like built-in meat probes. In other words, these appliances are basically sous chefs in disguise.
3. Think Price Per Meal
If you’re an investment dresser, you know the concept of price per wear. Unlike their more budget-friendly counterparts, luxury appliances are marathon runners, not sprinters—something like a YSL smoking jacket compared to a tuxedo from H&M. Both options have their appeal, however high-end appliances usually deliver 20+ years of reliable service, saving you the hassle (and cost) of frequent repairs or replacements. Additionally, future potential buyers will recognize their durability, beauty, and functionality, potentially boosting your home's value.
4. Eat Green
We’re not talking about kale smoothies, but the other way to eat green: being mindful of power and resource consumption. High-end appliances often embrace energy efficiency. Many high-end induction ranges use some of the most efficient cooking tech on the market, while features like eco-cooking modes further reduce energy consumption. While there is no hard scientific evidence to back it up yet, we hear from clients that beautifully prepared food just tastes better when you’re saving money and doing your part for the planet.
5. Luxury Warranties / Peace Of Mind
When deliberating over whether or not to invest in upscale appliances, it's important to not overlook the peace of mind they can offer through warranties. Most high-end brands go beyond the standard coverage, providing the assurance that any unexpected repairs or breakdowns won't throw your lifestyle or budget into disarray. For example, a malfunctioning oven—a standard warranty might cover parts, but a luxury warranty could include labor costs, ensuring a stress-free repair process. What's more, these warranties often extend coverage times, protecting your investment for additional years and mitigating the risk of costly repairs down the line. So, while mulling over the expense of a luxury appliance, remember that the enhanced warranty acts as a safety net, delivering even more value and ensuring your investment continues to serve you for years to come.
6. Superlative Customer Support
From Porsche to Hermès, luxury brands have always been held in high regard, not only for the superior quality of their products but also for the customer experience before and after a purchase. This is also true for luxury appliance brands and premium appliance brands who invest significantly in high-quality customer care—care that is often much more comprehensive and wide-reaching than what is provided by mainstream brands.
Most people that purchase luxury appliances see the level and quality of support that they receive as being valuable, and an integral part of their investment. With higher price tags come higher expectations, and brands like Sub-Zero appliances, Wolf appliances, Thermador appliances, and many others have stepped up their support game to provide their customers with top-notch experiences throughout the entire customer journey. With nothing less than their reputations on the line, the leading names in high-end appliances can be relied upon for long-term, high-level customer service.
7. Play The Long Game
A 2023 report from Zillow® revealed that listings boasting chef-friendly amenities like steam ovens, pizza ovens, and professional-grade appliances can command up to 5.3% more than comparable homes lacking such enticements. On a typical U.S. home, this translates to a potential boost of $17,400.
Overall, the Zillow report reflects evolving homebuyer preferences and should be considered an important reference for anyone wondering whether or not it is worth investing in luxury appliances. Kitchens and bathrooms remain key selling points, with high-end features commanding significant price premiums. While specific items like “she sheds” reflect contemporary lifestyle trends, other features like ranges, refrigerators, ovens, countertops and fixtures need to be carefully evaluated within the context of the broader market and shifting tastes. In the long term, respected brands and classic styles are always the safest bet. Keeping this in mind, your splurge today could translate into a bigger payday tomorrow.
The Verdict
If you're serious about upgrading your kitchen, it makes sense to consider an appliance that elevates your culinary experience and potentially your home's value. While a designer range might be the ultimate recommendation, remember to set a budget and select the product or products that align with that budget. A retailer, like Snyder Diamond, stocks models that fit a wide variety of tastes and budgets and can be a great source of information and inspiration. Our highly-trained, knowledgeable sales experts understand that taking on home-renovation projects and choosing large appliances can feel overwhelming and are always here to support you at every step of the way, whether you select products that are on display in the showrooms, or order from the thousands of additional products that are not.
When it comes to any investment you make there’s no crystal ball to refer to and no guarantees. However, beauty, performance, and longevity deliver returns that can be seen and felt for decades. Once the renovation dust has settled, you'll be left with a kitchen that is a pleasure to cook in and a joy to behold.
Contact Us
