High-End Appliances: Luxe Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Need (But Will Love)

Oh boy, high-end appliances. I mean, I love them as most interior designers would. But let’s be real. Does anyone “need” a $10,000 fridge that sends out texts when you’re running out of milk? Perhaps, but maybe not.  That said, if you do indeed have your eye on elevating your kitchen with renovations that would make your foodie friends swoon, consider this your ultimate, but approachable, guide to high-end appliances.

Why High-End Appliances? (Or: Do You Really Want a Fridge that Can Instagram?)

Here’s the thing: high-end appliances are like having a sous chef who never complains and a cleaning crew that doesn’t need breaks. Yes, they cost a bit more upfront, but you’re paying for performance and durability, not just for the bragging rights (though those don’t hurt). From ovens that won’t make you wonder if your soufflé is about to collapse, to dishwashers so quiet you’ll think, “Wait, did I start that?”… they really do bring something extra.

The Whole Durability Thing

Let’s say you’re like me and have a love-hate relationship with cooking. (Love the eating part, hate the mess.) And when you live in New York City, there are so many ways to avoid cooking and instead go out to eat out.  But some nights you do want to just stay in (Brooklyn is too fun) and try your hand in the kitchen.

So, with high-end appliances you are more likely to have a better experience.  For one, they are engineered for longevity. Take my refrigerator, for example. It is built to outlast “most” of my relationships, and with far fewer repairs. These gadgets can take a beating — even if you’re whipping up a last-minute dinner party for six and, in a panic, forget about half the stuff in the oven.

Choosing the Right Appliance (Because Size “Does” Matter)

Alright, first things first. You need to measure. I know—measuring sounds boring and way too responsible, but trust me, you don’t want to buy a gorgeous, top-of-the-line stove and then realize you have to tear down half a wall to make it fit. Think about how you cook (or don’t), how much space you have, and what kind of aesthetic you want. Does that sleek chrome fridge fit with your cozy, Zen-inspired Brooklyn kitchen? Perhaps. Or will it make your space feel like the inside of a spaceship? Will it work with your current countertops (both physically and aesthetically)? Or will you start to think about doing even greater re-designs in your space. (By the way, if you want some guidance on choosing the right countertop, check out this article.  I also want to share another blog about refreshing kitchens with tile.)

Advanced Features: More Than Just Party Tricks

WiFi-connected ovens, refrigerators with touchscreens… sounds like overkill, right? But there’s some real practicality here. Imagine adjusting your oven’s temp “from your couch”. Or having your dishwasher use a custom cycle that only washes your delicate plates. These things are built to make your life easier (or at least to make you feel cooler when showing them off at your next dinner party).

The Fun Part: Maintenance (Ugh)

No one likes maintaining appliances. I know I don’t. But keeping these beauties in shape is key. A lot of high-end models have built-in reminders or self-cleaning features (thank the appliance gods for that). But if you treat them well — a little TLC, a dab of special cleaner for that stainless steel, and maybe an occasional filter change — they’ll stick around and stay beautiful for years. Think of them like maintaining a car in good condition. Or even a low-maintenance pet: they mostly take care of themselves, but they do need a bit of attention now and then.

Common Problems (and How to Not Panic)

Things might go wrong. Yes, even with high-end appliances. It happens. But here’s a tip: don’t freak out. A lot of issues are small and fixable. If your oven’s acting up, it might just need a recalibration. Fridge not cold enough? Could be as simple as dust clogging the coils. (I had no idea what coils were until I had to Google it.) Bottom line: these appliances are designed with diagnostics, and they’ll usually let you know what’s wrong before you start crying over a broken compressor.

My Go-To Brands

Alright, if you’re looking for some names to drop, here you go. Sub-Zero for refrigerators (so sleek, so quiet, and yes, they’re basically the Beyoncé of fridges). Wolf for kitchen ranges, if you want to cook like a pro without actually going to culinary school. And Miele — oh, Miele — for dishwashers that don’t scream while they work. You can’t go wrong with any of these, and honestly, they’re all great at what they do.

Final Thoughts from an Interior Designer Keeping it Real

Look, you don’t “need” high-end appliances to be happy. But if you’ve decided you want your kitchen to feel like an experience (or, let’s face it, if you just want to up your home game), they’re worth every penny. Plus, they’ll probably last longer than I’ve lived in any one New York City apartment. Just make sure you choose appliances that fit your space and lifestyle, maintain them as best you can (or hire someone to do it — no judgment here), and enjoy the little luxuries they bring.

So, ready to invest in some culinary rock stars? Or at least ready to fantasize about them while reheating leftovers?