ApplianceAdvisor Appliance Report KITCHENAID

The New Appliance Report from ApplianceAdvisor.com

KITCHENAID (a brand of Whirlpool)
800-422-1230
Whirlpools upper middle-end brand

2006 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Worlds 1'st 42" Built in French Door Fridge
They claim, but actually KitchenAid launched the fridge and we commented on it in 2005.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006wkitchenaid1.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006wkitchenaid2.jpg

Updated Architect Series II
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006wkitchenaid3.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006wkitchenaid4.jpg

2005 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Dual Fuel Range with Steam
Ambient pressure steam is added to the KitchenAid pro range. KitchenAid promises that steam will assist cooks in browning, crisping, caramelizing, and retaining internal moisture.
KitchenAid also claims: "This enhanced version of the range is the first full-size freestanding model to offer steam technology in the US."
Of course this is a bold faced hmmmm falsehood. The concept was in pro-style range production at least 10 years ago by defunct appliance brand, Russell Range. They may even have been the first to launch the technology, but we hesitate to make such black and white statements without first having done our homework. Unlike, say, KitchenAid. Available Sept 2005. 30" version $4100. 36" version $6300.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005Whirlpool5.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005whirlpoolSteamAssisted.jpg

French Door Fridge Line
Kitchenaid touts the the first full line of french door fridges, with freestanding, counter-depth and built-in 42" units. Freestanding: $1850 - $2100. Counter-depth: $2400 - $2700. Architect series built-in models available Q1 2006 at an economical $7000. What exactly are you getting that costs an additional $5000, or 2-1/2 additional freestanding fridges. Look at these images.....tell us where the $5000 is.
Built-in Closed: http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005WhirlpoolFrenchDoorBuiltInClosed.jpg
Built-in Open:    http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005WhirlpoolFrenchDoorBuiltInOpen.jpg
Freestanding:     http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005WhirlpoolFrenchDoorFreestanding.jpg

The Hummer of Washers and Dryers
KitchenAid's new Pro Line Commercial Washer pair. Though it seems nuts to believe that there is a market out there for something like this, what would you have said 20 years ago if it was suggested a 48" range would be all the rage? Of course, us too. See that's the problem with thinking with your brain and not your lifetime of insecurity. 3.8 ft3 volume, available summer 2005, $3500 for washer and $3500 for dryer.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005Whirlpool7.jpg

2004 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Fisher & Paykel Killer (courtesy of Fisher & Paykel)
Bless the folks at Benton Harbor. They actually convinced the Fisher & Paykel folks to hand over the family jewels. KitchenAid is now offering the Fisher & Paykel line of double dishdrawers. Offered in Pro Line styling $1600 - $1700, stainless $1500 and custom ready to match your cabinets $1300 - 1400. F&P believes that with KitchenAid onboard the dishdrawer will become a standard configuration. Just don't tell us their hands didn't shake as they signed the agreement. Even with the added Whirlpool middleman, retail pricing is similar to the F&P offerings which can only hint at the PHAT F&P margins.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/kitchenaiddishdrawer1.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/kitchenaiddishdrawer2.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/kitchenaiddishdrawer3.jpg

Self Replicating Pro Line Styling
The 2003 Best of Show styling theme of KitchenAid's Pro Line has flowed over to KitchenAid's slide-in and free standing 30" ranges in both gas and electric versions. Priced in the $850 - $2000.
http://www.kitchenaid.com/catalog/category.jsp?categoryId=115#116

Boxers or Brivas
KitchenAid expands the options in the Briva sinkwasher line with a smaller standard 36" width sink. (see 2002 below for full features). Comes with the same size washer cavity as the original Briva's but a much smaller sink. MSRP of $1800. Available summer 2004.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/kitchenaidinsink1.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/kitchenaidinsink2.jpg
http://briva.kitchenaid.com

Wine Cooler
KitchenAid claims that this new wine cooler is redesigned. Available Q4, 2004 in the $1300 - 1600 range. 5.7 cu ft volume.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/kitchenaidwinecooler.jpg

Is KitchenAid A Laundry Brand....Well it is Now.
KitchenAid launched a washer dryer pair known as "Ensemble". Originally launched as Kenmore HE3T in 2001 then the Whirlpool Duet in 2002.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/kitchenaidensemble.jpg

2003 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
A New Coordinated Direction in Pro Line Appliances
KitchenAid showed an entire kitchen of appliances with a unified design philosophy, beyond stainless, beyond right angles, beyond the styling rut most of the pro-style industry is stuck in. Being that they are a division of the Whirlpool megalith, there are a limited number of SKUs involved. The line features built-in products only, no ranges, and only 1 size and configuration in each product category.
Gas Cooktop: 36", 5 burner (1)18K, (2) 15K, (2) 6K BTU burners, full surface grates, integrated wok grate.
Other products include Fridge, Dishwasher, Warming Drawer, Range Hood, Trash Compactor, Gas on Glass Cooktop
The line is available in stainless steel or "Meteorite", a matte grey metallic color, and they are stressing the Meteorite. The line will be available (or is available) 3rd Qtr of 2003.
http://proline.kitchenaid.com/built_in/built_in_products.asp
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2003Appliancephotos/kitchenaidfridge.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2003Appliancephotos/kitchenaidoven.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2003Appliancephotos/kitchenaidprotop.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2003Appliancephotos/kitchenaiddrawer.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2003Appliancephotos/kitchenaidglassgas.jpg

2002 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Forget the Name "Brivia" Cause "NSYNC" Seems to be Available
The new "Briva" KitchenAid dishwasher employs (1) side of a special double sink as a half-size fully automatic dishwasher. The dishwasher side is 14" deep allowing for the washing of up to 5 place settings with 11" plates. Also features a 2 minute rinse cycle for for the washing re-use of cooking utensils and bowls "while" cooking, a 3 minute 160 degree sanitize wash, an 18 minute light soil wash, and a 30 minute full wash. By removing the rack and spray arm, the dishwasher sink reverts to a fully functional sink. ApplianceAdvisor considers this concept to be very nearly genius, and should cause a shudder within the hearts of all Fisher+Paykel-ites
http://www.kitchenaid.com/briva/briva.htmls
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2002Appliancephotos/kitchenaiddishsink.jpg

48" Pro Range
Finally completing their Architect Pro Line, KitchenAid will ship a 48" range with (2) 24" electric self cleaning, convection ovens, (8) sealed burners of which (6) are 15K BTU burners and (2) are 6K BTU burners, all topped off with cast iron grates. Available 1st Qtr of 2003 for $7500. We believe that only Five Star has a similar oven layout for a 48" range.

A Line Extension Too Far.
New all electric ceran top ranges with the option of front or back controls, and ovens with convection and variable temperature broiling. Available June 2002 and priced from $1340 to $1770.
New all gas ranges feature (4) sealed burners rated at 6K to 14K BTU available June 2002 for $1820 to $1880.
These units are watered down versions of the Architect Pro-Line, and we believe they are.........."A Line Extension Too Far"

Bottom-Mount Counter-Depth Built-In-Like Refrigerator
No mucking around with cabinetry, this is KitchenAid's first built-in-like unit that wasn't side by side. Retail at $2000
http://www.kitchenaid.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=369009&prmenbr=136&catname=Refrigerators&sku=KBRA20ELWH

The Dacor Killer
A 36" built-in oven with 5.25 cu ft capacity, true convection and a expected availability of 1st Qtr of 2003. In the race for a 36" oven, we have no doubt that KitchenAid will ship months (or perhaps years) before Dacor. Expected retail of for $1800 to $2100.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2002Appliancephotos/kitchenaid36oven.jpg

The Outdoor Line for Rich, Insecure, Not Very Bright Individuals
27" , 36" and 48" free-standing grills priced from $2400 to $5700)
39" and 48" built-in grills with 2 side burners priced from $1850 to $4800).
Grills feature stainless steel grates, electronic ignition, and stainless drip guards. Some come equipped with rotisserie, Infra Red broiler, warming rack and wood chip smoker drawer. Also launched was a stainless interior under-counter slide-in refrigerator for $1800 which holds up to 12 wine bottles as well as a 50lb per day free standing ice maker for $2600.
DID YOU READ THOSE PRICES? $1800 to keep 12 bottles of wine chilled. $2600 to make ice. $4400 altogether for a dorm sized refrigerator AND ice.......vs. $10 for lots of bags of ice that can do both.
What do you think it costs to make those units? Our guess is $230 for the wine coolor, and $280 for the ice maker.
Why are the prices of tiny ice makers and fridges in the same ballpark as a Bottom-Mount Counter-Depth Built-In-Like Refrigerators as discussed above?
All these products will be available in Qtr 3 of 2002.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2002Appliancephotos/kitchenaidbbq.jpg

Back From....or Back To the Major Appliance Trash Heap
Are trash compactors back? KitchenAid has launched a 1.4 cu ft capacity unit with hidden controls, and customizable door panels. It is designed to complement the KitchenAid integrated dishwasher. Available June 2002 for $800 - $850.

2001 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Bribery Based Bias: Kitchenaid pressed the flesh of the press at an invitation only post-show product presentation in the Kitchenaid booth (say that 3 times fast). The press could partake of various hors d' oeuvres and drinks, meet chefs of cookbook and TV fame, and receive 2 cookbooks signed by the authors. I took both books but gave 1 away, drank their coffee and ate their cupcakes.

A Better Dishwasher
Dishwasher that is better than Bosch and ASKO they say. Like many others on the market this unit has concealed controls on top lip of door, which is slick but also conceals which cycle the dishwasher is in. Full length frameless doors with the option of colors, stainless or panel ready customization. Triple washer arms. Kitchenaid claims that it can eat an entire pound cake without jamming unlike the other 2 brands. Perhaps, but the Advisor thinks that folks who put entire cakes in their dishwasher really shouldn't be allowed to own even a minor appliance. Energy Star rated. Can accommodate as many as 14 5-piece table settings and has other rack things that make this way gooder than others. Uses 20% less water than before. They say "Virtually silent operation"……but for the love of Mike, corn on the cob, and all things sacred, how bloody quiet! MSRP of $1200. Kitchenaid's website uses internet cookies so here are the directions to navigate to this product.
http://www.kitchenaid.com
Top right of screen "Find a Product" click on Dishwasher
Click on first model shown KUDS01FKSS

Pointless, umm, I mean Curved Handle Feature
New Door handle on refrigerators. So you know that we do not make this up……..we will quote:
"The curved, sculpted doors that characterize KitchenAid Contoured Door refrigerators have been enhanced with the addition of the sleek, curved handles found on the Architect Series line of" blah blah blah. Please think of the trees before making a press release. That's all that we ask.

Other Refrigerator Improvements
The Contour fridge line has the "industry-exclusive KitchenAid Aquasense Water Filtration system". How would that be different than everybody else's water filtration system? Also this "exclusive" filter system and Whirlpool's in-door icemaker will be available on the Architect line. Both lines have been upgraded to meet new stricter Fed energy regs. Energy Star.
See the Advisor Rant About Energy Star

New Color Options
Cobalt Blue, Empire Red, Hunter Green, Majestic Yellow, (not to be confused with Blue, Red, Green, and Yellow)

Additional Sizes of Pro Cooktops and Ranges
Architect Series Pro line adds various configurations of 36" and 48" cooktops and a 36" range. Ranges include 9" backsplash AND Island trim AND simmer plate all in the box. Very convenient. We are not sure why they didn't also launch a 48" range, unless it cost too much to tool up for that little side oven.

2000 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Largest Capacity Built-In Fridge
Kitchenaid claims the largest capacity counter-depth refrigerator @ 25 ft3. Is this true? What width of refrigerator would this be………they forgot to say. We forgot to ask. Could be a 42". Retails between $1,999 - $2,499.

First Built-In Refrigerator With Water Filter
Funny thing is, this is exactly what Monogram said about their built-in fridge (See Monogram). Does Monogram buy this unit from Whirlpool?

White Ceran Electric Cooktop
30" and 36" white ceramic glass electric cooktop with either electronic touch controls or knob controls.

Dishwasher
"offers the industry's maximum available capacity combined with optimum flexibility and its quietest wash cycle ever" Anybody know what that means? Quietest cycle…..they could mean the "off cycle", but probably not.

Expanded Pro Line Cooking Models
Added to the Architect Series are the homemade (built by Whirlpool) 36" cooktop ($1,999 - $2,999) and 30" dual fuel ranges, both with sealed burners. These were disappointing for aesthetic reasons. The stainless is a heavy harsh grain. The "Kitchenaid" logo is up near the cooktop to guarantee that its edges will become an uncleanable stew after years of cooking jetsam and flotsam. It's boring, looks cheap, but isn't.
http://www.kitchenaid.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=40894&prmenbr=136

Also Added To The Pro Line….
Kitchenaid launches a built-in warming drawer in the $700 - $900 price range.
http://www.kitchenaid.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgmenbr=136&cgrfnbr=28600

High Speed Oven
The Ultima Cook High Speed Oven features a 900 Watt microwave, 1200 Watt radiant element, auto defrost and reheat functions and sells for $1229 in a single configuration or $3169 when sold over a radiant convection oven. Sounds excellent: See the Whirlpool Speedcook above for further details.

Microwave With Convection
Built-in microwave oven with radiant and convection features. $1029 - $1319

Pro Hood
New pro hood from Faber. Uses a new low profile baffle filter only 3/8" thick which seems to be designed to simply replace the mesh filters the hood was originally designed for. Easy and light little filter. Might work.