Cafe Appliances Review: Luxury Kitchen Appliances with Cutting-Edge Technology and Vintage-Inspired Style
If you‘re planning a kitchen remodel, selecting the right appliances is one of the most important decisions you‘ll make. With so many options on the market at a wide range of price points, it can be challenging to know where to splurge and where to save. If you have the budget for luxury appliances, you‘ll definitely want to consider Cafe Appliances.
This premium appliance brand offers high-end refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and more with a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and vintage-inspired style. In this comprehensive Cafe Appliances review, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the brand, its products, customer reviews, and more to help you decide if Cafe Appliances are the right choice for your dream kitchen.
About Cafe Appliances
Cafe Appliances is a luxury appliance brand that was launched in 2018 by GE Appliances, a Haier company. While Cafe Appliances is a relatively new brand, GE Appliances has a long history dating back to 1907. Some of the other appliance brands under the GE Appliances umbrella include Monogram, GE Profile, GE, and Hotpoint.
The Cafe Appliances brand was designed to fill a gap in the market for premium appliances that offer professional quality performance along with chic, customizable style. The brand philosophy is "Distinct by Design," and Cafe Appliances are created for the customer who wants their kitchen appliances to be a reflection of their unique personal style.
While Cafe Appliances are undeniably expensive, with prices ranging from around $1,000 for a countertop appliance to over $10,000 for a built-in refrigerator, the brand has quickly gained a devoted following. Cafe Appliances has over 126,000 followers on Instagram, and the brand has been featured in publications like House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, and more.
Cafe Appliances Product Categories
Cafe Appliances offers a full suite of kitchen appliances in several categories:
Major Appliances: Refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, vent hoods
Countertop Appliances: Coffee makers, toasters, toaster ovens, blenders, stand mixers
Smart Appliances: Smart ranges, smart ovens, smart cooktops, smart microwaves
Collections & Finishes: Matte collection, matte white collection, stainless steel, matte black
Style & Living: Customizable appliance hardware, kitchen inspiration blog
With Cafe Appliances, you can choose individual appliances a la carte, or you can purchase a matching appliance suite for a fully coordinated look. The brand offers traditional stainless steel appliances, as well as unique matte finishes in white, black, and brushed bronze. You can also customize your appliance handles and knobs with brushed bronze, brushed stainless, or brushed black hardware to suit your style.
In-Depth Review of Top Cafe Appliances
Now that you have an overview of the Cafe Appliances brand and product selection, let‘s dive into the details on some of their most popular appliances.
Cafe Appliances Built-In Microwave Drawer Oven
The Cafe Appliances Built-In Microwave Drawer Oven is a sleek and stylish alternative to the traditional countertop microwave. This 24-inch 1.2 cubic foot microwave drawer can be installed flush with your cabinetry for a seamless look.
The microwave drawer features a concealed touch control panel, automatic sensor cooking controls, and a child lock for safety. The interior is stainless steel with a durable gray ceramic enamel bottom that resists scratches and stains. With 950 cooking watts and 10 power levels, this microwave delivers plenty of power and precision.
The Cafe Appliances Built-In Microwave Drawer Oven is available in stainless steel, matte white, and matte black finishes. Pricing ranges from $1,699 to $1,999 depending on finish.
Cafe Appliances Smart Slide-In Front-Control Induction and Convection Range
If you‘re looking for a range that combines the precision of induction cooking with the convenience of smart technology, the Cafe Appliances Smart Slide-In Front-Control Induction and Convection Range is a top pick.
This 30-inch range features a slide-in design with front-mounted controls for a built-in look. The cooktop has four induction elements with a flexible surface that can accommodate a variety of cookware sizes. The 5.7 cubic foot oven features true European convection with direct air and a six-pass broil element for even cooking and browning.
One of the standout features of this range is the built-in camera that lets you monitor your food as it cooks using your smartphone. You can also preheat the oven, set timers, and receive notifications when your food is done through the SmartHQ app.
The Cafe Appliances Smart Slide-In Front-Control Induction and Convection Range is available in stainless steel, matte white, or matte black finishes with your choice of brushed stainless, brushed bronze, or brushed black hardware. Pricing ranges from $3,999 to $4,499 depending on configuration.
Cafe Appliances Warming Drawer
A warming drawer is a versatile kitchen appliance that keeps food warm until serving time. The Cafe Appliances Warming Drawer is a 30-inch built-in model with 1.3 cubic feet of capacity.
This warming drawer features variable temperature controls from 80-210 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has a humidity control to help prevent moisture loss, and a continuous ON mode that keeps the drawer warm for an extended period of time. The drawer has a removable half rack for easy loading and unloading, as well as a "on" indicator light so you never accidentally leave it running.
The Cafe Appliances Warming Drawer is available in stainless steel, matte white, or matte black finishes. Pricing ranges from $1,649 to $1,949 depending on finish.
Cafe Appliances Commercial-Style Gas Rangetop with 6 Burners and Integrated Griddle
If you love to cook and entertain, the Cafe Appliances Commercial-Style Gas Rangetop with 6 Burners and Integrated Griddle is a dream appliance. This 36-inch rangetop features six powerful sealed burners, including a 21,000 BTU commercial-grade power burner ideal for rapid boiling and searing.
In addition to the burners, this rangetop also has an integrated stainless steel griddle that‘s perfect for making pancakes, bacon, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more. The continuous grates allow you to easily slide heavy pots and pans from burner to burner.
The Cafe Appliances Commercial-Style Gas Rangetop is available in stainless steel, matte white, or matte black finishes with your choice of brushed stainless, brushed bronze, or brushed black hardware. Pricing ranges from $2,699 to $3,199 depending on configuration.
Cafe Appliances AFFETTO Automatic Espresso Machine
For the coffee lover who wants barista-quality drinks at home, the Cafe Appliances AFFETTO Automatic Espresso Machine is a must-have appliance. This sleek countertop espresso machine lets you craft cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and more with just the touch of a button.
The AFFETTO features a built-in conical burr grinder with adjustable grind size and dose, as well as automatic milk texturing and dispensing. It has a color touchscreen display that lets you easily customize your coffee strength, size, and temperature. You can also save your favorite drinks for one-touch brewing.
The Cafe Appliances AFFETTO Automatic Espresso Machine is available in stainless steel, matte white, or matte black finishes. Pricing ranges from $2,399 to $2,699 depending on finish.
Cafe Appliances Customer Reviews
So what do actual customers think of Cafe Appliances? Overall, the brand receives very positive reviews, with many customers praising the high-end look and feel, professional-grade performance, and smart features of Cafe Appliances.
On the Cafe Appliances website, most products have ratings of 4.5 stars or higher. For example, the Built-In Microwave Drawer Oven has an average rating of 5 stars, with customers calling it "sleek," "high quality," and "worth the investment."
The Smart Slide-In Front-Control Induction and Convection Range has an average rating of 4.4 stars, with customers loving the precision of induction cooking and the convenience of the built-in camera and smart controls. "I am in love with this range!" raved one customer. "The induction cooktop is amazing – it boils water so fast and the temperature control is incredibly precise."
While the majority of Cafe Appliances reviews are positive, there are a few complaints from customers who experienced issues like dents/damage upon delivery, long wait times for replacement parts, and inconsistent customer service. However, these negative reviews seem to be the exception rather than the rule.
Is Cafe Appliances Legit?
Based on my extensive research, Cafe Appliances is definitely a legitimate luxury appliance brand. While no brand is immune to the occasional negative review or customer service issue, Cafe Appliances has overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers and industry experts alike.
Cafe Appliances is owned by GE Appliances, a well-established and reputable appliance manufacturer. The brand offers a full one-year warranty on all appliances for peace of mind. And if you‘re not completely satisfied with your Cafe Appliances purchase, the brand offers a 45-day return policy (though you may be subject to return shipping fees and/or a restocking fee in some cases).
Is Cafe Appliances Worth It?
Now for the million dollar question – are Cafe Appliances worth their premium price tag? In my opinion, if you‘re doing a full kitchen remodel or looking to upgrade to luxury appliances, Cafe Appliances are definitely worth considering.
Cafe Appliances strike the perfect balance between form and function, with designer-grade style and professional-quality performance. The brand‘s focus on customization options like hardware finish and color also allow you to create a look that feels unique to your personal style.
Of course, Cafe Appliances are a significant investment, so they may not be the best choice if you‘re on a tight budget. But if you have the means to splurge on high-end appliances, Cafe Appliances offer great quality and value compared to other luxury brands like Wolf, Viking, and Thermador.
Where to Buy Cafe Appliances
If you‘re interested in purchasing Cafe Appliances for your home, you have a few different options:
Cafe Appliances website: You can shop the full selection of Cafe Appliances directly on the brand‘s website at cafeappliances.com. The site often runs promotions like free delivery, installation, and haul-away.
Major retailers: Cafe Appliances are also available from major retailers including Best Buy, Lowe‘s, The Home Depot, and Build.com.
Cafe Appliances Promotions & Discounts
Because Cafe Appliances are a luxury brand, you won‘t find a ton of sales or discounts. However, the brand does occasionally offer promotions like:
- Free delivery and installation on select appliances
- Discount on select appliance packages
- Rebates on specific appliance models
- Special financing offers (e.g. 12-month 0% APR)
To stay up-to-date on the latest Cafe Appliances deals, you can check the "Offers" section on the brand‘s website or sign up for their email newsletter.
The Verdict: Is Cafe Appliances the Right Fit For Your Kitchen?
If you‘re looking for luxury kitchen appliances that offer professional-grade performance, vintage-inspired style, and custom options, Cafe Appliances are a brand worth checking out. While Cafe Appliances are undeniably expensive, they deliver great quality and value compared to other high-end appliance brands.
Of course, Cafe Appliances aren‘t the right fit for every homeowner. If you‘re working with a tight remodeling budget, you can certainly find great appliances at lower price points. And if you prefer a more simple, streamlined appliance style, Cafe Appliances‘ vintage-inspired aesthetic may not be for you.
But if you have the budget for a major kitchen appliance upgrade and want a unique look and feel for your space, I definitely recommend including Cafe Appliances in your search. With glowing reviews from customers and a growing cult following, Cafe Appliances is one of the most exciting new appliance brands on the market today.
