Steal the Look: Top Kitchen Appliance Designer Dupes of 2024
Upgrading your kitchen with designer appliances can be a dream-come-true. Starting your research about the right appliances can be a little intimidating. With over 150 brands to pick from, how do you know you are making the right decision for your needs and budget?
As appliance experts with over 20 years in the business, we love helping you navigate the top trends. We want your project to meet your style goals and not break the bank. If you have expensive taste but are seeking a luxury-for-less look, consider the list below. All of the luxury items and “dupes” that made this list are appliance expert-approved.
Thankfully, the market is brimming with stylish "dupes" that capture the essence of high-end design without going over budget. Here's a look at some of the best kitchen appliance designer dupes of 2024, along with where to find them:
1. Retro Refrigerator:
What you need to know?
If you are looking for a vintage retro look, you are likely comparing these refrigerator brands. As the largest and most visible appliance in many kitchens, we love the idea of a fridge that makes a design statement. For city apartments, home offices, and large kitchens alike, these retro-style fridges work great, even when there are no cabinets around the fridge.
While both the Unique and SMEG models feature similar colorways, retro design, three storage shelves, and LED lighting, there are some noteworthy differences.
The SMEG refrigerator has larger dimensions and capacity. The SMEG model is 24 inches wide and 77.5 inches tall offering 11.5 cubic feet of storage. The Unique fridge is 22 inches wide and approximately 71 inches tall offering 8.7 cubic feet of capacity.
The SMEG fridge offers two crisper bins in the refrigerator section and three storage bins in the freezer. The Unique fridge features a one-crisper bin in the fridge section and a wine rack. The freezer also offers three storage bins.
From a functionality standpoint, the greatest difference between these units is in the freezer. The SMEG fridge will defrost automatically, whereas the Unique fridge has manual defrost. This means that every year, you must unplug the Unique fridge, take all of the food out, open the doors, and allow ice crystals to melt from the freezer. This functionality likely accounts for the cost difference between these two similar-looking refrigerators. It’s also important to note that both of these refrigerators do not come with an automatic ice maker.
2. Sleek Induction Range:
What you need to know?
Induction stoves are going to be the top choice cooking technology in the future. Induction cooking appliances make up 35% of cooking sales and that market share is increasing every year. While there are over 200 induction cooktops and stoves to pick from, the Monogram Professional Induction Range and Frigidaire Induction Range offer many of the sought-after modalities like air fry, true convection baking, a temperature thermometer in the oven, and the ability to bridge together two induction cooking elements for large skillets and griddles.
There are a few noteworthy differences between the Monogram and Frigidaire induction ranges. For the latest technology and precision cooking, Monogram is the better choice. Monogram features Precision Temperature Control where you can set the temperature of an induction burner between 200 and 500 degrees, perfect for delicate sauces and candies. With Monogram’s Guided Cooking modalities, you can cook elegant dinners as your burners automatically adjust time and temperature using a smart pan to follow along to video-guided recipes. While both ranges offer ample power, the Monogram range is slightly more powerful at 3,700 Watts versus the Frigidaire with 3,600 Watts. While both ranges offer large oven capacity, the Frigidaire range offers more capacity at 6.3 cubic feet versus the Monogram induction range at 5.2 cubic feet.
If you’re shopping for an induction range, both the Monogram and Frigidaire induction ranges are solid options. The Monogram will offer more technical capabilities and a luxurious finish. The Frigidaire induction range is a great budget-friendly choice offering family-friendly features like air fry mode, smudge-proof stainless steel, and a gentle steam cleaning oven mode.
3. Hidden Cabinet Front Dishwasher:
What you need to know?
Upgrade your kitchen with a cabinet front panel-ready dishwasher. These dishwashers come ready to accept a custom cabinet front and you order that from your cabinet provider for a completely integrated look. Buying appliances ready to accept custom cabinet fronts and hardware is surely a way to elevate the look and feel of your kitchen.
All panel-ready dishwashers look the same from the outside. The dishwasher controls and logo are completely hidden. This is the only product on this list where both products are from the same brand! Bosch makes over 50 different dishwashers ranging from $799 to $2,549. One of the major reasons why this brand is so popular is there is truly an option for every style, space, and budget.
When comparing the luxurious Bosch Benchmark Series Dishwasher and “dupe” Bosch 100 Series Dishwasher (SHV4AEB3N) there are some noteworthy differences. The Benchmark Series model (SHV9PCM3N) is incredibly quiet at 39 dBA compared to the 100 Series model at 48 dBA. While both models are considered quiet, the Benchmark model will sound like rustling leaves or a quiet library. The 100 Series model will sound more like someone washing their hands.
While both models offer smart connectivity through the HomeConnect™ App and a wide range of cycles to pick from, there are a few other noteworthy differences between the two dishwasher models. The higher-priced Benchmark Model will come with more storage at 16 place settings with a top 3rd rack, interior lighting, and a more sophisticated CrystalDry™ drying system. The 100 Series model comes with two racks, 14 place settings, and a PureDry® drying system.
Overall, both are good dishwasher options. For someone remodeling on a budget, the 100 Series Dishwasher is a solid choice yet lacks some of the luxurious features available on some of the higher price models. As we mentioned above, Bosch offers a wide range of products so there is truly something for every kitchen and budget.
4. Modern Black Glass Wall Oven:
What you need to know?
While many brands offer this sleek and minimalist black glass oven look, the Jenn Air Noir and Sharp ovens look almost identical. If you are going for the edge-to-edge black glass look, consider these options. Both models feature a large 5.0 cubic ft capacity, internal lighting, True European-style convection cooking, glass touch controls, an included temperature probe, a gliding oven rack, and a soft close door. So, what is the difference?
The major difference between the Jenn Air wall oven and Sharp wall ovens is in the technology. Jenn Air is perhaps the original smart oven brand with a built-in Culinary Center. This integrated guide can help you achieve perfect cooking results by calibrating based on what you are cooking and even your pan type. Its smart capabilities also include voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. For example, you can set Nest thermostats to react to rising oven temperatures. This oven also includes Jenn Air’sV2™ Vertical Dual-Fan Convection system for even heating on all oven racks. While the Sharp Wall Oven does not have any of these advanced technological features, it’s a good-looking oven at an affordable price that offers many of the cooking basics.
5. Stainless Steel Pro Range with Red Control Knobs
What you need to know?
You are looking for a powerful gas range and you love the classic red knob look that has become so popular in luxury kitchen projects. Wolf has been a go-to option for luxury kitchen remodels for over 30 years. The brand is known for powerful cooking appliances with red control knobs. Both Wolf and Bluestar have a foundation in the commercial cooking business.
Let’s say you have your heart set on a powerful stainless steel stove with red control knobs. Both brands make ranges in several sizes ranging from 30 inches to 60 inches wide. Wolf gas ranges start at $6,030 (at the time of publishing) and the Bluestar RCS Series at $3,995 + $575 for the red knobs (again, at the time of publishing). Therefore, for remodelers on a budget, it’s possible to achieve a similar look while saving about $1,500.
When comparing the ranges, there are some noteworthy differences. The sealed burner Bluestar RCS Series range is more powerful with two powerful 21,000 BTU burners and a low 5,000 BTU simmer burner. The Wolf range offers three burners at 15,000 BTUs and a 9,200 BTU simmer burner. Therefore, Bluestar offers a better cooktop with a wider range for searing and simmering. The best selling point of the Wolf range burners is their dual-stack design. This design makes it possible to sear and simmer on the same burner without having to move around pots and pans on the cooktop surface.
While the functionality of these ranges is similar, there are some differences between the ovens. While both ranges offer a convection fan and a powerful infrared broiler, the Wolf range is more powerful with 18,000 BTU compared to Bluestar at 15,000 BTU. Wolf advertises 4.4 cubic feet of oven capacity. While Bluestar does not advertise the cubic footage, their spec sheet details the oven interior at 26.4 inches wide x 20 inches deep x 15 inches tall. Bluestar also claims the oven can fit a full-size commercial sheet pan. The Wolf oven cannot fit a full-sheet pan, but it can accommodate two half-sheet pans on two oven racks. Overall, Wolf has the more powerful broiler and Bluestar has greater oven capacity.
Overall, both of these ranges are solid. Bluestar makes additional models with higher BTUs and a commercial-inspired open burner design. For this comparison, I chose the Bluestar RCS all-gas sealed burner model as it is the most like the Wolf from a feature-to-feature standpoint. Your choice will likely come down to what you value. Bluestar is less expensive, offers more burner power and versatility on the cooking surface, has a larger oven capacity, and offers over 1,000+ color and trim options. For those prioritizing resale, the Wolf may be the better choice, it also has a more powerful infrared broiler.
6. Matte White Kitchen Package with Brushed Bronze Handles:
What you need to know?
A few years ago Café introduced a collection of semi-custom appliances that took the industry by storm. This colorway dethroned the stainless steel as the industry premium. Influencers, designers, and consumers adopted this collection as a desirable stainless-steel alternative. Instead of being a low-end or dated finish, white appliances once again returned as an elevated neutral.
Since the matte white and bronze combo was so popular, it’s no surprise that LG introduced their version of essence white and light bronze hardware in their premium Studio Collection.
Let’s compare the products in these two popular packages. Both packages are priced similarly with the LG coming in slightly less expensive than the Café. Both packages come with a 36-inch-wide counter depth French door refrigerator, a front control electric range, over the range microwave, and a hidden control dishwasher.
Both fridges look similar on the outside and have a lot in common. Both have internal water dispensers, smart connectivity, internal LED lighting, print print-proof finish, and are EnergyStar qualified. The biggest difference is capacity. The LG Counter Depth Max refrigerator offers more capacity at 26.5 cubic feet compared to the Café model at 23.1 cubic feet. The Café fridge offers better food preservation with a dual evaporator design.
Looking at the rest of the package, LG is more feature-rich. The LG over-the-range microwave offers convection cooking, air fry, and steam cooking. The Café microwave also offers cooking modalities and steam cleaning. The LG electric range has a larger oven capacity at 6.3 cubic feet compared to the Café at 5.4 cubic feet. The Café range comes with a warming drawer, but the LG does not. Lastly, when comparing the dishwashers, both offer identical capacity and a third rack. The LG dishwasher is quieter at 40 dBA versus the Café dishwasher at 45 dBA.
7. Vintage Style Statement Ranges
What you need to know?
Both the La Cornue C9WF and the Ilve UM09FDNS3WHG are premium dual-fuel ranges. Here's a brief comparison of the two:
The La Cornue features a classic French design with elegant curves and a variety of color options to suit different kitchen aesthetics. Ilve ranges also boast a stylish design, but they tend to have a more modern and sleek appearance. Ilve ranges are handcrafted in Italy. The La Cornue CornuFe series is made in France.
Comparing the cooktops, the Ilve model features six burners and La Cornue comes with five. The Ilve is more powerful with a 20,000 BTU high heat burner. The most powerful burner on the La Cornue is 17,500 BTU. While the Ilve power burner gets to a higher temperature, I like that La Cornue has a central high-heat burner with more space on the surface for large pans and skillets. The Ilve model comes with a griddle whereas the La Cornue sells a griddle as an accessory.
Comparing the ovens, both offer convection baking. The La Cornue model has a solid door whereas the Ilve has a triple pane glass window to monitor cooking progress. Looking at the oven capacity, the La Cornue is larger at 3.81 cubic feet compared to Ilve at 3.5 cubic feet. Overall, both ovens are small when compared to other 36-inch dual fuel ranges.
Let’s be real, these ranges are sought after for their unique design and custom appeal. The La Cornue CornuFe is the most expensive option priced about $3,000 higher than the Ilve. While both ranges offer an elevated look, it’s important to note that the oven size is much smaller than you might be used to. You may also find that these ranges offer an elevated look, but you won’t find the same technical gadgets available on other models.
8. Modular All Refrigerator and All Freezer Columns
What you need to know?
Column refrigerators and freezers are modular all refrigerator and all freezer towers that you can mix and match to optimize your storage needs and kitchen design. Refrigerator sizes range from 24 to 36 inches wide. Freezer sizes range from 18 to 36 inches wide. While many luxury brands offer integrated modular refrigerators, freezers, and wine columns, they often come with an expensive price tag.
Dacor columns are feature-loaded. From a design perspective, Dacor columns can accept custom cabinet panels for a completely integrated look or stainless-steel panels and handles. Dacor columns offer a push-to-open function for handle-free cabinetry. Dacor columns come with some of the most technologically advanced smart modalities. Internal cameras let you see the inside of your fridge from the grocery store. With food preservation at the forefront, the brand offers a metal interior, air quality filter, quick cooling feature, and glass/ stainless steel produce bins. For a full list of column features across luxury brands, check out our luxury refrigeration guide.
Electrolux offers a budget-friendly alternative for clients seeking the all-refrigerator and all-freezer look. The Electrolux towers are freestanding with an optional kit to achieve a semi-built-in look. The Electrolux units offer adjustable glass internal shelving, LED lighting, and an icemaker in the freezer.
When comparing Dacor refrigerator and freezer columns to the Electrolux freestanding all refrigerator and freezer, there are pros and cons for both products. While the Dacor columns are clearly the frontrunner in technology, the fully integrated columns are also more than 2x more expensive. Electrolux columns offer more capacity at 37.2 total cubic feet for the refrigerator and freezer compared to Dacor columns at 35.4 cubic feet. The Dacor units offer a more luxurious design, they will sit flush with your cabinetry and can accept custom cabinet panels for a fully integrated look. The Electrolux units are a semi-built-in solution. They come in stainless steel with no option to accept a custom cabinet panel. The other feature to note is the Electrolux units are each 33 inches wide totaling 66 inches. While this size offers ample storage space for fresh and frozen ingredients, the size is unique to Electrolux and Frigidaire meaning you will have to stick with the same brand for replacement.
Remember: When choosing a dupe, prioritize features that matter most to you, consider build quality and warranty information, and don't be afraid to compare prices across different retailers. With a little research, you can achieve the designer kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank.
