Photos by Hillary Ehlen | Manufacturer photos provided by JW Kitchens
How did your kitchen hold up this holiday season? For those who are thinking of upgrading in 2018, we met with certified kitchen designer Audrey Newman of JW Kitchens to learn more about what appliances are available on the market today. We then looked at different price ranges because whether you’re looking for something high-end or budget-friendly, style is accessible to everyone.
About Audrey Newman
Newman practically grew up in a showroom. Her parents founded JW Kitchens and they’ve been in the appliance business for close to 40 years. They have two showroom locations in Iowa and a third in Fargo. Nine years ago, Newman opened a JW Kitchens showroom in Fargo because her husband is originally from the area. Then, two-and-a-half years ago, Newman moved to her current showroom space just off of Veterans Boulevard.
About JW Kitchens
More than Just an Appliance Store
JW Kitchens is a kitchen design center and full-service appliance store. They carry a wide selection of products at various price ranges, including Wood-Mode custom cabinetry, countertops, hardware, lighting, wall coverings, flooring and more. “We started with appliances, but over the years, we observed customers coming in and wanting appliances that their kitchens just weren’t designed for. We saw a need for helping people pick out appliances first and designing the spaces around them,” Newman explained. That is why JW Kitchens works with area builders and contractors on new construction and remodels by assisting clients with appliance selections and the overall design of the house.
HIGH-END KITCHENS
Gaggenau Kitchen
At the very front of the showroom, customers are greeted by JW Kitchens’ most luxurious live kitchen. This experience center features appliances by Gaggenau, a German brand that has been around for more than 300 years. This kitchen includes a plumbed steam oven, as well as a convection oven, warming drawer, a paneled refrigerator, paneled dishwasher, dual sinks, in-counter steamer and a design-your-own cooktop.
This design-your-own cooktop features an induction cooktop, which is 90% energy efficient, as well as a Tappenyaki and gas griddle.
“A lot of our appliances we have paneled to look more integrated, and they’re easier to clean than a stainless finish,” Newman explained.
Next to the prep sink is a steamer, which is great for cooking things quickly and conveniently. “I have one of these at my house and I use it almost every day. It functions as a pot on your cooktop, but you don’t have to stand there and stir it,” Newman said.
Both ovens feature side-hinge doors for accessibility.
Monogram Kitchen
Monogram is GE’s premium appliance line. This live kitchen is outfitted with every gadget that Monogram has to offer, including a speed oven. It also features a two-level island with a butcher-block countertop with a raised dishwasher underneath, which eliminates strain when loading and unloading dishes.
The Monogram kitchen also features an induction cooktop. Induction heat uses magnetic fields and electric currents to heat up the pan instead of the cooktop. Induction cooking is quick and often requires little cleanup, not to mention that it is safe for the whole family. However, it requires stainless steel or iron cookware to function. Basically, if a magnet will stick to it, it will work.
This Monogram speed oven is straight out of “The Jetsons.” “It cooks two to four times faster than a regular convection oven. It has four different heat sources in it. It also can double as a microwave. GE is the only manufacturer that utilizes the four different heat sources” Newman explained. This futuristic device features 175 pre-programmed cooking options and eliminates the need to preheat.
Thermador Kitchen
The live Thermador kitchen features a built-in coffee maker, smart storage solutions, and a steam oven, which is great for reheating left-overs without compromising their flavor.
Can you find the hidden television in this picture? That’s right, it’s hanging above the concrete sink. When not in use, this television can be disguised as a mirror.
This Kitchen Aide Mixer cabinet comes equipped with its own outlet, so all you have to do is pull the shelf up and out.
Luxe Pantry
The JW Kitchens showroom also features a luxury pantry. With marble hexagon floor tiles, this space is one of Newman’s favorite nooks in the whole store. It features an under-cabinet freezer by Perlick, a brand that will be unveiling a whole new line of appliances this year.
JW Kitchens also carries custom cabinetry and appliances for bathrooms, laundry rooms and outdoor kitchens.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY KITCHENS
On the other side of the showroom, JW Kitchens offers more budget-friendly options. These appliances are available in four finishes: stainless steel, black stainless steel, slate and black slate.
Cooking Classes
Throughout the store, there are 10 live ovens and five live dishwashers. These fully-functional appliances really come in handy when JW Kitchens offers cooking classes. Newman plans to host more cooking classes in 2018, with tickets ranging from $25 to $40, depending on the dish.
Audrey Newman
JW Kitchens
5675 26th Ave. S. Fargo, Suite 144
701-551-0625
[email protected]
jwkitchens.com
