High Tastes: 10 Pricey Kitchen Things

Dualit NewGen Classic Toaster Price: $319.95 for 4-slot toaster; $239.95 for 2-slot toaster Dualit toasters may look playful, but they command some serious cash. These insulated steel units, which come in a range of colors, are assembled by hand in England and are designed in a way that the company says “increases toasting efficiency and element longevity”. The toaster boasts extra-wide slots for sandwiches, which will stand vertically and keep their shape when used with a sandwich cage (sold separately for $19.99). Can be purchased at Sur La Table.

Wolf 54-Inch Outdoor Grill Price: $7,000 At 4-1/2 feet long and 2-1/2 feet wide, this is the largest of Wolf’s outdoor barbecues. Constructed of heavy-duty stainless steel, the grill features a 25,500 BTU sear zone that promises to cook meats quicker and more deeply, with burners spaced at five-inch intervals for optimal heat distribution. It also contains a two-position rotisserie and interior lights to help late-night cooks find their way. Can be purchased through an authorized Wolf dealer.

Breville Variable-Temperature Kettle Price: $149.99 This fancy tea kettle allows tea and coffee connoisseurs to bring their water to five precise temperatures: 175°F for green tea, 185°F for white tea, 195°F for oolong tea, 200°F for French press and 212°F for black tea. The device also features a mode in which the water can be kept at a chosen temperature for 20 minutes. Can be purchased through various retailers including Williams Sonoma, Macy’s and Sur La Table.

Sub-Zero PRO 48 Refrigerator Price: $17,200 Sub-Zero is widely viewed as the Maserati of kitchen appliances, as its products have a reputation of being high quality and high priced. With a shipping weight of 875 pounds, this 48-inch-wide stainless steel refrigerator with glass door boasts a refrigeration system that helps keep food fresher, longer and can be installed either as a free-standing unit or as a built-in. Can be purchased through an authorized Sub-Zero dealer.

KitchenAid 5-qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer Price: $399.99 KitchenAid mixers have a long-standing reputation of being a staple for professional bakers – and for good reason. With 10 speed options, a 325-watt motor and a 5-quart glass bowl, this particular mixer – which is part of the Artisan Design Collection – has the capacity to mix the ingredients for either 4-1/2 loaves of bread, 7 pounds of mashed potatoes or 9 dozen cookies in one shot. *The unit shown is a special-edition mixer commemorating KitchenAid’s 10-year partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It can be purchased beginning May 1 at Williams-Sonoma and later in May at other KitchenAid carriers, including Bloomingdales and Crate & Barrel.

Dacor Millennia Microwave-in-a-Drawer Price: $1,229-$1,289 Instead of containing a swing-out door, this nifty microwave pulls out like a drawer and is loaded from the top, which means it can be installed under the counter or even below a wall oven. It features 11 power levels and three sensor cooking modes, and has a control lock for child-safety purposes. Can be purchased through an authorized Dacor dealer.

Vitamix Professional Series 500 Blender Price: $599.95 In addition to offering standard variable-speed control, this blender has three pre-programmed settings for smoothies, frozen desserts and hot soups. The company says the unit features a unique pulse option that allows users to have better control over the texture of the end product. The blender comes with a full 7-year warranty. Can be purchased through specialty and online retailers including Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table.

Viking 60-Inch Professional Custom Series Dual Fuel Range Price: $13,250 Viking is widely regarded as the pioneer of high-end ranges, and this is its largest, most expensive offering. It features six burners – one of which is a super-hot 18,500 BTU burner – and the double over underneath boasts a convection system that provides “maximum airflow and excellent cooking results.” The unit comes in 24 colors, including stainless steel. Can be purchased through an authorized Viking dealer.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Oval Au Gratin Price: $150-200 for 3-quart pan; $100-145 for 1-quart pan  Le Creuset has been producing enameled iron cookware since the first half of the 20th century and it's still regarded as one of the quality names in the cookware world. This particular piece, which can be used for cooking potatoes au gratin, macaroni and cheese, and other dishes, is designed to provide even heating, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Can be purchased at Bloomingdales or Sur La Table.

Viking Coffee Maker Price: $300 The newest addition to the Viking family, this coffee maker allows users to set their coffee to brew at a certain time and includes a special feature that allows users to snag their first cup of coffee without waiting for the whole pot to brew. It comes with a 12-cup thermal stainless steel carafe that the company says will keep coffee warm for hours. Can be purchased through an authorized Viking dealer.