Welcome to the kitchen of my dreams. This post focuses on choosing appliances and my experience working with Twin Cities appliance retailer Warners’ Stellian. I’ll walk through why we chose them, how the process unfolded from showroom to installation, and the specific Thermador, panel-ready appliances that now make this kitchen both beautiful and highly functional.
Designing a kitchen from the ground up has been a longtime goal for me. I wanted a space that reflects my style, supports the way I cook and entertains, and feels cohesive from cabinetry to counters to appliances. A big part of achieving that seamless look was choosing panel-ready appliances so the refrigerator, dishwasher and other pieces would blend with the cabinetry. Warners’ Stellian helped guide those decisions and sponsored our Thermador appliances, which let us create the finished look we envisioned.
Supporting local business was important during this build. Working with a regional, family-owned company allowed us to get expert guidance without the impersonal experience of big-box stores. Below I outline what I appreciated most about Warners’ Stellian, the step-by-step process we followed, and details about the appliances we selected.
Why We Love Warners’ Stellian
Family-owned heritage: Warners’ Stellian is a Midwest, family-owned business established in 1954. For us, choosing a family-operated retailer meant personalized service and local expertise over a generic chain experience.
Appliance specialists: Their entire focus is appliances, which makes a big difference. The staff are experienced specialists who understand product features, installation requirements, and how to protect your home during delivery and setup. That focus streamlines the process from selection to installation.
Options for every budget: They offer high-end brands and also work with customers who need budget-friendly replacements or single-item repairs. The showroom experience is convenient and curated, saving time while still offering competitive pricing compared with larger retailers.
Guidance that simplifies decisions: Modern appliance shopping can be overwhelming. The Warners’ Stellian team asked the right questions about how we cook, how much storage we needed, and the look we wanted, then recommended products that fit our lifestyle and design goals.
The Process
As this was my first fully custom kitchen build, there were a lot of moving parts. I’m sharing the appliance-specific steps so anyone planning a remodel can see how the timeline and choices fit together.
- Showroom visit: Before finalizing the kitchen design, I toured the Warners’ Stellian showroom to see options in person. Seeing finishes, controls, and layouts helped me decide taste and functionality. I discussed budget and style with their team and landed on the modern, panel-ready direction.
- Kitchen design coordination: I worked with an interior design team to produce accurate cabinet openings and appliance dimensions. Knowing the exact sizes up front is essential whenever you plan for integrated panels or custom cabinet fronts.
- Appliance selection and ordering: With the design in hand, I returned to the showroom to choose exact models. We ordered early to avoid delays and to confirm availability. I also added a beverage fridge in the island at the last minute to maximize convenience.
- Build-out and site readiness: The physical renovation—flooring, cabinets, lighting, plumbing and electrical—took the most time. Appliances can’t be installed until the major construction is complete and final measurements are confirmed.
- Delivery and installation: When the kitchen was ready, Warners’ Stellian managed delivery and professional installation. Because the cabinet maker supplied pre-measured panels, the appliance team installed the units and attached the custom fronts and hardware, creating the finished, integrated look we wanted.
My Appliances
I chose panel-ready Thermador appliances to keep the lines of the kitchen clean and uninterrupted by exposed stainless steel. Thermador’s design allowed the cabinetry to read as a continuous surface while still giving us the high performance and features we wanted. Below are the key pieces we selected and why they work for our family.
Thermador Appliances
- Refrigerator: The built-in, panel-ready refrigerator offers generous storage and a streamlined, floor-to-ceiling appearance that integrates with the cabinets. A soft-open feature makes access easy and helps maintain the clean aesthetic.
- Dishwasher: The integrated dishwasher provides multiple rack levels for flexible loading. With its concealed appearance, it preserves the uninterrupted cabinet lines while delivering the cleaning capacity we need for regular family use and entertaining.
- Beverage Center: Adding a beverage refrigerator to the island was a practical, space-saving decision. It keeps drinks easily accessible, reduces trips to the main fridge, and keeps entertaining supplies organized.
- Range and Range Hood: We selected a four-burner range with a built-in griddle and a matching hood. The griddle is perfect for weekend breakfasts and gatherings, offering cooking flexibility that has already become a favorite feature in our kitchen.
- Microwave:: A pull-out microwave hidden in the island keeps the countertop uncluttered and avoids having a microwave take up wall space. It’s a subtle convenience that maintains the overall design intent.
Tips for anyone planning a similar kitchen remodel: start appliance selection early, confirm exact dimensions for paneling and cabinet clearance, and choose a retailer or contractor who coordinates delivery and installation. That coordination saved us time and frustration and ensured the integrated panels were fitted correctly after appliances were set in place.
Disclaimer: This project was sponsored by Warners’ Stellian. The appliances were provided as part of that collaboration and all opinions expressed here are my own.