Compact Luxury Kitchens Debut Amid Urban Condo Boom

As empty nesters downsize and the urban condo and rental markets continue to boom, one of the best-known names in luxury kitchens is betting on small, high-end appliances.

Wolf and Sub-Zero have released a collection of high-end machines that can fit almost anywhere. In addition to the basics, other compact products include a 24-inch convection steam oven, a 24-inch coffee system, and a 24-inch drop-down door microwave

They debuted at the Architectural Digest Design Show in Manhattan, where designers and homeowners alike search for stylish ways to maximize small spaces. The folks at the Wolf and Sub-Zero booth said they expected the products to do well in cities like New York and Chicago.

But they’ll also be on sale in Europe, where appliances tend to be smaller, and where Wolf and Sub-Zero have been working to expand their reach.

The compact kitchens are already on sale, and we look forward to getting more hands-on time with them in our test labs. Until then, we can give you a preview of what two of the most well-known names in the world of high-end appliances have to offer.

Wolf SO24TE/S/TH 24-inch E-Series Transitional Built-In Single Wall Oven

MSRP $2,700

The SO24 is the first 24-inch built-in model from Wolf. It has a single convection fan, 11 cooking modes, and a self-clean feature. It can be installed either flush with cabinetry or not, and has an overall capacity of 2.4 cu. ft.

Unlike nearly everything else to wear a Wolf badge, the wall oven isn’t made in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean it was outsourced to the lowest bidder. In this case, the SO24 is built in Switzerland by V-Zug, a small company that’s known for building high-quality, high-performing appliances.

Wolf CI243C/B 24-inch Contemporary Induction Cooktop

MSRP $1,495

Wolf says this compact cooktop offers all the benefits of induction in a compact package. It has three elements, touch controls, and a black ceramic surface.

Additionally, it has a frameless design that can be mounted either flush with a countertop, or sitting above the surface.

It's pricier than other, similarly sized induction cooktops, but we suspect it will likely be sold as part of a package. There are no plans to offer a 24-inch cooktop in other fuels or in another design, according to Wolf.

Sub-Zero 24-inch Built-in Refrigerator and Freezer

MSRP TBA

This is a unique option for a compact kitchen. While we don’t have too many details about it just yet, Sub-Zero’s compact refrigerator will be the only built-in, panel-ready, 24-inch refrigerator and freezer on the market when it goes on sale later this year.

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{{amazon name="Wolf Convection Countertop Oven", asin="B015P1SL9K", align="right"}} Beneath the refrigerator is an integrated freezer and ice maker. Up top, it’s 100 percent a Sub-Zero, with heavy, adjustable shelving and door bins.

There aren’t many other options out there: Liebherr builds a 22-inch model, and Marvel sells a 24-inch fridge/freezer with a stainless exterior. But if you want a compact fridge that blends in, this will be your only choice. It will also be offered with a stainless exterior and either a pro or contemporary style handle.

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