Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, replacing an appliance piece or starting a new build, we all want to know that we’re spending our money on products that will work well and have longevity.
In recent years, the best way to do that is to look for reviews and understand the quality of a brand.
And even then, how will you know if you truly like the functionality or look of the product you’re purchasing? The only real way to know is to experience it in person first before you buy it, and one of the best ways to do that is through interactive shopping.
This method -- done through a Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove showroom -- provides a personal consultation experience to guide you through all the options, from panel-ready refrigeration and dishwashers to built-in ovens, ranges, cooktops, and more. The space offers a departure from the conventional sales environment, however, putting an emphasis on creating an inspirational and exploratory space where customers can collaborate with experts to choose the appliances perfect for their lifestyle, without feeling overwhelmed.
“Our showroom is really an experiential center where people get to test drive Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove appliances through all of their senses: look, touch, feel and taste,” said Kristin Darnell, regional marketing manager for Sub-Zero Group South Central. “In addition to a consultation, we offer dinner demonstrations to discerning buyers to help them see the appliances in a different light. Our on-site chefs are an excellent resource for answering questions and fueling kitchen confidence.”
Demonstration dinners
One of the distinctive features of the showroom is the ability for customers to see the appliances in action through a chef-led demonstration.
Colin Shine, corporate chef for the Houston showroom, said the demonstration dinners are designed to help spark and answer any questions someone might have.
“Through a delicious three-course meal and pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres, guests will learn about the four methods of heat transfer that Wolf provides with live cooking demonstrations on gas, convection, steam and induction,” Shine said.
He said they even demonstrate cleanup efforts after the meal.
Thinking outside the box
Shine said one focus of the demonstrations is to get guests to envision a different way of cooking than their norm.
“We try to help folks think outside the box of their normal comfort zone,” Shine said. “Most people see a griddle surface and think ‘pancakes!’ I would help show someone that a griddle can be used for all three meals throughout the day, including grilled cheeses or quesadillas, as well as steaks and seafood.”
He said they also discuss how steam and convection can be used together in things like bread baking and roasting vegetables and proteins, adding that these methods might not always be common knowledge for most home cooks.
“Understanding versatility is key in helping folks learn new ways to utilize an appliance,” Shine said. “For example, our Convection Steam Oven can use steam for canning and preserving foods, sous vide cooking methods and even wellness applications such as preparing hot towel wraps, grapeseed cushions and massage stones.”
Sub-Zero uses Dual Refrigeration to master food preservation and keep food fresher longer.
“Air purification cartridges work every 20 minutes to scrub the refrigerator of ethylene gas that causes some produce to ripen and spoil more quickly,” he said.
“Sub-Zero Refrigeration is the backbone of our almost 80-year company, and our robust team of engineers help us to continue to lead the industry in quality and innovation.” Darnell said. “Wolf was born from a commercial heritage that has come to embody unrivaled precision cooking and temperature control across our entire product line.”
Shine said he and his colleagues ultimately want users to feel comfortable using gourmet features that are programmed to assist in navigating different modes and features, as well as understand how to clean and care for the product so that it will stand the test of time.
Use and care classes
The interactive experiences don’t end there. The company, which is family owned and headquartered in Wisconsin, works with owners after the fact, as well, to help them make the most of their appliance -- from learning various modes to replacing the water filter and everything in between.
“These classes focus on a specific product’s performance and maintenance, showing what the appliance is capable of and how to clean and care for it,” Shine said. “The best takeaways for anyone who participates in the experience is knowledge, confidence and inspiration.”
“We want to provide a white glove experience throughout the lifetime of our owner’s appliances, from working with their designers and connecting them with quality appliance dealers for purchase, to post purchase Use and Care Classes to make the journey as seamless as possible for them,” Darnell said. “As a third-generation family-owned company, family values are at the core of everything we do. As such, we want owners to be informed and inspired to use their appliances and make lasting memories in the heart of their home.”
To learn more about how you can be part of an experiential center, visit the showroom website.