Who could resist an invitation to a culinary playground? Not me. Last week I had the opportunity to tour the brand new Sub-Zero Wolf showroom in Costa Mesa, California. It’s nothing short of incredible. If you love to cook, it is like going to Disneyland. There are over 30 of these beautiful facilities in the country, and many people don’t even know they exist. Join me for my visual tour, then find a showroom in your area.
My Visit to the Sub-Zero and Wolf Showroom
Arriving at the showroom, I was given the full tour. Walking around, I oohed and aahed over all of the latest products from Sub-Zero and Wolf. Beautiful, full-scale kitchen vignettes showcased how products could be installed in different ways, with different styles. If you are remodeling or planning to remodel one day, this is the place for ideas and inspiration.
What Impressed Me
What impressed me was how flexibly the ovens, ranges, and refrigeration products could be installed to fit in any size kitchen, from large to small. It also gave me ideas “outside of the box” for ways to accomplish what you need for your own kitchen, say, with under counter refrigerator drawers in strategic places for easy family access.
One thing I wish I had room for was a Wolf convection steam oven. Up until now, steam ovens were mainly found in professional kitchens. Now they are available for home kitchens. Steam ovens can replace a microwave and offer far more functionality while preserving the nutrition of your food. While we were enjoying a latte from the Wolf built-in coffee system, someone had missed lunch. Chef Chris popped a plate of chicken, farro and poached tomatoes into the steam oven and in 2 minutes, it came out fresh, hot and steaming. Talk about new life for leftovers!
Cooking Demonstrations and Test Drives
The showrooms also have full-scale teaching kitchens for cooking demos. The day of my tour, Sub-Zero and Wolf Corporate Chef, Chris Harbrant, taught a class highlighting the flavors of Spain. His lovely and simple Gazpacho Andaluz soup recipe is included with this post. 
While I love to teach cooking classes, it was nice to be on the other side just relaxing and enjoying. It’s a good way to see the products in action and be able to ask questions of the Chef on how the products really work. And of course we were treated to a nice lunch.
If seeing the products in action are not enough, many showrooms will let you bring groceries and actually cook on the products to help make your decision. And you thought test drives were only for buying cars!
Why Go To a Showroom
Twice I’ve had the excitement (and challenge) of remodeling a kitchen. Choosing major appliances is a major decision – a decision that you will live with for a long time (10, 15 even 20 years). Making the right choice and the right investment is critical. That is the value of going to a showroom.
When we remodeled, the best place to shop for major appliances was giant stores that carried a multitude of brands. While you can see lots of products in these stores, it is hard for the sales people to have the depth of knowledge that the Sub-Zero and Wolf brand experts do. Take advantage of their knowledge before you decide.
In my last two homes, I chose Sub-Zero for my refrigerators and wine refrigeration. Unfortunately I chose another product for my range, one that has not served me as well as planned. I wish the showroom had been around when we remodeled nine years ago. I might have the Wolf range I am looking at now, which is why I said yes to the tour invitation.
My range is like the engine in my house and this house needs a new engine. I am seriously considering upgrading my current range and exhaust system to Wolf.
7-22-19 Post Update – Finally! Four years after the tour and post, I am getting my new full Wolf and Sub-Zero kitchen! I decided on the 48″ dual fuel range with griddle, a steam oven (yay!), a warming drawer, microwave, large and small wine fridges, 48″ all stainless refrigerator, and two new Cove dishwashers! The house will be done in November so my install date is a few months out but I’m beyond excited! Dreams to come true!
If you are concerned about sales pressure, not to worry. There is nothing for sale here. No sales people, just brand experts who happily educate you. The team was so friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and patient with questions. Even if you are not remodeling today, but planning for the future, have fun and tour one of the Sub-Zero and Wolf showrooms. It’s the ultimate place for kitchen inspiration.
Gazpacho Andaluz
Ingredients
- 3-4 slices French bread or GF bread of choice, crust removed
- Just enough water to soak bread
- 2 pounds fresh tomatoes skins removed
- 1 clove fresh garlic smashed
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- A pinch of cumin
- 1/2 cup plus 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil divided use
- 1/4 cup red wine or Spanish sherry vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano optional garnish, marjoram, parsley or mint
Instructions
- Soak bread in water for 30 minutes before use. Place tomatoes, bread (with water squeezed out), garlic, cumin and salt in a blender and puree until smooth. With the blender running, slowly add the oil until the mixture emulsifies (it will change color). Blend in the vinegar. If the soup is too thick, add a little of the bread soaking water to thin.
- Serve soup either warm or chilled, drizzled with the extra olive oil and sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs if using.
Hi Sally — sounds like a lot of fun and inspiration!!! I’m not remodeling now but I hopefully w/in the next 2 years — sounds far but I’d like to have all this stuff out of the way when I’m ready! What an awesome idea!!! I must do this! Being a personal chef as you, we get to work on a lot of different ranges which is a plus. I do like wolf ranges but was wondering what you specifically you liked about them to make you might want to switch? The one thing I notice w/the ovens is they take a long time to preheat.
Hi Stacey. I hope you get to remodel. I think the Wolf will hold up better, more rugged, than what I have now. I’ve had little annoying issues with my current range like lightbulbs going out a lot, door hinges being replaced 3-4 times, the latch for cleaning being replaced 2 times, stuff like that. And I want more power. I think Wolf is coming out with a higher BTU range this year. Need to double check that. What got me thinking about this was a post I did last summer. I cooked at a friend’s house that has an all gas Wolf range. I baked a cake I have baked 100 times, and it came out the best ever. It was amazing. I got to thinking about going back to gas ovens. I first have to solve my vent system issue. The one I have is wimpy, although the contractors swore it would be fine. Nope. I need to get an estimate from my contractor to see what it will cost to change out my vent system. Not an easy thing. Once I know that, I can think about a Wolf range. What I’d love to have is one of those steam ovens! Won’t fit in this kitchen;(
Dreaming of a Sub-zero Wolf refrigerator, two ovens, and cook top in my kitchen! A Visa card would be nice also! Sheryl McLord
Sounds like a gorgeous kitchen to me Sheryl! Hope your dream comes true!
We are in the process of starting to think of our first real kitchen outside of our rental- now I know where we need to stop by and get some inspiration!
Absolutely Kristen. You will be amazing and inspired! The Experts and showroom are a terrific resource.
Having a double oven would definitely inspire me.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/608072411309817856
Thanks Sally! I’m definitely going to visit before making any decisions. I’m on Long Island but I think it would be worth going into manhattan to see that store because it looks similar to the one you visited vs. what they have on LI! I’ve seen your home kitchen (I think) somewhere along your posts…it’s beautiful!! Good luck if you get a new range. It’s a bummer dealing with issues w/appliances!
Hi Stacey. It would definitely be worth going into the city for. Make a day of it and have fun. Call ahead and see if you can even grab groceries and really test a range or cooktop out! And really look at that steam oven. Amazing. Yes, I am blessed to have such a wonderful kitchen to cook and work in!
I would love to get Sub Zero stainless steel appliances. They would inspire me to spend more time in my kitchen.
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/608081158677479424
The Sub-Zero and Wolf showroom inspires me to have a double oven and large counter tops.
Tweet-https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/608108354578190336
The Sub-Zero and Wolf showroom could help me find my own kitchen inspiration by putting me in the kitchen and seeing how things flow without trying to imagine it.
We are in the process of building a new home and need new ideas for a kitchen layout. The Sub-Zero and Wolf showroom has some great ideas to help us get started. I love a large kitchen and nice countertops!
https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/608237331494092800
What would inspire me to cook more is a Sub-zero Wolf refrigerator, two ovens, and cook top in my kitchen! Having two ovens for all the people I cook for would truly be awesome!!
tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/608250336449413120
This showroom would give me ideas because it would show me the latest features of the appliances on the market as well as the best ways to utilize my kitchen space.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/608273745585795073
how could you not find inspiration with so many beautiful appliances!!
The Sub-Zero and Wolf showroom could help me find my own kitchen style inspirations.
It could help me find the right type of heat source for cooking, the correct kitchen layout for my space and the most efficient appliances
tweeted https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/608348429799051265
Our kitchen is so in need of updating.
Modern appliance which can do so much more would definitely inspire me to try new things!
thank you
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/608799632991334400
What an incredible showroom Sally! I certainly love my Sub-Zero Wolf kitchen! And too would like to find room for the convection steam.
You know it was cooking in your kitchen last summer that got the bug in my head on maybe replacing my range with a Wolf. I remember how perfect that cake came out. Better than ever. You would love that steam oven!
The Sub-Zero and Wolf showroom inspires me to draw a blueprint of my new kitchen in our future home. I am so in love with convection steam ovens.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/608828295421939713
Being able to see and feel first hand is always a plus. The pictures in the catalogs seem are like models in fashion magazine.
I’d love to see what a modern kitchen is like, because ours is so outdated, and to learn more about the refrigerator!
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
I would enjoy the cooking demos to get ideas on fun, new recipes for my family!
I’ve always been a little intimidated to visit the Sub-Zero Wolf showroom but now that I know there’s no pressure, I’ll be more likely to visit. I’m particularly intrigued by the steam convection oven that you wrote about as I do feel a bit quite guilty when using our microwave. Using a tool that can eliminate a microwave and cook your food in the same amount of time while preserving the nutritional integrity seems like a dream come true.
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/sazzyfrazzy/status/609825910225637376
I could help me be selecting proper appliances for my small kitchen.
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/610152499723419649
I would love to have granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances ! !
Thanks! xoxoxo
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/610244851829878785
Love the stainless steel! I would love to add a gray granite carrera counter top. I think would look so good.
tweet
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/610315819319308289
I would think that visiting the showroom would give you all kinds of ideas on how to set up a new kitchen (or shall we say a new old kitchen with some awesome additions). Seeing a cooking demo would allow you to see how each appliance works and how they work together. I wish I was on the West Coast so I could visit this showroom – my kitchen could never be so awesome, but it would be heaven to dream. A sub zero refrigerator (yes even a wine refrigerator would be fantastic) and a wolf oven/stove to replace that which I have now would probably make me never want to leave 🙂
Kat, check in your area. There are 12 of these marvelous showrooms across the US! If there is not one locally, plan to visit when you might been vacation or visiting the area.
My tweet can be found https://twitter.com/Kat1126/status/610948241920802816
It would inspire me to add some modern touches to my current kitchen. I would never want to go too trendy because that just means super dated in 5-10 years but I’d like to see the cool gadgets and look and use that to inspire me to add some new things to my own kitchen.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/611181304042930176
Sub-Zero and Wolf showroom will help me find my kitchen inspiration cos I am a hands on person! Gotta see the products and how they fit into my kitchen.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/611462153233522688
amy [at] utry [dot] it
we are going to remodel our kitchen. i’d like to have the coffee systems
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/612354537031081984
The showroom would inspire me with new ideas and I could learn how some of the products work!
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/612684112529195008
i love the SEALED BURNER RANGETOP – 4 BURNERS
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/612717525223219200
Sally, THANK YOU! SUB-ZERO and WOLF are a DREAM! INCREDIBLE workmanship and quality!
These products are amazing. My stove top and oven are on the blink at the same time so time to replace. I have seen these stove tops and ovens on a couple of cooking shows and have already decided this is my replacement for the “blinkers”. Now to find the closest showroom.!!!
I would love to have a double oven especially around all the holidays and large family gatherings
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/614884291122741248
It would show me what the kitchen appliances will look like before you buy them.
Seeing the kitchens put together already in the showroom will give me ideas. It’s also easier to see the vision when it’s already put together in front of you.
It would give me ideas for our kitchen if we ever got to build our dream home. Thank you!
I want clean lines an simple
Love the stainless steel appliances that they offer. They look beautiful!
I would enjoy visiting the showroom to learn what’s new in appliance features and see new design ideas.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/616244927069048832
A convection steam oven would be a good start to getting me inspired
Sure wish I could fit one of those i Sandy. It really is fantastic. I measured at home and don’t have the depth I need to swap out a cabinet or warming drawer. Maybe next kitchen.
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/616264595045502981
The Sub-Zero and Wolf showroom would help me find my own kitchen inspiration by letting me actually see each appliance and be able to easily pick out the ones that I would want. Thanks so much.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/616265136605659136
My dream kitchen would be a little bigger with all new appliances.
It would give me a lot of design ideas and let me learn about new items.
We are trying to design a new kitchen right now, so this show room could help us pick out appliances and design kitchen colors!
Sure would Ashley! You’ve got to go! Super helpful and you will make more solid decisions.
It would be nice to see these appliances in action-it would make redoing my kitchen so much easier!
Seeing them in action really helps Debbi as it’s a major decision.
Simply beautiful! They can help with my upcoming kitchen theme with their inspiring examples. 🙂
Part of doing your homework Hillesha!
I really hope to buy a house soon and seeing all that luscious stainless steel makes me really put a great kitchen as a top priority.
Oh my, they have such great stuff! I can daydream about all sorts of ways their products would fill my dream kitchen and inspire me 🙂 I could cook all day in that showroom! 🙂
Me too Chi, it’s heaven!
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/616511303721431040
I think they create beautiful kitchens. There is nothing more fun than having your kitchen remodeled.
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/616625290177982469
We are talking kitchen renovations so would really help with planning!
stephanievollowitz at yahoo dot com
I don’t think we have a subzero store around here. I’d love to see what they have in electric stoves.
It’s worth driving for Kimberly. And if I were you I would look at electric induction cooktops, which Wolf makes, not regular electric. Induction is fast, responsive, clean, much better than old electric. You just need pots and pan the are magnetic, which many are these days. Test yours by trying to stick a magnet on them. Read more about induction on the SZW site.
I like the look of the granite and would like to see what colors are available. Thank you for the giveaway!
I tweeted–https://mobile.twitter.com/DonnaJacoby2014/status/616773471029346304
If I had a kitchen that looked half as beautiful as theirs I would never leave it! Everything they have in their showroom is something out of my dream house.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/MRSMEIER5627/status/616815713286684672
https://twitter.com/davisesq212/status/617142067798667264
I would love to see if they have appliances for apartments that are on the smaller side.
Maybe they could inspire me to cook more. I would rather have someone else do the cooking though.
I would love to own the wine refrigerator.
30″ Transitional Induction Cooktop would be a dream come true.
It would add to my big dreams of making my kitchen look modern.
The showroom would inspire me with new ideas for an upcoming kitchen remodel we are doing.
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/617851638775218176
I have been cooking for over 40 years. The longer I cook the less I like it. Every time I look at my old range I envision a new Sub zero 30 inch gas range getting me more excited about cooking like I was when I started.
Rosanne. sounds like you deserve an upgrade after 40 years! You would definitely be inspired to enjoy cooking again!
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/618092849448493056
I could find appliances that would make cooking more efficient!
I would be so inspired by the showroom, I live in an apartment so I can only dream about having a Sub Zero fridge and Wolf oven.
The convection steam oven would inspire me to create healthy dishes!
We are renovating our kitchen now, I’d love to have a more updated kitchen as well as one with modern appliances!
https://twitter.com/Hotsnotty2/status/618531014105673728
Sub-zero and wolf can really inspire someone because of how elequently designed they are.
Having all the different sizes I need for my stove and all the options so I can customize to my likes is so easy with the showroom!
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/618613362461511680
it keep help me by inspiring me with the refrigerators and coffee systems, which we need to replace
I would find inspiration in seeing how the new appliances work and cooking healthy foods with them.
I could find a great new fridge.
I’m sure a visit to their showroom would help me to redesign my kitchen so it’s at its most functional.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/619086278622085120
They have such amazing products! I’d love to use one of their steam convection ovens in my kitchen.
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/619140797393444864
They have so many integrated options that all my appliance can be nicely hidden and tucked away!
I’d like to see if they have one that would fit into our little kitchen.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/619225024004771840
It always helps to see the merchandise up close and personal.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/619317322587721728
i’d like to learn about using the convection steam oven
The Sub-Zero and Wolf showroom would give me some ideas on how to remodel our kitchen to make it more functional
I’d like to learn about the Wolf convection steam oven.
Thanks for the contest.
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/619392295578656768
Well, based on the prices, I would love to know if financing is available and how much my monthly payment would be to have anything from this brand. I love so much of their products but can’t afford to buy them outright! 😀
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/619509243570487297
it could help me find the right appliances.
Tweeted https://twitter.com/DaveFellows5/status/619559956807856128
The showroom could help me find a great new Sub-Zero refrigerator!
new appliances sure would make for a great kitchen
I’d like to see a Wolf range
Go see one Bruce and start dreaming!
I’ve always wanted stainless appliances, but I also like a black finish. I’d like to see some of the cabinet color combinations with black and stainless to see what I like best!
Tweet: https://twitter.com/coriwestphal/status/619659446751375361
I actually have a convection oven and have no idea how to use it. This is what I would like to learn.
Lisa, just start using it! Wait no longer. Things may cook/bake/roast a little faster, and maybe not. Just watch your timing. You may also need to adjust the temp down a bit. Some say 25%, but I do not find that is always true. Start experimenting. Do roast chicken breasts as your first time. Recipe for the basic ones under chicken category.
The showroom makes me want to update my appliances
I love the idea of really being able to stand in front of and interact with the appliances before picking them. I imagine it’s like a good knife; the same one doesn’t feel right for everyone.
And ohhhh, I would just die for one of the steam convection ovens…..
You are so right Tina! Makes a big difference. And I am with you on that steam oven. Wish I could fit one in my kitchen! They were not available when we remodeled.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/619819263340101636
I think it could give me good ideas on how to update my kitchen.
tweet
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/619858088380772352
it would be really inspiring and give me lots of great ideas for new kitchen decor and future dinner parties
Well, I could create a wonderful cooking area before celebrations.
tweeted twitter.com/iamdadtastic/status/619924739067240449
Their products give me an idea of the layout for my kitchen.
tweeted https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/619945794204999680
There is nothing more fun than having your kitchen remodeled.
Fun, crazy, hair-raising, costly, messy, difficult, and finally in the end, fantastic! I’ve done two of them now in two different houses. Totally worth every dollar you spend.
tweet- https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/619949909244973056
I know my kitchen needs major renovating and I would love to get ideas. thank you
Great Sweeps keep up the good work.
https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/620008330275196928
I ‘ve never heard of Wolf convection steam ovens. I’m very interested in an alternative to microwaves. I’m interested in a healthier way to prepare food fairly quickly. I’m going back to read more via the link above.
https://twitter.com/MsHeatherHill/status/620052051888836608
The sub zero and wolf showrooms would really inspire me. I love the wonderful ranges and ovens, I want them for my kitchen.
https://mobile.twitter.com/heidiho5152/status/620052740694093825
What a great opportunity! I would love to go at a time when they are cooking so I could try new recipes. Nine yrs ago we bought our house in a small development. We wanted to buy a historic home but all were out of our price range. Our house was already built and the builders were ready to sell. We picked our house for 3 reasons: 1)low country cottage design 2)location – we back up to a pond on a street of 6 houses 3)decent floor plan with master down and large bath and walk in closet.
We decided to live with the builder grade cabinets and countertops(siltstone) and bought a sub zero fridge w/freezer on bottom and a wolf 6 burner stove,griddle and 1 lg oven and small oven. Both my husband and I like to cook and I can highly recommend these products. Next will be new countertops and my apron front sink. A gift card would be the cherry on top!
This is great I would love this
The Sub-Zero and Wolf showroom could help me find your own kitchen inspiration right when I am at the height of my kitchen remodeling project.
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/620080652755472384
I could find endless inspiration for a new kitchen in that showroom! The problem would be choosing but what fun it would be!
Well, we are actually moving and buying a new house next year! My husband has said that I can build an entire new kitchen in my new house and even knock down a wall to make the room huge. I will have to go to the Sub-Zero & Wolf showroom to get ideas about what to put in there.
A visit to the showroom would probably gives me ides on how I want to design my dream kitchen. Being able to see things working would expose me to thing I didn’t know I wanted and needed.
I’d like seeing the products up close
OMG those stoves..those kitchens…wow….
The sub-zero and wolf showrooms inspire me to become a better cook!
That double oven gives me visions of inspiration for my kitchen.
https://twitter.com/Telltale_Tim/status/620289967000981504
I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel right now. Helpful, knowledgeable brand experts and seeing the products in use would make all the difference (not the norm in my experience)! Thanks Sally! And for the recipe too:)
Have you already chosen all of your appliances Wendy? How exciting to remodel! Good luck! And that gazpacho is so easy and delicious. I have another gazpacho recipe on this site under soups, but it is not quite as simple. Lots more veggies. Just a different take on gazpacho. Which reminds me I need to make some!
The Sub Zero Show Room would help show me all of the new features that are on appliances now !
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/ClairFreebie/status/620310755720712192
It would make me more open to trying more recipes where complete dinners that are needed to cook at different temperatures and are supposed to be cooked together
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/620330900073660416
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
The sub zero Wolf showroom would help by seeing how things fits together. I would love the stove top grill!
Having a double oven would be amazing
I would love to know if financing is available
By seeing what they look like in a kitchen setting and how easy they are to use by watching the demos.
I love seeing others ideas to get inspiration on, esp for the kitchen! Totally could use a double oven, for sure!
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/lilahshea/status/620436437125754880
It would inspire me to make my dream chef’s kitchen.