By Nigel F. Maynard. Despite the seemingly endless decline of the Dow and the NASDAQ, manufacturers are still betting that consumer demand for luxury products will remain high -- or at the very least stable. As a result, a batch of new players and existing manufacturers are keeping the shelves stocked with glossy goods. Julien is one such company. The Quebec-based outfit has been providing products to the commercial sector for 50 years, but it now has entered the residential market with a unique collection of kitchen sinks featuring hand-bent, welded, and polished 16-gauge stainless steel. Available in different configurations, the sinks come in an island version that takes 80 hours to make. Will buyers be turned off by the $7,500 price tag? Sales representative Richard Paradis says no. "Nobody is offering anything like this," he says. "We believe people in the high-end market are willing to pay for this type of quality and workmanship."
The folks at Commerce, Calif.-based Jade Appliances share the same belief. Jade, which supplies high-powered industrial ranges and refrigerators to restaurants, recently came home. "We feel we have the expertise to go into the residential market," says company spokesman David Kargas. He adds that the high-end niche has enough demand to support another major player. Jade's products will compete with the likes of Viking and Wolf. Kohler, Wis.-based Kallista has been supplying high-end products to the professional design community for many years. But the manufacturer has now stepped things up a notch with the Michael S. Smith Collection, which includes For Town, For Loft, and For Country. The line includes products that run the gamut from traditional to modern, with some pieces going as high as $17,800. Most manufacturers say luxury is expanding across all product categories -- stock market be damned. Palatine, Ill.-based Weber-Stephen Products adds this is even true of outdoor gas grills. The maker of the Vieluxe luxury brand of grills says top-of-the-line grills -- those over $1,000 -- account for only 1.5 percent of the 8.5 million gas units shipped annually but make up the fastest-selling models. This is because many homeowners want more than just a deck or patio, the company says. Sales have jumped 25 percent over the last five years. The gas grill, it seems, is the next status symbol.
Island Life: With a measurement of 72 inches long by 36 inches deep, the stainless steel kitchen sinks and island offer a complete workstation. The unit has two sinks with integrated drain board and divider, two large drawers, and lighted shelves. It has a jointless one-piece construction and is insulated for noise and vibration reduction. Each sink measures 12 inches back to front by 15 inches side to side and is 8 1/2 inches deep. Julien. 418-687-3630. www.julien.ca.
Photo: Courtesy Vieluxe
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Grill Test: This 39-inch, built-in grill features six burners, an additional burner for the integrated smoking system and infrared rotisserie burner, and a warming rack that expands to accommodate meals. It has a slide-in design, similar to an indoor range, for easier installation, and the footings are adjustable to ensure proper fit. Cooking grates are welded from 3/8-inch stainless steel rods, and a heavy-gauge stainless drawer with hooks offers storage. Vieluxe. 847-934-5700. www.vieluxe.com.
Photo: Courtesy Kallista
Loft Living: Michael Smith's For Loft kitchen island with pot rack is perfectly at home in a modern home or loft with an open floor plan. The island comes complete with adjustable poles that reach to the ceiling, a carrara marble countertop, and a fireclay undermount sink. Two large drawers and maple storage boxes are located beneath the counter. A maple grate also provides storage for large pots and pans. Kallista. 920-457-4441. www.kallista.com. 
Photo: Courtesy Jade Appliances
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Range Rover: The 36-inch dual fuel range is the manufacturer's first residential product. Manufactured from high-quality stainless steel, the range has sealed 16,500-BTU burners and dedicated simmer burners that go as low as 500 BTUs. The oven holds an 18-inch-by-26-inch commercial baking pan and delivers up to 40,000 BTUs. Optional accessories include a char broiler, wok, and griddle. Jade Appliances. 866-820-9401. www.jadeappliances.com.
