I'm not sure about replacing the handles. Does the model 532 have the extruded aluminum handles like the model 550's had, or does it have the earlier sort of tapered bar handle that attaches to the edge of the door? Or, perhaps you have a custom handle?

The door panels should be easy if you have framed panels now. You should be able to go to a local metal working shop and order stainless steel panels cut to the exact same dimensions as your current painted panels. You may also need some sort of backing on the new panels to make them the same thickness as the ones you're replacing. I've seen this done with sheet foam (like the stuff that goes under engineered flooring) or cardboard, but something like Masonite would work, too. If you discuss it with the metal shop, they can probably offer a suggestion, so that you end up with panels in the appropriate thickness. The backer doesn't need to be glued or laminated to the metal, The framing on the door will hold everything in place. Alternatively, Sub Zero also sells SS panels (at least for their current models), but getting them fabricated locally will probably cost less.

If you don't have framed panels, changing to stainless steel becomes more difficult. Your best bet is probably to check with Sub-Zero Customer Service to see what they suggest.

This is probably a dumb question, but what are framed panels? I'm not sure if the panels on the current 532 refrigerator are framed or not! I think a call to Sub Zero customer service may be in order like you suggested. As for the handles, the current handles are kind of flat with a ridge down the middle - basically just ugly and don't really go with other appliances (the refrigerator is a 48" side by side with handles extending the entire length). I'd prefer simple round handles. Hopefully customer service can answer that question also. You're right - I thought that I could probably get panels from Sub Zero, however I'm sure they are a ridiculous price.

Sounds like you have the extruded aluminum handles, which is good. It means that chances are, you have framed panel doors, which would make sense, because it used to be the only type of door available from Sub Zero.

Unfortunately, I don't think you can change the extruded handles you now have for the bar pulls that the factory-built stainless steel models come with today. The extruded handles attach to the edge of the door, and if memory serves correctly, are a part of the frame that holds the decorative panels in place. The bar pulls on the factory built SS models are attached to the door fronts at the factory.

Anyway, to answer your question, framed panels are flat panels that are held in place by a thin metal frame that goes all the way around the doors along the edges. If you have plain flat panels held in place by an aluminum edge all the way around the door, then you have framed panels. Changing the panels out is a simple matter. You simply remove the screws that hold the extruded handle in place. Once you remove the handle, you should be able to slide the old panels out. Then, just slide in the new panes and replace the handle.

You can find illustrations and instructions pertaining to framed doors on current Sub Zero models in the installation guides available on the Sub Zero website. The frame system is still essentially similar to what you have on your refrigerator. The link below will take you there. Scroll down to page 12 for info on framed panels.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sub Zero Design Guide

Thanks for the information! I guess we may be stuck with the ugly handles, but hopefully they will at least match the new stainless panels.

Hi,

I have the same problem and would like to know what you ended up doing. We're remodeling the kitchen but finding someone to put a matching cabinet face on the sub-zero is hard. Did you end up putting in the stainless steel panels? Any tips would be appreciated!

Picture of the fridge: http://s1099.photobucket.com/albums/g387/kacbaba/sub-zero%20fridge/

Here is a link that might be useful: Sub-zero fridge picture