I would take the time to look at the KA, along with other Whirlpool Fridges (Jenn-air) for example. Most, if not all of these fridges use the same variable speed compressor (Whirlpool), that Jenn-air first came out with back around 2005. (But Double check that to be sure!!!) I'm not positive at this point that "ALL" the SZ's use this newer compressor as SZ tends to keep this type of info, Well Hidden, We do know that the SZ's that use the VSC use the Whirlpool compressor. So "most all" of these fridges are using the same "Guts" (compressor and controller board for it), so---- when you are paying that extra $1500 you are paying for ("extra fit and finish") and there is the "distinct possibility", you "Might" be paying for "Dated Technology" in some models of the SZ. You will be paying for 2 compressors in the case of SZ and I believe Miele. I have yet to taste ice cubes that taste like bacon or vice versa,(in any fridge) that I have had for the 50 or so years that I have owned fridges, so I have lived Nicely, all my life with single compressor fridges. You will see where folks claim that the produce last longer with the SZ's and Liebherrs "Biofresh", but you will also see the same type of comments from posters with single compressor fridges (Jenn-Air) for example. I think the reason for the produce lasting longer (along with some of the other "Magical attributes") of the dual compressors, is more likely due to the better insulation the newer fridges have along with the better and more even and consistent temp control--(Jenn-air, I believe, is claiming +/- half a degree (F) temp accuracy in their new ones,) and I have seen others claim at least +/- 1 degree (F). So big thing is, "Most all" have the same "Whirlpool guts",(Not positive about Liebherr). See if you really think the fit and finish and other "Xtras" are worth the xtra money. Back in 2006 when I bought my Jenn-air, it was much better lit inside, it had the adjustable shelves with crank handles, it had digital readouts for 3 areas of the fridge (each individually adjustable) along with another digital readout and control for the freezer. Back then SZ had none of this. It had Huge Gills showing at the top, and add the fact that Consumer Reports rated the SZ dead last for reliability and Jenn-air #1 for reliability made it an easy decision for me. Now fast forward 5 years, Jenn-air still quiet, efficient, and completely trouble free, plus back in 2006 I pocketed about a $4000 savings. Unfortunately Jenn-air is not the bargain it was back in 2006 as Whirlpool bought Jenn-air, and Price fixed it, like Miele and SZ, deciding to make it "High end" by increasing its price, close to that of SZ and Miele--- OH well, At Least Miele and SZ were first at that, even thou it took them a bit longer to compete "Technically" Good luck on your decision!! Gary

None of the Whirlpool Fridges, (KA, Jenn-air, Maytag, etc) have 2 compressors. As far as I know, SZ, Liebherr and Miele all have 2 compressors. Samsung I believe has 2 evaporators which , "to me" is a more clever design, but I don't know if Sansung makes built in Fridges. I've never been a fan of 2 compressors and have never seen the need for it, as I'm 70 years old, never had a dual compressor or dual evaporator fridge and I've yet to taste icecubes that tastes like produce, or produce that tastes like ice cubes, but that's just me! If you read many of the posts on fridges here, You will see many posts about how much longer the food keeps in their newer fridges, and the comments are both from buyers of single compressor fridges, dual compressor fridges or dual evaporator. Most likely this is due to better sealing, better insulation, inproved circuitry that keeps the temps more constant. Don't have any experience with KA Fridges, but we bought a Jenn-air Fridge 5 years ago and have had no problems with it,cept an occasional burp from the icemaker. Temps are always spot on and I can not hear the thing run, it does use the veriable speed compressor that "To Me" is a far more important feature than 2 compressors or evaporators. Good luck with your pending decisions. Gary

I've had a KA for a little over three years and I've been happy with it so far. I had nothing any more upscale than a basic Whirlpool fridge prior to this - Whirlpool brands have served me well - so this was more than adequate for me. Some good friends needed several repairs on their relatively new SZ fridge and went out of their way to recommend I not get one. Obviously lots of people are delighted with SZ but since people I actually know were not, that did influence my decision. I did want a built in with cabinet panels and KA was outrageously expensive enough - no way I was going to pay thousands more than that. For that I would expect flawless performance for at least 15 years and I just don't think they make appliances that way any more. What might have been great quality 20-30 years ago I really don't think is the same these days - SZ or otherwise.

Thanks so much, Anthony! By the way, I have seen your appliance videos on Youtube and they are great! The kitchen will be about 26 feet by about 16 feet. Do you think that size kitchen supports such a large fridge and freezer? As far as getting it in stainless, any concern with smudges/fingerprints? We would get it in stainless with professional handles or could get it paneled, but I actually prefer the stainless, but am still worried about it always looking messy. It would be nice to have an internal dispenser at least like in the integrated subzero, but the built-in 36 inch columns do not have that now - at least as far as I know, but I could be wrong. And the 36 inch freezer is really big. Wish we could get the built-in in 30 or 24 inches in Subzero (I realize we could do the integrated freezers in that size, but kind of like the look of the built-in in stainless with grilles above). The Miele is nice that it comes in the clean-touch stainless (SF version) but not the same "professional" look and more expensive, even with their current 10% promotion, and not as much capacity. Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks so much!!!