skip to main content

Used Sub Zero- how old is too old

12 years ago

What do you think is the maximum years old that makes sense on a used sub zero purchase? Also, are there any years to avoid - defective product years or something like that? Thanks!

Featured Answer

burntfingers

12 years ago

Lafacia, this may help: 20 years ago we put one of the smallest size SZs in when we bought our house. Ten years later, we reno'd the kitchen and replaced it with another slightly larger SZ. The old one went into storage in the garage, where it sat with the spiders for another ten years. A year ago, we pulled it out of the garage, cleaned off the spiderwebs, and set it up on the porch to handle overflow for a party. It works just fine - to the point that I so loved having the extra space, we've just kept it on. Had the SZ maintenance guy come out and check it out -- got a clean bill of health, didn't have to do a thing for it other than clean off the condensers.

I'm now planning a new house, and plan to put a SZ in that one too. I think you'd have to pry my SZ out of my cold dead hands at this point .

The only thing I can tell you that the new ones do better on is energy efficiency. Would I buy a used one? Yep, I probably would.

HTH....

Comments (9)

antss
12 years ago
depends on the price and your comfort level accepting risk.
lafacia
Original Author
12 years ago
I don't really want to take on a lot of risk. And I'd spend $5K-$6K but would prefer to spend less. Most of the used ones I've come across so far are 15+ years old. Worth it? Seems too old to me but if it's really a 40 year refrigerator then maybe I am being short sighted?
Related Discussions
Need to Replace Old Sub-Zero, but would love advice
Q
Comments (10)
I've had Sub-Zeros in various homes for nearly 30 years. I'd never consider another brand. I also think the refrigerators the company is producing today are the best they've ever made. The Sub-Zero warranty is second to none, and on the couple of occasions when I required a service call, Sub-Zero's service was fast and efficient. In both instances, the required repair was covered under warranty. I doubt you'd be happy with another refrigerator. Sub-Zero's dual compressor system really does make a difference, especially in the refrigerator compartment where the higher humidity level in a Sub-Zero keeps food, and especially produce, fresher much longer than in an ordiary fridge. You'll also find that the model 650 has a much larger freezer section than in your previous model, with much better accessibility. The pull-out drawer is a huge improvement. The idea of a counter-depth slide-in fridge sounds awful to me, especially the idea of leaving the old Sub-Zero grill above. It would look sloppy, unfinished and like you were skimping -- particularly if the edges of the cabinetry around the refrigerator opening aren't finished. Do yourself a favour and go for another Sub-Zero -- you'll be much happier. But if you're still tempted to look at another brand of built-in -- be sure to compare the warranties. Just my two cents. James
...See More
26 yr old Sub Zero 501 R is fading - seekiing replacement options
Q
Comments (8)
I can't quote a one price fits all. If you're installing new kitchen cabinets then it's fairly easy to have your cabinet company make a matching panel for your unit. Our cabinets were installed 26 years ago and although the original company is still in business they no longer make my style panel nor do they use the same stain. I actually got an even better price on my BI 36R then what I originally quoted above so I didn't have any qualms about going the custom panel route. The cabinet company asked me to give them one of my existing door fronts so that they could custom mill an identical panel and also do a custom stain match. I paid $1600 for two wood panels - one for the refrigerator and a smaller one for the grill. That price also included some cabinetry work since I had to remove the small cabinet above my refrigerator since the BI 36 is taller than the 501F it replaced. It also included the Sub Zero Pro handle that I ordered. I really like this new unit. It is incredibly quiet, much quieter than the old one and maintains a set temperature perfectly.
...See More
revolution: how old is too old
Q
Comments (3)
ItÂ´s safe but you may not get the same degree of effect you could expect from a fresh batch.
...See More
Well, the old Sub Zero made it in one piece!
Q
Comments (13)
Holly: took three guys and a monster dolly. They were a bit rough, though. Grlswprls: The interior is beautiful. No so much the freon leak on the fridge side. eek. Have a repair guy coming to check it out tomorrow. Well, we knew it might need a big repair like that. The freezer works great and got down to, well, sub-zero overnight. 8 below to be exact. Guess I forgot to post this yesterday. Fridge repairman came and thinks it a valve leak and needs a freon recharge, which would be fabulous if it turns out to be the case.
...See More
antss
12 years ago
15 years old at 5-6 grand ???

No way Jose.

$2-3k tops if it was in really good shape.

$7k will get you a new built in if you are patient and not wed to a particular brand.
sophie123
12 years ago
When i took my old SZ out it really look old behind nice front. They are sensitive beasts - and very heavy. And meant to be builtin Think about transport and damage from that. I would think a normal fridge would be more portable.
Lanzz
12 years ago
I have a 1989 Sub Zero 511 - I would say this - the older ones do seem more reliable than the more recent ones. From what I understand, SZ used an aluminum evaporator during the mid to late 90's, which has been a huge source of trouble over the years. In general, I am not sure I would tie up $5k in a used SZ - given the 10 year sealed system warranty and a lot of other things, you may be better to spend $2k more and get a new one.
kaismom
12 years ago
A friend just replaced her 20 year subzero's compressor for nearly 2K. They did not want to replace the entire frig given the paneling issues...
marven
12 years ago
Our Habitat restore got in two SZs. One was 36" wide and the other 48". The smaller one sold quickly for about $800. The bigger one sat for couple of months. I just bought it for $450. I wish that would have included moving!

Its a model 532 that was made in July 1987. It has been serviced regularly and appears to be in great shape.
nsddds
12 years ago
I just saw a SZ floor model 48" panel ready for 6400.00. This was at Fergusons in Cincinnati.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Old Meets New in the Northwest

By Vanessa Brunner

NB Design Group uses a family's old Tudor kitchen as inspiration for their brand new home

REMODELING GUIDES What Lies Beneath That Old Linoleum Kitchen Floor?

By Annie Thornton

Antique wood subfloors are finding new life as finished floors. Learn more about exposing, restoring and enjoying them

RUSTIC STYLE Old Southern Highlands Style for a New North Carolina Retreat

Antique woods add a sense of history to a gracious part-time home in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Houzz Interview: Jennifer's Old Painted Cottage

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: What’s Old Is New Again in Texas

By Becky Harris

A fresh update brings back a 1920s kitchen’s original cottage style

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: A New Kitchen Brings Back Old Style

By Marianne Lipanovich

An Illinois kitchen remodel combines 1900s style with modern touches

ENTRYWAYS Reconsidering the Old-Fashioned Vestibule

By Jess McBride

This classic entry room, sometimes called a mudroom, offers energy-saving and comfort-inducing perks

REMODELING GUIDES The Hidden Problems in Old Houses

By Matt Clawson

Before snatching up an old home, get to know what you’re in for by understanding the potential horrors that lurk below the surface

MOST POPULAR How to Reface Your Old Kitchen Cabinets

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Find out what’s involved in updating your cabinets by refinishing or replacing doors and drawers

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Old-World Style on the Connecticut Coast

By Becky Harris

Reclaimed beams, handmade brick and a hand-scraped floor add a warm sense of age to this new kitchen

Sponsored

Nova Design Build

Custom Premiere Design-Build Contractor | Hilliard, OH

More Discussions

Help! V*King nightmare is over. Need input on 36”, 6 burner gas range.

13

Whirlpool CLASS ACTION SUIT

21

Speed ovens - how do they affect taste?

4

Sub Zero Pro 48- Switch from Solid to Glass Door

1

Kitchen layout help

8