KitchenAid's Architect is a completely different beast than the SZ and Miele entirely. The SZ is my #1 choice for my home and I sell these for a living. I'm not saying the Kitchenaid is going to break down or anything, but it is not of the quality of the SZ or the Miele and their CS leaves much to be desired as well. There is about a 1,500 dollar difference between the two, and unless there is a severe budget limit - I believe the extra 1500 would be well spent.

Hope that helps,

Anthony
Appliance Buyer's Guide

Hi Anthony-

Thanks for the feedback. We are doing a whole house gut rehab and trying to save where we can, this seemed like a possible place to save...hard to say.

What is your opinion on floor model close-outs? Assuming they aren't damaged, should we have any concerns with the fact that they have been "on" for a year in a showroom?

Nothing wrong with floor models. I sell our floor models once in a while, I've not had any complaints.

Anthony
Appliance Buyer's Guide

Any other thoughts on built-ins??

Thanks! rexroat

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

Gary-
Thanks so much for your take on fridges!
As I have read by others trying to decide on appliances, it is very overwhelming and seems to get more complicated the more I research them.

rexroat

We have a KA Built-in 42"--it was the "new" design that came out in June of '07 (waited for it to come out, so we got it right when they were first available).

Ours has the ice-maker/water dispenser in-door. We had a few problems with that while under warranty, so had it serviced (found someone local, and good through KA, so we're hoping we won't have to utilize A&E Svce for any future repairs--they didn't impress us at all). From what I've heard and read, ice-makers/dispensers appear to be the bane of many makes/models but we really like the convenience.

We like our fridge. I will say that I am not too happy about the crispers' ability to keep to keep lemons, limes, and even apples, fresh. Those didn't keep wonderfully long in our old Whirlpool, but I think they hold up even slightly less well in our KA. I honestly don't know if they would keep better in a SZ or other fridge.

Cost-wise, the KA was a lot less $$$ than the SZ and even than the Thermador (which was virtually the same as ours, just nicer handles, shelving edges--stuff like that). We preferred the internal layout of the KA built-in to other brands we looked at; shelving configuration, and ice bucket in the door rather in the freezer itself. All in all, it was a good choice for us at the time.

Goodness! Our 24 year old SZ that we're replacing has cost us thousands of dollars to keep in service. I'm looking at the KitchenAid Architect Series II, KFCO22EVBL so that I can place cabinet panels on the front. I won't get to have an outside water and ice dispenser but all I really care about is a unit that won't need servicing every 6 months, as our Sub Zero did. Can anyone with the Kitchenaid comment on how well you like it, please?

cat_mom-
Thanks for your response! It's getting more and more difficult to justify the added expense of SZ/Miele unless we find a great deal on a close-out, etc. Glad to hear that, all-in-all, you have been happy with your KA.

jope2800-
I hope you are happy with your new fridge, whichever one that may be. I realize you said you put a considerable amount of $ into your old SZ, but 24 years is pretty impressive...

"jope2800-
I hope you are happy with your new fridge, whichever one that may be. I realize you said you put a considerable amount of $ into your old SZ, but 24 years is pretty impressive..."

I have 30+ years on my low end Whirlpool, no repairs except for a plastic hose to the ice maker from its valve.

hi all-
I hope it's ok to add another relevant question to this post. I too am looking for a fridge and have narrowed it down between the KA/Jenn-Air and the Thermador Freedom series. Unlike the KA/Jenn-Air the Thermador is two separate units and about $2000 more. Any thoughts on which might be a better choice? All help is appreciated!