Thanks Marcydc. Changing the first filter was hard because the installer used big honkin' working man muscles to tighten it so tight we needed tools to unscrew it (I had psychologist man muscles working on it, but he needed pliers for leverage). The real difficulty, however, is changing the filter, and fixing the filter code, without warming up the freezer. After my third change I've learned a few things: The book says that when the filter light first comes on it's just a warning, and when the light changes state (starts or stops blinking--can't remember which), it's time to change. Tech help told me I should change as soon as it comes on, and that the trouble I've had resetting the filter indicator comes from letting it go to the end. In that case, it has to be changed in program mode rather than customer mode. The other thing I've learned is not to even try to reset right after changing the filter. My unit won't go into customer mode if it's even a little warm, and if it loses too much cool, it won't go into program either. It's basically trying to say, "Shut the door, idiot!!!" It's easy enough to change the filter and wait a number of hours. I always set aside some ice, because you're supposed to throw away the first 24 hrs. worth, so waiting another 6-12 hours is no biggie. But what defines "hard"? For me, it's the procedure to get into customer mode or program mode. It's arcane in a way that only a German engineer could like. It's like looking for easter eggs in a computer game. I can't hold the instructions and do the routine at the same time. That's "hard".

fori - loved the comment about the fridge hiding. It really does look like that in the drawing. taggie, I too like the 48 but think it's too big and don't like the transition on the right (i.e., no wall). greendesigns - thanks. Tupperware is a good idea. I tend to pack as much into whatever space I have (and regularly throw out stuff from the fridge I've forgotten about). I looked at the Electrolux but found some bad reviews. Another option I've considered is the 32" Frigidaire Pro. lascatx - I do have a big case of fridge envy, you're right, but I'm not sold on the freestanding fridge yet. I hear what you're saying about symmetry. motherof3sons - thanks, problem is, I know what I don't like (what I have)... something is just not right with the sink wall the way it is. Speaking of your tile, I'm ready to come help you tile, just to see how it looks:) ci_lantro - thanks for the dissenting opinion (always good to hear), but I do like the wall. I am going to start a new thread to continue design on this. Thanks all! Here is a link that might be useful: New thread with 36 inch and walls This post was edited by oldbat2be on Wed, Feb 13, 13 at 8:30

KitchenGal: FWIW, I'm 5'1" and gave up on integrated models because of it. Even though I love the style of a French door fridge, I'm going to the SZ SxS because of the abundant and convenient space in fridge AND freezer (freezer in 36 FD was very low/small) and for the very convenient water and ice dispensers (available in 42" as malba stated above). But I used a FD LG for 10 years and tired of (what was for me) the hard-to-use freezer… We will not have additional fridge/freezer for ecological reasons, so the SxS is a good choice for us.

The Pro48 is an awesome piece of equipment. It is unlikely though to be any significant amount more reliable than a standard BI48. So take that part out. The other item that I have had customers miss is the lack of door bins. Doesn't seem like a huge deal to me personally...but I have had customers who were either dissuaded from purchasing or had regrets after purchase. As for other options, IMHO if service is good in your area (if you are in NY I am not surprised, we are pretty blessed with people on that front) than I don't think any of the other BI 48" units really compare. Also bear in mind that JennAir, Kitchenaid, Thermador (only the 42/48" units) and Dacor all are made by kitchenaid. The other 3 out there are GE Monogram (which is ok, but not a SZ), Samsung (yikes) and Viking (just google Viking refrigerators and your head will likely explode...). So my personal advice is to get the BI48...but the Pro48 is a magnificent piece and if you go into it understanding you are not buying additional reliability, just a statement piece, then go for that.