I looked at both 30" versions. Both retailers told me that they had almost no service issues with Leibherr, but plenty with SZ. For me, it came down to the layout: I really dislike that big pull-out freezer on the SZ - you're forever crouching at awkward angles to find what you want (well, I would) whereas the Leibherr allows you to just pull out the particular drawer you need. And if necessary, it's easy to just pull the whole thing out and put it on the table while you sort.
Some people find the Leibherr looks off-putting. Being a European myself, it looks 'normal' to me, while many here find the interior fittings look fragile. They're strong enough for me.
I think both are excellent appliances: check opinions on reliability. Leibherr had some problems with the icemaker initially (icemakers aren't usual in Europe, so it was new to them for the North American market) but I believe they've resolved them. After that, it comes down to price and layout.

I have the 36" Liebherr integrated model and love it. There was a problem with the automatic door-closing feature when I first got the unit about a year ago, but; it has been fixed and everything is working perfectly. It is definitly quieter than the 36" Sub-Zero side by side it replaced.

thx for the feedback.. hearing from real users helps..

I have the Liebherr 36 inch fully integrated, in use for one month. I love it. It is super quiet, the lighting is excellent and I like the layout. Our purchase was in January from a dealer (previously a wholesaler who just last year sold over 400 of these and who had worked with the German engineers on the two "issues" I had been concerned with, namely the ice and door hinges). I was assured that these issues were fixed in new models. I have not had a hint of a problem.

Sara they are both tight seals, so I think you got it right when you said the Liebherr handle is, as you say, able to add a push to get the door opening started by breaking the seal. It's a fantastic feature.

I too get put off by a fridge that requires me to use my bigger muscles to give it a big tug. The Liebherr handle is a lever converting finger action over three inches into high powered push over a fraction of an inch. It multiplies your little finger strength by ten. I just prefer not to use the body's big muscles at home for routine functions like opening a fridge door, so i think it's great. I would pay a hundred or two for it, on a 24" fridge, but not a thousand dollars, so I have a hard time justifying that 30" Liebherr in my home.

And just so you know, if for some reason you decided to go with the 48" (2-24" side by side, connected), you get the cool handles, BUT NOT the great seal. These only have a single compressor, well actually you have 2, but they are 2 separate refrigerators. Apparently, they HAD to do this to get it Energy Star rated. Great for a rating, bad for a good seal and consistent temps. Unfortunately, I found all of this out after the fact. Otherwise, it's a pretty good product.

Have you checked out the Thermador columns? I hear pretty good things about them too.

The 36" Liebherr is a French Door model whereas the 736 TCI SZ is not. I prefer the single door fridge but I know that most people seem to prefer french doors these days.

One thing that you may want to consider is that the SZ is 100% fully integrated. The Liebherr is close but not fully integrated due to the exposed toe kick area. To most observers, it will appear integrated so it may not be a game changer for you.

I have the 611 30" SZ model. I am short but of average built. I looked at both Liebherr and SZ before purchasing. I found the upper shelves on the fridge easier to reach on the SZ. I've adjusted to the freezer drawer after a lifetime of SxS or top freezer models. I don't find the door or drawer difficult to open. The noise level is fine and I have an open concept where the unit sits about 15'-17' behind the couch.

SZ (and Wolf) have been easy to work with when I have questions about floor model warranty, measurements or panels. I've always gotten live people on the phone. I know service is available in my area (but hope I don't need it.)

Your are choosing between two good products so maybe $$ and personal likes and dislikes will help you decide.

well, we just went and checked out the 36 built in Liehberr today. Love the fridge for me (6'0) but not good for my wife who is, lets say no where near my height.

the top shelf in the door and inside where why out of her normal reach. The 36 built in SZ was much better.. Just hate the price..

Any other suggestions?

36 inch integrated SZ with bottom freezer has minimal crisper drawer space. 36 inch built in SZ interior layout is wonderful. I think most people end up getting SZ integrated that are separate freezer and refrigerator. Our friend got 2 subzero 36 inch with freezer on the bottom and put them side by side. They hate the interior layout. They have to use plastic bins to store fruits and vegies. Talk of expensive purchase that tanked!

Jenn Air has a 36", FD, panel-ready.

jbril375 - did your wife test out the shelf with jars and stuff? I ask, because I'm 5'3" and initially thought it would be a problem, but in fact has turned out well. I use the top shelf in the fridge for all those pickle and sauce type jars, that clutter up the rest of the shelves and aren't needed every day. Admittedly, it means I'm not using the entire shelf depth, but two rows of jars is all we actually use anyway, and I can reach those OK. I can see what they are, by looking up through the glass shelf.

The top shelf in the door I use only for eggs - I can use the egg box itself to push open the shelf cover, slip the egg boxes in and out. I don't have to lift the cover open fully, in order the remove the egg boxes.

I just mention these things because I think it's such a good fridge, that I'd hate someone to avoid it without having really tried out how they'd store things.

I was planning on the liebherr 48" side by side until II did a cu ft comparison To the sub zero and was surprised to find that the sub zero 36 model actually has about the same amount of storage space. If I were to go with the SZ 27 columns i would have about 10 cu ft more storage than the liebherr 24 columns.