I went with Thermador columns after seeing their 36" French door built-in. You would get a full width freezer, but it might or might not meet your space needs. If it does, I think the fact that the drawer sits higher and not right above the ground is a real plus.

I looked at SZ, but the one I looked at had a bottom icemaker and I really didn't like that. We also looked at Kitchenaid and Monogram. I thought the Monogram ws good technically, but not good in use features. My vote would be with KA or Thermador.

Thank you, James and Lascatz. James, I think that you're right, in that the new S-Z will be a substantial upgrade for us (e.g., no more rusted wire shelves in fridge and freezer, extra basket on top, full length crisper, at least double the space in the freezer and a working ice maker, not to mention doors that shut and seal tightly), and that it will fit exactly in the space as designed. Further, the extra basket and crisper room fit our needs - our fridge is usually filled with fruits, vegetables, bread, condiments and drinks.

Lascatz, we don't have room for the Thermador columns, so our choice is basically the SZ, GE or maybe a KA built-in, or a GE CD.

I think we'll order the SZ and keep our fingers crossed that ours won't be one of the problems. The warranty is clearly longer, although we can't help thinking we could buy 2 GE Profiles for the price of 1 Sub-Zero. I had really wanted that outside water/ice dispenser, but I'm certainly capable of opening the door and grabbing the Brita pitcher as always.

Thanks for the insight.

Sub Zero is pure junk IMHO.

Mine has gone thru 2 icemakers, required a refrigerant charge and now needs a completely new refrigeration system that's going to cost me about a grand. It's outside the warranty so SZ says tough luck.

The appliance repair company concurs that SZ's are poor quality.

It's rediculous that a 15 yr old fridge has had this many problems.

It's a unique size otherwise I'd get rid of the darn thing.

Dave,

My mother had a similar experience and that's why we've been relying on our downstairs refrigerator for the last three weeks. Tough decision. We have a SZ sized hole that needs to get filled...

Thanks.

I wasn't talking about the colums which require at least 42" for one of each, I was talking about the French Door which only comes in a 36" width -- the same as you have. That's why I said "36" French door built-in." It was what impressed me so much that I even looked atthe colums after planing on a different fridge.

It would be nice if we could find out the design life span of some of these units especially the GE and KA. Looks like the sub zero has made it for 20+ years..yeah it's small but it still made it and they are still offering a good warranty so at least their intent is there.

I say this because company's now a days are not designing products to last as long as they once did. Do you think you will have a KA in 15 years? Will the KA brand even be around in 15 years or will the brand name be sold to another company with different goals, just like this name was sold to Whirlpool? What kind of success have others had with GE refrigerators not just the Monogram but the entire line of refrigerators? Sure it's a Monogram but that is just a name that has been attached to a GE design that is underneath. How many have been around for 15+ years. Are you willing to pay the extra money for a product that is made by a company that also makes lesser quality products? Is there a chance that some of these lesser quality parts are in the unit you are considering? Take a look at it. Do you think it will last 15+ years.
Who is the real manufacturer of the product?

Just some questions I ask myself when I am looking for appliances.

Well, I was about to order the Sub-Zero, and I just learned that our panels will not fit the new one b/c the freezer door is taller than the pull-out freezer drawer. Stainless steel costs $1,000 more, although we could save that $1k and go with the KA or Monogram built-in bottom freezer built-in (I'm told the 36" built in sxs is very small inside). Or that half price GE Profile. I don't know why this is so hard! I just got used to the idea of spending the money for the S-Z and now I have to do it all over again.

Oh well...

Thanks to everyone who responded.

My subzero 550 refrigerator stopped cooling this week. The freezer still works. This is our second subzero in 23 years. This one is a 1994 model. We've had it repaired a few times, usually for the freezer icing up. I don't care for the excess moisture in the refrigerator.
While I am waiting the 5 days for the repair person, I'm contemplating my options incase a new compressor is needed and the repair bill is excessive.
This model is 36x24x84. It is built in, bottom freezer, one door. We cannot use FD because of placement...refrig is at the end of the counter, sink on one side and corner wall on the other. I'm wondering what fridgeshopper ended up with and are you happy with your decision? Does anyone else have suggestions for a refrig to fit into this space?

Same problem quote for new compressor install is 1350$. Thinking of getting a new one