I'm a little confused myself by the options you're looking at -- you have the flexibility to go from an existing 36" to 48" or 60"? Are you completely reconfiguring your cabinetry?

Also, if you're more concerned with fridge space vs freezer space, why are you limiting yourself to a 30" fridge? Most of the manufacturers you've listed above also offer a 36" fridge (and freezer, for a total of 72" if you want).

I'm also still researching my appliances and have looked at the options you've listed above. I'm personally getting a 36" all-fridge and relying on an existing upright freezer in the pantry; gives us additional counterspace.
FWIW, here's my opinion:

Thermador/Gaggenau/Miele -- between these (grouped since they're effectively the same base box/system), I'd probably go for the Miele for the simple reason that they're the only one that offers the spill-proof shelving; seems so basic. Their lighting is also the nicest. To be fair, I don't like the s/s interior (too dark, and cleaning looks like it will be a bugger).

Northland -- I was really big on this brand. A friend actually just had one installed (30+30) and it looked nice (again, we both preferred the white aluminum interior); noise didn't seem to be an issue. I too liked the fact that it's a bit 'different', and it has the most cu.ft. Only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger on this is that it uses that proprietary all-in-one compressor unit and I'm a little concerned that Northland is 'so far' out of the mainstream that, if they don't survive (rumours continue to circulate that AGA is looking to sell the unit), I'm stuck with a really large closet. Either that or I buy a few of those compressor units as a backup, but I understand that they're not cheap .... that and it just seems silly.

Liebherr -- Never really liked these for some reason. Also, they don't have a 36" all fridge, so I didn't have to spend time on these.

SubZero -- I'm probably going to end up with this (BI36). For some reason I feel a bit like I'm 'giving in' or selling-out somehow; kind of like buying a Toyota Corolla when looking for a car (ironically, they're probably close to the same price!). Ultimately I think it's probably the best bet in terms of durability, servicing, capacity, etc., but it's nothing "sexy" even though it's a luxury item (one of those checklist items to indicate you have an expensive home). It kind of won by default. Someone else recently started a thread about some new SZ refrigeration that might be coming up, so I'm hoping there's some more information there before I have to pull the trigger in another 3mos.

Good luck to you!

Bishop8- you seem to understand my dilemma.
Yes, I am completely remodeling the whole space, so I can use what ever configuration I want.
The reason I stopped with 30" vs 36" is because moving from the 15 cubic feet I have now to 20 ish seemed like enough. as we meet with the KD yesterday, I think I'll have plenty of cabinet space, so maybe I will go 36.

If you've got the space, I'd personally go 36" fridge and 24" freezer, since you already have a chest freezer, just so you have a more convenient place for ice cubes, ice cream, and more accessible frozen goods (I think Northland even gives you the option to go to an 18" freezer, but then you end up with an oddball 54" opening).

If you go with the 36" Miele, you don't have to worry about having too much cuft, as their interiors are a few cuft smaller than the SZ and Northland. :)

Let me know what you end up going with, as I may yet flip-flop on my decision.

GoofyYno, in comparing fridges, one cannot use the nominal volumetric capacity published by the manufacturer.

To get cubic feet, if you (or any other reader) really want to get to the bottom of it, do this: Measure the interior dimensions, multiply those 3 numbers (H x W x D) and divide by 1720 (that's 12 x 12 x12).

Using manufacturers' nominal numbers is a shortcut that doesn't work when you wish to compare fridge to fridge. The nominal capacity is just a number, that is some number smaller than the outside dimensions of the fridge, but does not correspond to the physical reality inside the fridge.

I have found that commercial fridge makers give numbers that are honest about the true useable volume inside their fridges. If you take a minute to look at commercial fridges of the same outside dimensions as the fridges you look at in the residential market, you will have a reference point that gives you a considerable advantage over the salesperson. And you won't be buffaloed as easily as before.

--

since you have the money, you can afford to allocate it to any of those fridges you named.
since you have the space, you can afford to allocate it also.

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you did mention that space might be a problem.
do you have a long term storage freezer in another part of the house?
.

GoofyYno-
I am in the same situation - completely remodeled kitchen with fairly flexible cabinet space. I hadn't looked at the Gaggenau, but looked at all the rest (in addition to the KA and Jenn-Air and GE). I loved the Miele, but really couldn't justify $13K, the Sub Zero doesn't seem as technically sophisticated (no temp/humidity-controlled drawers) and the Northland looked too "industrial" to me from what I saw in the showroom. Also, I really didn't like the fact that the Liebherr's refrigerator only get as wide as 24". So, I think I've settled on the Thermador Freedom Series, which is more reasonable in price, seems to have similar interior space and is comparable to the others with the temp-cont drawers. I'm not sure if any of this helps you or not - I hope it does! Looking forward to hear what you end up with.

sjb3ip,
tha gag is the same as the Thermador except it has some Ss on the interior ans non covered glass shelves (cost more also).

I my ever evolving thought process i currantly am thinking of going with 36" frige. (probably Miele or northland). I am building a "coffee bar" for my espresso machine. My KD want me to put in a ice maker and small undercounter frige. I think a undercounter drawer freezer woulde look great there. It is not too far from the kitchen work space, so I don't think that would limit me. I'm fine with the 5 cft i have now. I may go with summit, which is half the price of the others. I know Perlick makes a good one, as does Sub zero.

Had a 36/24 Northland fridge/freezer in my last kitchen and it was FAB. Farm was in ED and the only part they didn't show was the fridge wall -- of course it was my fave part. Got the white interior, the SS a friend has seemed dreary. Putting in a new kitchen now and will be ordering a Northland fridge unit to complement the existing Garland range...
What did you do?

I saw at the top you were saying that Sub-zero has tall skinny handles. I have a BI36 side by side at my house. I didn't like the tall thin handles either so I ordered the unit with the "pro-handle" package. Basically the same one that comes with the pro-48. They are nice and beefy. I've attached an image of it here.

thanks,
I like that. unfortunatly with the costs of the backyard and rest of the kitchen, new fridge is on hold.