I don't know about the Jennair hinge, but being able to open your door wide enough to pullout your drawers and easily get to everything for food or cleaning is worth not getting another fridge.

Jennair became a Maytag label, which was in turn bought by Whirlpool -- the maker of Kitchenaid, so they should be essentially the same in terms of major working parts.

I wish somebody would really look into that, lascatx,
"they should be essentially the same in terms of major working parts". I did a lotta studying before we bought our Fridge, (5 years ago), and one of the things that attracted me to it was it's "Varible Speed Compressor".
Now Liebher braggs about having one. We like it, find it is very quiet as it's not "Full On" or Full Off , like a conventional compressor, thus not creating power surges etc that a conventional one would---and I really have to get my ear up to the thing to tell if it is running.
We bought it before maytag bought JA and before Maytag was bought by Whirlpool.
So the Question is, "Does Jenn-Air still use that compressor" did all the Whirpool built fridges get that compressor, or did all of them including Jenn-air quit using that compressor?
Knowing the answer to this, I think we can give better and more "factual Info" to the user.
Generous Motors, Mercedes Benz BMW Ford etc etc builds different models (Caddy and Chevies with different engines), isn't it possible for an appliance manufacturer to do the same?

Gary

I think thoe 42" shares the same platform but the rest of the line does not.

Neither are going to totally disappear so if that is the look you're going for then your options are very limited at 42" and will be well north of $8k.

I think the JA will give a cleaner look than the KA model when installed flush.

There are differences in installation between these two refrigerators. You said you want a true integrated refrigerator. The Kitchen Aid would not be considered true integrated but the Jenn Air may be. I would ask the salesperson to demonstrate again how the hinges are different.

Thanks to all for your responses.

I am going with the Jenn-air. I have reviewed the spec sheets and there is definitely a big advantage over the Kitchenaid regarding how much space is needed for side clearance.

As for 'truly' integrated, I've decided 3/4" just isn't worth $2,000 more, which is what the SZ would cost, to me at least. I'd rather save the money and use it for other areas of my kitchen. Although I must be deep in obsession territory; never dreamed I'd spend $6K on a refrigerator and call it a bargain!

Again, thanks.

I'm sure you made the right choice.

Please keep us posted as to how the installation went (did it meet your expectations as far as "Integrated" goes.
Is it quiet, well lit, well organized inside etc etc. This will make it easier for other folks that may consider this Fridge. We see a lotta Liebher, SZ Samsung and LG info so kinda nice for the folks to be "As well Armed as Possible" when they walk into that appliance store or order a Fridge off the net--- Don't ya thinks?
Thanks!!

Gary

Runninginplace - Is your Jennair 42" installed? Can you post your comments on this particular model? We just purchased a home that has a space for a 42" built-in so I now find myself doing the same research. Thanks for your feedback!

Cindy

Well, it's been quite awhile since I posted about getting a Jennair integrated refrigerator. The kitchen is finished, and the refrigerator is installed. I wanted a paneled look so it is now in place with the panels attached. It's a beauty, however I"m having MAJOR issues, unfortunately.

To start with, the installer set up the enclosure at 24" deep. The installation guide seems to indicate that is ok although it recommends 25", but it ended up leaving a small side piece exposed. My contractor figured out a way to add some shoe molding on the sides, which looks pretty good.

But the major and really puzzling-and infuriating-problem seems to be with ventilation at the top, in front of the compressor. The cabinet company made the panel to fit over the compressor to specs, but to my shock when it was installed there was a large gap, at least an inch wide and quite visible. Not acceptable at all for an *integrated* refrigerator. I've spoken to Jennair who referred me to their installation expert. He hasn't been very helpful and indeed in the installation guide it seems to indicate the large and very unsightly gap is necessary. This is not what I expected when I spent $6200 for a refrigerator that was supposedly going to fit like a piece of cabinetry.

The contractor tried adding some molding to cover the gap but that resulted in obvious overheating. He's not giving up and I'm going to check back in with the 'expert' next week. At this point we're discussing trying to put some kind of louvered cover up there to help with ventilation.

Sorry for the long ramble, and I should include a picture but don't have the camera available now.

Anyone have the Jennair integrated? Anyone ever hear about this issue?

Runninginplace - on the off chance you get notified or see this posting almost 2 years later!!

Whatever happened with your JennAir built in? Did you find away to get rid of the space without causing overheating?

I am almost ready to pull the trigger on the 48 but really want the completely hidden look.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Google the model# of the JA Fridge, then chose the Jenn-air web-site. It has several pictures of the "Integrated Fridge"
there. You can even expand the pictures. It looks like "True Integration" (to me).

My self, back in 2006 I could care less about
"True Integration". I wanted a built in and paneled fridge.
I did not like the "Gills" that the Sub-zero showed up on top, alto a lot of folks have bought those.
We liked the look of a paneled fridge, and the ease of keeping the exterior clean (Piece of cake)" compared to our old stainless GE.

Strange, when I watch "House Hunters" on TV, there is all kinds of "Griping and Complaining" if the kitchen does not have a fridge, yet folks spend "Big Money" to hide them, nowadays---but I've never seen one that I can't look at the kitchen and says, "There's the Fridge"---usually the handle give it away---Oh Well, Strange World (to Me) but "Different strokes for different folks" ROFLMAS!

Anyway, good luck with your pending decision.
I saved You a little work---Just click the link below to see the Jenn-Air Fridge pictures!

Gary

Here is a link that might be useful: Jenn-air Integrated 42

Bumping up to see if this was ever resolved as I too would love to hear about how the ventilation problem ended up....

I am in the same place with refrigerators. How is the Jenn Aire performing? This is such a big buy!
Thanks for any update

hello, a decade later, hows your jennair doing? im thinking of getting one, but the more i search online for reviews the worse and crazier the opinions get, im scared to spend 10k on something that might break down in a hand full of years