antss: I don't think so; the waterline is on the bottom (I found it easily). What I am describing is on the side wall of the freezer. Said wall -- in a typical installation -- goes nearly flush against the wall opening so one wouldn't have a chance really routing anything through there. Certainly not even a tiny waterline. I even called Sub-zero and the whatever technician they put me in touch with didn't know what I was talking about. The freezer's working just fine so not too worried about it, just surprised that there was no mention of this in the installation literature nor was there any warning/explanation/indication posted next to it. I will have to take the freezer out temporarily a few weeks from now when I install my cabinetry above and around and I will snap a photo of this diabolical device at that time so we can have something to look at in future discussions.

sageviews... short answer is I have no idea. Longer answer: I'm not familiar with Kitchenaid built-in models, so I can't say for sure, but... It's not so much the depth with a built-in, or the space you allow beside it, as it is the hinges on the refrigerator door. While you could leave a 1/2" clearance all the way around (and please don't let anyone tell you that looks bad, many current refrigerators require that space, and lots of people have them and it sure doesn't bother them) - your doors may still jut out a bit. Depending where you live and your personal tastes, this might be perfectly fine, or it might not suit you. Sub Zero realized a while back that integrated (flush with cabinetry) was becoming popular, so their built-ins, which are not true integrated, had hinges that operated in such a way that the door does not need to extend beyond the cabinetry beside it to open completely. Thus, if someone had the depth and space, they could install the SZ built-ins very similar to an integrated... flush with the cabinetry. I don't think Kitchenaid did this with their built-in hinges. You'd really have to go look at them, and inquire. The easiest way to tell is to take a piece of flat wood (a 1 x 8 or a small piece of plywood - or even a stiff notepad), hold it just beside the door - flush, and open the door the way. Does it hit the wood? If yes, you can't flush install. Is that horrible? If one really wants panels but can't find integrated or it's beyond the remodel budget, no, I don't think so. Just my opinion. It's kind of hard for me to explain the difference in hinges, but the SZ's allow the door to open in place, it does not need side-room. I can't tell by looking at Kitchenaide's site, but I'm pretty sure they require a non-flush install. Basically, the difference is this: SZ built in flush inset: kitchenaide built in flush inset: Hope whatever you decide, you are happy with it : )

V Barr Is that the 36" French Door or 42"? Did you have the cabinets built out to be flush? Looking at the 42" SS but it sticks out so far I really don't like it. If I get the panel ready I can get the cabinet built out so it looks flush I think. I really like the integrated look but I don't have space for 2 columns.

No it is not that simple. The opening and finished returns are so that when you open the doors you are not seeing the inside of an unfinished ref panel ( some companies come that way ) . You are also looking to do a flush inset application for the ref. That means the pocket for the ref must be wider than a standard installation since the idea is that the door face is even with the ref end panels. Follow the instructions from sub zero for the pocket size and the cleat size/position needed. It really is not hard to do - just a lot of measuring and making sure the installer knows what they are doing. Hope this helps!