It all depends on just how much you love the look and only you can answer that. It's purely an appearance thing in my opinion. I really wanted a built-in with cabinet panels so it was worth it to me - I love it - no regrets on spending the $$.

I have a 42" - hard for me to imagine that a 30-32" built-in would provide enough space. However I think a built-in is taller than a regular cabinet depth so maybe gives you more space if you are constrained to only 30-32". If that's the case maybe there would be some functional value - not sure. I know I looked at 36" sxs counter depth and they were really small.

Thermador Freedom?

I'm getting a built in if it ever gets here! and I'm happy I made that choice.

I seriously considered the Thermador Freedom but I couldn't find an affordable built in undercounter freezer to go along with it.

You're looking at one of the tradeoffs you have to face. And the little more here and little more there versus the little less on this and a little less on that -- or the WAY over budget blues.

Are they worth it -- all depends on what your needs and limitations are. I wasn't planning on one and was sure it wouldn't be worth at least twice as much, but my Thermador fridge and freezer are wonderful. Very much worth it now that I have them. I never would have thought so before.

I decided to go with the JA FD CD panel-ready and make it look as built in as I could. I ordered a 25 1/2 deep refrigerator cabinet instead of the usual 24" deep cabinet to hide every last scrap of metal on the sides of the fridge (and a fair bit of gasket) and had the front paneled. It doesn't look as integrated as say, a 700 series sub zero, but it comes close to some of the other free standing sub zeros that aren't integrated, IMO. People who aren't TKO actually have come into my kitchen and assumed it's a SZ. Couldn't fool anyone on this board tho'!

With regard to "worth it,"

I was never sold on the dual compressor thing, which is what sub zero says makes food last forever in the fridge and didn't consider spending a couple thousand dollars extra just to make my lettuce last a couple days longer. I put the money into my stove, which is an appliance that I think makes more of a difference to the cook (ie ME) than the fridge which is basically just an ice box.

I like the decision we made. I also like the JA FD CD alot though my husband detests the placement of the water dispenser and the ice maker. I can see his point about the dispenser but it doesn't bother me one bit. Also, we have an extra fridge in the garage and a big freezer in the cellar, and I think that's important because when I do a 'big cook day' I stash supplied all over the place and the JA FD CD couldn't handle all that. We're a family of 4 -- two parents, two pre-teens. The fridge garage is also a good place to try to 'hide' the cakes and cheeses and other yummy things that, if I were to see them every time I opened my day-to-day fridge, I'd eat.

Judith, could you post a pic of your fridge?

Gibby, Could you tell me what type of built-in you have? I have a post with questions under 42" kitchenaid built-in. If you have one simular could you help me figure a few things out? Thank you for your time.

It's like the thong vs bikini argument. Both have advantages, both have disadvantages, and whatever is right for YOU depends on your particular situation and preferences. It's deeply personal.

Yes but I've never worn a thong- and never had a built in fridge.

Today, I've decided to go with the Liebherr built-in ...that's until I get a quote for the 30" free standing version.

Re; the F&P
I hate that the F&P looks like an upside down (top freezer) refrigerator, seems dark inside with one light?
....and feels very short compared to the towering liebherr's and freedom's.
This is crazy ....
It's just a fridge right?

I've seen pictures where the FP is installed on a platform and it looks quite dignified (and probably saves your toes from being brutalized by that low low door).

I don't think you like the FP. I think you are ready for the thong. Yes, I'm picking at an imaginary wedgie just thinking about it!

The Liebherr freestanding is just charming. We couldn't convince ourselves that it held enough food, though. Will it be big enough for you?

Once you go built-in you will never be pleased by a regular.

Not knowing about built ins is the best :)

I love the Liebherr freestanding frig. How would you place it in your layout?

The cabinets have changed in size slightly but the fridge will be where it is in this picture, hing on the left. Obviously it will be 30" instead of 36". The base cabinets to the right are going to be wider, giving us more counter space.

http://flickr.com/photos/bakerbotsbakingco/1143105371/

http://flickr.com/photos/bakerbotsbakingco/528736708/in/photostream/