Can you go a little wider? You could get 27" integrated SZ 700BR all-refrigerator with drawers & 700BF all-freezer with drawers for a similar function at less cost. These come either in SS or integrated panel (but not glass front) and you don't have to install them side by side. OR, if you can go even wider to 36" each, & don't want the drawers, the built-in SZ 601R & 601F are less expensive than the integrated units. You can even mix a SZ 36" built-in refrigerator & a 27" 700BF integrated freezer--we did. They are not side by side.

Thanks Marcydc. Changing the first filter was hard because the installer used big honkin' working man muscles to tighten it so tight we needed tools to unscrew it (I had psychologist man muscles working on it, but he needed pliers for leverage). The real difficulty, however, is changing the filter, and fixing the filter code, without warming up the freezer. After my third change I've learned a few things: The book says that when the filter light first comes on it's just a warning, and when the light changes state (starts or stops blinking--can't remember which), it's time to change. Tech help told me I should change as soon as it comes on, and that the trouble I've had resetting the filter indicator comes from letting it go to the end. In that case, it has to be changed in program mode rather than customer mode. The other thing I've learned is not to even try to reset right after changing the filter. My unit won't go into customer mode if it's even a little warm, and if it loses too much cool, it won't go into program either. It's basically trying to say, "Shut the door, idiot!!!" It's easy enough to change the filter and wait a number of hours. I always set aside some ice, because you're supposed to throw away the first 24 hrs. worth, so waiting another 6-12 hours is no biggie. But what defines "hard"? For me, it's the procedure to get into customer mode or program mode. It's arcane in a way that only a German engineer could like. It's like looking for easter eggs in a computer game. I can't hold the instructions and do the routine at the same time. That's "hard".

fori - loved the comment about the fridge hiding. It really does look like that in the drawing. taggie, I too like the 48 but think it's too big and don't like the transition on the right (i.e., no wall). greendesigns - thanks. Tupperware is a good idea. I tend to pack as much into whatever space I have (and regularly throw out stuff from the fridge I've forgotten about). I looked at the Electrolux but found some bad reviews. Another option I've considered is the 32" Frigidaire Pro. lascatx - I do have a big case of fridge envy, you're right, but I'm not sold on the freestanding fridge yet. I hear what you're saying about symmetry. motherof3sons - thanks, problem is, I know what I don't like (what I have)... something is just not right with the sink wall the way it is. Speaking of your tile, I'm ready to come help you tile, just to see how it looks:) ci_lantro - thanks for the dissenting opinion (always good to hear), but I do like the wall. I am going to start a new thread to continue design on this. Thanks all! Here is a link that might be useful: New thread with 36 inch and walls This post was edited by oldbat2be on Wed, Feb 13, 13 at 8:30

A SubZero, if not horribly abused, should last for decades. Since you've already jumped over the money hurdle, that shouldn't be a biggie, and by having the unit for so long, you'll skip the remodelling expenses of replacing it. You've already also agreed to the space involved You've already decided you like the divisions, or you wouldn't have chosen it. I ended up with Miele and a Marvel u/c drawer fridge. I LOVE the drawers, and I love that the bottom section of the Miele is all drawers, so I think you'll really enjoy those. Be thoughtful how you use them. For instance, if you have kids always opening the fridge, you can put snacks and drinks for them in one drawer and have them only opening one section. Con: having to keep the fridge tidy enough to be on display constantly. I'm often embarrassed to have a cousin or friend opening my fridge because I have bunches of kale sitting on the milk, and stuff like that. Pro: You can see what you're looking for before you open the door of the main cooler, keeping the cold in more. Smeary hands on the stainless and glass? That's true no matter what the materials are, so it depends on your tolerance for things looking anything but out of the carton pristine. Pro: If something unexpected comes up and you have to move, you can take it with you because it's freestanding. Con: Stuff can roll underneath because it's freestanding. Really, though, it's a SubZero. What's not to love?