A few musings:

You need to up your budget if you want yours to look like those three pictures. None of those are "budget" kitchens.

If you want a successful armoire install - you really don't have a choice but to use an integrated model. All the ones in the pictures are SZ 700 series models, which are being replaced first of the year.

No, all SZ models will not accept custom panels. On some stainless models the panels are removable and can be replaced with cabinet panels. Others are not removable, period.

You'd better get some professional help from someone who has designed and installed one these types of armoires BEFORE you buy a fridge and place your cabinet order. These are not for novices or neophytes.

Don't think a SZ 42" will work in an armoire, and even if it did it look pretty silly proportion wise. Ditto with their 48".

You could use two separate 24" columns, but you're not likely to see many off those on display and I seriously doubt you'll find any of them at a discount as they are barely off the factory production line now. $13000 plus cabinetry work.

The 427g does not come with any panels. You can order a stainless door as an accessory from SZ, but it has to be installed , and is hence removable. G just stands for glass door, as opposed to a solid one.

Buy your designer and cabinet installer first, then your fridges if you are going down this road.

Also, unlike many manufacturers, SZ answers the phone and has friendly contact personnel who answer questions.

kas

^^^

and that person is in the USA !

I don't believe any of the integrated models "come with" stainless steel panels, at least that was the case when I purchased mine this year... which are add-ons. If you're doing custom panels, obviously you wouldn't order the stainless steel panels. The units come with templating for the custom panels.

Do like I did, I checked with a few local retailers and found brand new display models of the 601F and 601R. I picked them up for about $4k for the pair. They came with a full warranty from SZ as well. They were only powered up for about 1 hour total before I received them All docs were included and the shipping tape was still on the drawers.

It takes a little digging to find them, but if you call all the local SZ dealers and ask if they have a model in their display that will be replaced soon. They may be willing to sell it from the display. I had to wait a couple months for the dealer to get a replacement and to have his cabinets adjusted for the new models. Well worth it.

If there is a model change coming up, you can also ask the nicest dealer to check with the supplier to see if any OTC items are available at a good price.

If you are interested in a model 650, my local dealer has one available for $3250 I believe. I am in Atlanta, so shipping it far could hurt the deal factor.

I also picked up a nice Viking range the same way. It was overstock at the supplier after a model change.

Remember, dealers don't want old models in their showroom for very long. This dealer was a kitchen and bath design firm mainly, but sold appliances as well.

I added a picture of the new cabinet I am putting them in. We just put it in place yesterday. It will be stained to look like an old ice box. Although the model I have is a framed version, I have found that you can remove the handle side trim and use the overlay end piece instead. This will allow me to make the door panels look more ice box like.

This post was edited by paarlberg on Fri, Nov 15, 13 at 9:07

paarlberg, are you saying you paid a total of $4000 for the SZ F&R, or $4000 each = $8000 total?

I paid $4k for the pair, $2k each. Look on SZ website for kitchen designers that have showrooms near you. Then start calling them and asking if they have any display units they want to sell. If not, thank them and move to the next. The designers typically will not change units as often as a dealer will. But dealers might know of a designer that has some available as they do reach out for help in selling them.