Choosing side by side counter depth refrigerator

13 years ago

I am trying to choose a 42" side by side counter depth refrigerator and have narrowed my choice down to Subzero and Kitchenaid Architect II. Price and external appearance aside what would you recommend and why?

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Comments (4)

Kieffers_Guy
13 years ago
1hoen,

I'm assuming that you're looking at this Kitchenaid Model: KSSC42QVS (with water dispenser)?

Both are good units and certainly Sub-Zero has one of the most recognizable names in the refrigeration industry.

One of the things that separates Sub-Zero from Kitchenaid is that Subs use two compressors (one for the freezer and one for the refrigerator). This means that each side's temperature is controlled separately. Having this feature benefits the consumer in two ways: One, it reduces odor transfer from freezer to fridge and vice versa. Two, God forbid something were to happen to one of the compressors, the other would still work. So if the freezer goes down, the refrigerator side will work or vice versa.

An interesting point about the Kitchenaid is that some of the door storage shelves will accommodate gallon containers whereas Subs will accommodate half gallon.

I certainly don't want to overwhelm you, but make sure to investigate the warranties from both companies. Off the top of my head, I'm not sure if they are equal or if one is stronger than the other.

Best of luck! I love the look of built-in refrigerators.

Here is a link that might be useful: Want to laugh and learn about appliances? Read our blog!
deeageaux
13 years ago
Comparing Subzero to KitchenAid is like comparing Mercedes to Buick. A more apple to apple comparison is to match it against Whirlpool's Cadillac,it's best brand,Jenn-Air.

Jenn-Air has a variable speed/capacity compressor.

It makes it both powerful and effiecient.

On the downside,it is almost always on.If you are very sensative to fridge sounds it may bother you. As menitioned above,some people really like the idea of two compressors because you will at least have either the fridge or freezer until the repair man arrives.

Plus, in the Jenn-Air(unlike KA) you can get those wonderful diamond-cut pro handles.
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Yes, it absolutely would help to know a few more details. Available dimensions, budget range, desired features, and expected visual appearance all matter. We have a 36" SubZero all-fridge. We picked this model, as we have had great luck with SubZero before and they have a reputation of lasting for several decades with only minor repairs. They also have an air treatment system that works quite well at keeping food fresh for longer, and they are very good about chilling very evenly so that there are no unexpected cold spots. We like the interior organization. And we love that it doesn't have things like ice makers nor through-door appliances; those waste space and energy and are prone to breaking more frequently. SubZero makes counter depth fridges that can be made to look just like another cabinet, or there is another version of their fridges that can be built into a cabinet with a door that stands just proud of the front of the adjacent cabinets. If you have extra deep cabinets you can also recess the latter version back by a few inches and the door becomes flush with adjacent cabinets. But it won't look exactly like a cabinet door. It looks like an appliance. So, you have options here. Other manufacturers might not give you this choice. Usually, the less expensive models all require that the door stands proud, and the more expensive models have special hinges that allow flush mounting. Many people decide to put cabinet panels on these type of fridges, but you can also order them with stainless steel fronts. You typically need to buy your own cabinet pull for these type of installations; so factor that into the cost. Big fridge pulls can end up costing hundreds of dollars depending on the design that matches your kitchen. And that's really the major downside here. It doesn't get much more expensive than SubZero. So, that's why I said we need a budget range in addition to the list of desired features.
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ideagirl2
13 years ago
Buick?! Omigod, that sounds really snobby. There are plenty of Buicks in the appliance industry, but KitchenAid isn't one of them. If you must compare fridges to cars, I would place KitchenAid alongside Ford (the #1 American automaker), at least.
dodge59
13 years ago
We have had the Jenn-air 48" built in fridge over 4 years now. I have yet to hear it run in those 4 years, it does have the variable speed compressor which (if you read the working description of that compresssor)--That was posted on GW,It does NOT RUN all the time, like Liebherrs (which does run most of the time--according to their own (Liebherr's) description.

The Jenn-air (with the variable speed compressor) will first try to run the circulating fan faster to maintain set temp, if still more cool is needed, then it will start the compressor on slow, and only speed it up as needed.
Once the chill has been reached, the compressor turns off
and the process repeats---runs circulation fan faster---etc.

I can hear a fridge running, (in case you're wondering).
I have an Elux Wine Fridge, and when I hear it run more often, I know it's time to clean its filter.

The Jenn-air does not warn me "Audibly" as I would really hafta struggle to tell the thing is running, fortunately is has a lite that says change filter (water for ice)--Once a year, so when I do that, I also clean and vacuum out the condensor(or is that Evaporator)The thing with Fins

Compare this to Sub-Zero. Their manual says "Thou shalt clean thy filters (for sealed system) every 3 months.
We have also seen posts where ppl complain about the noise from the SZ's, as with 2 compressors, more than likely at least one or both are running a good part of the time.

When I did call Sub-zero to answer a posters question about "Is it normal for the compressor/compressors to run for about 70% of the time? (Course there was a big argument here on GW), ---claming the user couldnt possible tell if the Fridge was running 70% of the time-----whatever?? I sure can tell when My Elux runs a lot.
The anwser I got from the Lady at SZ was, "It has 2 Compressors" sooo (Make your own assumptions here)!

I guess we can compare it to a Benz, if ya like, some of them do have 2 compressors too----
A Kompressor and an AC compressor!!!

I'll take the other choice, Thanks and I did!!
Be careful thou, NOT ALL Jenn-air Fridges have that variable Speed compressor, and I could find nothing to substantiate that: "other Whirlpool Models use the variable speed compressor."
(Someone had posted that all Whirlpools use it) Watch out for that one!!!!!

Good luck with your pending decision!!!

Gary

Choosing side by side counter depth refrigerator

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Kieffers_Guy

deeageaux

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