Do they just not make a big enough panel? I'm looking at these fridges myself and don't see anything tricky or unusual about it.

Any idea why he didn't think it would work?

I can't imagine why they can't make panels to fit. I have a Thermador french door with panels, and I don't see why they wouldn't be able to make one that fits.

Can they simply custom make that part of the cabinetry, or perhaps use another brand's cabinets with a matching finish? This seems like it should definitely be a solvable problem. Maybe it will cost a little extra, but I can't imagine why it can't be done.

These are the towers so its 30 wide and 84 tall. He has told me they don't make a single panel big enough which is why he mentioned putting some doors together, but that kind of sounded like I'd be saying a prayer it would stay together. And it was something about the way the Thermador is made versus other brands that it is without a frame of some type which makes it more difficult???

We looked into a custom cabinet from another brand but it would be difficult to match the finish and it wouldn't be guaranteed.

I'm so frustrated because you're right, jeannie, this does seem to be a solvable problem! Aaaaaarrrrgh!

Anyone have any ideas? I'm may try to contact Medallion directly.

Ohh. The height. Well, a door that big would look funny anyway. The install instructions mention that they sell a piece to join panels together to give a multidoor look. Maybe that could work? Do drawer fronts on the bottom and a big one on top or something?

Cookies (biscuits maybe?) and dowels are used to join sheets of wood, like doors, so maybe that's what your kitchen guy was thinking of?

I think rmkitchen's thermador columns are some of the best-looking integrated frig/freezers. Maybe the kd could draw it up for you to see how it looks, before you dismiss multiple doors. Hers were a custom cabinet maker, but you can see how it looks like a couple of doors over some drawers. The freezer is to the left of the doorway. The frig is to the right of the doorway. I hope she doesn't mind me posting her pic.

Medallion can custom quote this for you in a configuration that will work. Ask your dealer to submit the make and model # of your appliances to Medallion's CQ department. For a minor quoting fee, Medallion's technicians will research the requirements of your specific appliance and make a recommendation as to the best way to proceed. It will take about a day or so, but it's totally worth the peace of mind.

This is definitely doable. Ask your kitchen designer to review the Thermador specs again and contact Medallion's custom panel unit. I'm sure Medallion has done these before. They are similar to the Sub-zero 700 series fully integrated units which don't use a frame either.

I have the Bosch columns which are almost identical to the Thermador. I had to use two panels on each appliance because Kemper, the cabinet company I used, limited the length of each door. The panels attach to the appliance using a hidden clip system on the top and sides. Thermador/Bosch makes a specific part to mount multiple panels on one door for increased stablility.

I would find out the maximum limits of the custom door panel measurements and figure out what you think looks best aesthetically given your door style. I think it helps to mock up the door dimensions before you finalize your decision. After mocking up, I decided to go with a longer door on top with a slightly shorter one below instead of two equal sized doors.

Thank you everyone for your ideas. I knew this was the place to go. I had spoken to the kitchen guy this morning before checking back here. He said he called Medallion directly so hopefully he spoke with their CQ department and they had suggested 4 doors of equal size on each column. I'd like to see a mock up as you guys suggested. Also as many of you suggested and seeing those great pics of of rmkitchen's units (thank you so much laxsupermom for sending those) I like the larger doors on top and smaller below or drawers below. I'm calling my KD right now!

For visualization purposes, here are 2 30" Thermadors in an armoire format. These were posted on another thread and are from dlspellman's kitchen. Note the false drawer fronts similar to Rmkitchens. I think they add some nice visual interest.

We just put in Thermador freedom refrigerator and freezer column, and we really like them. I just want to caution you that our custom cabinet fabricators made the wrong size the first time. My cabinets were full overlay, but they were used to making refrigerator panels the size they would need to be for inset doors. They had to be remade. They paid for it, but it was a hassle. I just mention it so that you make sure that you are really clear at the time that you place your order. The second set look perfect.

Thank you everyone for responding. Just want to give an update. I sent pictures of what I had in mind for the doors (from the beautiful people and pictures here on GW)to my kitchen guy. He understands now and says it can be done and will get me a drawing so I can approve.

I also contacted Medallion directly (another helpful suggestion) and they took my fridge models and door styles, etc. and are looking into it.

I think this scare was unnecessary. My kd (super nice guy) should have thoroughly investigated this before coming to me to say it was a problem. When he first told me, I had two options - go with the stainless steel door or they could put a flat wood panel (my cabinets have a raised panel in the center) on the fridge and just frame it out with moulding. Not really the look I was going for! So I think I will tactfully suggest that to him!

Thank you everyone. I'll be posting soon looking for granite help. I just came back from the yard and took photos - stay tuned!!

I think we should thank you for taking the time and effort to educate another KD. I've noticed that new stuff can be hard for some professionals to get accustomed to while others enjoy learning. (I had a KD recoil in horror at the idea of stainless steel for a countertop--"but it'll scratch!". My GC though was all "Cool. I never did that before so let me watch when you have it templated and installed.")