skip to main content

Help! Subzero flush inset

8 years ago

My contractor says there's no way to install my built-in subzero 42' without having it stick out as shown in the picture below. Would appreciate any guidance on how to install with a more 'integrated look' as this just doesn't look right to me. We have room behind the refrigerator.

Featured Answer

johnsoro25

8 years ago

I have been in your position only a short while ago. I have integrated columns installed and the specs weren't followed- long and painful delay while we debated the best plan of action. My kitchen company was great in the end and helped to come up with the best solution. You can fix this, just make sure your carpenter and KD realize you want a result you can live with.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (19)

beachem
8 years ago
It's a hinge problem. You need to buy an integrated refrigerator to do the integrated look. Either that or you have recessed fillers on either side and push the fridge back. You will then have the door be flushed but with two indentations on the sides.
jakuval
8 years ago
As long as that is a current model it CAN be installed flush inset, that was changed about seven years ago.

It needs extra depth but the opening also has to be wide enough. Quick specs are here

http://www.subzero-wolf.com/products/assets/sub-zero/built-in-refrigeration/qr-sheets/bi-42s/built-in-refrigeration-qr-sheet-42so-fi.pdf
Related Discussions
Can you change Subzero flush inset to a stainless steel panel?
Q
Comments (4)
Yes, you can make your 'overlay' BI-42SID/O a stainless steel door flush inset look. Please contact Sub-Zero customer service 800-222-7820 or your dealer for additional support. You can also go online to Sub-Zero's website and look at the 'panel configurator' to select the each stainless steel door look that you are after. Important - You do not need to order a replacement refrigerator if you want a flush stainless steel inset look. It is also important that your cabinets have the proper rough-in to accomodate the flush inset installation. Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: Sub-Zero panel configurator
...See More
Help - panel ready DW flush with inset cabs? X-post
Q
Comments (11)
Oh My! So sorry for your troubles! Is the angle on the horizontal or vertical plane? I just re-mounted the cabinet panel for my 18" Bosch. The installers mounted it level with the adjacent drawers & doors, but it wouldn't open all the way! I took it off & moved it up, even though that made it stick up about a half inch past flush on the top. Even though it's "off" from the adjacent cabinets now, it covers the space under the granite much better. My point, however, is that the mounting to the dishwasher itself is templated, but almost infinitely variable if you need a horizontal adjustment. You may have to live with non-flush, but I'd pull out a tape measure & screwdriver & see what's causing that angle ?!? (Boy, am I tired of hearing "That's just the way it is. There's nothing we can do!")
...See More
Subzero built-ins (not integrated)
Q
Comments (8)
I think the OP is going without a dispenser, inside or out. That's the 42" Sativa, I think they want something a minimum of 48" for cubic ft. (which is what we're doing). Sativa makes a good point, you might need a custom cabinet maker to get the integrated look with flush mount and minimal gap... we are using one. However, when shopping for cabinet makers, we did find some semi-custom that could install the cabinetry deeper, but was still the standard depth of 24 - i.e., they just pulled it out a few more inches, so you'd have more counter space. We also found some semi-custom that did 27" and 30" deep cabinetry. However, I'd feel more comfortable with a custom make for decreasing the gap. RE: the space between the panels: you get that with either the panels or SS fridge. I'd post a photo, but I see the OP has already seen in this post they started: Subzero and Miele refrigerators/freezers. The space/gap depends on the installer for the paneled Some cabinet makers install with a big gap, others don't. I recommend (with paneled) that you tell you cabinet people to hold off on the panels until everything else is in, then have them come back out and measure for the panels on the fridge. For SS, you get what you get. No increasing the door size.
...See More
48 inch built-in Subzero - Proud/standard install or flush inset?
Q
Comments (19)
The decision on a built-in (top compressor) versus an integrated model should be made on inside layout and what is most functional for the primary users. Being short, the top shelf in the integrated models are too high for me. The paneled integrated freezer that I have on another wall is fine because I am not going into it numerous times a day. I wouldn't be afraid of a stainless panel. It is no more hassle than our old paneled 48" SZ or my paneled freezer - it easily wipes up with a damp microfiber cloth. I do not use any stainless cleaners.
...See More
Illhhi
8 years ago
It looks like you have the required space, but you will have to refit the side trim pieces in your niche.
Wendy
8 years ago
Isn't opening that fridge going to be difficult in the corner like that? And the handle looks like it is going to hit the face of the microwave? That could be a disaster waiting to happen.
eam44
8 years ago
What jak said....
agk2003
8 years ago
i don't know the answer but that would drive me crazy. what is the point of panel ready if it's going to sit proud of the cabinets?
homepro01
8 years ago
Wendy,

it is not a microwave but a built in espresso maker. It does not have a glass front so the handle should be fine.
Wendy
8 years ago
Ah, okay and thanks.
PRO
Joe Henderson
8 years ago
How much space is on the left hand side? You may not have the required extra width for a flush inset. You need to make the space wider by 1" on either side to allow for the panel of the door to swing.
zorroslw1
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Agree, it needs clearance on each side to open, mine did.
scrappy25
8 years ago
This is the built in install for overlay doors which is the most common type of door . OP has flush inset door style so the panels stick out. I have an inset door kitchen otherwise but chose overlay doors on the fridge wall so as not to lose width from an inset paneled fridge. Inset cabs Are tricky to work with.
Ronnie
Original Author
8 years ago
Wendy and homepro, we need at least an inch on the left side as the handle would bump against the coffee maker if we move any closer to the edge on the left. Sounds like the solution will be to add fillers on the right side and bring the top cabinet out closer to the edge to align with the rest of the paneling. Doesn't seem there is another way to do it.

The carpenter says the top cabinet is too tight and he may not be able to make this week, not sure this reasoning makes any sense. Would love to hear any other ideas. Thanks all!
Ronnie
Original Author
8 years ago
Scrappy, that makes sense. I wish our designer would have told us about this early on and we could have tried to work with integrated columns instead. It will really bother me if we cannot fix this.
zorroslw1
8 years ago
Here is an old thread about sub zero with inset panels that might help.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2599294/help-with-overlay-panels-on-my-sub-zero
John Caskey
3 years ago
We had the same problem. The solution is to tear out the existing cabinet and order one 2 inches wider that is made with the correct dimensions for flush inset.
Michelle Bundy
6 months ago
Ronnie I know this post is old but we’re have a similar issue. How did you resolve the fridge staring “proud” of the cabinets?
soniasunshine
5 months ago
I have that issue too, with a fridge that I waited 18 months to get. What is the solution?
Ronnie
Original Author
5 months ago
Hi all, the solution was to build the wall out to match the fridge depth. If you look at the photo below, everything in the frame was moved forward.

Related Stories

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS The Right Dimensions for Your Porch

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space

REMODELING GUIDES Get the Look of a Built-in Fridge for Less

By Kathryn Peltier Design

So you want a flush refrigerator but aren’t flush with funds. We’ve got just the workaround for you

LAUNDRY ROOMS Laundry Room Redo Adds Function, Looks and Storage

By Mitchell Parker

After demolishing their old laundry room, this couple felt stuck. A design pro helped them get on track — and even find room to store wine

KITCHEN DESIGN 10 Big Space-Saving Ideas for Small Kitchens

By Laura Gaskill

Feeling burned over a small cooking space? These features and strategies can help prevent kitchen meltdowns

BATHROOM DESIGN See the Clever Tricks That Opened Up This Master Bathroom

By Mitchell Parker

A recessed toilet paper holder and cabinets, diagonal large-format tiles, frameless glass and more helped maximize every inch of the space

KITCHEN DESIGN Stay Cool About Picking the Right Refrigerator

By KitchenLab Interiors

If all the options for refrigeration leave you hot under the collar, this guide to choosing a fridge and freezer will help you chill out

STORAGE Design Workshop: 3 Ingenious Ways With Wall Cabinets

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

For storage, space dividers and more, look to integrated cabinetry that enhances a room’s architecture and helps you live better

KITCHEN DESIGN 10 Ways to Design a Kitchen for Aging in Place

Design choices that prevent stooping, reaching and falling help keep the space safe and accessible as you get older

REMODELING GUIDES Bathroom Workbook: How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

By Mitchell Parker

Learn what features to expect for $3,000 to $100,000-plus, to help you plan your bathroom remodel

BATHROOM DESIGN Design an Easy-Clean Bathroom

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

These ingenious strategies and sleek designs for the sink, tub, shower and toilet help your bathroom practically clean itself

Sponsored

Hope Restoration & General Contracting

35 Reviews

Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

More Discussions

Nuage Quartzite - any water issues?

14

kitchen countertops

2

Kitchen remodel in my future

9

contractor chooses kitchen

13

help with kitchen design!!

1