We have been living with SubZero integrated fridges for over 15 years (first a 42" side by side and now the 36" French door). During most of the time, we were a household with three kids and a live-in au pair, so three adults and three kids. And we entertained frequently. Storage was never a problem, except with the side by side, when platters became an issue, but that was a width issue, NOT a depth issue. With the new over-under, the fridge is a no-brainer. It holds a lot of food. The freezer is a bit small but we are getting a chest freezer for the overflow.

I replaced my fridge last year. The same two fridges were my finalists. It was a very tough decision to make -- there is nothing major in terms of differences. It's all small preferences and budget. Here is the very long thread on the refrigerator replacement. I was doing a retrofit so it was complicated. But if you were to scroll down to the end you can see the assessment: http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2312992/refrigerator-again-perspective-please?n=76 Here's the short version: The Miele interior is more deluxe than the SZ and slightly less organized for you. SZ has an extra small, low shelf on the door. Miele fridge interior is higher than SZ due to vent placement. Short people may find the SZ easier to use. Exterior appearance is different. SZ has a prominent grill on top. Miele is just doors. I personally didn't care for the vent so I preferred the outer appearance of the Miele but again, this is minor. Biggest difference is that Miele is very resistant to power outages and built to withstand them up to 4 days. We'd had 2-3 in the last year. SZ told me repeated outages would eventually void their warranty. This was extremely important where I live -- might not be for most. That was the decider for me. Both keep food very well. I've had strawberries stay usable for 2 weeks vs 3 days in the old fridge. The build quality is outstanding. The fridge has some low noises occasionally, mostly whirring but it's very quiet -- my work space is in the former dining room so it's very close to me all day and hasn't been an issue at all. Miele fridge has a water filter that needs replacement. I did it yesterday and it's very simple and quick. But it's an ongoing maintenance expense. The filter is about $70 (you can install a bypass filter if the house has very good filtered water -- then 0 yearly). As I recall the Miele was about $1K less. But I just bought the 5 year warranty at the end of the first year so that does add to the price if you go that way. Long term feedback on both there is very positive. You get a great fridge either way. Some friends visited recently and couldn't get over the look of it. Dubbed it "the vault."

Repairs update: The big noise was because the diaphragms were frozen up. They are two holes located in the middle of the door. We had a full shelf blocking them, plus while messing around with the ice maker we have been trying out various temperatures. Apparently too for the door to close properly, there can be nothing that extends even a bit off the edge of a shelf. All those things probably contributed to the icing over. Repair person thawed the holes with a steamer and noise is gone. The door also doesn't take as long now to "release" after it suctions itself closed, so that is much more acceptable. With the ice maker they are not sure what is wrong because all the glides and the drawer are installed correctly, and nothing appears to be damaged. They just don't reach the switch. They're going to put in new glides and hopefully that will fix it. Parts are ordered and it will be about a week.

Thanks so much, Anthony! By the way, I have seen your appliance videos on Youtube and they are great! The kitchen will be about 26 feet by about 16 feet. Do you think that size kitchen supports such a large fridge and freezer? As far as getting it in stainless, any concern with smudges/fingerprints? We would get it in stainless with professional handles or could get it paneled, but I actually prefer the stainless, but am still worried about it always looking messy. It would be nice to have an internal dispenser at least like in the integrated subzero, but the built-in 36 inch columns do not have that now - at least as far as I know, but I could be wrong. And the 36 inch freezer is really big. Wish we could get the built-in in 30 or 24 inches in Subzero (I realize we could do the integrated freezers in that size, but kind of like the look of the built-in in stainless with grilles above). The Miele is nice that it comes in the clean-touch stainless (SF version) but not the same "professional" look and more expensive, even with their current 10% promotion, and not as much capacity. Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks so much!!!