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Help with Sub Zero integrated fridge size question.

6 years ago

Hi, we are a family of four. Would like to go with sub zero fully integrated 36 in fridge/freezer combo (two freezer drawers below fridge) but worried fridge space too small and awkwardly high. (fridge is about 13.3 cubic ft) Columns would solve problem but almost double in price. Appreciate any feedback .thx.x

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enpost
Original Author

6 years ago

thank you --what does u/o stand for?

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Comments (9)

wilson853
6 years ago
If you are worried that it might be too small, then I would look for something else. I had a 48" SZ when my kids were home and I felt that at times it was not big enough, and I always had an extra refrigerator for overflow. In my new kitchen, I went with the 36" built in all refrigerator with the compressor on top, mainly because I am shorter and its easier to reach the top shelf. I like to have a lot of produce space, but it really all depends on your personal shopping, storing and cooking habits. I do have a friend who has the unit you are considering in the all refrigerator version, and then put in a set of freezer drawers next to it. That may be another option to consider.
chispa
6 years ago
In the remodel we are getting rid of a 48" Kitchenaid side-by-side and replacing with integrated Subzero 36" all fridge and 24" all freezer.

We also have a 15" ULine undercounter beverage fridge, which makes a big difference by removing most of the drinks (juice/perrier) from the main fridge. Only milk remains in the main fridge.

It is great having all these options, but we also survived just fine with standard sized fridges when the kids (2) were small. We have also always had an old fridge in the garage for extra storage during holidays/parties.
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I personally have a 36" bottom freezer Thermador that is cabinet depth. What you lose in depth you gain in height in terms of storage capacity and the freezer is plenty roomy. So far, it hasn't been an issue, even after having a ton of holiday leftovers. Columns tend to have a sleeker look to them, so it's really just a trade-off depending on your aesthetic preferences. Unless your kitchen design demands the columns, I'd stick with the bottom freezer model.
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eam44
6 years ago
My SZ is also a compressor on top model. I’m 5’2” and I find the new SZs to be too tall for me. My sis has a family of four and her SZ suits them, but we are not a “stock the fridge” sort of family. Mine is often, well, not empty, but there’s a lot of empty space.
Melissa Kroger
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I have the 36” SZ integrated fridge with the 2 freezer drawers below. I am 5’4” and have absolutely no problem with the height. I do not find it too small at all, there is plenty of space for everything. There are 4 of us living/eating here and I cook almost every night. We do have another fridge in the garage for sodas and for party platters when we are entertaining. The freezer drawers on the SZ are awesome and hold a ton of stuff. We thought about columns, but felt the 36” was big enough without giving up any additional kitchen space.
Cheryl Hewitt
6 years ago
We have a SZ built-in 36" U/O. We looked at the integrated and I thought it would work for me (5'4"), but it is definitely higher than the built-in. We put in two refrigerator drawers (36"w). We use them (mostly) as beverage drawers. Having the refrigerator drawers made it very functional for us by adding cubic feet that we sacrificed with an U/O model. We are a family of five.
Cheryl Hewitt
6 years ago
BTW, we LOVE our Sub Zero refrigerators! Produce and meat stay fresh an incredibly long time.
enpost thanked Cheryl Hewitt
Cheryl Hewitt
6 years ago
I believe it's Under/Over. It has a freezer under the refrigerator.
michelle86100
6 years ago
Over/Under refers to a conventional door upper with two drawers below it. SZ makes all-refrigerator & all-freezer models in the O/U style in addition to refrigerator upper with freezer drawers. We went with an O/U 11 years ago because it was the only all-freezer that was 27" wide.

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