We had built-in Viking SS. It was near impossible to keep it looking nice. This time around went Thermador 30" columns, integrated. So much easier and blends in so it doesn't look like a commercial kitchen.

So your Thermador 30 inch columns are paneled with cabinetry?

Yes.

Depends entirely on your Kitchen and space planning, but in the correct size Kitchen and application, they look great!

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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!!!

Well if your doing your Kitchen from scratch, and don't really require that much freezer space, you should be looking at Sub-Zero's integrated series: http://www.subzero-wolf.com/sub-zero/full-size-refrigeration/integrated-fridges

Because with those you can mix and match to any size config you like really.

I prefer the look of the units in stainless, but yes it will require a bit more upkeep than if you panel them. They don't use a coating like Miele, but the SS quality is great and very easy to clean.

Anthony

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Yes, we are doing our kitchen from scratch, and yes, we don't really require 36 inch wide freezer space. But the integrated Subzero is more expensive and not as deep. Also does it seems silly to put stainless panels on it? Alternatively, we could do the 48 inch built-in Subzero with external dispenser in stainless with professional handles. That way, get the professional look and deeper and external dispenser which I like. What do you think about the external dispenser in the 48 inch Subzero built-in? Likely to break? With the internal dispenser in that 48 inch Subzero built-in, have a little less capacity inside and easier to get it from the door, but does the Subzero external dispenser work well? It looks kind of small and is close to the handle. At stores we are unable to test it because they have not been connected. Is the water/ice likely to splash out onto the floor from the external dispenser? I know people like the clean look without a dispenser, but I like the convenience of it, but of course if it causes a mess or does not work, would not be good. Thank you!

I am also doing integrated SZ with a 36" fridge and 24" freezer. We got the internal water dispenser for the fridge.

I currently have a 48" Kitchenaid SxS, so the doors are 27" fridge and 20" freezer.

I would have gone with a larger SZ freezer, but just don't have the room.

I use a weekly house cleaning service and even with instructions and proper cleaning products, they always manage to scratch the stainless appliances. In the remodel I am doing as little exposed stainless as possible!

m111675 What did you end up doing? I have the same question - debating endlessly over 48" SZ or two 36" fridge/freezer. I currently have the (20 year old) latter when we moved in and my family loves being able to see everything and have the space. But we will be empty nesters in five years, so not sure if it's still worth it to have!

Yes Curious what you decided,,,and can't wait to see a picture! I debated those too, but my space is too small for 72 inches. So I think we are going with the 48 inch stainless built ins.

For what it’s worth we currently have the side by side SZ 36” stainless with condenser on top. Love it, more room than needed, 11 and 8 yr old and really never had a big issue with marks on the stainless. Having said that, doing up a new place we are moving to and just decided to pass on side by side integrated 30” in favor of integrated 48” because the designer thought it would look better and balance the kitchen better. I live in NYC so i am sure my space is more limited than yours. I don’t think you can go wrong, sounds like your kitchen is quite big so I really doubt 36/36 will be a problem for you.