48 inch built-in Subzero - Proud/standard install or flush inset?

5 years ago

We are looking to get a 48 inch built-in Subzero fridge/freezer with stainless front and professional handles (likely no external or internal dispenser). We are deciding whether to get a proud/standard install, or do a flush inset install. It would be about $820 more to do the flush inset install. It seems kind of silly for the same product. The reason is for the proud/standard install, we would just get it as a fridge/freezer with the stainless panels and professional handles included. For the flush inset install, would have to get the fridge/freezer panel ready and then separately get stainless steel fridge and freezer panels and louvered grill. Worth it for flush inset? Kind of a cleaner, more custom look. Also, if later we want to put on cabinet panels instead, I suppose we could swap the stainless panels for cabinet panels (is that possible?), though not sure we would actually do it. (It is somewhat appealing in case the stainless gets scratched, we would have that option, whereas with the standard install, couldn't replace the stainless panels because part of the unit. But likely to get such bad scratches would want to change?) Worth it to do flush inset? Any photos of standard versus flush inset (not Subzero stock photos), but in actual homes would be helpful. Thank you!!!

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m111675
Original Author

5 years ago

You all convinced me! Standard/proud install it is! Thank you so much!!!!

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Comments (19)

PRO
Sativa McGee Designs
5 years ago
I personally don't think flush inset is worthwhile unless you have an ultra modern design.
m111675
Original Author
5 years ago
good point. Would be White Shaker cabinetry on wall with stacked Miele oven and combisteam. Do you happen to know if those ovens are flush inset?
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Brian, I see you have made your decision but I just wanted to add my 2c. In my main house I have the first model of Subzero 48 with water and ice dispenser in the door. it is now 28 years old. . The iceline has finally died but it is not worth the cost of replacing it. Otherwise It is still working well. I do have an additional small undercounter refrigerator for sodas and a freezer in the basement. That freezer would never be enough. In a different house we had the 48 inch without the internal dispenser and it was such a pain. I missed that dispenser in the door. I am doing a kitchen reno in my beach house and replacing the 4th french door refrigerator i have had in this kitchen and which I loathe with a passion. No question; I am only considering a subzero. I want the dispenser in the door again as this is a feature we use all the time. However the dispenser on the subzero is short and cannot accommodate Yeti 30 oz cups which is what we use so I might land up having to open the door for water and ice anyway.
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mark1993
5 years ago
Following
PRO
Sativa McGee Designs
5 years ago
What is the appliance model # for the ovens.
m111675
Original Author
5 years ago
Here are the Miele ovens that will be stacked on the same wall as the Subzero 48 inch built-in:

Miele H 6580 BP 30 Inch Convection Oven (sensortronic) stainless with contourline handle (on bottom of stack)

Single steam/convection oven
Miele DGC 6705-1, Combi-Steam, 18 x 24 inches (M Touch, plumbed) stainless with contourline handle

Would those also be protruding in cabinets or more inset/flush? Might be nice to have same style in both those ovens and fridge on same wall (esp bc different brands and different stainless too). By the way, hope this works well together!

Thanks!
PRO
Sativa McGee Designs
5 years ago
Those are standard install ovens, I would keep the fridge as standard as well.

Unless you are doing inset style cabinetry the inset appliances look recessed, where standard install brings them more flush with the front of a cabinet door.
m111675
Original Author
5 years ago
The cabinets will be Cabico Essence in Freddo door style (in latte bright painted white). Still think do proud/standard install for the Subzero 48 inch stainless steel built-in? What if for some reason want to change to cabinet panel fronts instead? (unlikely will do but will lose that option). We have small kids and what if stainless gets damaged/scratched/smudged a lot? I guess just deal with it?!? An option would just be to panel it from the start with cabinet panels but would actually like the stainless to break up all the white. Advice/suggestions? Thank you so much!!
m111675
Original Author
5 years ago
Just curious - what are examples of inset ovens? So you think if did those, then get flush-inset fridge on same wall?
m111675
Original Author
5 years ago
Anyone have photos of Subzero standard install built-ins, especially from the side, and not stock Subzero photos but in real homes?

Thanks!
wilson853
5 years ago
My Miele ovens and SZ are installed as flush inset because I have inset cabinets. If you are installing overlay cabinets then this won't be necessary.
m111675
Original Author
5 years ago
Those photos are very helpful, thanks so much! We are looking at the same-style appliances! Anyways, I think my cabinets are full overlay? Again, it's Cabico Essence in Freddo door style. Thank you!!
m111675
Original Author
5 years ago
With the proud install, how far does the front of the fridge stick out? I couldn't tell from the Subzero website. Thank you!
lauracam
5 years ago
Here is the standard install in my kichen, maybe 2 inches or so. Full overlay doors as well.
Shasta
5 years ago
I love the clean look of flush mount. Like you said, it looks custom. I also love having cabinet panels instead of stainless steel. It looks nice all the time, no fingerprints like you get with stainless steel. So worth it in my opinion.

Here's our fridge:
m111675
Original Author
5 years ago
Wow thank you both for those photos! So helpful!! I like both for different reasons! Thank you!
DrB477
5 years ago
Honestly (imo), in 2018, if you flush mount a built in it just looks like you cheaped out and didn't get the integrated model. Given these built-ins are cheaper than integrated but anything but cheap in an absolute sense, thats not desirable. Or were uninformed and bought the wrong model. Or it looks like it's an older kitchen before integrated fridges were readily available (if you consider a 7-10k+ fridge readily available that is).

The standard built in with stainless fronts looks better and is cheaper. Easy one imo.
wilson853
5 years ago
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.
Suzanne Giomi
last year
M111675

can you send me a pic of your install? we are debating the same thing…

48 inch built-in Subzero - Proud/standard install or flush inset?

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