I think it depends on how you're going to really use the space. We're putting a BC on the island, adjacent to an undercounter ice maker. We plan to use the island as a prep area, but also a counter-height bar to serve drinks from to guests on the seating side. It's a KitchenAid model that stores wine on the bottom and other drinks toward the top. Since we bought a 36" built in fridge, it will help maximize the counterdepth space in there by moving all drinks to the BC, rather than wasting it on beer, cokes, etc. Do you have a need to store other types of items at the butler's pantry? How will you use this space? Here is a link that might be useful: Our bungalow and kitchen remodel blog

All, I bought a Marvel beverage center 6 years ago for our kitchen to replace a no-name cheapo that froze over (ice sheet on back wall). Frustrated to have paid $1,500 for the Marvel only for it to suffer the same fate 5-3/4 years after buying it. See pic of it below sitting, turned off. Unfortunately, Marvel wouldn't honor the 5 year warranty, so I'm stuck with a decision - pay the $750 (yes, $750) to repair it and risk it failing again, or ponying up $2k+ for one that might last longer. I've been researching these the last few days. After talking to two repair companies, several retailers and the technical folks at SubZero, Perlick and True, I've learned quite a bit about these expensive little bastards. There seem to be three price bands $1000 and under (Danby, GE, Avallon, etc.), the mid-tier ($1k - $2.5k) brands like Marvel, Uline, Frigidaire, Sub Zero (high end of the middle, around $2,500) and Perlick and True (top end, around $3,500). My opinion (I'm not an expert, just synthesizing what I've learned) is that the low and mid tier brands have comparable internals. They differ mostly in terms of features (lighting, stainless, shelving, temp control unit, etc.) Some of the low end ones (like Avallon) do a convincing job of looking like high end professional ones. But as one of my appliance repairpeople said, looks can be deceiving. She (Maywood Appliance Repair in Chicago, Chicago Heating and Cooling) said that there's a difference in the internal, sealed system parts (evaporator, condenser and coils, compressor, etc.) . Some use cooling plate technology (rather than forced air) to cool the inside of the unit which is both inefficient and works the compressor and internal components harder (shortening service life). Some are also marketed as undercounter, but in the fine print (or installation instructions) insist on 3" - 5" around the unit (or the back, at least) to allow it to breathe and to dissipate. In short (according to repairwoman), the low end brands are engineered to be throwaway. Unfortunately, that was the experience I had with my mid-tier Marvel. My father in law has had bad luck with U-Line, too, so lump them in that category. The high end brands like Perlick and True are overengineered and seem to be engineered to last between 5 and 12 years (based on warrantys offered). Both can be bought with stainless interior and exterior, larger and upgraded coils and compressor and better, forced air cooling. This helps them cool down faster, work less hard when doing so, and maintain temp longer. The both claim coated coils to reduce the effects of corrosion. The Perlick Signature has a variable speed compressor that (like newer Air Conditioning compressors) is variable speed so it is more efficient, quieter, cools down faster and uses less energy. SubZero's less expensive, but it has a small (215 BTU) compressor, which worries me. But they have a good warranty and excellent customer service, and claim they are engineered to last 20 years (so why don't they offer a 20 yr warranty?) so maybe it's worth saving $1k versus True and Perlick to get one. I think both of my units failed because they worked too hard to keep cool (my house is set at a normal temp, nothing else unusual about it). I'm still struggling paying a massive premium to get a unit properly engineered for my space. I'll let you know what I decide in the next couple of days. Hope this was helpful!

We had a new SubZero undercounter beverage fridge (also glass front like yours) installed last week and that thing is driving me INSANE with the racket. Ugh! Not under 1K but a little over 2K. Just mentioning in case you get info that leads you to believe paying more might make a difference. Nope! In our case it did not. We have a newer SubZero regular fridge too and that isn't noisy at all...having their regular sized refrigerator/freezer, which is so nice, quiet, just overall awesome, is why we thought getting their undercounter beverage center would be a good idea. Figuring it would be less noisy was the #1, top reason too. I will say it again: wow, were we wrong on that account! So disappointing as unless I turn on the TV and blast it, the noise of the new SZ beverage center is just so irritating. And loud. Real loud. Not the atmosphere I was hoping for in my kitchen and common area...The only good news is that the unit didn't go into a bedroom. Thank goodness for small favors I guess!! *acorcoran* the Electrolux sounds great! So envious!! I will note that brand and model in case the SZ gets "injured" some evening - lol. I don't know how you would be able to tell about noise otherwise without personal recommendations of actual owners. I looked at all varieties in the showrooms and didn't notice excessive noise from the SZ then. Thanks for mentioning the name of a brand that does do well with the noise control. To the OP: best wishes and do I ever understand exactly what you are describing!!! I hope you find a good alternative!! Good luck and I mean that sincerely.

We recently bought a house that had previously had a 15" under counter ice maker in the island. Ice maker was removed by previous owners due to leaks. We didn't want another ice maker so we filled the space with a 15" U-Line Fridge. It has worked out great. We keep the following drinks in it: individual water bottles, larger Perrier bottles, Juices and milk boxes. It has made a big difference in giving us more room in our main fridge. It does make a bit more noise than the large fridge, but I have very good/sensitive hearing!