Well, you didn't spoil the party with that info, Andre. Except for SZ's Wine Fridge (Perlick)---I think that's SZ's, it is hard to find any info, especially from SZ, about their use of a variable speed compressor. Doing searches for same , along with looking at the link you gave, I was able to track down some posts, (Mainly on Refrigration repair sites), where it does appear that the newer SZ's are indeed using the newer VSC technology. Good to see that they are only 5 years or so behind Jenn-air, alto both companies need to do a better job listing the features of their fridges, especially the technical ones. This compressor is what allowed the JA to claim .5 Degree accuracy and I'm sure SZ will follow with a similar claim. If you have any doubts as to the value of such a compressor system, just Google "Perlick Wine Fridge". It does make ya wonder why Liebherr does a much better job of explaining Technical advantages of their fridges than do their American Competitors. Hmmmmmm are Euros more technically inclined than us "Yanks"---In the US, Fridge Makers can just say "It keeps food fresher longer" or this or that "Latest Sales Slogan" and we Yanks BUY without having the foggiest notion of what it does and even much less at how it does it! As I mentioned before, be careful, Not all Jenn-air or SZ's use that compressor yet (At least I can't document it) so "One Hopes" you will have a saleman that knows what a VSC is. Gary

Antss - I think you're mistaken, and it's your posting that's likely to confuse people. As I wrote earlier, the rough opening specification for BI-36U is 35-1/2 wide by 83-3/4" tall. That is exactly the same as the rough opening for the previous 650 model. If you're replacing a model 650 (or a 550, for that matter) wirh a new BI-36U/S Classic Stainless model, a framed panel model, or an overlay model, it will slide right into the same space that the old model was in. No alteration is necessary. Only the new Flush Inset models require slightly different clearances to allow the larger door fronts to swing unimpeded and to match up with the cabinet door fronts on surrounding cabinetry. If you're installing a new Flush Inset model, the rough opening is still 35-1/2" (between the mounting cleats) by 83-3/4". The difference is the way that allowance needs to be made for the refrigerator door panels, which are 37" wide, and thus wider than the appliance case. The door panels on a flush inset model requires 38" of space in front of the side mounting cleats and between the doors or drawer fronts on either side of the refrigerator. See the diagrams in the Sub-Zero instruction manual. The rough opening in the cabinet carcass (or between the cleats), however, remains unchanged from the rough opening specification on earlier models -- 35-1/2" x 83-3/4" with a minimum of 24" depth to the front of the mounting cleats on either side of the appliance. See pages 8 & 9 of the Sub Zero Installation Instructions at the link below. It's all clearly illustrated. Crazykitchen54 - If you're going with the Classic Stainless Steel model, the installation specification for the rough opening dimensions are exactly the same as the specification for older models. Here is a link that might be useful: Sub Zero BI-XX Installation Instructions

Update on refrigerator crisis: we limped along with no freezer compartment for several weeks while I got a repair person out, and then a qualified subZ person out, and then a second opinion. I was almost ready to fix the darned thing, then the freon system in the fridge side developed a leak and at that point I was all in for a new one. After visiting a showroom to which you have to be buzzed in, I was giddy with all the new fridge features. Liked the glass door one but not as much as I thought--- I'd been prepared to love it--- but the interior is stainless and too dark for my 58 year old eyes, and the glass means you lose all the door storage, so that was a non starter. (I discovered that we cannot live without door storage in our refrigerator because we are condiment whores, with six types of mustard, three kinds of mayo, TEN salad dressings and how high can you count number of hot sauces.) Flirted briefly with the idea of using cabinetry panels on the new subzero, but afraid that would make the kitchen look like a snow palace, and/or that the colors would not match perfectly, with some of the paint being new and some seven years old. Salesman told me I could reuse our stainless panels and save about $650 so I was all over that, plus subzero offered me a loyal customer rebate on a new one of $550, so at least we did save about ten percent, and then the salesman said if we wrote a check for it we would get a 2% discount on both the fridge and installation charge, so overall we saved about 12.5 percent. For an appliance that never goes in sale, this is massive! Delivered today, they put the panels and handles on wrong (upside down, in fact) but graciously changed it when I pointed this out. We are going to have to do something about the floor (uneven wood abutting front bottom edge) but overall I am very satisfied with it. Great interior lighting, great storage, and the new interior drawers are clear perspex (or something similar) instead of white. Maybe now our potatoes will not sprout from neglect when put away in a fresh produce drawer....more likely we will simply watch them shrivel and die but on the bright side we will probably throw them away sooner :-) This post was edited by kswl on Fri, Nov 14, 14 at 6:41

SZ is certainly a premium brand with the "whoo-hoo" appeal. Sort of sexy, even though the space is very slim. I HATE them, and rejected them for my latest custom build. As a cook, I really need what I just built- an extremely functional kitchen that has a "quadrangle" cooking space. Not just the triangle any more, and my pantry, cook top, oven, and sinks (always one to serve the cooktop)- none of more than a few steps away. It's a dream to cook in, and my refrigerator has a bunch of drawers/compartments.shelves to house all that is needed- at my fingertips. So take care- high end buyers have been through the "wars" with these appliances. If something goes wrong, check into service costs in your area. Make sure you have a LOCAL company, not just an 800#, to call in. It can be very expensive, to fix, and you could be waiting a long time for it. In the meantime, you have a big freezer- completely un-meaningful for me, but maybe you. And another pantry around the corner. High end people who cook often look at the # of steps and meal they can think of will cost them. Hey- if your sales market projects the wealthy younger set, as most probable, no problem. But experience doesn't always love these.