Ya took the trouble to crawl outta that mound just to post this, Antss? First, (Probably already too late), find another place to store the stuff in the freezer. Second, see if you can hear the compressor running for the freezer, be careful not to confuse it with the compressor for the fridge. Try cutting the power to the unit, leave off a minute or 2 then repower the unit. Try setting the temp control all the way up and down a couple times, the leave at the coldest setting. At least you are under warranty, so Antss is somewhat "On target" with his advice, but my "Hunch" is that you were hoping to get it working "ASAP" so you don't loose what's in it? Good Luck with it!!! (No I won't say it), I'm trying to help and being nice!!!! Gary

The salesman is correct. There is no way to attach the handles to the panels. This is potentially done pre-emptively by SubZero to keep the weight on the door reasonable. You have two choices: Flush inset installation w/o the handles, utilizing the integrated handle. Or forgo the flush inset, order the SS model of BI-36 with the handles already attached.

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

I have the Thermador columns and love them. My experience (with two active and therefore hungry teen boys -- and cooking at home most days) was that what we lost by going built-in was depth. Not so much room for things we really needed as the room where things got lost and often forgotten. The drawers and shelves allow good use of space. The one thing I have lost is the ability to put a large flat cookie sheet in the fridge, but a half sheet pan (almost as large but not quite as wide) does fit. We made our choice after looking at all the units interiors and studying drawers adn other functionality. The Subzero didn't work or us because the ice maker was on the very bottom (I'm tall, I live in TX, we use a fair amount of ice anyway but at the time both boys were in band and for marching, they would each fill a gallon jug with ice, then water each morning to take to practice and games -- I didn't want to be grabbing it off the floor) and second, at the time, SubZero didn't have any models without the top vent panel that I really disliked. That last point is obviously moot now, but the ice location would still be a deal killer for me even though the boys are now in college. I had never had a built-in, and I hadn't planned on a built-in when we started our kitchen because I hated the look of them (that panel on top), but the sleek look and raised ergonomics in the Thermador got my attention and we changed. Still, I was nervous about space -- our utility room has space for a second fridge, so we had that back up. We used it to allow us to buy more milk at one time, but we don't really use it for daily use, especially now that the gallon a day drinker has gone off to college and slowed his consumption, but it allows me to chill specialty flours, nuts and baking supplies. Weigh your options against how you will use them. Also consider fridge drawers for extra space. We put fridge drawers in the base of a breakfast room hutch and it was perhaps the best thing we did. My kitchen is a U shape with the kitchen and the most used entry to the house at the back of that U. The kids would have to track back and forth while I was cooking to help set the table. We had to walk from the breakfast room aross the full length of the kitchen to get a drink refill, grab butter or any forgotten salad dressing, condiment. Once is no big deal, but 3, 4, 6 times..... When we entertained or had larger faily dinners, everyone would congregate in the kitchen as the walked in or went to get a drink or ice and stopped to talk. The espresso maker was over in that corner, so that added to the issue (I have family members who walk in and go straight or the coffee/espresso as If we were Starbucks - and that's okay when it isn't at the door). My point is that we did the drawers to get people out of the kitchen and it has worked beautifully. Better than expected. Consider where you have space, where you have the use and need and see what makes the most sense for your placements. You may decide that freezer drawers dont' make as much sense as fridge drawers. You can also now get one of each. SubZero and Thermador are both really good units for built-in refrigeration. I HIGHLY recommend Perlick for undercounter units. They are worth hunting down.