We are making the same decision right now -- either sub zero or thermador for a 36" French Door. I'm leaning towards Thermador based on (i) price (cheaper to start, then factor in the free range hood and it beats the sub by a $3k or more); and (ii) some aesthetic aspects, like the integrated look, the LED column style lighting, and that it would match a touch better with a Thermador range (which includes a free dishwasher). Based on name along, and my support of American manufactured products, I wanted the sub, but it's really hard to justify the extra money, particularly when I already have a hard time justifying the extra spend over the price of a Samsung FD which worked just fine for me for 5 years. But I would love to hear if anyone has any other thoughts. When is the Sub Zero 42 inch French Door coming out? I see it in the design guide, so I assume sometime this year.

I think you're right about the window balancing the fridge in this photo. The trick is to get away from photos however. There is absolutely no way to get IRL balance in a rendering because the page ends. You always have to take it back to the space and see what your reality is. Hold up the renderings one at a time and see what is off page. I know you did a lot of mockups...so do you have a beach towel or sheet that more or less matches your current cabinets? And a gray or blue one? Get a family member to stand holding each, one at a time, even waving them a little, where the new fridge goes, during the day time so the window gets its full due, and see how much it matters having a contrast color impacts vs. just having the big towel hanging there. Walk around. Approach it from all directions. The look of this wall is really important to you, and nobody's taste but yours (and your husband's) matters. Maybe the contrast will help lighten the room? And tie in with all the appliances (okay, for that one imagine that a blue towel with fishies matches :) ). It may be that the "hulk" you were worried about seeing when you put the fridge here looks much better if it's part of the cabinetry. The smudge thing really isn't an issue. Actually, the replacement issue is only a moderate consideration too--important, but not the first thing to determine. The overall look is a huge issue. Especially of this one appliance you were so concerned about. Settle that, and make your decisions and compromises from there.

It's purely aesthetic. I think, long term, two point handles work better than single knobs, but any quality cast with screws from the back will work. Choose what looks good in your kitchen and feels nice in your hand. Remember, there will be some suction to pull against, through probably not as much as a SubZero. The ones in your link look nice. One nice thing about longer appliance pulls is that they're comfortable for multiple heights. They also point out where the fridge is. I have 3' by 1" huge handles. But, again, drawer sized ones will also work.

1. make sure the opening height & width are within the guidelines of the Thermador installation instructions (36x84-85-1/16"). If it is larger, fix that. If it is too shallow, fix that (should be 24" plus panel depth, approx. 25"). 2. the opening width should be throughout at least the first 6" of cabinet depth. Yours looks like only a face frame, so cabinet installer needs to fill sides per spec. 3. Build panel per instructions, otherwise there will be binding. Your experience is common with factory cabinets.... dropping the ball between design and sales.... but they got your money. My take, if they had the appliance spec, push harder. BTW, not impossible to DIY, but one of the more difficult refers to install. I've done it myself enough to appreciate the pro installers I hire.