If you can get the floor models, it sounds like that is what you prefer, but if not I will add my plug for a 30/24 Thermador (or any of the ones they make and put a different name on). Does your current set up give you enough freezer space? I have a 30/18 combination (coming up on 9 years -- can't believe that) and would have loved the wider freezer, but there was only so much room. You could do stainless -- and if there is a chance you will redo the kitchen, you won't waste panels matching the old kitchen. I believe Thermador is delivering the units differently now (the panels were shipped separately), but I suspect you would still be able to change the stainless to cabinet panels down the road. I would at least make that inquiry if there is a chance of change. I have had stainless nearly 9 years with no regrets. I didn't get panels because we had thought we would have the dispenser and were cautioned against drips on the wood. We were given a loaner when the dispenser models were delayed and decided not to change it out. I haven't had any issues with the panels looking good since I learned the biggest problem is the cleaners people put on stainless (that's where the smears and streaks come from -- and if you change products it gets worse). I use a microfiber cleaning cloth with water and nothing else on mine and it has been much easier and looked better. Plllog mentioned redoing the kitchen -- if that is an probability, would it make more sense to repair the existing unit and leave all your options open for down the road? Or live with the combo unit until you do? Basic second fridge for half the price of the repair, use it during a remodel and then sell or donate it? I think your plans for the kitchen should be the major factor in what makes sense as far as the panel choices go.

I replaced the compressor on a 20 year old SubZero refrigerator. Then, the next year I replaced the compressor on a 20 year old SubZero Freezer. They are still going strong. This is one of the reasons why you buy a SubZero in the first place. Because you can keep the box forever and simply replace the compressor. If you plan on doing a renovation, replacing the entire unit might make sense. But, it sounds like you don't want to do that any time in the near future. From a payback standpoint, replacing the compressor makes the most sense. Use a Subzero technician instead of a jack-of-all trades repairman and you should be very happy.

I went from a 36" cooktop to a 48" range top and I love having those extra 12" to move pots around and I have plenty of space for placing items out of the oven while I am using the range top. No need to worry about having trivets handy, and it gave me more drawer storage underneath. I have cooked on 30,36 and 48 and I much prefer having the extra real estate.

All I can say is, in our former home, a small ranch with a small kitchen (no eat-in area), we were young, with a very young child and on a very tight budget. The one thing I insisted on, when we could finally afford to make changes to the ancient kitchen, was a SZ fridge. We put in Formica counters, vynil floor, and a very basic range, with microwave above. The splurge, the one diamond in the room, payed us back many times over. During Hurricane Sandy, our neighborhood was without power for two weeks. All of our neighbors had to discard their food within 2 days. Our Sub Zero was still cold 10 days later. Even the ice was still firm! Why? Because SZ has the best insulated fridges in the business. In other words, I would pinch pennies everyplace else, in order to get a SZ. Btw, that old SZ was from 1990.