What Sub Zero fridges are you looking to install?

In my previous house I installed paneled 36" fridge column and 24" freezer column. In the new house I installed a paneled 42" SZ French door model. Both kitchens had full overlay frameless cabinets, but the columns installation looked much better and they are designed to fit with much smaller gaps.

I am looking at a built-in 42 inch french door OR a panel ready french door. My cabinets are overlay so I was told the built in would look better since the cabinets are not inset. Do you have a photo?

Are you looking at the models with the compressor on the top or the compressor on the bottom?

The current names are "Classic" (aka built-in, with top compressor) and "Designer" (aka fully-integrated with bottom compressor).

Compressor on the top. Models are 1. Bult-in and 2. Panel ready. The standalone panels are the designer collection and not an option.

Here is what Subzero Classic French Door flush installation with overlay cabinets looks like:

and another:

Previous kitchen remodel: 24" SZ freezer on left and 36" SZ fridge on right. Notice I did both with hinges on left, which made more sense for this kitchen.

Recent new construction: The 42" SZ French door will never look as good as the columns. Still missing toe-kick under the fridge.

I hate cleaning stainless, so I really prefer to panel all the appliances that can be paneled!!

@chispa- this is so helpful! I have on order a built in but my designer built the space wide enough for a panel ready. I LoVE the columns…what did you do to make them look so built in?

@heleneo1974, loved the columns too, but didn't want/need to spend that much on fridges in our new location. The columns just have tighter tolerances and give you a cleaner look. In that kitchen I also had a great detail oriented kitchen designer, used Wood-mode cabinets (*) and had a great GC who was a perfectionist.

(*) this was before Wood-mode had financial issues, closed down and then reopened with less product lines.

Chispa- what brand cabinets did you choose for your white kitchen? Beautiful. Do you notice any functional diff between the built- in and columns?

The difference here is between the two model lines, not that one is French doors and one is not.

Designer or fully integrated will virtually disappear into the cabinetry is any of its configurations, and Classic or built-in is always going to have a wider gap around it in the surrounding cabinets.

This has to do with the design of the doors and hinges on each model line . Please look at the website so you can compare the differences.

Actually the fully integrated SZs tend to be a little less expensive I think. And comparable models in integrated weigh less...

My primary reason for choosing paneled appliances is that I hate cleaning stainless. The disappearing part is not as important. In the new kitchen I paneled the SZ fridge, Miele DW and SZ beverage fridge.

@heleneo1974, the white cabinets are custom made by a local shop in my area of FL. There is a difference in going from a column to a french door, but we got used to it after a few weeks.