Subzero Refrigerator Question
Laurie H
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Laurie H
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Sub-Zero Launches New Built-In Refrigerators
Comments (2)I was hoping to see if SZ is taking any steps to improve on their recent dismal reliability history, but no mention of that in the article. I suppose to do so would amount to admitting their poor repair record. While SZ rates excellent on temperature performance, virtually all fridges test excellent or very good on that. I'm also not convinced that separate compressors provides SZ better performance of any significance. OTOH, that feature has been very "handy" to us during the numerous times our SZ has needed repairs -- for example, the freezer kept going when the fridge compressor went out, and vice versa. We'd take one compressor any day if it meant a more reliable fridge. As for improved water and air quality, it's certainly hard to argue against that, but the big question is how significant and how meaningful an improvement and for how much additional cost. SZ makes great looking products; I just wish their reliability were equally great....See MoreSub-Zero or KitchenAid Built-In Refrigerator?
Comments (35)I've had a KA for a little over three years and I've been happy with it so far. I had nothing any more upscale than a basic Whirlpool fridge prior to this - Whirlpool brands have served me well - so this was more than adequate for me. Some good friends needed several repairs on their relatively new SZ fridge and went out of their way to recommend I not get one. Obviously lots of people are delighted with SZ but since people I actually know were not, that did influence my decision. I did want a built in with cabinet panels and KA was outrageously expensive enough - no way I was going to pay thousands more than that. For that I would expect flawless performance for at least 15 years and I just don't think they make appliances that way any more. What might have been great quality 20-30 years ago I really don't think is the same these days - SZ or otherwise....See MoreSubzero or Jenn-Air 42" Built-in Refrigerator? Others?
Comments (13)I am going through this exact same decision. I am going to ask my salesman when we meet about how they compare, but I found out that the lead time is 6 months for Jenn-air and 1 year for Sub Zero. For the little bit of savings with Jenn-air, and if wait time were the same, i would probably go with Sub Zero, just because all sales people say it is the best. But if they are same in quality, and the wait is that much less, then I may go with Jenn-Air. Who's going to know what it is if the label is covered by a panel, except for if they ask, but I am now discovering that people DO ask, because they are looking for one themselves, and they DO know that they are a status symbol, which I totally don't care about, but maybe just a little. I haven't looked into Thermador, but I've heard its lead time is also a year. I am going to compare Thermador too....See MoreSubzero 36 inch built-in refrigerator and freezer columns
Comments (11)I think Debbie Washburn said (and showed) it best... it'd be a solid wall of cabinetry unless you separated them, and then again it will still look like a pantry. Or a refrigerator. Which it is. As regards built-in flush mount vs integrated, it really depends on your priorities and what look you're going for. If you want to fully 'hide' the fact you have a refrigerator in your kitchen (and that's debatable): Integrated, French. Not side by side. Even an integrated column looks like a fridge/pantry. You still have larger handle(s) than your drawers and cabinets, so it will always be known you've got a fridge in your kitchen (which I don't see as an issue), but 'integrated' does a better job with it due to the fact that it will have a slightly smaller gap (when installed properly). If you want more room than integrated offers for the same width, and simply like a paneled look, built in flush mount is still attractive, IMO. FWIW, we are paying the (less, actually) money for a built-in flush mount, and would not consider the integrated in the same space due to the smaller cubic foot capacity. Let's all please keep in mind 'marketing'. In DrB477's photo above you've got an different style panel on the flush mount built in, with big wide tubular handles. On the integrated example is a sleek, contemporary cabinetry, with smaller, slender handles. What would happen if we evened out the comparison? An ever so slight wider gap is the primary visual difference, while the 2nd visual difference is you will see a small amount of hinge at the top on either side (not all across as shown in the image - I know this as I've seen flush mount built-in installs): Rita, no, if they are flush mount, installed correctly, the panels do not to stick out on built ins. You are perhaps thinking of built-ins not flush mount. ETA: on SZ built-ins. Many SZ built in models have hinges that work in this type of flush mount application. SZ started adding flush mount install instructions to those that may be. As homechef59 says, it's all a matter of personal preference - as well as one's needs. And so no one takes offense to my comment that the cabinetry in the built in is a 'different' style I'd like to state that is the type of cabinetry (similar) we are using. It fits our home and is our aesthetic preference....See Morepalimpsest
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