I've been doing the research on several fridges myself for a remodel and have decided on the panel ready KA KFCO22EVBL. Depends on your cabinet maker as to the costs of the individual panels but 18' appliance handles are about $110 each depending also on the finish. I finally found one on display today and it was a decent fridge. Nothing like Subzero, of course, but less than half the price! There,of course, with difference in the hinge of the Subzero that pulls the door out a inch or two to prevent the door from touching or scraping the cabinetry. Nice, but not worth an extra $3000.

sageviews... short answer is I have no idea. Longer answer: I'm not familiar with Kitchenaid built-in models, so I can't say for sure, but... It's not so much the depth with a built-in, or the space you allow beside it, as it is the hinges on the refrigerator door. While you could leave a 1/2" clearance all the way around (and please don't let anyone tell you that looks bad, many current refrigerators require that space, and lots of people have them and it sure doesn't bother them) - your doors may still jut out a bit. Depending where you live and your personal tastes, this might be perfectly fine, or it might not suit you. Sub Zero realized a while back that integrated (flush with cabinetry) was becoming popular, so their built-ins, which are not true integrated, had hinges that operated in such a way that the door does not need to extend beyond the cabinetry beside it to open completely. Thus, if someone had the depth and space, they could install the SZ built-ins very similar to an integrated... flush with the cabinetry. I don't think Kitchenaid did this with their built-in hinges. You'd really have to go look at them, and inquire. The easiest way to tell is to take a piece of flat wood (a 1 x 8 or a small piece of plywood - or even a stiff notepad), hold it just beside the door - flush, and open the door the way. Does it hit the wood? If yes, you can't flush install. Is that horrible? If one really wants panels but can't find integrated or it's beyond the remodel budget, no, I don't think so. Just my opinion. It's kind of hard for me to explain the difference in hinges, but the SZ's allow the door to open in place, it does not need side-room. I can't tell by looking at Kitchenaide's site, but I'm pretty sure they require a non-flush install. Basically, the difference is this: SZ built in flush inset: kitchenaide built in flush inset: Hope whatever you decide, you are happy with it : )

Don't know what configurations Liebherr is currently offering in those sizes, but I can vouch that mine is hands-down the best fridge I've ever had, easily on par with the subzero (at least the one I had 15 yrs ago). Liebherr's likely got the same advantages as the SZ in terms of interior moisture management & dual compressors, so perhaps you can find what you need in their current line if the SZ designs aren't doing it for you? I find it roomier in the smaller sizes than the designs of the current US-branded fridges, which seem annoyingly clunky with huge molded interiors that take up all the usable space.

Sorry, did I strike a nerve. (PS don't own any proprietary apple products either) You really need to look at service history when choosing a product. Price doesn't play a factor in quality (just ask subzero owners) Paying a little extra for a quality/serviceable product will save you money in the long run. Supporting American jobs is also a perk.