Thanks for your input. A fully integrated refrigerator allows the �doors of the refrigerator to be completely flush with the cabinets next to it. The hinges allow the door to fold into the cabinet, rather than outside it. �A �counter depth refrigerator will stick out a couple of inches, and even if panel � ready, will still show an inch or 2 of the sides of the refrigerator. I've even been told counter depth panel ready will show a bit of metal on the front door. It has to do with the door hinges. I didn't think there was a difference between built-in and fully integrated, but I could be wrong. My issue with SZ is the lack of split shelves, which we occasionally use to stand taller items like opened wine bottles or pots of soup. We are a family of four, with 2 boys 10,12 who are definitely hitting growth spurts! �The SZ FD also only comes in 36" vs JAN 42", so there is smaller capacity. I'm wondering if we shouldn't just go with panel ready counter depth so we have more brand options and see if we can customize the cabinets to hide the sides. Any thoughts , has anyone done? _______________________________

It sounds to me like you want the SubZero but are having trouble justifying it. It's by far the best fridge of the ones you've named. You seem to have very realistic expectations and a good understanding of the context and variables. If you have plenty of cash and the SZ is a luxury you're thinking you will enjoy even though it's above the grade of the rest of the appliances and neighborhood, go for it! If you're financing the remodel, and will be paying interest on many thousands of dollars more for a luxury that's above the grade of the rest of your appliances and neighborhood, take a really good look and make darned sure it's worth the debt. I adore high end fridges with their high end performance, but the marginal difference per dollar is quite low. For most people, it's just not worth it. Are you confident in your choice of cooking appliance(s)? That's the one that usually has the biggest impact on pleasure in cooking and the kitchen, and that's usually where people will put their extra luxury money. One thing about the SZ is that with some maintenance and perhaps occasional repairs as parts wear out, it should last you for as long as you're in the house.

get the SZ, we got a SZ as part of our kitchen remodel, I do notice fruits and vegetables are staying fresher longer vs my ~10yr old fridge that the SZ replaced. I don't know if technology has improved so much now that all refrigerators will keep foods better or SZ fridges just preserve the foods better with the air filter, right temp and humidity. I come from the "a fridge is just fridge, no need to spend more for brand name one", but now I am a believer. Since foods last so much longer now, I might actually save money in a long run.

I am one of those strange people who actually prefers a flush install of a built-in appliance over a fully integrated installation. I always feel that a fridge is too big to look nice as a "fake cabinet". It just doesn't feel organic when I see this giant panel that pretends to be a cabinet. On the other hand, with a flush install, the fridge is still kept out of sight for the most part, but you get just enough visual cues to realize that this isn't a comically oversized cabinet. I like that. I want to know where the fridge is hiding. Your mileage might very well vary though. Everybody has a different design preference.