I’ve gone into depth here in case anyone else stumbles across this with the same questions. I’d like to add, Sub Zero makes Integrated Refrigerators. They do not make a 48” integrated, and the Integrated are shallower. Thus, we chose the Built In for cubic foot capacity, and the depth of our base cabinets were already planned at 27”.
Sophie Wheeler, thank you for jumping in, I was in a rush last night and was not as clear or thorough as needed. You brought up a very important point.
Jennifer, by now you’ve probably spoken to the installers, but in case others stumble across with questions I’ll attempt to explain via visuals and quotes from Sub Zero re: Flush Installation.
Heather, yes, that’s the way to do it, and why one often reads “my kitchen is finished, but still waiting on the fridge panels. It’s what we/our cabinet maker are doing as well.
rych, what I think I’m seeing is an almost flush installation on your fridge (lovely, by the way!)
This unit installed in a Standard application (framed/overlay) will sit proud, or sit forward of the surrounding cabinetry or countertop.
In a Flush Inset installation, the front or top of the unit sits flush or on the same plane as the surrounding cabinetry.
And here are two more examples in the Sub Zero install brochures showing the 2 options with 24” base cabinets:
This is the Flush Installation: (this mimics Integrated). Note the refrigerator is completely flush with the side panels (the hinges on this model allow for such an install as they recess into the cabinet/panel sides.)
And… The Built In installation: The refrigerator panels will extend beyond (or ‘proud of’ the side panels and are visible).There is no need to do a hybrid installation unless your door panels are thicker than ¾” (see below for more info). Here is a quick diagram from the Sub Zero Quick Reference Guide of this model, Flush Installation and two options: One for frameless, and one for full frame cabinetry.
So, if your cabinetry is Full Frame or Frameless, for a flush inset installation, you can see above there is a way to install the sub zero in a flush fashion. The full manual goes into better detail.
Jennifer, I’m assuming you’ve learned your answer, but if you remove ½” from the standard side panel of ¾”, you are left with only a 1/4” thick side panel. I can’t think a cabinet maker would recommend this. Sub Zero recommends the side panels be ½” thick minimum.
Sophie Wheeler’s point: The ‘framing’ or ‘cabinet’ around the fridge may extend beyond the countertop – so when the door is opened the full 110 degrees, it won’t bump into the countertop and get damaged. However, there is a way around that if your base cabinets are deeper and you wish the integrated look.
You can install beside a countertop (if you have the depth) in a flush install (again, the 1st has the inlay style cabinetry with the 90 degree stop on the fridge as it sits proud of the countertop, the 2nd shows the upper portion with full overlay cabinetry beside it, the 3rd to the far right shows a larger than required spacing rather than a small filler so the countertop will not interfere with 110 degree opening (this is not necessary, the cabinet maker should have made the doors wider to cover the gap):
For an Integrated Flush Mount look - These comments are on Sub Zero’s site:
The doors of all models open to 110°. A 90° door stop is provided with the unit.
Stopping both doors at 90° is rather restrictive in French door or side-by-side models. All shelving and drawers can be fully accessed or removed with the door restricted to the 90° opening.
For flush inset custom panels thicker than 3/4", a 90° door stop may be required to prevent interference with adjacent cabinets. As the panel width and/or depth increases, so does the potential for panel interference.
A filler strip (as Sophie mentions) can be used to open the door 110 degrees without interference of a proud countertop.
Review NOTES:
For flush inset, the fridge will need to go back deeper than the standard 24” cabinet – that’s where you need 26-3/16” depth for the fridge.
Sub Zero recommends ½” reveal for Flush Inset. From Sub Zero’s install guide: “For flush inset applications, add 1/2" to door clearance dimensions”. A ½ inch reveal around the entire refrigerator* will enable you to open the doors and to allow air movement, and ¼” higher is recommended. Service problems may arise otherwise due to insufficient cooling. Some installers will allow a ¼” reveal, but again, 1/2” reveal is recommended.
*However, the panels on the refrigerator of a flush mount install are wider than the actual door, better covering the reveal. See below:
If you install flush beside a base cabinet (and proud of the countertop), you may still need an extended filler between to open the doors without damaging them if you wish the standard 110 degree opening.
I can’t cover everything, but the installation guide tells you everything you need to know about flush installation.
If anyone sees flaws or mistakes here, please post corrections. Thank you.
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Powder room wallpaper above wainscoting
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