Built-in Fridge Opinions Please

[peterp63]

We bought our home a couple years ago and it came with a built-in fridge that has had some issues. Looking to replace it with a more reliable one. The main problem is that the dimensions limit us to 42” x 84” counter depth models. Common size for “Luxury” units but not “normal” brands... so which would you choose from the following:

Sub-Zero
Thermador
Viking

They’re all about the same outrageous price so that’s not really an issue. Just looking for most reliable. Thanks.

[ThisLadyHunts]

We have a Sub-Zero. It's about 12 years old and we've had no problem with it. Of course, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles the new models have, but since the doors were custom made to match the cabinetry, I plan to keep this one until the wheels fall off.

When the time comes and I have no choice but to replace it, my brand loyalty isn't so high as to discourage me from considering other brands. As things stand, it's just another ice box as far as I'm concerned.

If you're considering investing this kind of money in a new appliance, I might recommend that you consider a 1-year subscription to Consumer Reports magazine (online). For $35, you can access some very thorough research related to relevant ice boxes. After that, you can choose not to renew if you feel no longer need it.

[ba1005]

Might also look at true manufacturing. American company. Make really good stuff and have a home line too.

[Honker]

I'm dealing with the same dilemma.

Built-in refrig's cost $7,000 to +$10,000. I'm seriously considering modifying the cabinets around the existing space. For $5,000 or more in savings, you can make a lot improvements to your kitchen.

Besides, built-in's are incredibly shallow, which means you have to remove all the beer from the 12-pack...whiskey tango foxtrot.

[CEO]

I asked the wife who has dealt with all three brands you mentioned for quite a few years. She said, "Sub-zero is good, but you pay for the name. I like Thermador, Viking is a nightmare."

[sendit]

I went through the same dilemma recently with the same brands. We wound up choosing all Subzero/Wolf appliances.

The Viking stuff was crossed off the list early on.

The local Thermador dealer did ok as far as showing us their line and it’s a solid product.

Wolf/Subzero has a showroom in Houston that we went to and really sold us on their stuff. You could test drive most any thing they make. It’s an absolute great place to look at and be treated like royalty. The customer service is top notch as you would expect when paying a fortune for appliances.

I just checked with Wolf on the supply of current appliances and they were about 2 months back ordered. I went with different range in the butlers pantry.

[peterp63]

Great info. Thanks, All. My wife’s uncle is a property manager for a wealthy family in Houston and also just told us that he hates Viking, Thermador is good, and Sub-Zero is better.

We live in Katy but plan to drive into town to put our hands on the actual options.

Please keep the experiences and recommendations coming!

[Mike D]

We bought our home a couple years ago and it came with a built-in fridge that has had some issues. Looking to replace it with a more reliable one. The main problem is that the dimensions limit us to 42” x 84” counter depth models. Common size for “Luxury” units but not “normal” brands... so which would you choose from the following:

Sub-Zero
Thermador
Viking

They’re all about the same outrageous price so that’s not really an issue. Just looking for most reliable. Thanks.

My choices would be exactly in the order you posted them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro