Sub-Zero Launches New Built-In Refrigerators

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed)
Apr 26th 2008 at 9:02AM

Sub-Zero recently announced an overhaul of its line of built-in models, to be available this fall. What's especially interesting and appealing is that all the air in the line's models will be "scrubbed" by a purification system an average of once every 20 minutes to eliminate odors, viruses and bacteria that can lead to hastened ripening and, ultimately, spoilage. Additionally, the products offer something Sub-Zero states no refrigerator ever has -- a water filter that reduces viruses and bacteria, in theory reducing contaminants while keeping water and ice tasting fresh.

Other new features: brighter lighting, crisper drawers that have an improved glide system, an easy-to-use digital control panel and adjustable door shelves that can be moved in one-inch increments. The exterior can be customized, too, using one of these options:

Flush Inset: Flush with surrounding cabinetry. Has a smaller profile and facilitates inset installation. Available in Classic Stainless, Platinum Stainless or Carbon Stainless Steel panels, or can be fitted with custom panels.
Stainless Steel: Finished in Classic Stainless Steel, ready out-of-the-box. Works with any commercial-style kitchen. Redesigned with a new ventilation grille.
Framed: Consumer may slide a custom cabinetry panel into an existing frame so that the door better matches the kitchen. Has a new extruded handle and redesigned louvered grilles.
Overlay: Consumer may incorporate cabinet panels and custom handles into the doors and grille.

I have a Sub-Zero integrated model (similar to the model in the photo, a current Sub-Zero product) with an overlay that blends in so well that when the real estate agent was showing me the kitchen, I had to ask her where the refrigerator was. But buyer beware -- a Sub-Zero costs quite a lot, and definitely delivers on its promises, but can be expensive to repair. I learned this the hard way last year when my motor burned out because I hadn't "serviced" the system. Who knew a refrigerator required a yearly tune-up? It seems I have the Mercedes of refrigerators -- lovely to look at, performs like a dream, but even a simple oil change can set you back $300 (or, in my case, $1,000 for a new motor and yearly servicing).

Those who buy Sub-Zero appliances likely can afford any repair work on them, but why waste money? If you get one of these new models, be sure to ask the sales rep about yearly service.

Tags: appliances, beverages, food, kitchen, Sub-Zero

Filed under: Decor, Dining

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

amy Apr 26th 2008 10:14AM

This is a very cool refrigerator (ha!). But I dont think it needs yearly "service" -- you just need to vaccum the ventilation area. and if something does go wrong, everything is covered by service for the first three years i think.

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Andy Apr 26th 2008 1:37PM

Before purchasing a refrigerator, I would suggest visiting Consumer Report's reliability survey. There are many brands that offer similar features for less, but with greater reliability.

DJ Apr 26th 2008 3:02PM

ITA....If you check CR, you'll find that ranks at the bottom. And this from a product that ranks at the very top of cost and price.

One brand I have been hearing great things about is the Electrolux ICON line, especially refrigerators.

McToma Apr 29th 2008 6:31PM

The high end brands are not very well covered by Consumer Reports since they generally target low-mid priced products (since this is what most of their customers want anyways). I own two Sub-Zero refrigerators and I am very satisfied with both units. Although they may not be worth the price premium to some people I would recommend no matter what refrigerator you purchase that you go with a built-in. In my experience built-in refrigerators are of a much higher quality than freestanding units. They also tend to have a nicer interior and are more solidly built.

Jami May 18th 2008 5:47PM

We inherited a SubZero similar to the one shown in the above picture as it was in our home that we purchased last year. It is 22 years old, and appears nearly brand new in sight and performance. The vacuum required in the ventilation system can be performed on your own very easily. I think that a refrigerator lasting even as long as this one has so far is clearly worth the extra cost. Many people don't consider that when they pay less than half as much and repair/replace twice as often!