Catman,

Great question, however, I don't know the answer. I believe that there are new government regulations (starting in 2014, I think) that changes energy star requirements for refrigerators.

If this is true, then Sub is probably redesigning some units to meet the new standards.

Here is a link that might be useful: Want to laugh and learn about appliances? Read my blog!

moderator please remove links posted by Kieffers_Guy and send him a reminder about forum conduct.

Don't put too much stock in CR - especially when it comes to SubZero and other marque appliances.

SZ's "new" line is already on the shelves - it's called the BI line. And even a few of those models have a bottom compressor!

The 700 series which is entirely bottom mount is getting a bit tired and is due for a re-vamp. It is from the mid-late 90's and was the first domestic Fully Integrated fridge on the market. Little/nothing has changed in the design since then, but it is a fine unit if not currently stylish. There is no "official" word on the re-do...... unless the SZ rep that monitors this forum cares to comment ??? I know that there is currently work being done on this line but have no clue about rollout.

Thanks for answering. I'll need one sometime this summer for a renovation. I much prefer the clean looks of the integrated combo but I think I'll get the built-in because it's newer.

I don't have much space and the 27" 700TC would be perfect but I'll find 3 more inches and get the BI-30 O/U. If I knew something else was coming it could change.

Do check into it some more, Catman. If the 700TC "would be perfect", why wouldn't you get it? It's not the newest model with the whizbang feature, but it's tried and true, all the kinks are out of it, and it's "perfect". Surely that's as important as the air filter that lets you keep green veg weeks past their shrivel date.

I suppose you're right but what if the new ones have something I like? A purchase like this has more passion than cold calculation anyway.

I have a seach running on Ebay for 700TC and over the last month there have been several floor demos for auction. AJMadison sold theirs three weeks ago. So I figured the new ones are on the way.

Last year somebody on the Gardenweb kitchen forum asked how he should decide how much money to spend on a fridge. The only answer he got that made sense to me was somebody who told him to base it on the neighborhood he lives in. If you want a high end house in a high end neighborhood you have to be willing to put high end stuff in it. That's what I'm trying to do here except that I'm working with a tiny house. If I just wanted to keep food cold I'd get an LG for $500. I could buy a dozen new ones to replace broken ones for the price of an SZ.

Oh, I'm not trying to talk you out of the SZ!! And I think you're right, unless they sell off the demos yearly it might be a sign of something coming soon. You might ask the dealers. Since you have a little time you could wait until the last minute (about 2 months out) to place your order. I was just reacting to the idea that you'd choose a less perfect model, not because it had a feature you just had to have, but because it was more recent. If you really really want the air filter, go for it!!!

I do believe one gets what one pays for in high end refrigeration. I have experience with both the top and the bottom, and there's a difference. It's not a difference that matters if you can't afford it, but it is one that pleases if you can.

cat- 700 series are listed on fleaBay all the time, no more or less last month than in the last 18.

Displays are changed out all the time, and not just because a model/style is discontinued.

To my knowledge there has been no official announcement from SZ re: a new generation and there hasn't even been an unofficial one from Madison, WI either. So....don't hold your breath if you're in the market.

Thanks for the comments. I know you're not trying to talk me out of a SZ. I was just rambling about what's going through my mind. I've had an undercounter SZ fridge/freezer pair since 1990 that get constant heavy use but have only needed a couple of minor repairs so I know they make strong boxes. Just having them in the house lifts my spirits.