Sub-zero Impressions and a question

15 years ago

So I've been lurking around here for the past year or so looking for information on various appliances for my upcoming kitchen remodel (well, the kitchen was remodeled a couple years ago but we are completing it piece by piece for a number of reasons). Anyways, happy to say that the refrigeration portion of the kitchen has been completed.

We got the BI-36R (fridge only) and the BF-700I undercounter freezer drawers. A few comments after having had them for a few days.

1. These things are magnificent, especially the fridge -- I am 5'11" and with all drawers and shelves removed I could probably walk into the fridge upright. The quality of the built is spectacular, they are very heavy (as in hundreds of pounds), and they feel really solid.

2. The noise during operation is minimal. I had read some complaints here and if my units are typical the noise is a non issue. Worth noting that my setup is probably on the worse side acoustically (the units are in niches with some open space on top, etc.) -- this will change so I expect to be nearly impossible to hear them.

3. Haven't measured the actual temp inside but whenever I open the door/drawers the temp on the indicator is what I set it to.

4. The refrigerator is noticeably harder to open compared to our previous fridge (a generic $400 Maytag). However, my 3-year-old is fully capable of opening the door -- he is a bit on the strong side but 3-year-old nevertheless.

5. The fridge can't hold gallon jugs on the door but not a problem with so much space on the shelves.

6. The sub-zero literature called for a 35.5" opening -- I had it done exactly to spec. Now that the fridge has arrived I regret not making the opening a bit narrower -- given that the fridge is 35" in the back I think 35.25" would've been perfect in my case. We have the fridge with the SS door installed proud of the wall and the front frame (which overhangs the opening on the sides) is barely about 1/8 of an inch overhanging each side. Not a big deal and I understands the risks of making a quarter-inch narrower hole but would've been a bit better.

7. The freezer literature called for a 27" opening and I wanted a flush installation -- worked out beautiful.

One question for experienced installers/users. The freezer had a contraption on its side, looked like a 3"x5" opening on one side and the end of a hose with some sort of an ending sticking through it visible through this opening, the entire opening covered by a thick tape. Obviously not intended to be pulled out and used for something because the side of the freezer is pretty much next to the wall but what is it? Some type of sensor? Not mentioned in the lit or manual or instructions at all. Definitely not the water connection for the ice, I found it and it's a completely separate thing in a separate location.

Questions about these models or in general welcome.

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Comments (6)

geo91324
15 years ago
It's good to hear that you are pleased with your Subs. We've had our BI-48 for a little over a year and I've gotta say that we are also very happy with it. It is very ergonomic, very solid, and remarkably quiet.

As for that contraption, I'd call SubZero directly and ask them. You get connected directly with their plant and they're very easy to work with.
maire_cate
15 years ago
Give them a call - they are very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. I just got off the phone with them and they're sending me a new light diffuser to replace the one my DH broke - and my 501R was installed 24 years ago. I only have good things to say about their customer service.
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florida_cracker
15 years ago
Sillyuser, I am so happy I came upon your post - thanks. Was all set on a Sub Zero 36 over/under with separate under counter frig drawers for additional frig space. Now I am going with the all frig with supplemental freezer drawers. So much happier with this because all fresh items are in one place and the freezer items are more easily accessible from 2 drawers rather than the one bottom freezer drawer. A much better solution and I like the look of the all frig better than the over under. Thanks for the great idea.
sillyuser
Original Author
15 years ago
florida_cracker: glad to hear you like this setup. If you get it I hope it works for you as well as it is for us.

We are very pleased with it and it makes a lot of sense. Like you said -- all fresh items are in the fridge which extends all the way down to the floor so our small kids can easily access the stuff on the door and on the lower shelves. And we only use the freezer perhaps once a day during the summer if we want to fetch some icecream or cook something frozen.

Not to mention that having a fridge only and a freezer only means you don't have to worry about all these complex single vs. two compressor issues that people agonize over.
User
15 years ago
It's a water line for the ice maker.
sillyuser
Original Author
15 years ago
antss: I don't think so; the waterline is on the bottom (I found it easily).

What I am describing is on the side wall of the freezer. Said wall -- in a typical installation -- goes nearly flush against the wall opening so one wouldn't have a chance really routing anything through there. Certainly not even a tiny waterline.

I even called Sub-zero and the whatever technician they put me in touch with didn't know what I was talking about. The freezer's working just fine so not too worried about it, just surprised that there was no mention of this in the installation literature nor was there any warning/explanation/indication posted next to it.

I will have to take the freezer out temporarily a few weeks from now when I install my cabinetry above and around and I will snap a photo of this diabolical device at that time so we can have something to look at in future discussions.