"From how far away can you hear it? "

Depends on your ears and the actual room it's installed in. They are quieter than most fridges.

"What's the reliability experience for those who have this unit?"

You're not going to get a good and accurate answer to this question. This generation of fridge is only about a year old and that unit is not very popular. SubZero is more reliable than C.Reports would have you believe.

"Does it really keep food fresher than other fridges? "

What you really mean is fresher longer , yes? And the answer is yes, but it's not the only fridge that does so. Even so, do you really want to eat lettuce that's been in your fridge for two weeks??

"*Is it worth the price? "

Depends on YOUR value system.

"Are there any potentially better alternatives, given what we're looking for??"

Jenn-Air is about the only thing that comes close if they are still using the variable speed compressor.

Are you also certain 2 separate units will use more energy than that 48". 48's are energy hogs by nature, and with a SZ you are getting 2 systems anyway, so I'd be really surprised that a separate fridge/freezer form say: T'dor, Miele, Gaggenau , wouldn't use the same or less energy, and would give you a ton more install flexability.

I looked up the other brands you mentioned, and the most energy efficient combo of a fridge and freezer w/equiv (actually, lower) volumes would use at least 28% more energy.

And it's good to hear that the SZ is quieter and more reliable than others have reported.

Anything else I should know?

Thanks!
Dave.

The other makes will require a panel(s) to complete, and be sure to double check the install instructions before ordering cabinetry with all built in/ integrated fridges.

Have the 48BI for 1 year. No issues or problems. If I rmember the individual Miele 30/18 add up to more power used than the Sub. The only time I hear something is when the internal fan comes on. I assume that is to recirculate the air to treat the air to reduce ethylene levels in the fridge. When the normal compressor for cooling is running you have to be beside the unit and quiet in the room to hear it.The food lasts what seems like for ever.

We have the BI-48S and basically everything said so far is true. The water running to fill the ice maker is "pretty" loud but other than that it's quiet but not silent. I do like the air filter function. If it starts to smell - think cut onions - press a button and the smell is gone in a minute or so. Love the soft close drawers. Only wish is that ice drawer was smaller to free up more room in the freezr but this is personal since we don't normally use a lot of ice and shop at Costco a lot. BTW - I do have some lettuce that is about 3 weeks old and it taste as good as it was new - one of the main reasons we bought a Subzero.

Reliability, I have a SZ unit that is 28 years old and just now seem to be having parts go bad. It is a 3211RFD bought in 1983. A BI-48 look alike.