Clipped from Better Homes and Garden website:

"Average refrigerator capacity ranges between 9 and 30 cubic feet. A family of two needs 8 to 10 cubic feet of fresh-food space. Add an extra cubic foot for each additional family member.

Freezer space: A family of two needs 4 cubic feet of freezer space. Add 2 cubic feet for each additional person. Increase the freezer space if you stock frozen products or shop infrequently."

According to that formula, you would need 11 to 13 cubic feet in fridge space and 10 cubic feet in freezer space. That seems on the small side to me. I would want at least 26 cubic ft total for a family that size.

To me, 2 feet on each side of the range seems a little tight, especially for such a large range. If you have an island nearby it might be just fine.

Will you have any other fridge or freezer space in the basement, pantry, or something like that? If no, I'd stick with your current plan, although 30" Thermador or LiebHerr units might be worth a look. I think some of the models (like the Thermador Columns) have special hinges so that you can place them against a wall without giving up your 5" on each side for spacers. That'd give you 29" to each side of the range...34" if you went with 30" units. Will you have an island across the aisle in case you need more work space near the range?

A few questions for you...what other counter space do you have? Is there an island across from range? Where will you prep? 24" on either side may be enough if you have other counter space nearby for prep.

I like the idea of the symmetry of matching units - I'm considering the 736 series for our family of 3 and have concerns if that would be enough fridge/freezer space and we have an additional refrigerator in our garage. Depends on how much fresh food you keep around, I guess. The 27" versions of each on either end of your cabinet run would give you 9 more inches of counter space on each side - a better size if you will be storing your pots and pans in drawers there.

we have two islands, one directly behind the range and one behind the first island which will be the serving island. so yes, there is counterspace directly behind the range (8 x 4 foot)

extra freezer will be in the adjacent laundry room

If you have an extra freezer, I wouldn't add an all-freezer in the kitchen for that many of you. How about 2 fridges with bottom freezers, for plenty of fridge space and a bit of handy-to-the-work-area freezer space. We have a family of 10, and have 2 all-fridges and 1 all-freezer. (They are the Electrolux Icons, so only 32 or 33" each) With what you planned above, you'd end up with 2 freezers and 1 fridge.

I guess it depends on what you buy and store, though...If you're buying half a beef and freezing lots of produce, maybe you need the large amount of freezer space.

good point

let me ask, how many inches do you need as a minimum adj to each unit if you go built in or integrated?

Depends on the brand/model. As I said above, I think Thermador has a hinge that allows you to have it up against a wall.

can somebody confirm that termador freedom colums can be placed right up against the wall? not that i doubt you rhome410 :)

You were right to doubt me. I looked on the website and it appears that the hinges open 115 degrees so that you can get a completely flush installation, not so they can go up against the wall. There is a diagram on the specs page for the Freedom collection units. So sorry! I believed something I read a long time ago here without really checking. A big no-no to quote info I haven't researched myself.

Here is a link that might be useful: see 'freedom hinge' on Thermador website.

It still looks like a good hinge and unit for our needs. Would other units (SZ, Viking) have less flexibility?

Maybe ask for specifics on the Appliance Forum?