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sfmom88

Monogram fridge plug location vs SubZero

9 years ago

We are planning to replace our ailing 17 year old SubZero 42 inch side-by-side. Considering a new SubZero or Monogram SS which fits the same opening. Does anyone know if the electrical box in the wall behind the fridge will need to be moved if we go w/ the Monogram. One salesperson told us it's in a different spot than the Sub Zero and would require the outlet to be moved, hence a higher installation cost. Has anyone any experience with this? Thank you!

Comments (9)

  • 9 years ago

    I can't answer your stated question, but what's wrong with your SubZero? Can't it be fixed?

  • 9 years ago

    Usually specific installation instructions are available on each manufacturer's website, those would include where the placement for electrical outlet is.

    sfmom88 thanked athomesewing
  • 9 years ago

    plllog, we've had to do 2 replacement compressors and 1 ice maker replacement in the last 5 years (all post warranty). And for the past 3 years, the freezer defrost cycle doesn't work properly so we have to manually use a blow dryer to defrost every 2-3 weeks. Repairs have been expensive and we are reluctant to invest more $ on a 17 year old fridge.

    athomesewing, our concern is the length of the power cord from the Monogram (left side placement) to the existing outlet from the SZ (right side placement). The installer thinks it won't be long enough and we'd need to move the outlet. Still trying to find a spec on the length of the cord from the Monogram.


    Our dilemma is to purchase another SZ (we love the improved features, and we've been told the newer models are more reliable than the older circa 2000 models) and know it will be an exact fit, or try the Monogram (less $ and has crushed ice!) and perhaps run into installation issues.

  • 9 years ago

    Oh, dear! Yes, that does sound like a bit much. My folks have a 1986 SZ that has needed a new compressor or two over the years, and definitely a new ice maker at least once, but well spaced out and otherwise working as it should.

    The ice maker is the most delicate part of the fridge and no matter which brand you get, longevity will bring repairs, but I get the crushed thing. OTOH, you could just use an old food processor or blender, or get an ice crusher, for a negligible price.

    Monograms were well thought of some time back, but more recently I've heard less stellar things about them. Do check the reviews.

    Can you ask the installers about the cord length? Or perhaps GE has a help line?

    sfmom88 thanked plllog
  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Usually, a specific receptacle location might align with a recess on the back of the appliance, therefore a longer cord may not suffice. Best to refer to your particular mfg.'s cut sheet and follow those specs.

  • 9 years ago

    This "May" be a little late!

    I would stay away from GE Appliances due to:

    General Electric has sold its appliance business to Haier for $5.4 billion, a deal that will greatly expand the Chinese firm's footprint in the U.S.

    It is very likely that there will be transitional problems, possible inventory problems etc etc.

    I would certainly take the time to read reviews of GE appliances bought after about June of 2016.

    We too are debating whether to replace our Jenn-Air fridge with a Sub-Zero.

    The Jenn-Air had been trouble free, (No service calls) for 10 years. The icemaker did die after about 5 years but was widely available on-line, cheap ($135) and easily replaced by me, (Plug in).

    Unfortunately year 11 for the fridge has NOT been good, No compressor problems or expensive parts, but several calls for wild temp swings in Freezer and now a 2nd call for frost in freezer, and since the last "frost repair" we had to remove the top cover over the fridge to keep it from shutting down.

    Anyway, repair guy coming today, We giving him one last chance, replace anything that looks like it is or could be a problem, it breaks again it gets replaced by an SZ. We hate to replace it because of the fridge's wood panels, keeping it clean has been a "Non Issue" for 11 years now, WE hate to go back to Stainless Steel and the "Joy" of keeping that spotless!!!

    Why SZ you say? Simple Answer SERVICE!!!!! SZ has their own Service Dept. Jenn-Air does NOT have their own service nor does Whirlpool who Owns Jenn-Air, Kitchenaid, Maytag and who knows what else?

    So even though I searched extensively for the best service dept for my Jenn-Air Fridge, (Yelp Reviews, Yellow Pages Reviews, etc etc, and I probably found about the best there is as far as Jenn-air Service goes!

    Buttttt, Here is the way the company I picked, services Jenn-Air appliances. First You call them, it can take up to a week to get a return call, by the guy that is going to do the actual service. You describe "IN DETAIL" what the problem is. Still He comes out several days later and has a "look see". He then orders the parts, which usually takes another week, then returns with the parts and installs them. All this time the fridge is malfunctioning!!!

    Fortunately, being a "Techie" (Electronic Engineer), I've been able to keep the fridge running well enough to preserve the food. I removed the cover over the electronics to keep them cool, manually defrosted the freezer, removed a shield in the freezer so ice could not build up on it and block evaporator fan, turn power on/off many times, etc etc.

    Anyway tired of it , so I'm hoping , first of all The SZs does not break, 2nd, if it does , service will be prompt and parts needed replace on the FIRST SERVICE CALL, not the 3rd call or so !!!

    Gary


  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Correction To Above post:

    Upon further checking, Wolf/Sub-Zero DOES NOT have their own service !!!

    They refer you to service companies that "Only service Wolf/Sub-Zero Products"

    After checking Yelp reviews, Goggle reviews, etc etc, it's as much a "Hit & Miss" service for SZ as it is for my Jenn-Air, grrrrrrrr.

    I would appreciate ANY & ALL comments for Sub-Zero Service in my area, Southern California, I'm in the process of looking for a replacement for my 11 year old Jenn-Air fridge.

    Thanks:

    Gary

    PS I edited the above post to remove "Factory Service" for Sub-Zero !!!!!!

  • last year

    How cannyou spend $10k on a fridge and complaon about a couple $hundred to move an outlet? 😂