generally speaking panel ready doesn't look right unless it is integrated/built-in.

unless your kitchen is more then 200 sq ft i would stick with a 48".

m111675, 72" is quite large. Do you have a larger-sized area? You could set up some large boxes, stacked, to give you an idea. Is it too late to consider separating the 2 columns rather than side by side? I'd prefer them together for convenience, but everyone uses their appliances differently.

Also, if using paneled, you might consider a double or triple panel like this:

as opposed to a single panel like this:For the 36" it'd help break up that larger area, making it look more 'cabinetry', less refrigerator hiding behind paneling. It's what we intend for our 48" single built-in SZ, also to be installed flush beside 27" deep cabinet.

Sativa, Sub Zero started making their built-in's with hidden hinges, adding instructions on how to do a Flush Inset installation (as the OP mentioned) that is identical in look to integrated. One does not see the sides of the panels. They are flush/inset. It requires a deep cabinet base to do get the integrated look with SZ's built ins.

Thanks very much. We could split them up but then in our kitchen, the fridge or freezer would be right next to stacked ovens so no immediate landing spot for ovens. Seems a bit easier for use to have them together (for example, if getting a glass of water with ice).

So now we are planning to do the 48 inch built-in (no external or internal dispenser) flush inset and I am thinking it might be too small, esp the freezer. We looked at freezer drawers and integrated but makes it a lot more expensive. Wish Subzero had more built-in choices without bottom freezer. Even 30 inch built-in columns would be better. And the 48 inch built-in we are planning to get will have a stainless panel so worried about fingerprints but not sure paneling the 48 inch will look good because different size fridge and freezer portion of built-in.

Suggestions/advice? Thanks so much!!!

No, sorry. We ran into the exact same problem, but without the stacked oven situation. We needed a larger fridge, and I don't like bottom freezers at all (I know, some do). We didn't have room for the 2, 36" columns, and the next size down in the freezer column didn't cut it either. The integrated's are more expensive with less cubic feet, so the 48" built in, but flush install with a deeper cabinet (which we were planning anyway) was our only good option. Couldn't find a solution in any other brand either, though we liked the SZ's best.

I agree, I wouldn't care for the freezer and fridge columns to be separated. I've seen it, and it's quite attractive, but for our uses, would be too far away - as you say, getting ice for water, but also when I pull things out of the fridge, I often make a grab for a freezer item. Too much walking about when separated, but me!

I can't help with the fingerprint issue, but I am guessing you already know they say they are not fingerprint free due to the finish. Have you messed around with a SS SZ in a showroom? Tried to smudge them with your hands? Just a thought.

Uh, you seem to be interested in paneled... why not the SZ built-in 48" paneled?

Thanks. Yes tried to smudge stainless in store and saw some fingerprints but not too bad. Could panel the 48 inch built-in but maybe looks more dated with white shaker cabinets and little bit space around it for flush inset? plus may look worse paneled since fridge and freezer not same sizes of 48 inch built-in (about 30 inch fridge and about 18 inch freezer part). yeah we like SZ too. So hard. Would do integrated but a lot more expensive for less space. People say 72 inches of fridge/freezer across is just too big but seems like can never have too much fridge/freezer storage space. Probably will end up with 48 inch builtin stainless with flush inset....

I don’t know why you don’t just go for the two 36” columns. Who cares if some people think it’s too big? I have the 48” and if it could do it over I’d do the two 36” columns because then I wouldn’t need a second refrigerator in the garage! And you can’t fit cookie sheets in the 48” freezer! If you still plan on getting the stainless 48”, don’t worry about fingerprints; It’s easy to keep clean.

This fridge is the best i have found for built in panel ready w/ ice dispenser. You would definitely have to work with a custom cabinet shop for the door panels as it is more complicated to go around a dispenser.

Panel Ready BI-42SD/O

I think the OP is going without a dispenser, inside or out. That's the 42" Sativa, I think they want something a minimum of 48" for cubic ft. (which is what we're doing). Sativa makes a good point, you might need a custom cabinet maker to get the integrated look with flush mount and minimal gap... we are using one.

However, when shopping for cabinet makers, we did find some semi-custom that could install the cabinetry deeper, but was still the standard depth of 24 - i.e., they just pulled it out a few more inches, so you'd have more counter space. We also found some semi-custom that did 27" and 30" deep cabinetry. However, I'd feel more comfortable with a custom make for decreasing the gap.

RE: the space between the panels: you get that with either the panels or SS fridge. I'd post a photo, but I see the OP has already seen in this post they started: Subzero and Miele refrigerators/freezers.

The space/gap depends on the installer for the paneled Some cabinet makers install with a big gap, others don't. I recommend (with paneled) that you tell you cabinet people to hold off on the panels until everything else is in, then have them come back out and measure for the panels on the fridge. For SS, you get what you get. No increasing the door size.