Hi, Sam

I have no personal experience with either brand; however, Dacor is a high end Samsung. The Dacor Discovery is a sharp-looking appliance, but I don't think it has two compressors like the SubZero. If they are both equal in terms of features, I would buy the SubZero based on reputation alone.

Decor is not worth the money.

Over the long run, you will probably save money with the SZ, even if purchased at full price. I have Miele and I can absolutely tell my produce stays fresh longer in there than with my old standard refrigerator, plus SZ has a good track record of being worth repairing ten years down the line.

Yes, it is a big ticket item, and that's hard to spend. You've seen the floor models I'm assuming, so I'd say you already know the SZ is well-built, has the separate compressors, et al - especially in comparison to Dacor. We went through the same process and in the end chose the SZ (full price) for longevity. As Rita says, the upper-end brands also offer better produce storage, which also saves $$ over time.

Went to another dealer today and they had some floor models about 3 years old that were about 22-25% off. One set was > 3 years and had lost the regular warranty and the other was within 3 years. I'll have to run back to the first store and see what the in service dates on those were.

Sub-Zero Residential Limited Warranty

FOR RESIDENTIAL USE

FULL TWO YEAR WARRANTY*

For two years from the date of original installation, this Sub-Zero product warranty covers all parts and labor to repair or replace, under normal residential use, any part of the product that proves to be defective

in materials or workmanship. All service provided by Sub-Zero under the above warranty must be performed by Sub-Zero factory certified service, unless otherwise specified by Sub-Zero, Inc. Service will be provided during normal business hours.

FULL FIVE YEAR SEALED SYSTEM WARRANTY

For five years from the date of original installation, this Sub-Zero product warranty covers all parts and labor to repair or replace, under normal residential use, these parts that prove to be defective in materials or workmanship: compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier and all connecting tubing. All service provided

by Sub-Zero under the above warranty must be performed by Sub-Zero factory certified service, unless otherwise specified by Sub-Zero, Inc. Service will be provided during normal business hours.

LIMITED TWELVE YEAR SEALED SYSTEM WARRANTY

For twelve years from the date of original installation, Sub-Zero will repair or replace the following parts that prove to be defective in materials or workmanship: compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier and all connecting tubing. If the owner uses Sub-Zero factory certified service, the service provider will repair or replace these parts with the owner paying for all other costs, including labor. If the owner uses non-certified service, the owner must contact Sub-Zero, Inc. (using the information below) to receive repaired or replacement parts. Sub-Zero will not reimburse the owner for parts purchased from non-certified service or other sources.

Sophie is right, the margins on appliances are SLIM. That is one of the reasons our store quit selling appliances many years ago. Most kitchen dealers long ago sold appliances too...not anymore. You have to sell a LOT to make it worthwhile. The profit on one appliance is so low that if your delivery guy damaged it, you lost $....a lot of $. I don't understand why anyone would want to be in the appliance business. Low margins, high risk. I'd shoot for 15-20%. If they offer delivery and install, let them do it! Not a contractor.

Sam Goh, I just want to second, and stress TKP's comment about letting the appliance store install a sub zero (or any high end appliance). DH and I are very capable people (I can mud, etc., he is re-doing all our electrical, and doing all our plumbing - but I wouldn't let even a contractor touch our SZ install. And we'd never dream of doing it ourselves. Do be sure you download the install manual for your contractor though. There's quite a bit of prep-work for some models and it needs to be correct.

Thanks all. I think the builder indicated that the dealer would be responsible for installing anything we purchased (but was built into the price). If we can make the 42" work we might, but 3" of cabinet space is what my wife has to deal with. And no internal water... the things we do for deals!

BTW the warranty information above is correct for < 3 years display models. > and I think it's only 1/5. The 12 goes away. There's some chatter as well that SZ might up the warranty to match Dacor's at 5/10/15?

Tough call, we were able to get both 36" and 42" fridges at a very nice discount and in our price range. So now we have to decide on 42" with no internal water or a 36" with internal water. Would have to lose 3" of cabinet space with the former.

Just FYI - the upgraded warranty is live, but only on packages and instead of taking a rebate. + 2 years for everything in the package.

Good luck with your choice, Sam. Happy to hear you found a good deal in your price range. Me? Having more room in the fridge is important (2 people only, 48" SZ). No water, just ice inside. We plan to put filtered water in jugs in the fridge. BTW, I had our kitchen planned, then realized we had to lengthen a wall or loose cabinet space because someone (me) didn't measure correctly. Chose to lengthen the wall (so I also get how cabinet space is important!

@2manydiversions thanks for the comment. After 2 decades of marriage, my wife and I still argue about who didn't refill the XYZ or who left the last half inch of milk in the carton. So I think trading the space for a little more calm and cabinet space will be what we do :P

Ha! I'd have to agree... Yup, I try to keep back-ups of everything!

We're an older couple, married not quite 2 years (first time both of us)... so it never ends?!!! LOL!

It does end. Telling you how it ends kind of steals the thunder from your priest/pastor though :)

Went on a buying spree. Ended up with a 36" frenchdoor with water dispenser (YAY) for about 33% off installed. Sadly, that wasn't the only appliance purchase for my checkbook :(

I hear you, Sam. We put half down on all our appliances (which can be returned if something should happen, and if we run long on the reno we can trade/change things). Put a huge dent in the wallet already... and that's just the appliances! Fortunately, we took time to look, compare, talk it over, and fit into our budget.