Sub Zero Panel Ready Refrigerator ("over/under"freezer drawer model)

6 years ago

Hi - We are remodeling our kitchen and getting a panel ready Sub Zero. The cabinet maker will only warranty the refrigerator panels against warping if they are divided into four panels. Prefer the look of a single panel, but worried about warranty. Has anyone ever seen this restriction in warranty? Has anyone had warping in a single panel? Pics attached. Thank you!

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M

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I am one of those strange people who actually prefers a flush install of a built-in appliance over a fully integrated installation. I always feel that a fridge is too big to look nice as a "fake cabinet". It just doesn't feel organic when I see this giant panel that pretends to be a cabinet.

On the other hand, with a flush install, the fridge is still kept out of sight for the most part, but you get just enough visual cues to realize that this isn't a comically oversized cabinet. I like that. I want to know where the fridge is hiding.

Your mileage might very well vary though. Everybody has a different design preference.

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Comments (9)

M
6 years ago
Find a better cabinet maker.

We have a 36" SubZero all-fridge. In other words, there is one big door for the entire appliance, and no drawers.

Our cabinet maker didn't even blink. No problem building a panel for that. He did mention though that the panel has to be built from veneered material. Solid wood is going to warp in this situation. But that's fine. Nothing wrong with veneer, if done properly.

There are times when solid wood is the correct choice; and then there are times when veneer is a better option. A good cabinet maker knows which material to pick in which situation.
mudroomaddition thanked M
chispa
6 years ago
I have SZ 36" all fridge (door+drawers) and a 24" all freezer (door only). The top panel for the 36" fridge is split into 2 panels from top to bottom. That was the way my KD designed it using Wood Mode cabinets. They have been in for about 18 months and there isn't any issues with the tall panels.

I don't think I would have liked it split into 4, breaking up the tall lines of the 2 units.

I never asked for a single panel, so I don't know if they had any limitations or warranty issues.

Would your cabinet maker compromise with 2 panels?
mudroomaddition thanked chispa
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User
6 years ago
Be sure that you understand the difference between “panel ready” and “fully integrated” or you’ll be regretting this choice. This will not “disappear”.

A plain flat veneered MDF panel can be 36” W. The moment you start putting some type of profile to it, and have a single piece of 3/4” wood 36”Wide, that’s a problem. Now, if the frame and the panel are both MDF, painted, that will work. Yes, entry doors are 36” wide. They are also thicker than 3/4”.
mudroomaddition thanked User
mudroomaddition
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi - Thanks for the responses! M: I assume the veneered material looks the same as your wood cabinets? Chispa - would you be able to send a picture of your 2 panels? Would love to see what that looks like! Life Wire Oak - Can you elaborate? Not sure I do understand the difference between "panel ready" and "fully integrated"? The cabinets we are using are not flat i.e. they do have a profile - is that what you are saying could be an issue?
Zalco/bring back Sophie!
6 years ago
Fully integrated refrigerators blend in with the cabinets perfectly. You cannot tell where the refrigerator is. Google images of fully integrated SZ and built in SZ and you will see the difference. There is a big cost difference as well.
mudroomaddition thanked Zalco/bring back Sophie!
Zalco/bring back Sophie!
6 years ago
I agree, M. I never understood the paneled SZ's of our childhood. Either you integrate the icebox or keep it stainless steel.
mudroomaddition thanked Zalco/bring back Sophie!
Suzanne Giomi
4 years ago
Hi M.

could you pls send me a picture of your fridge installed so i can see what you‘re talking about (flush vs integrated)?
M
4 years ago
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5729192/counter-depth-fridge-love-yours#24244586