Not outdated at all. If you want a fully integrated Sub Zero refrigerator, which is totally flush with the surrounding cabinets, using the same material is a great look. If you want your refrigerator to stand out, then go with stainless steel. Keep in mind that you need to specify "fully integrated" or "built-in." Built in will stand a few inches proud of the surrounding cabinets. Fully integrated will probably be more $$$.

Thank you for the explanation and the use of the term, fully integrated. I have never heard that term before. Do you have a preference? This picture is what I am going for. I’m just unsure of which way to go. The kitchen is going to be 19x14 and all white with marble look quartz. I’m torn between thinking it’s a lot of white and it’s two big silver boxes.

Those refrigerators look like built-ins, since they protrude a bit from the cabinetry. I think the difference in price is significant on an already expensive product. It's really your choice. I would go to their website to view the options, and then speak to someone knowledgeable about the features and prices of each.

Thank you!

You're welcome! Just so you know, I have had 2 Subzero fridges in the past 33 years, and I love both of them. The first one lasted 27 years, and the current one has been in my new kitchen for 6 years. The only problem I ever had with the first one is that the ice maker stopped working, and I never had it repaired. The ice maker on this one is fine, it has a separate cold filtered water pipe, so I hope it lasts, as I've gotten used to having ice cubes already made!

The first one had cherry wood panels to match my cabinetry, and the current one is stainless steel. Either one looks good, and both have their drawbacks, especially related to cleaning. SS gets very streaked and shows hand prints, but a white painted wood (which would have matched my current cabinets) would also be a challenge to keep clean.

Anyway, good luck on your choice!

Fully integrated means it LOOKS like an actual cabinet, not an appliance. People will be looking for your refrigerator or dishwasher..."where is it???" Happens to me all the time. LOL. A paneled dishwasher or refrigerator that ISN'T fully integrated can still look like an appliance with a wood panel attached. Fully Integrated is nicer and more $. Must also be much more precise! I quit pre-ordering dishwasher panels until I could get actual dimensions on site.

Good information! I am taking it all in. I am realizing, quickly, that I have a lot to learn.

“Is putting a cabinet facade on a subzero or similar refrigerator out dated?”

It is considered a dated look when a fridge is paneled but it is not a fully-integrated fridge. Note that a fridge that is “panel-ready” vs. a fridge that is “fully-integrated” can differ in price by $7-10k.

Here is a paneled Subzero, but you can see that it’s a fridge, vs. a fully-integrated fridge that disappears into the cabinetry:

Don’t cross off your list the elegance of an integrated fridge that has stainless steel doors rather than paneled doors. I prefer them, but that is personal taste. This one is the Miele columns for when I win the lottery (it’s about $17k):

“It is considered a dated look when a fridge is paneled but it is not a fully-integrated fridge. “

As a blanket statement, I disagree. Paneled side by side fridges, as you pictured above, look dated, especially when they have in the door water/ice. But, FD fridges, and over/under fridges, do not.