Some years ago we did a full kitchen remodel. Instead of splurging on a SubZero 42" built in fridge, I bought a KitchenAid to save a few thousand $. It looked beautiful with its lovely cabinet panels but the quality was nothing like SubZero and I would not make the same decision again, having experienced SubZero after buying a home that had one. I'm currently replacing a refrigerator with a built-in and this time I'm splurging on SZ. One of my criteria for refrigerator quality is that things in the refrigerator don't freeze. Another is that the design is such that you can get the drawers all the way out when the doors are open. The KA didn't meet either of those standards.

I later bought a stainless KA range. The finish started corroding shortly after I bought it. Friends had a very similar KA range that did the same thing. After those two KA experiences I decided I'd never buy another Whirlpool brand appliance.

So yes, if you're going to get a KitchenAid, I'd get the extended warranty. I say that even though I got an extended warranty on a couple of other non-KA appliances and never used it.

thank you for your response. I know the KA is the ”poor man” version of the SZ and cannot compare the quality but unfortunately cannot afford to splurge on the SZ.

Does anyone have another recommendation for a 36inch built in fridge that is better than KA?

I am grateful for any ideas or advice.

thanks!

KA is 8K plus the cost of the extended warranty. Designer SZ is 11.5K.

You get integrated. Buy the SZ.

Beware of KA "panel ready" appliances. They are not actually built in models. You have to move up to the ones that are actually built in, to be able to compare with other built ins. At that point, the SZ is the best of the best, so why bother saving 4K and buying problems with it.

Thanks so much for the feedback. its very helpful - we will have to reconsider our options and see if we can make the SZ work in our budget