To each their own!

SZ will stand out in the best way. It'll run for decades without being replaced. Nothing else will stack up against that. If you want more wow, you can affix anything you want as the panels for an integrated model.

As @dan1888 said, SubZero is the way to go. It’s the best made fridge, best customer service, will last 25 years or more. And, you can order any panels you want for the doors.

I prefer my fridge/freezer to "disappear", so I paneled the Sub-Zero fridge/freezer in the two kitchens I designed. I also hate cleaning stainless, which makes the paneled appliances even better. I also paneled the dishwashers and under counter beverage fridge, for even less stainless!

24" SZ freezer on left & 36" SZ fridge on right.

Notice both are hinged on the left, which worked best for this kitchen layout.

42" SZ french door fridge/freezer.

I would have gone with a 48" model, but it wasn't offered when we built.

I have to take a new photo ... the toe-kick was still missing when I took this one.

Being in my second home with SZ my opinion is that they are overrated performance-wise, and the only reason to repair them and keep them running is because they’re too darned expensive to replace. They do look nice and feel nice.

That said, I do second Dan’s suggestion for the integrated model if you have the flexibility budget-wise and spec-wise. Find the right craftsman and you’re limited largely by your imagination. Google ”integrated armoire refrigerator” and you’ll see a bunch of gaudy stuff out there but you’ll get an idea of the possibilities.

Overrated? Hardly. They are the best insulated fridges on the market Food stays freshest, the longest. They rarely need repairs…and, when they do, SZ carries parts to all models for decades.

My first SZ was still going strong at 26yo, when we sold that home. Because of its superior insulation, and super strong seals, during Hurricane Sandy and two weeks without power the unit was still cool inside at 10 days. Even the ice was still frozen. The 42” FD SZ in the new home, is now over 10 years old, and has never needed a repair.

Do you have the space in the fridge opening for something unusual? smeg has some fun fridges - have no idea on their performance/quality

Smegs are cute, retro. However, performance is awful.

get the panel ready SZ and make some fun panels like the inspo pic (which are ridicuously cool, btw). It can look retro, very statement piece looking, high end, built in AND it will work great and last for years. That amount of funky customization should not be done on a disposable piece.

(and, if you decide to change your kitchen or the design ends up getting tiresome - change it - everyone can make panels for SZ. It could outlast a kitchen remodel...

Well, I did say ”opinion.” Of course they keep parts longer for an item too expensive to be treated as disposable.

I bought a house with 20 year old 601’s in it, both with service history. After a few annual service calls, factory authorized company, they offered a new sealed unit for the fridge, but stopped short of recommending it as the units were past life expectancy. I went for it and when that failed just over the year mark and they wouldn’t make it right, I expressed my opinion and was dropped as a customer and hung up on. A second authorized company came and took a look, said I needed a sealed unit and they’d do it but would offer zero warranty on the work due to age. I ripped it out and threw a Frigidaire twin in its place as I decide what to do. The freezer limps along, with the help of me manually defrosting it every few months despite service having tested all the heaters and cycle and declaring it good.

New house, I’ve got a BI-36U which works fine except for broad temperature swings which necessitates a 35° setting to keep things safely cold. It’s been mainly a weekend house up until recently so it’s not like the doors are constantly opened. If it keeps things fresher longer, I certainly haven’t noticed.

So my opinion isn’t without basis. I do like the look and the heft, and frankly anything cheaper feels cheap next to it. Would I spring for SZ if doing a remodel? Yes, most likely. But I wouldn’t kid myself about why.

"I want a refrigerator with WOW! factor."

The GE GZS22IYNFS 21.8 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Fingerprint Resistant Side-By-Side Refrigerator (36" wide; ~$2100) did well enough in CU's testing to earn a "recommended" rating. Apply a vinyl refrigerator wrap to its smooth surface to make it appear as WOW as you want. Become tired of the appearance? Just change the wrap. Or remove the wrap to re-expose the stainless steel.

• RMWraps custom-printed refrigerator wraps

OMG, those wraps are insane! so many options--if that's the look you want, wdcruise found you an amazing source!

I need this full wrap for my old/plain garage fridge!

The kitchen in the model home photos is very monochromatic, almost dull. If you apply a WOW! wrap, the refrigerator will draw a LOT of attention to itself. Be sure that's what you want (though you'll be able to remove the wrap if it begins to seem too much).

@dadoes YES! YES! YES! Thank you for those photos! And the ID of the fridge! Hadn’t thought about doing that for inspiration!

@wdcruise. It’s ok, you can say it’s boring. It IS! We were limited in what the builder
offers so we have elected to go basic, but project 1 post closing is replacing a couple of cabinets, having them painted, replacing appliances and counters. Still trying to figure out exactly what “look” I’m going for but the layout demands a strong refrigerators. Unusual, I know!

I don't think there is any kitchen layout out there that "demands a strong refrigerator"!

It is just an appliance and not a design focal point!

" replacing a couple of cabinets, having them painted, replacing appliances and counters"

You're going to replace brand new cabinets, appliances, and counters in a brand new kitchen in a brand new house?

I see your situation with upgraded choise limits you don't see the added value of. Talk to the builder about not installing things you'll want to replace for a credit.

Production builders will not agree to not install certain items and no way will you ever get a credit! My parents have built 4 houses with production builders (NJ and FL) and even when you tell them you will pay for it, but don't want it, they will still insist on installing it. And my Dad is a good negotiator. There is no reasoning with them!