So, it’s the same fridge, just different measurements for the cabinets.

Let the pictures tell the story.

Sub-Zero Refrigerator With Flush Inset Application

Sub-Zero Overlay Refrigerator With Custom Panels - Notice How the Sides Jut Out Compared to the Flush Inset Model.

Sub-Zero has dubbed this look “flush inset” and the majority of my customers who are paneling their new Sub-Zero’s are going with this
style. I can see why…it’s cleaner and sharper looking.

Most customers think that you have to purchase a unique fridge in order to attain this look. Wrong.
You still purchase a Sub-Zero overlay refrigerator (which comes without a front or handles) and then
you would have your cabinet maker/carpenter play with the cabinet sizes in order to attain the flush inset look.
Basically what they need to do is the following:

- make the depth of the cabinet space 2 3/16″ deeper than the standard depth of 24″. So you would instead be using 26 3/16″ in depth.
- the flush inset width is 2.5″ wider than a standard opening
- the flush inset height is .25″ higher than the standard opening
- you must allow 1/2″ reveal (opening) around the perimeter of the fridge in order to promote airflow and allow for the proper door swing.

Also note: the inside edges of the A)the rough opening B)the sides and a portion of the back of the decorative panel will need to be finished as they are exposed when the doors are open.

Most people use custom panels that are 3/4″ thick. If you go with something larger than this you may be required to purchase a 90 degree door stop in order to prevent interference with adjacent cabinets.

Let the pics tell the story

Time to get your orders placed folks!

Update – Jan 4 – 2011 – And here’s the vid to prove that these hinges are mofo’s! Video ends without comparison to other competitors but worry not, the graphic evidence of the competitions’ inferior hinges/doors is listed below as photos.
PS – please excuse my drab, comatose delivery in the video. I’ve been handling the 3am feedings for my 3 week old son and I’m hurting!

More times than not I’m asked why one should spend the several thousand dollar upcharge on a SubZero when you can find built-in models from other manufacturers for a fraction of the cost.
There’s a couple of ways to tackle this question. The popular answer, and one that I think most appliance guys will spout is that it’s the brand-name. Sub-Zero is to pro refrigerators like Xerox is to copiers. It IS the category. Others will get a bit more technical and will talk about SubZero’s reliance on 2 compressors which prevents air flow between the freezer and fridge ( a good thing).

For me, it’s all about the hinges.

Check out the photos I’ve posted below which compare the hinge action on a Sub-Zero with the hinge on two competitor’s built-in fridges. The SubZero hinge is thick, robust and glides effortlessly when opening the door. The other fridges had hinges that were tiny and didn’t offer a smooth feel when accessing the door.

Hinge on a SubZero Bi-36 refrigerator.

Hinge on an unamed built-in refrigerator. Weak!!!

This thing is going to hold up a 40 lb door?

My point is that the feel of a door, whether it’s a refrigerator, dishwasher or oven says ALOT about the quality of the appliance. If you open up a door and the thing is rattling, uneven or doesn’t open smoothly it’s going to give off the vibe that the product is cheap. You can’t say that about any SubZero doors.

And the hinges on Subs do more than just hold the doors up. The upper hinge adjusts the door up and down which is a great feature for flush inset or overlay Sub-Zero refrigerators. Plus it has a 90 degree stop pin included which will hold your door open when your loading the fridge up with your wares from Whole Foods.

Here’s another tidbit on the vaunted hinges. This is a quote from Jerome Caruso, the man who designed most of SubZero and Wolf’s current offerings. In an interview with Business Week magazine he talked about how he went about re-designing the Sub-Zero and mentioned the hinges:

“Caruso broke with the standard blueprint. He removed the metal shelving and compartments and created an all white and glass interior. “I asked women what they thought,” he says. “I didn’t know if they’d like it, but they said it was so much easier to clean.” And he installed a fully lit ceiling that supplies even illumination. His internal hinge pulls the door out two and half inches before swinging open, preventing it from touching or scraping any other cabinetry or appliance.”

- Cleaning the Exterior of a Stainless Sub-Zero: Use a soft, non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner, something akin to Signature Polish.
Apply to the surface to maintain luster and protect from food stains and remember to always clean in the same direction as the grain.

- Cleaning Interior Glass Shelves: Allow shelves to come to room temperature before submerging in hot water. All refrigerator and freezer compartment glass shelves are dishwasher safe. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

- Cleaning the Interior of a Sub-Zero Refrigerator: Use mild detergent and DO NOT use abrasive cleaners as these may scratch interior surfaces. Mild solution of soap and warm water, with a little baking soda. Do not use vinegar. Avoid using isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or cleaners containing alcohol as this may attack some plastic parts. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid getting water on lights, control display panel and Control Center.

A few years ago, the answer to this query was that SubZero A) was the originator of the concept of built-in refrigeration so they have set the standard that everyone is trying to catch up to B) no one offers two compressors except for SubZero and this feature is well worth the upcharge.

Those two answers still apply, but since SubZero introduced their Built-in series a few years ago, they have clearly distanced themselves from lower-priced competitors as they have introduced a fridge-full of features to firmly cement themselves as the premium brand in food preservation.

Here are a few things Sub Zero has added to their built-in series:

Advanced Walter Filtration – using carbon filters, the system removes viruses, bacteria and chemical pollutants from water.

Antibacterial Air Filter – SubZero has developed a cleaning system to prolong food storage. The filter is located in the back of the wall of the refrigerator compartment. This system scrubs the air of mold, bacteria, viruses and other contaminants too small for conventional filters.

Sub-Zero has built in a host of other features as well – new flush inset design akin to their SubZero 700 series, new Max-ice feature which torques up ice production by 40% over a 24 hour period, touch sense technology on a revised control panel, new brighter and whiter lighting, and more space due to a reconfigured door.

Back to my customer…I went through about half this list and she decided to go with the SubZero. : )

Welcome to the concept of refrigeration and freezer columns as done by SubZero…..

What’s the advantage of columns or integrated refrigeration?

It releases you from design and space constraints! FREEDOM…….

The IC-27R refrigerator is a 27″ inch column with 16.2 cu ft of capacity.
Height is 78 9/16.

Spill proof glass shelves, door alarm to alert you if its left ajar and comes in both stainless as well as
a version that accepts panels and pro or classic tubular handle options are available as well.

A 90° door stop is built into the patented hinge

Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

The IC-27FI all freezer column is nearly identical (16.3 cu ft of capacity) and is E-Star and Kosher certified as well.

The new Sub-Zero integrated columns enable you to pair full-size refrigeration with drawers to customize your clients’ designs in countless new ways.

I’ve been told these units will be in dealer showroom this summer…stay tuned!

New SubZero Refrigerators at Curto's Appliances of Westchester