So your SZ frig lasted 26 years and you are wondering if you should buy a different brand? That's the equivalent of getting 200,000 miles out of your Ford truck and wondering if your next one should be a Chevy. :-) I wouldn't think of buying another brand.

So your SZ frig lasted 26 years and you are wondering if you should buy a different brand? That's the equivalent of getting 200,000 miles out of your Ford truck and wondering if your next one should be a Chevy. :-) I wouldn't think of buying another brand.

Looks like you got two off on that volley, 007! ;)

Maire, that sounds like a great price for a SZ built-in. Have you been going to the deeageaux price-hound academy?

Really don't see how you could be too far off base just buying the SZ so long as the loss of the cabinet isn't too heart-breaking.

how much are custom panels for the BI 36R?

I can't quote a one price fits all. If you're installing new kitchen cabinets then it's fairly easy to have your cabinet company make a matching panel for your unit.

Our cabinets were installed 26 years ago and although the original company is still in business they no longer make my style panel nor do they use the same stain. I actually got an even better price on my BI 36R then what I originally quoted above so I didn't have any qualms about going the custom panel route.

The cabinet company asked me to give them one of my existing door fronts so that they could custom mill an identical panel and also do a custom stain match. I paid $1600 for two wood panels - one for the refrigerator and a smaller one for the grill. That price also included some cabinetry work since I had to remove the small cabinet above my refrigerator since the BI 36 is taller than the 501F it replaced. It also included the Sub Zero Pro handle that I ordered.

I really like this new unit. It is incredibly quiet, much quieter than the old one and maintains a set temperature perfectly.

Thanks, maire. I'm trying to get an estimate amount for my kitchen remodel. It's also really good to hear that you like your new SZ fridge!

Well this old thread popped up - not sure why, perhaps there was a spam post.

But in case anyone is wondering about the life span of a SZ - our 501 F was still working perfectly when we moved 4 years ago which made it 35 years old.

For our new home we also went with SZ - the 42" French Door and it is amazingly quiet with a great layout.