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First, columns are all refrigerator or all freezer as opposed to a unit with both. We have an article about integrated refrigerators and freezers. You can access it here.
Unlike refrigerator and freezers, there are only a few decent columns in the market. In fact, the industry is dominated by Sub-Zero and Thermador. We will look at both, but first, you should know the difference between an integrated and counter depth refrigerator.
Integrated vs. Counter Depth
Integrated fits within the cabinet whereas the door on the counter depth will protrude. Integrated is better with cabinet fronts because it just blends in and is indistinguishable.
Short on time? Get our free Counter Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide
Let's look at some brands.
Sub-Zero
Refrigerator Columns
IC-36R - $7,340 / IC-30R - $6,930 / IC-24R - $6,540
Freezer Columns
IC-36F - $7,630 / IC-30F - $7,040 / IC-24F - $6,700 / IC-18F - $6,300
Features:
- Air Purification Scrubber
- Nano coated spill proof shelving
- Led lighting
- Soft closes drawers
- Magnetic door seal
Sub-Zero has been producing built-in refrigeration since the 1950s right here in America. The unit is designed to keep food fresher for a longer period of time with the best temperature control system and vacuum seal to keep air in or out of the refrigerator.
They have also incorporated some really proprietary features in their fridge including their air scrubber. This removes ethylene gas, which causes fresh foods to spoil, along with helping to remove odors in the fridge.
You will like the Nano-technology shelving because it congeals the spills. (Cleaning a major spill in a refrigerator seemingly takes years).
Thermador
Refrigerators
T36IR900SP - $7,249 / T30IR900SP - $6,249 / T24IR900SP - $5,649
Freezers
T36IF900SP - $7,049 / T30IF900SP - $6,249 / T24IF900SP - $5,649 / T18IF900SP - $5,199
Features:
- Freedom Hinge
- Open Door Assist
- Delicate Produce Bins
- Carbon Air Filter
- Thermafresh System
- Ramp up lighting
Thermador has revamped their refrigeration line with lots of upgrades. Their door is especially noteworthy as the bins are customizable. The metal door does a better job of absorbing cold to keep milk and juices cooler.
Their digital controls are the most robust and have many different settings and functions along with a climate control bins.
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Miele
Refrigerators
K1903VI - $6,899 / K1803VI - $6,599
Freezers
F1913VI - $7,099 / F1803VI - $6,899 / F1413FI - $5,749
Features:
- Rapid Cool/Freeze
- Clear View Lighting
- Remote vision capable
- Dynamic Cooling
- Humidity controlled crisper drawers
Miele and Thermador are both made in the same Turkish plant. Miele has better crispers and more intense lighting. They also have the RemoteVision, which monitors your refrigeration for repairs.
Brands to Consider at a Later Date
Dacor
Dacor's stainless steel interior is the most hygienic and absorbs cold air better. It has cameras on the inside so you can check your refrigerator while grocery shopping. Dacor is now owned by Samsung. You will see a ton of innovation in the future.
Viking
Features are not a problem with Viking. It has very good controls, filters, and door. However, reliability is a nagging problem for this brand. They could still be great with some better engineering.
Which Do You Buy
The Dacor will be interesting in a few years, but Sub-Zero and Thermador are still far ahead of the rest. Miele (and Gaggenau) are the same box, so promotions and rebates should help you decide.
Additional Resources
Download the Yale Refrigerator Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips for refrigerators. Well over 240,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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A few review sites have placed this at the bottom of their articles. So here is our take: Our mission is to find reliable products for you to buy. Other review sites may say this as well.
However, we don’t love every product. Quite frankly, it costs us way too much money in repair costs to support less reliable brands.
In fact, we sell fewer brands than most appliance stores. Here is why:
We feel it is our responsibility to repair your appliances after you buy them.
We now have 30 service technicians, each averaging 8-10 calls a day Monday through Friday, plus another 110 on Saturday. That's over 30,000 service calls logged in one year.
The labor rates of fixing an appliance do not come close to the true cost in any product’s warranty period.
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Our Blog is a bit different than most others you will read. We cannot write glowing reviews of unreliable products.
Hopefully, the bloggers and organizations who write such glowing product reviews for every brand consider servicing these products first. Only then they will understand the consequences of their marketing.
A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.