In cities like Boston we deliver to all types of houses and buildings, from large single family houses to small apartments. As we have written previously, there are 3 very popular standard refrigerator cabinet widths; 30, 33 and 36 inch. 30 inch is very popular, especially in the city and within smaller kitchens in general. Bosch and Sub-Zero offer two popular premium refrigerators with the 30 inch space...and the companies and their products could not be more different.
Kitchen featuring the Sub-Zero 30 inch built-in
Bosch is a huge international company involved in solar energy, health care, packaging and security. For the home they are also a manufacturer of power tools and very good, stylish appliances. They are known mostly for their dishwashers, but they also offer a full line of freestanding and slide-in ranges, cooktops, microwaves, wall ovens, ventilation, and refrigeration. Bosch has a reputation for designing good quality, reasonably priced appliances and is among our better brands from a service perspective.
In the 30 inch size, they offer one built-in model, the B30BB830SS. Some features of this model include a reversible door, glass shelves, gallon door storage, a quick freeze option, and an icemaker. It is available in stainless steel only, and can be installed flush due to the design of the hinge. The Bosch fridge is manufactured in Turkey, in the same factory as Thermador and Gaggenau refrigeration. I like the Bosch for its seamless, integrated look as it does not protrude at all into the kitchen. Bosch also has the most aggressive rebates in the industry. Couple this refrigerator with a few other appliances and rebates can be as much as 30% (if you time it right).
Watch this short video featuring the Bosch refrigerator in our showroom
Sub-Zero is an American company founded in Wisconsin in 1943, and is family owned and operated. They have long been known as the leader in residential refrigeration, and by acquiring the Wolf cooking brand, have become a powerhouse in high end appliances. Home appliances are their only focus.
In a 30 inch model, they have a few configurations that will offer you some design flexibility. This unit is available in stainless steel with 2 choices of handles, or you can opt for a custom panel. Another version offers a glass refrigerator door, again in stainless or panel ready. Sub-Zero is designed to keep food fresher, longer. Features of the Sub-Zero include a vacuum seal to keep air from infiltrating, as well as an air purification system to prevent food from spoiling.
Their original claim to fame is the two compressors, which circulate air only through the respective compartments for better temperature control. More importantly, it eliminates taste/odor crossover between compartments so your ice cream doesn't smell like the fish from the freezer.
Watch this short video about the Sub-Zero refrigerator for more info
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Bosch B30BB830SS Refrigerator - $6479 |
Sub-Zero BI-30U Refrigerator $7379-$9199 |
Both products are very well designed, reliable, and have good features. They are also different styles. Bosch is integrated with a flatter look, whereas Sub-Zero is a professonal with the compressor on the top. Functionally, I like the Sub-Zero with the food preservation story of better seals, air cleaner and two compressor. It is also slightly larger capacity wise at 18 vs 16 cubic feet and is available to be panel ready or stainless. Bosch is only available in stainless.
Bosch, however, is a great product with a reasonable price especially with their rebates, so from a price standpoint, this is a very attractive option.
Additional Resources
Read our new Yale Counter Depth Refrigerator Guide with specs, features and tips to buying the right counter depth, integrated and professional style refrigerator. Well over 15,000 people have read a Yale Guide.