Integrated is the latest trend in refrigeration. It differs from counter depth, because the door and handles do not protrude. It sits flush and is indistinguishable from the cabinet itself.
There is another, more practical reason for the sudden trend of integrated refrigerators. They meet all the future Federal standards for energy consumption. Many larger professional refrigerators do not.
Two of the more popular integrated refrigerators are Gaggenau and Sub-Zero. We will look at each company and their most popular refrigerator. Then compare both. As usual, feel free to comment below.
Sub-Zero
Sub-Zero is an American company manufacturing high end refrigeration and wine storage. The company was started by Westye F. Bakke in 1945 in Madison Wisconson. Sub-Zero is known for their dual compressor system which keeps food fresher longer.
In 2000, Sub-Zero acquired the kitchen appliance company the commercial range company, Wolf. Sub-Zero is the largest American, family owned appliance manufacturer.
Gaggenau
Gaggenau is a high end German manufactured appliance company owned by BSH Bosch and since 1995. They are known for the convection steam ovens and the Bang & Olufsen inspired European design. Their fridges are actually produced at BSH’s plant in Turkey along with the Thermador, Bosch and Miele refrigeration.
Sub-Zero vs. Gaggenau 36-inch Integrated Refrigerators
Gaggenau RY492701 36" French Door Bottom Freezer
- Width 36" (91.4 cm)
- Stainless steel interior
- Generous LED lighting concept
- Solid aluminum door bins
- Net volume 19.6 cu.ft.
- Integrated automatic ice maker with fixed water connection in the freezer drawer
- One motorized glass shelf, adjustable when fully loaded
- One asymmetrically split glass shelf
- Fully extendable freezer drawer with practical divider
- ENERGY STAR® qualified
- Full 2 year warranty
Gaggenau offers a full 2-year warranty. Gaggenau also makes single door bottom freezers in 30" and 36". The 30" is great for smaller kitchen applications.
Gaggenau RB472701 30" and 36" Single Door Bottom Freezer
- Width 36" (91.4 cm)
- Stainless steel interior
- Generous LED lighting concept
- Solid aluminum door bins
- Net volume 19.8 cu.ft.
- Integrated automatic ice maker with fixed water connection
- One motorized glass shelf, adjustable when fully loaded
- One asymmetrically split glass shelf
- Fully extendable freezer drawer with practical divider
- ENERGY STAR® qualified
Sub-Zero IT-36CIID 30" Single Door Bottom Freezer
- Air purification system fights spoilage, odors
- Internal water dispenser
- LED Lighting
- Water-filtration system reduces particles, pollutants
- Dual Refrigeration
Sub-Zero IT-30CIID 36" Single Door Bottom Freezer
- Air purification system fights spoilage, odors
- Internal water dispenser
- LED Lighting
- Water-filtration system reduces particles, pollutants
- Dual Refrigeration
Dual Refrigeration
This fridge has separate compressors and cooling systems for the refrigerator and freezer. Fresh food stays fresher in cool, moist air on one side, while frigid, dry air prevents frost and freezer burn on the other optimum preservation conditions for each type of food. bottom line, food stays fresher longer.
Warranty
- 2 year full parts and labor
- Full 5 years on the sealed system
- Limited 12 years on the sealed system (labor not included)
Comparison
First, both are good choices. They both promote well. Sub-Zero has the $2,500 rebate with multiple Sub-Zero and Wolf purchases. Gaggenau offers a 5 year warranty and 2 free accessories. They also both have two compressors, so there is no air interchange between compartments.
The interior of the Gaggenau is stainless steel. It’s the only major manufacturer using stainless. I also like the stainless shelving and interior lighting.
However, the new Sub-Zero is really compelling and is designed to keep food fresher longer at almost every level. The vacuum seal keeps air out. The electronic filter scrubs the gasses off food so it slows spoiling. I also like the magnetized crispers for not allowing air to infiltrate into the fruit and cheese compartment.
The temperature controls are similar to your phone and can be set and maintained to one degree.
One Large Tip: The integrated look is a great aesthetic, but tough to execute. Sub-Zero is easier to install, but both are still easy.
Reliability
Based on limited sales, Gaggenau requires the least amount of service according to our service department (sales vs service calls over 1 year) of any appliance brand. However, their concentration is mostly cooking and again our sales of Gaggenau are not that large. Sub-Zero is under the average of 22% service calls within the first year.
Final Thoughts
Both are good options. Gaggenau is so distinctive that you may add it when purchasing other Gaggenau appliances. I like the warranty. It’s the best in the industry. In terms of function, the edge should go to Sub-Zero.
Additional Resources
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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.
