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 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 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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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