Sub-Zero vs. Viking 36-inch Integrated Refrigerators (Reviews / Ratings / Prices)

Sub-Zero and Viking are arguably the two most prestige brands in appliances. For a premium remodel or new construction, you should consider both.

Until 2001, Viking only produced ranges and Sub-Zero only produced refrigerators. Now, they both offer almost every kitchen product.

In this article, we will look at both products, both companies, and then compare. But first, you should understand the differences between integrated refrigerators and other types of counter depth refrigerators.

Integrated Refrigerators

Integrated refrigerators fit within a 24-inch cabinet, so you should not be able to distinguish between the cabinet and refrigerator itself. It has a more seamless look than a professional or regular counter depth. 

Price is the only downside. Integrated costs more per cubic foot than any other refrigerator.

Sub-Zero

In 1943, Westye F. Bakke built the first freestanding freezer in the basement of his Madison, Wisconsin home. Bakke founded Sub-Zero Freezer Company two years later in an old two-car garage. 

For sixty years now, Sub-Zero has offered innovative and visually appealing solutions to meet all home refrigeration needs.

Sub-Zero IT36CIIDRH - $8,250 (panels sold separate)

Features:

• Dual Refrigeration – Fresh food stays fresher in cool, moist air on one side while dry air prevents frost and freezer burn on the other.
• Air Purification System – Fresh foods emit ethylene gas which is a natural compound that speeds up food spoilage. Sub-zero comes with an anti-microbial air purification system (based on NASA technology) that scrubs the air of ethylene, as well as mold.
• Internal filtered Water dispenser
• Automatic ice maker
• 3 Cu.Ft refrigerator Capacity
• 4 Cu.Ft Freezer Capacity
• Vacuum sealed doors to prevent outdoor air entering the fridge
• 2 Freezer Drawers
• 2 Year Warranty

Viking Range Corporation was founded by Fred Carl, Jr., a fourth-generation building contractor. He aimed at developing the first commercial-type range specifically designed, engineered, and certified for home use. Viking is considered not only a major appliance manufacturer but a culinary company involved in all aspects of the kitchen and the world of food and wine.

The Viking refrigeration plant was renovated in 2000 and produces Viking built-in refrigerators, freezers, wine storage units, and an entire line of outdoor refrigeration products. Viking was acquired by Middleby, a commercial range manufacturer, in February of 2013.

To be transparent, we do not sell Viking products.

Viking VBI7360WR - $10,999 - $11,899

Features:

• Bluezone Preservation – Works to remove harmful ethylene gas keeping the food fresher longer.
• Internal Water
• Ice Maker
• Max Ice – sets the ice maker to full capacity by setting the freezer to the lowest temperature
• Max Refrigerator – Works to adjust the refrigerator's temperature to coldest setting for 4 hours
• Max Freezer – sets the freezer to its coldest setting for 6 hours, perfect after trips to the grocery store
• LED lighting
• 6 Cu.Ft Refrigerator
• 35 Cu.Ft Freezer
• Plasma cluster Ion Air Purifier - eliminates airborne mold, bacteria, and other impurities while removing odors. Never needs to be replaced.
• Double freezer drawer
• Available in seven exclusive color finishes: Stainless Steel (SS), Black (BK), White (WH), Apple Red (AR), Burgundy (BU), Cobalt Blue (CB), Graphite Gray (GG)
• 2 Year Warranty

Sub-Zero vs. Viking

Two Compressors

Both have dual compressors, so the moister warmer air does not comingle with your dryer, colder freezer. You will have less freezer burn and your frozen food will taste better without transference of odors.

Both employ digital displays for setting the exact temperature. 

Purification

Sub-Zero has an air scrubber to scrub ethylene gases off spoiling food keeping food fresher for a longer period of time. 

Viking has the BlueZone scrubber with Ion purification, which is mostly for removing odors, not to prevent spoilage. 

Shelving

Both have nanotechnology shelving designed to congeal spills and keep them contained on the shelf. You know what it is like to clean spills from the refrigerator. You don't want to find 5-year-old gravy in your fridge.

Vacuum Seal/Magnetized Bins

Sub-Zero has a vacuum seal designed to keep air out as well as magnetized bins. The air, even within the refrigerator, is kept out of the more sensitive fruit and veggie drawers. 

Reliability

The new owner of Viking, Middleby, is a great commercial company with unbelievable cooking technology. However, the Viking refrigerator is still an off shoot from the old 1990s' Amana built-ins.

They need to retool the product, which has been traditionally problematic in order to compete with the better Sub-Zero product.

Until that time, Sub-Zero is the product of choice.

Additional Resources

Download the Yale Counter Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips for regular, pro, and integrated counter depth refrigerators. Well over 240,000 people have read a Yale Guide.

Related Articles

• Best Integrated Refrigerators
• Sub-Zero Built-in vs. Integrated Refrigerators
• New Thermador Integrated Refrigerators