Incredibly, It's Worth Every Penny

I entered into the SubZero world very reluctantly. I was remodeling my kitchen back in 2000 and, it being a galley kitchen, was limited in terms of space. The final design required a refrigerator that sat at counter-depth (24"). I researched and researched and found only two manufacturers at the time, Sub-Zero and KitchenAid, that made 24" depth refrigerators.

My other consideration was the width of the unit. I needed to maximize counterspace, and although the KitchenAid was much less expensive, its narrowest model was 36" wide.

So I went and looked at the SubZero 611, which is 24" deep and 30" wide. (Note that this may be small in terms of cubic feet for a large family, but is more than satisfactory for a single/couple and/or if you have a spare frig as I do.) And there it was in all its stainless steel glory--and a price tag to match. At approximately $4,500 or thereabouts, I have to say I cringed and began to re-think my kitchen design.

I of course had heard that this was "the" refrigerator to own, but I'm not big on fancy labels, so its rather pretentious name was another deterrent for me.

Also, the refrigerator was probably the least exciting new appliance I was purchasing for my new kitchen (I was much more into the range--that's for another review). I mean, it keeps stuff cold or frozen as the case may be. Big deal. Nevertheless, after much deliberation, I finally caved.

I have never had a problem with it whatsoever. Nothing. (I hope I'm not jinxing myself.) Yes, there is a hum when the compressor goes on--after all, the motor on this puppy's a killer--but I don't find it troublesome.

Its shallow depth makes it a breeze to clean (which of course would be a benefit in any 24" depth refrigerator, something to keep in mind regardless of the manufacturer). And of course it sits tucked neatly beside the counter, quite unobtrusively.

I have the stainless steel one, which does easily get fingerprints and such, and I would be wary of it if I had small children, who could easily scratch it, so if you are purchasing this while re-doing your cabinets, consider getting coordinating panels rather than the stainless.

I had never had a bottom mount freezer, and it truly makes sense (a lot less bending down into the frig part, which you go into a lot more than the freezer section--again true of any make that makes bottom mount styles). With the Sub-Zero you hear a little sound when you close it, almost a whoosh, because the freezer is in effect sealing itself shut.

Which leads me to: why am I so enthusiastic? Well, aside from my personal trouble-free experience with it and its easy upkeep, you may have heard of a very long blackout we had here in the Northeast a couple of years ago. In my estimation my electricity was out for about 18 hours or so. I was stuck at a hotel, and didn't get home until the next day just a short time after the power came back on.

To my amazement, NOTHING had gone bad. Granted, the refrigerator had not been opened...but nevertheless, even all of my frozen food was still frozen solid. It was August and even my milk didn't turn. Of course you don't know me, but I am a fussy stickler about any food that even begins to look like it's turning, so believe me when I say everything was fine. Friends and neighbors who also went through the blackout could not believe it and I think all of them lost a good bit of food that day. Pretty incredible.

Ironically, it has turned out to be my very favorite kitchen appliance.