Thermador vs. Sub-Zero Built-in and Integrated Refrigerators - Ratings / Reviews / Prices

Sub-Zero and Thermador are the most compared and best brands for integrated refrigerators on the market by far. In this video, you will learn all aspects of built-in refrigerators from both Thermador and Sub-Zero, including sizes, configurations, door storage, controls, and shelving including photos and time-lapse videos of how they store food. As a bonus, we will compare the reliability rates based on sales versus service over the last 12 months. This comparison is for built-in integrated style refrigerators, not the compressor top counter depths. Thermador no longer markets that unit after years of outsourcing from KitchenAid.

Both are excellent. You should consider both for your kitchen. However, if you are buying a new refrigerator, you have another decision. Depending on when you are reading this one of the main priorities is actually buying one.

Like all refrigerators, both Sub-Zero and Thermador have availability problems. Lead times can be 6 months on certain models or even more. In a comparison this close, you may want to consider sacrificing brand preferences for availability.

Thermador has good storage on the door, a stainless interior and some pretty robust controls. It's a less expensive option especially after the package 1, 2 free rebates.

However, for keeping food fresher longer with its air scrubber, vacuum seal, and magnetic crisper and reliability, Sub-Zero is still the best refrigerator on the market.

One last consideration (that should probably be first). Servicing an integrated refrigerator is not easy. You may want to consider the brand with the best service in the area.

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Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:45 Basics
1:04 Column Refrigeration Doors
1:37 Controls
1:52 Interior
2:12 Shelving
2:31 Air Cleaning
2:48 Crispers
3:01 Ice and Water Dispensers
3:17 Food Preservation and Storage
3:30 Pricing
3:57 Most Popular Units
4:25 Reliability
4:57 Which Should You Buy?

[Cuzin_Ken]

Man I wish you had a store here on Long Island.

[markproft]

Had a Sub-Zero in the house we bought, it lasted 20+ years longer, when it came time to replace we bought a Thermador and it was problem-free for 3 years until the ice maker failed. But surprise, it was relatively easy to replace the ice maker. Bought the parts from Thermador and was pleased that for a relatively expensive appliance, it was not that difficult to figure out.

[bluedrummajor]

I've been a French Door kind of guy for the last 20 yrs, but lately a side by side set up has started to make more sense to me.

[YouTber]

This video convinced me. I’m buying on Craigslist

[kennixox]

Go with Sub Zero. Saying that, how long will you stay in the house? Over five years, great. If less, get a cheap size by size with a stainless steel front and that will satisfy the MAJORITY of home buyers. Most don't know the difference. Have the evaporator coils cleaned on an annual basis especially of you have pets or live in a dusty desert climate like do. Don't buy Sub Zero, Wolf, Cove, Miele appliances for homes valued under a million dollars. Only use these appliance brands in neighborhoods that would most likely have similar high end appliances and only if the resale comps support it. Home buyers in lower priced neighborhoods are more familiar with the appliances sold at Home Depot or other big box stores. Sub Zero needs to do a major rethink on their interior lighting. The top down illumination is insufficient compared to the competition. Was a bit surprised recently seeing Sub Zero, Wolf appliances in a home in London of all places. Did not realize that they sell internationally now.

[marcussp]

What are your thoughts on the Frigidaire Side by Side Columns. I know they may not be the same quality as Thermador and Sub Zero but they are half the price and comparable in size. Is it worth the large savings to go down to something like this Frigidaire?

[quetzgo]

I had a kitchen aid fridge that I replaced with a Thermador. The kitchen aid was bigger cubic feet and I did not realize it!!! Now I have to have a second fridge!!!

[juliovalencia]

Why is it so hard to purchase any of these brands here in tucson az ?

[Lasertrac]

Please consider reviewing the new dishwasher in the Wolf/Subzero lineup. I'm curious as to how it measures up.

[SantaBarbaraGina]

Thank you for your well-organized presentation!

[blakeanderson]

What about fiskel built in in comparison?

[zahanmalkani]

Thanks! Clear presentation, as always.
Where is the compressor located on the Thermador units you discussed? I thought a big pro for Sub-Zero is the compressor on top. If Thermador keeps it on the bottom, does it push all the shelves up?

[Shoppincart]

any chance that sub-zero will go with a full stainless interior column that isn't the pro model?

[Pipseason]

How does true rank on this list? I’m looking at true sub zero and thermador

[rpols]

At this point, I really don't care about what gizmos/gimmicks the refrigerator has, I just one that doesn't need to be serviced every 4 months.... I don't understand how these companies are allowed to get away with intentionally designed operational flaws in refrigerators as they all seem to be junk nowadays. I'm looking at these two "expensive" companies as I have no more faith in the big box store refrigerator companies.

[jaylow]

Great reviews. Funny thing is most people hear the price of subzero and cringe. Thermador over all is a better price and in some ways builds a better fridge at a much better price point. If you decline installation you lose all promotions with subzero.

[bigtexan]

Aren’t Thermador refrigerators made by Bosch?

[flybyairplane]

You could have the GREATEST BRAND IN THE WORLD, however when you add ice & water in the door those ratings plummet, those items cause the higher repair items I will not buy external ice, water
Sure they AREconvient. But at what price Or piece of mind ? 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[jeffledoux]

What about kitchaid? I couldnt understand what you said.

[tylero]

Sub Zero all the way. You can pay a premium for sure. But overall quality and build is better with Sub.