Sub Zero refrigerators have been a go-to choice for the upscale refrigerator market and there’s a good reason for it. They offer excellent service support, great quality parts, and come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Sub Zero has been manufacturing luxury refrigerators for over 75 years. They’ve had a lot of practice. Instead of investing in bells and whistles, they have one goal, to keep your food fresher for longer -- and they’re great at that.
I want to address quality for a moment. Your aging Sub Zero fridge is probably old, maybe it was installed before you bought the house. I’ve helped hundreds of customers replace their old Sub Zero refrigerators and nearly all of them were more than 15 years old. I’ve come across some Sub Zero refrigerators up to 30 years old. To put this in perspective, the average fridge sold today lasts about 8 years. Sub Zero refrigerators are a luxury product designed to last 2-3 times longer than the average refrigerator sold today. Yes, they cost more than the average fridge but they are an investment in your home value and happiness for years to come.
If your old built-in refrigerator is on the fritz - it’s good to get a head start on replacing it. Most refrigerators need to be ordered. The right model for your home could take a while to come in so it’s smart to buy your new refrigerator before your old refrigerator breaks down.
If you have an older built-in model keep in mind that replacing it might take some work. With any built-in appliance, there are some variables so you should be prepared for any surprises that could come up during the replacement process. It’s handy to know a good carpenter or plumber just in case you need to have some work done to accommodate the new model.
Most homeowners are unsure of the location of the electrical outlet or water line behind your old fridge - especially if it’s built-in. With a freestanding fridge on wheels - it’s much easier to tell. However, with a built-in model, you need to have a qualified professional uninstall the old fridge before you can know for sure what you’re working with.
Having facilitated many of these replacement projects - many older built-in Sub Zero refrigerators can be easily replaced by a new Classic Series Sub Zero fridge. If your current refrigerator has old wooden panels on it - you will likely be able to move those panels over to your new fridge model with the addition of a Sub Zero retrofit kit. When you transition old panels to a new fridge you always run the risk of the panels warping when they get moved. For this reason, several homeowners opt for a new stainless steel Classic Series model to simplify the process.
Whether your old built-in fridge is a Sub Zero or another brand such as KitchenAid, or Monogram (to name a few) you will want to follow the same simple steps before you buy a new refrigerator.
Talk to an experienced professional first
Before we start pulling your old refrigerator out of the cabinets, it’s a good idea to do some research first. I like to review the specifications for your old refrigerator - as well as the specifications for your desired new refrigerator to predict any variables.
Specs are a pretty good indicator of fit - but they aren’t a perfect measure for success.
Until an installer pulls out your old refrigerator we won’t know for sure if there are any unforeseen obstacles or variables. For example, the cabinet opening might not be exactly to spec, or the electrical outlet was in the wrong location.
It’s important to make sure that the electrical outlet is in the right place behind your built-in refrigerator as this will impact how far the refrigerator sticks out of your cabinets. Most old Sub Zero refrigerators call for the outlet in the upper right-hand corner of your cabinet opening and the water connection at the bottom of the opening. New Classic Series Sub Zero refrigerators call for the same requirements - but not every brand is the same.
Pay Special Attention to Cutout Requirements
Built-in refrigerators sit in a dedicated cabinet opening or cutout. A cabinet cutout is essentially a hole with a specific width, depth, and height. Not all built-in refrigerators call for the same cutout.
Older Sub Zero models call for a minus half-inch wide cutout. This means that a 48-inch-wide Sub Zero refrigerator likely sits in a cabinet opening that is 47.5-inches wide. Many newer integrated refrigerators call for a true-width cutout. This is another reason why checking the specs is incredibly important. You don’t want to find out on the delivery day that your new refrigerator is too wide for your cabinets. Consult with an experienced professional before you replace any built-in appliances to avoid any unwanted surprises.
If your old fridge is a Sub Zero, Monogram, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, or Thermador - your cutout is likely a half-inch smaller than the measurement of the front of your fridge. Be sure to check the specs for old and new models to make sure your desired refrigerator will fit.
Hire a Qualified Installer
If you’re replacing an older built-in refrigerator, make sure your installer is experienced. Built-in fridges are extremely heavy and should be handled with care. They need to be installed in your cabinet cutout with an anti-tip bracket. You cannot use your built-in refrigerator until it is properly installed. Accessing a top-heavy fridge that is uninstalled is a major safety hazard. Make sure your new fridge is installed properly before filling it with food.
The leading cause for first-year service calls on any appliance is poor installation. Using a qualified installer is important to get the most out of your new appliance. Sub Zero recognizes this. If you decide to have a certified installer replace your Sub Zero refrigerator, you receive an extra year warranty on your product.
Promotions + Reasons to Upgrade your Fridge
Replacing your old refrigerator will save you money. Newer models are more energy-efficient than ever. Your local energy provider might even offer incentives and rebates for upgrading to a new energy star model. You might notice your monthly electricity bill is lower with a new fridge.
Energy efficiency rebates are helpful but pretty nominal. You can occasionally qualify for much bigger savings with brand promotions. Now many luxury brands require that you buy a full suite of appliances to qualify for a rebate.
Sub Zero is always looking for new ways to help their customers. From now through June 30, 2021, earn three additional years of protection or a $1,000 rebate with the purchase of a qualifying Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance package.