Battle of the Luxury Refrigerators

You’ve decided to go lux in your kitchen, now you need to choose the appliances that will give your kitchen the oomph that is worthy of your fave design magazines. No matter your style or your cooking ability, you need a refrigerator. You don’t need to cook to appreciate the importance of a refrigerator. At the end of a busy day, you still need a place to chill your chardonnay and chicken chow mein. In the land of luxury refrigerators, there are two that rank above others: Sub-Zero and Thermador. Price points are comparable for the most popular sizes, so you need to know a few facts, and ultimately why (spoiler alert) the Sub-Zero is the way to go. Get your gloves and step into the ring of refrigeration. Ding. Ding.

Sub-Zero vs. Thermador Refrigeration Reputation

Face it, there is no denying the Sub-Zero brand has a stellar reputation amongst professionals and home cooks. In both food and design circles, it is known as a “bulletproof” appliance, meaning it is built to last and works for decades.

Sub-Zero created the concept of food preservation back in 1945. They are an American company at the forefront of design innovations we take for granted today. For instance, it was subzero who created counter-depth refrigerators.

Today, Sub-Zero furthers innovation by offering many looks that will accommodate any design diva. Your subzero refrigerator can completely disappear in your kitchen, or it can stand out in that unique industrial way that only Sub-Zero refrigerators can. 

While Sub-Zero remains an innovator of refrigeration technology, Thermador is better known as a generalist in the high-end appliance world. This is not a bad thing, but Sub-Zero leads the way on cold food storage and continues to introduce new advances to the art of refrigeration.

In February 2021, Sub-Zero introduced a fully customizable under-counter series. The company understands how kitchens are evolving and how the use of refrigeration may transcend the kitchen, to be useful in other parts of your home.

College Park Kitchen Remodel Thermador Appliances Signature Kitchens Orlando Kitchen Remodel
Cozy luxury kitchen with high-end appliances, island and wine fridge

Sub-Zero vs. Thermador If You Can’t Stand The Heat...

Even though Thermador has been around longer than Sub-Zero, it came onto the market selling portable heaters for the home. Thermador’s primary focus was the creation of efficient heating sources. But, Sub-Zero’s founding principles centered on refrigeration, and if you want a refrigerator it’s important to think about that: A company that was founded on cooling technology vs. a company that was founded on heating technology.

Modern white kitchen design with stainless steel appliances

Sub-Zero vs. Thermador Supply Chain Strain

Today’s subzero refrigerators are still manufactured in the U.S., while Thermador’s are manufactured in Turkey. This is an important consideration. It is no mystery that the supply chain is strained, particularly when it comes to imports from other countries. Lead time is necessary for any high-end built-in appliance. But, it is more likely that one manufactured in the U.S. will come with fewer challenges, and arrive on time. And, time is money.

Sub-Zero Dual Cooling and Sub-Zero Wine Storage

Sub-Zero vs. Thermador Jargon Jujitzu

When you commit to your refrigerator, you are going to have to make a lot of decisions based on size, look, and function. Before diving into the jargon, it’s important to understand that these lux refrigerators are “built-ins,” as in, they don’t show up at your door and you plug them in. No. They come with a certified installer, and they are built in your home. 

 

Now, you can determine functionality and design. Think about how you want to use the refrigerator. Opening one large door may feel invigorating. Opening two smaller doors may be more practical. You do you. This will lead to an aesthetic that you can integrate into your kitchen design. These are your options and how to talk about them:

 

  • “Side by Side Columns” – A column for the refrigerator and a column for the freezer
  • “Designer Column” – A single column with one door that has both the fridge and freezer
  • “Over-and-Under” – A refrigerator on top, and a freezer on the bottom
  • “Classic French Doors” –  2 doors on the top for the refrigerator, freezer below
  • “Under Counter” – You got this

 

Both Sub-Zero and Thermador offer these options.  Next, determine the width. For both manufacturers, sizes range from 18-inch columns to 36-inch units. But, Sub-Zero goes bigger! Sub-Zero offers 42-inch models as well as 48-inch models. Go big or go home!

 

Now comes the fun part, choosing all the bells and whistles:

  • Glass doors
  • Drawers instead of doors
  • Wine cooling/storage
  • Water/Ice Dispensers
  • Panels or Industrial – As in, the refrigerator can blend in with your cabinets or it can look like a refrigerator. Both options grace the swanky mags. 
Sub-Zero Wine Storage
Sub-Zero Refrigerator Drawers
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Superior Sub-Zero Facts Chill Factor

Simply put, Sub-Zero refrigerators love your food more than other refrigerators do. The company has mastered everything from temperature control to air purification in its refrigerators. In every comparison available, Sub-Zero’s vacuum seal is far superior to any of its competitors. This means that the temperature you set, is the temperature the refrigerator and freezer will be at all times. When fruits and vegetables from the same vendors were stored in both Sub-Zero and Thermador refrigerators over a month-long period, Sub-Zero’s freshness reigned supreme.

Superior Sub-Zero Facts Dual Is Cool

Superior cooling and temperature control are all possible through Sub-Zero’s dual compressor system. This means both the refrigerator and freezer have their own cooling system, and neither the two shall mix. Your freezer won’t look like the North Pole and your refrigerator won’t sweat. While Thermador and others now offer this technology in their refrigerators, Sub-Zero created this technology and remains a leader in keeping food fresh longer.

Sub-Zero Side by Side Columns
Sub Zero under counter
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Superior Sub-Zero Facts Clean Air, We Care

While you may not be an astronaut, you can pretend to be one in your kitchen. Sub-Zero has an air purification system derived from Nasa technology.  Purified air circulates through subzero appliances every 20 minutes. The purification is helped by the vacuum seal. The air purifier removes ethylene gas emitted by fruits and vegetables and prevents cross-contamination amongst other foods. You can rest assured knowing that day and night, your refrigerator is fighting off potential spoils, while you dream of the stars. This technology can be found in other luxury refrigerators, but it cannot be found in new Thermador models

 

Sub Zero under counter

Superior Sub-Zero Facts Crisp Factor

You know all too well that feeling when you reach into your crisper drawer to make that mid-week salad. You’re going to eat healthy tonight. But staring back at you is the saddest looking head of romaine lettuce. You pull it out of the drawer – a weepy mess from a Salvador Dalí painting draped over your hand. Then, you order pizza. Don’t worry, Sub-Zero has your back. Crisper drawers in Sub-Zero refrigerators close magnetically, meaning they will shut and stay that way. No holes. Air from other parts of the refrigerator stays out, maximizing freshness in those foods you’ve neatly tucked away.

Sub-Zero magnetic crisper drawers

Superior Sub-Zero Facts Spill Happens

Your toddler insists on doing everything themselves. While it’s great to support their independence, it often comes with the cost of a mess. Sub-Zero offers nanotechnology on their shelves which allow spills to congeal. So, when little Becky or Sam reaches into the fridge with abandon, this technology allows for any spill to be contained and cleaned up easily. Other refrigerators, including Thermador, do not have this. Say goodbye to milk waterfalls.

Family taking a selfie while laughing together during pizza dinner

Superior Sub-Zero Facts Water At The Ready

You’re a design aficionado. You want clean lines and pristine surfaces. Then, you’re met with a refrigerator that has an epic water dispenser smack dab in the middle of the door. There’s no way to hide that. Yet, you want the convenience of a dispenser. Water and ice dispensers are offered on many Sub-Zero refrigerators. Respectful to their sleek design, Sub-Zero built these dispensers on the inside of the refrigerator making them more discreet than those on the exterior. Of course, if you want to see the dispenser, Sub-Zero offers that convenience as well.

Sub-Zero internal water dispenser

Superior Sub-Zero Facts Go Pro

You may not be a professional chef but you play one on T.V. Other manufacturers have stopped making professional-sized refrigerators, and have only focused on counter-depth built-ins. Sub-Zero does both. They still manufacture their professional line. While this may not mean much to you, know that professional kitchens are less enamored with counter-depth options. The company providing them with professional refrigeration is Sub-Zero.

Sub-Zero pro series

Sub-Zero vs. Thermador Cost

Chances are if you’ve decided to go lux with your kitchen appliances, you already know you’re going to pay premium prices. After all, you are paying for extraordinary reliability, performance, and longevity. Sub-Zero refrigerators last 20 years, while typical refrigerators last 10. If you amortize the cost over that period, it’s easy to see how this investment will pay you back over time. It’s also important to think about what you are saving in food waste. Americans alone throw away 146 million tons of food each year. Sub-Zero’s air purifier will keep that food fresher, longer. You are doing your part to curb that waste. 

 

Full disclosure, when reviewing comparable models manufactured by Sub-Zero and Thermador, Thermador’s unit may appear slightly less expensive. But, considering all the benefits that you receive with Sub-Zero, it’s hard to beat.  You will get more bang for your buck by purchasing this industry-standard in refrigeration.

Sub-Zero French Door Refrigerator
SK Monigram gold

Sub-Zero vs. ThermadorAnd The Winner Is…

You guessed it, Sub-Zero. When it comes to technology, innovation, reputation, and versatility, Sub-Zero is the clear winner. When founding principles are centered on innovative refrigeration, you can rest assured you are getting the best refrigerator on the market when you buy a Sub-Zero. It’s the gold standard by which all others try to achieve.  

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