Built-in Sub-Zero vs. Monogram Refrigeration 

Darin Busey, Appliance Specialist

Posted on April 13th, 2020

During a kitchen remodel, you may be asked if you would like a Freestanding or Built-In refrigerator. Which one should you choose? That is a great question. While just about anyone can opt for the less expensive freestanding refrigerator, a built-in unit is all about form and function. Here we discuss and compare two well-known and very well-made Built-In Refrigerators to help you make an educated decision when it comes to your kitchen.

Did you know a family of four throws away roughly $1,200.00 a year in spoiled food due to the function of a refrigerator - namely too high or too low of humidity? Humidity is an important aspect of a refrigerator's functions. You will naturally want lower humidity in the freezer to deter freezer burn, yet higher humidity in the refrigerator to keep the fruits and vegetables fresh. Creating this balance is not as easy as it sounds.

Sub-Zero technology features separate compressors and cooling systems for the refrigerator and freezer. Crispers and deli-drawers are strategically located near the evaporator to maintain temperatures just a few degrees cooler than the rest of the unit. Drawers are sealed to lock in humidity and ensure freshness for longer. Many fresh foods emit ethylene gas, a natural compound that hastens spoilage. However, Sub-Zero's built-in refrigerators come with an anti-microbial air purification system (based on technology developed by NASA) that scrubs the air of ethylene, as well as mold. The microprocessor preserves your food by adjusting to the correct temperature and continuously monitors each section of your Sub-Zero to pinpoint climate control so foods are kept at their ideal temperature. The Water-Filtration System is designed to reduce contaminants and chlorine tastes and odors when purifying water for ice. This low-maintenance system uses a filter built to last 1 year or 750 gallons. The Automatic Ice Maker is a high-efficiency unit that provides crescent-shaped ice cubes. The "max ice" feature is capable of increasing ice production by an average of 30 percent for a 24-hour period. Interior LED lighting to see all your fresh foods more clearly and easily. LED lighting is also more energy-efficient. It is designed to last the life of your refrigerator.

Monogram built-in refrigerators have a compressor and evaporator for both the refrigerator compartment along with the freezer compartment. This allows the unit to maintain controlled humid air in the refrigerator and controlled dry air in the freezer. The Monogram features an upfront electronic control with digital readout which allows precise temperature settings and are positioned for maximum ease of use. The humidity-controlled vegetable compartments and sealed snack trays have full extension slides. The bins help maintain freshness and the full extension slides help with ease of storage. Adjustable, spill-proof glass shelves make it easy to customize storage to handle foods and containers of various sizes. Monograms water-filtration system is designed to reduce contaminants and chlorine taste and odors when purifying water for ice, this low-maintenance system uses a filter built to last 6 months or 375 gallons. Some refrigeration units have an internal water pitcher with an automatic fill system. The ice storage system will hold about two gallons of clear ice. Monogram has a Sabbath mode designed to disable functions in accordance with Sabbath-Observing practice. Many units come with an optional “late-night snack mode” which is a ramp-up LED lighting so you are not blinded in the middle of the night.

Both built-in units are built here in America to ensure quality and craftsmanship. They both have sealed systems with two compressors and two evaporators and both preserve food well with filtered water and ice. The Monogram refrigerator has a few additional features compared to the Sub-Zero unit, but if I had to choose one or the other, it would be the Sub-Zero. This decision comes down to the simple fact of confidently knowing the longevity of the appliance is 20+ years.

Shop these two Built-In Refrigerators below: