Sub-Zero

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Sub-Zero

51 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 30, 2025

  Why household appliances are no longer built to last

  Highly recommend buying quality brands, especially used/second hand. People are always renovating and willing to offload a nice fridge or dishwasher for cheap. I've got a **Sub-Zero** from 1993, a **Bosch dishwasher** from mid-2000's, 12 year old **washer/dryer** set, and a **hot tub** from 1996, all working great with a little bit of elbow grease and small DIY repairs every few years.

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• #2Dec 30, 2025

  What product category has gotten worse in quality, even at the premium level?

  Paykel fisher, Bosch, and subzero make excellent, high end, no frills fridges but they seem to be the exceptions (at least that’s what I found when we had to replace our fridge).

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• #3Dec 30, 2025

  Why household appliances are no longer built to last

  All of them for the most part. Sub zero fridges are built to last generally as you can repair them but most need to be thrown out and replaced.

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• #4Dec 29, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  We have a 1999 Sub-Zero side-by-sjde that looks brand new and runs perfectly. I can’t stand the configuration—I’d prefer a built-in bottom-freezer—but until this thing kicks, I’m keeping it.

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• #5Dec 29, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  So what I’m hearing is buy used higher quality stuff instead of new but cheaper stuff 

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• #6Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  My subzero was made in 1987 and is still running great! I have had it serviced twice since I owned it in 2015.

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• #7Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  I mean, you’re not wrong - they are a luxury item. Do you *need* one? Not by any means, but if you’re in the market for one part of it is accepting you’re buying not only for durability but also based on reputation/prestige as well. That being said, the building I work in has 400 apartments, all outfitted with these fridges. In the 17 or so years I’ve been here, only 3(maybe) have ever been removed, one instance by an owner who wanted something even more modern, and another owner who treated the property as an investment and was just plain cheap about anything that needed maintenance (I think his fridge needed a compressor replacement). Third owner was combining apartments and gave all the spare appliances away - staff took this one for our break room and it’s better than any fridge I’ve ever used, bar none.

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• #8Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  I’m interested in learning more about how subzeros are such high value. $30k for a fridge feels like a lot in context to the home depot fridges most people are used to. Every time they come up, the comments tend towards ‘worth the value, if you can afford it.’

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• #9Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  The house we bought has one from 1988, I thought for sure we'd have to replace it but inspector told us these things can last decades.

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• #10Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  That looks like the one we have. We bought it as a floor model back in 2008 and had it installed. It's run like a champ ever since, never had a problem with it.

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• #11Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  I have no idea why you're getting downvoted. One of the best reasons to buy a SubZero is that they stock parts for older models and technicians who are trained to work on them. My sister in law had one that hadn't been serviced since 2006. The water from the thing smelled like mold. Called the technician out and he had it back up and running like new, installed new filters and cleaned the lines. It's like a new fridge now. Try that with a 2006 Samsung or LG and see how that goes for you.

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• #12Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  Can confirm, my grandparents have one that's about 30 years old.

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• #13Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  My aunt and uncle have a Subzero that looks exactly like this one—almost 30 years old now and still going strong. I love that thing. May yours keep plugging along!

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• #14Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  My subzero has a bottom drawer and I also dislike it. But happy with the fridge overall :)

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• #15Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  I just bought a house that had a working subzero from 1986. Imagine a refrigerator lasting 40 years.

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• #16Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  Same! Model 550 from Dec ‘97. Just did a gut kitchen remodel and we kept the fridge ☺️

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• #17Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  I’ve serviced a lot of the T700 series, they’re absolute tanks. Almost every issue pertained to the fans, which usually went bad because people never cleaned the coils

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• #18Dec 28, 2025

  Used Subzero - still tons of life left

  Hell yeah. My house has one and it was made in 1997. Still going strong

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• #19Dec 3, 2025

  If you have a counter-depth refrigerator that has lasted longer than 15 years, what make and model is it?

  Sub zero

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• #20Dec 3, 2025

  If you have a counter-depth refrigerator that has lasted longer than 15 years, what make and model is it?

  We also have sub zero. Very expensive but will not cause any issues.

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• #21Dec 3, 2025

  If you have a counter-depth refrigerator that has lasted longer than 15 years, what make and model is it?

  20 year old subzero at my house!!

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• #22Dec 3, 2025

  If you have a counter-depth refrigerator that has lasted longer than 15 years, what make and model is it?

  Sub-Zero 695

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• #23Oct 5, 2025

  Requesting appliance brand feedback and opinions

  I’ve been a big fan of Miele. My parents and grandparents have used some appliances over fourth years in some cases. All my appliances are Miele and the quality is excellent, not just the longevity but also the output exceeds expectations. Baking results were much better with my Miele oven then my AEG. Washing results much better then my Samsung and I’ve heard the same reactions from my friends compared to their previous brands. Regarding refrigerators I’ve heard just a few reviews about sub zero but all where excellent. GL

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• #24Sep 7, 2025

  We are building a house. We get to pick everything. Please give us tips and thoughts and of course, BIFL. Please!

  sub zero refrigerators really are the best. 20 years is normal

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• #25Sep 6, 2025

  Most bang for your buck fridge?

  I have a sub zero from the 80s still going strong. I think it was 8k new and apparently it’s worth 20k now according to the technician that was servicing my hot water tank. Seems like a rip off until you consider that the new fridges have a 1 year warranty and a 5-7 year expected life span

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• #26Sep 4, 2025

  Parents need all new kitchen appliances

  We have bosch stove, microwave, dishwasher, and washer/dryer. Lived here 12 years and never had any issues with any of them. Fridge is subzero and also perfectly functioning but also very expensive.

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• #27Sep 2, 2025

  Since all modern refrigerators suck, what features would a BIFL fridge have?

  You should buy a Subzero and use it as your blueprint, as they’ve made the best refrigerators for generations and still do. Then you’ll be sad when you realize that’s going to be really hard to beat. Then you’ll perk up when you realize you already own a really nice refrigerator.

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• #28Sep 2, 2025

  Since all modern refrigerators suck, what features would a BIFL fridge have?

  My subzero is also cruising right along. I think it might be old enough to drink at this point, and I didn’t suspect it’ll stop doing what it’s doing anytime soon.

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• #29Sep 2, 2025

  Since all modern refrigerators suck, what features would a BIFL fridge have?

  Bosch and SubZero.

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• #30Sep 2, 2025

  Since all modern refrigerators suck, what features would a BIFL fridge have?

  My subzero seems fine.

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• #31Aug 10, 2025

  Looking for a fridge… but can a fridge even be BIFL?

  Subzero is probably the most buy it for life, as it is designed to be repaired, and repairs will almost always be less than a new subzero replacement. Of course you could just buy a Samsung every few years and basically come out even for the rest of your life.

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• #32Aug 10, 2025

  Looking for a fridge… but can a fridge even be BIFL?

  We have a subzero for 10+ and never had any issues with it. It was here when we bought our condo. Other appliances are all Bosch and we also have had no issues with them. I know it’s a very very expensive fridge but it does last.

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• #33Jul 5, 2025

  Got so tired of my old cheap range.

  My sister in-law has the Dual Fuel, I have the 30" Induction range. Goes great with my Sub Z 36" French Door and my Cove Dishwasher. Their warranties, customer service is bar none the best in the industry. Former employee at SubZ.

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• #34Jun 7, 2025

  Dishwasher keeps going

  I have a 2004 Miele DW. Finally giving us problems in last couple years. Cheap relay switch which I have replaced 2x w/ Amazon junk. and impeller occasionally needs a flick. Mid-1990s Sub-Zero (freezer on bottom). Repaired once. Otherwise, no issues.

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• #35May 10, 2025

  How are the mighty fallen

  My parents just got a new SS Subzero fridge. Their old one developed a refrigerant leak on the freezer side after 30 years. They would’ve repaired it, but they can’t get the refrigerant anymore. The new fridge is NICE though. I’m with you on wolf and subzero appliances. We plan to remodel our kitchen in about 10 years and will be going with those. I haven’t heard enough about cove to make any determination on the dishwashers yet, but we’ve got time to figure that out.

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• #36May 10, 2025

  How are the mighty fallen

  This is exactly why I have vowed to spend the additional money on SubZero and Wolf appliances the next time I have to purchase kitchen appliances. It was a great decision when I transitioned from Amana to SpeedQueen, and I expect this transition will also be a great decision.

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• #37May 5, 2025

  Everything for a brand new appartment

  I have no idea why he deleted it but here is the comment: Washer dryers - The closest to "life" i think you are going to get is either Speed Queen or Miele (of the two the Miele hands down) .  If you have the electricity to power a Schulthess, its probably the best machine one the world. Ovens - Miele Cooktops - Thermador Range hoods - Vent A Hood Dishwasher -  Miele - Bosch is acceptable but not its equal. For fridges/freezers -  it's probably either Sub Zero, Liebherr ,or Miele. Toaster the Dualit is hard to beat

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• #38Apr 6, 2025

  Refrigerator without smart/wifi without ice maker or water dispenser?

  Outside of super high end fridges like Sub zero they’re the only ones with dual compressors - 1 for for fridge and 1 for freezer.

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• #39Apr 5, 2025

  Refrigerator without smart/wifi without ice maker or water dispenser?

  Subzero is the answer here

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• #40Apr 4, 2025

  Refrigerator without smart/wifi without ice maker or water dispenser?

  Our subzero is 20 years old and never a single issue.

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• #41Mar 12, 2025

  What's the most expensive item you've bought with the intention of keeping it for life?

  Subzero. Fingers crossed!

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• #42Mar 8, 2025

  Gas range recommendations

  Wolf, sub-zero, Monogram.

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• #43Mar 6, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  26.5-year-old Sub-Zero 561/s refrigerator

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• #44Mar 6, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  Thermador range and oven. Subzero fridge, KitchenAid trash compactor and Instant Hot hot water tap. All 31 years old.

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• #45Mar 5, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  We just replaced our 30 year old Bosch dishwasher, only because we were absolutely unable to a replacement for the part that failed. If we had, it would still be kicking right now. That leaves us with the 1994 Sub Zero fridge and the similar timeframe Decor wall oven.

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• #46Mar 5, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  Subzero fridge, 21 yr old

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• #47Feb 7, 2025

  The day has come, I need a new fridge.

  Sub Zero, hands down. The price may shock you, but you are on the BIFL board and you get what you pay for.

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• #48Feb 2, 2025

  What niches/crucial things to critically consider when hunting for a new refrigerator outside of main points like preferred type, dimensions and capacity?

  When it comes to fridges that last, there is one general rule: It must be white and boring. Simple no frills. And be from a reputable maker with a long heritage in the USA or Europe. Don't buy Korean or Chinese.

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• #49Jan 6, 2025

  Searching for a fridge in 2025

  Sub Zero. Showroom is in Madison WI

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• #50Jan 5, 2025

  Searching for a fridge in 2025

  Subzero builtin.

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• #51Jan 5, 2025

  Searching for a fridge in 2025

  Look at True Refrigerators of Wolf/Subzero

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