re: Sub Zero Refrigerators

correct. Though my advice is to buy a used 500 or 600 series Subzero and get new panels for the doors. Those things are analog and will last for 40 years.

The newer ones use the same computers that mess all appliances up. Engineered obsolescence.
Yes a new fridge will most likely have a catastrophic failure in about 5-6 years.

Old fridges ran on timers and analog control. A timer breaks...well you can get one for $10 on Amazon. A control board goes bad and you are looking at $150-300 for the part only. Hell the premium built in Kitchenaid fridges have boards that even top $1,000.

That is just nuts.

In the name of energy efficiency units have switched to being "smart" which leads to more things that break.

A 1999 Subzero will outlive a 2014 subzero.
My advice is to always buy the cheapest appliance that you can put up with. Cheaper units use older technology and will last much longer.

When you see touch screens and lots of electronics be wary. You WILL either be replacing that unit or seeing a $400 repair bill in five years.

And yes not all fridges fail, but when the control board fridges do fail, you can't just get them going again by turning a hidden dial with a flat blade screwdriver.

On the inside and out my Subzero is just as nice as a new unit. Even has panels from a 2010 unit. But it was made in 1997. I will keep it going forever as there is little on it to fail.
The Amana it replaced needed work constantly.

Though the kicker is, a lot of the Subzero parts are made by FSP, which is owned by Whirlpool.
Always trips me out A FSP control is $120 and the same part number with Sub Zero wrapping is $475. Stuff like that gets me.