Sub-Zero Pro Refrigeration
The Process
Discover
The Pro line of refrigeration was based on the vision of Jim Bakke, Sub-Zero’s owner, and backed by market research and client feedback which revealed a growing desire for a residential appliance that captured the presence and performance of professional kitchen equipment—without sacrificing elegance, usability, or modern refinement.
Design
The design brief called for:
A durable, girthy , “Hummer-like” exterior fit for luxury homes.
A refined, elegant, “Mercedes-like” interior.
Bright and evenly distributed lighting throughout the interior.
Internal flexibility and innovation to suit modern culinary lifestyles.
A design language that celebrates performance while remaining intuitive and approachable.
Deliver
Our Designers brought clarity and creativity to every detail—from storage solutions to lighting, material finishes, and user interface. By embracing Sub-Zero’s vision and refining it with consumer-centered problem solving, the PRO Series emerged not just as a refrigerator—but as a testament to what is possible at the intersection of industrial design and superior engineering.
Sub-Zero
Pro Refrigerator Line
Sub-Zero Group Inc. sought to create a signature statement in premium refrigeration—a product that would define the upper echelon of luxury kitchen appliances while honoring the brand’s reputation for performance and longevity. The vision: a residential refrigerator that exudes commercial-grade authority on the outside while delivering refined, user-centric sophistication on the inside. Our talented Industrial Designers were engaged to help bring this bold ambition to life, leading to the development of the Sub-Zero PRO Series—an iconic line of refrigeration available in both 48″ and 36″ configurations, built to bridge the worlds of culinary precision and high-end living.
Key Design Features:
Commercial Form, Residential Function: Constructed almost entirely of stainless steel and available with a striking glass door option, the PRO Series is a sculptural appliance that commands attention in any kitchen setting—freestanding or seamlessly integrated.
Interior Innovation: LED-channeled sidewall lighting adds both ambient and task illumination. A precision-engineered auto-close hinge system softly guides the door closed from the final 15 degrees, reinforcing both functionality and luxury.
Flexible Utility Bins: Two stainless steel bins nest below the refrigerator shelving to reclaim often-wasted vertical space. With six potential docking positions and an oven-safe build, these bins transition effortlessly from marinating in the fridge to roasting in the oven. Or serve to store small items high above the items stored on the shelf below.
Smart Condiment Storage: In the absence of door shelves on the glass model, Cruver introduced an innovative pull-out floor shelf with pivoting gates for constrained storage of condiment-sized items—adjustable, secure, and stowable when not in use.
Dedicated Produce Care: The upper external drawer serves as a crisper drawer and features a clear-view window and modular divider system, enabling total compartmentalization for all produce.
Advanced Touchscreen Controls: External digital interface allows precise temperature control of independent refrigerator and freezer zones. Additional settings—like language selection and °F/°C display—are customizable, all housed in a sleek exterior panel.
Next Level Preservation: As with all the full size refrigeration by Sub-Zero, this too is equipped with the NASA inspired air purification system which contributes to its industry leading preservation.
The PRO Series represents the pinnacle of Sub-Zero engineering, wrapped in a form that is both architecturally commanding and functionally precise. Our designer’s contributions helped transform a high-performance appliance into a truly luxury object, addressing real consumer needs with intuitive design enhancements. The result is an appliance that resonates with both the culinary professional and the discerning homeowner.
