We had an issue that our relatively new fridge freezer didn't fit the space, we had no choice but to buy another. I was able to give my beautiful new old fridge to my parents for a holiday home they share with us all. I was happy with that, even though when you move the budget is always tight, once it is done you just have to put it in the history file.

I have had this model without the water dispenser for 12 months. Love it. The width of the shelves and the freezer drawer - perfect. Saw reviews of other brands with dispensers and have a relative with problems with his. So no dispenser for me. We don't miss it....nor any possible problems. So big tick for the F&P model without the dispenser.

I would be reconsidering my open plan options. Completely open plan living looks great but there can be privacy and noise issues for a family of four people. A traditional upright fridge is the most practical and cheapest option for your family. A wall, recess, or nook for your fridge should be part of your design brief requirements, otherwise you are making a huge compromise for your open plan concept. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Hello vjay, the Miele instruction #3 is for the situation where there is a blind closed off bulkhead above, which is not your situation so thats ok. As for your roof space; roof spaces (like underfloor spaces and external wall cavities) are designed to ventilate themselves to remove any condensation or dampness; so to prevent any development of mould, fungi and timber rot and so the roof space you will have will vent. Convection currents that entre under your appliances will move the heat generated by your refrigerator and freezer up into your roof space, so all this is fine without putting extra vents in the front of your bulkhead. Looking at your framing, what I do suggest though, is that you make sure you put some large fine vent plates in the plasterboard opening between your fridge / freezer cabinets and the bulkhead's underside so this grill allows airflow into your roof space but seals off any access into your kitchen by insects or vermin. Hope this all helps, Regards Malcolm.