Why Sub-Zero & Wolf?

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Why Sub-Zero & Wolf?

Sub-Zero & Wolf have been leading the way in home refrigeration and cooking for over 80 years. Our appliances are meticulously crafted and expertly engineered, bringing professional quality into the home.

Company Heritage

In 1926, Westye F. Bakke and his wife Mary moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where he built his first freestanding freezer in their home basement.
This innovation laid the foundation for the Sub-Zero Freezer Company.
What began as a family vision grew into a pioneering business driven by quality and innovation.
That spirit has been passed down through generations of the Bakke family.
Today, Sub-Zero & Wolf remain family-owned, rooted in decades of expertise.
A legacy of craftsmanship and excellence continues to define every appliance.

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Delivery

We pride ourselves on a service that goes above and beyond. Our dedicated delivery team do whatever it takes to get our products safely into your home. Whether that means craning products up into penthouses or using helicopters to fly appliances out onto boats and yachts, we always find a way to make it happen. Supporting the delivery team, our expert logistics department work closely with you to book a convenient date and time for your delivery. If required, they’ll arrange a preliminary site survey, making sure your product is delivered and fitted with optimum efficiency.

We also conduct free site surveys at all London locations and at properties which might need bespoke delivery arrangements, ensuring we’re always fully prepared and able to navigate even the smallest of city streets.

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Sustainability

As leaders in food preservation, Sub-Zero & Wolf are equally committed to helping preserve the planet.
To this day, we continue to design appliances that not only deliver exceptional performance, but also set standards in energy efficiency. Many of our products have achieved ENERGY STAR® certification, using significantly less energy than non-certified models, while the average Sub-Zero appliance consumes less electricity than a 100-watt bulb.

Our advanced refrigeration technology is engineered to keep food fresher for longer, helping to reduce household food waste. Beyond our products, we remain dedicated to responsible practices across every aspect of our business, from incorporating recycled materials and reducing wastewater, to minimising paper use and utilising returnable shipping containers.
Sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do, today and for generations to come.

In 1926, Westye F. Bakke and his wife Mary moved to Madison, Wisconsin with their two children, Bud and Elaine, to begin a new chapter. It was in the basement of their home that Bakke created his first freestanding freezer, an innovation that would lay the foundation for what became the Sub-Zero Freezer Company.
What began as a family vision quickly grew into a pioneering business, driven by a commitment to quality and innovation. That same spirit has been passed down through generations, with the Bakke family continuing to play an integral role in the company’s development and success.
Today, Sub-Zero & Wolf remain family-owned, built on decades of expertise, craftsmanship, and a dedication to excellence—values that continue to shape every appliance and define the brand’s enduring legacy.

1943

Humble Beginnings

Using salvaged scrap metal, Westye F. Bakke builds the first freestanding freezer prototype in his Wisconsin basement.

"As a young man with an idea for a new kind of business, you could do a lot worse than having Frank Lloyd Wright give you your first big break.”

1945

Making it Official

Bakke registers the Sub-Zero Freezer Company as an official corporation. Sub-Zero freezers become the very first appliances to meet the strict new standards set for safe freezing – hence the name.

“All of our design and engineering are aimed at meaningful innovations that contribute to the life of the home” – Jim Bakke - President & CEO.

1955

Two in One

Sub-Zero introduce dual refrigeration, ensuring fridge and freezer foods are safely preserved in separate, sealed systems.

1958

The Total Kitchen

Responding to the concept of the ‘total kitchen’, Sub-Zero pioneer built-in refrigeration, customising appliances to match the décor and cabinetry of the individual kitchen.

1964

Refrigeration Furniture

Sub-Zero remain at the forefront of design throughout the 1960s, building refrigerators into bar counters, credenzas and even living room tables

1967

Best Sellers

Built-in refrigerators become Sub-Zero’s best-selling model, comprising approximately 70% of all sales.

1975

The Sky's The Limit

Westye’s son Bud Bakke works with Bob Kelly to improve all Sub-Zero models, sourcing better interior lighting and installing the pull-out freezer drawer we take for granted today.

1981

The Next Generation

Third-generation family member, Jim Bakke continues the company legacy throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, adding electric controls and wine coolers to the Sub-Zero portfolio.

1999

A New Kind Of Cool

Sub-Zero launches the 400 series, a new type of wine cooler with two separate temperature zones, giving the wine enthusiast ultimate flexibility.

2000

Welcoming Wolf

The new millennium marks an exciting new chapter for Sub-Zero. The company acquires Wolf Gourmet, a leader in commercial cooking appliances since 1933.

2008

NASA Technology

Sub-Zero fridges are designed with an antimicrobial air purification system used by no other than NASA.

2025

80 Years Strong

Sub-Zero & Wolf celebrate 80 years in style, throwing a party for employees and guests at the elegant Dartmouth House in Mayfair.