HOD Builder's Brief: Thermador has a long history of manufacturing high-quality luxury kitchen appliances. But new, more cost-effective brands are emerging to compete in the luxury market. FORNO Appliances has been gaining in popularity and, based on our findings, you can save some serious cash without sacrificing style or function.
Luxury appliances can elevate any kitchen but they aren’t just about good looks. For anyone who has had the pleasure of using high-end appliances, you know what a different experience they can provide. Luxury appliances are typically equipped with convenient features, like special cooking modes, high-tech innovations, and durable construction which you can feel with just a touch. These types of premium pieces were once reserved for the elite, individuals who could spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a kitchen renovation. That left the average consumer with limited choices and many appliances that lacked the capabilities and unique style that consumers craved.
Today, it’s a great time to be in the market for new appliances. While traditional luxury brands still exist there are exciting budget-friendly competitors who have found ways to deliver similar quality and looks but at a price tag we all can afford. The obvious question exists: Are lower priced luxury models as good a purchase as their premium competition? We wanted to answer that and give consumers more confidence when shopping for new kitchen appliances, so here we compare two of the top brands on the luxury market today: Thermador and FORNO Appliances. Thermador is a long-trusted name in commercial-grade appliances while FORNO is an emerging brand gaining consumer loyalty by providing high-end appliances at an affordable price-point.
Here, to make your shopping easier, we’ve selected comparable appliances offered by each of these two brands. We’ll compare specs, functionality, looks, construction and price-points in order to see which brand offers the better option. Let’s dive into both brands and see who comes out on top!
All About Thermador
Thermador got its start far away from the kitchen. In fact, the company began by producing electric heaters all the way back in 1916. That’s a long way back in time. For the last 100+ years the brand has been building trust and confidence with consumers as it manufacturers ranges, refrigerators and dishwashers, to name a few. Today, the Thermador brand is recognized for its “Pedestal Star Burner” which they promote for its heat responsiveness. Although the company may have its roots in the US, being founded in America, today it is a Germany-owned corporation. They still make some products and parts in the USA, but the company is primarily based in Europe along with its sister brands, like Bosch. Thermador continues to be one of the most popular luxury brands but often carries a high price tag.
A Brief Overview of FORNO Appliances
Although FORNO Appliances might not have the century-long history that Thermador can trace, FORNO isn’t a new kid on the appliance block. The popular luxury appliance brand has been manufacturing high-quality appliances since 1996. Initially the brand became popular in Asia for its emphasis on sleek looks and luxury construction. That popularity and demand expanded to the West and FORNO soon opened its North American headquarters in Montreal, Canada. While premium looks and features have kept FORNO a popular choice for the last 20+ years, there’s another aspect consumers love: the warranty. Homeowners can enjoy peace of mind with FORNO’s 2-year in-house warranty on all products, which includes a 1-year parts and labor warranty and a 1-year parts-only warranty in the second year.
Comparing FORNO Ranges to Thermador Ranges
We have to admit, we’ve been really looking forward to having these two brands square off in the kitchen range category. Why? Because both Thermador and FORNO are famous for their cooking capabilities and stove performance. This should be an interesting match-up and we’re as curious as you are to see who comes out on top. Before we dive into the details of both brands’ comparable models, let’s review the three main categories of stand-alone ranges. The three most popular kitchen range types that we’ll review here are:
- Gas
- Dual Fuel (featuring an electric oven with a gas cooktop)
Electric Ranges
Many people appreciate the convenience and familiarity of an electric stove. In fact for some homeowners without a gas hook-up, an electric range is the only cooking option. It’s important to understand that within the electric range category, there are two different types of ranges: induction and traditional electric. Induction ranges use slightly less energy and don’t remain hot after cooking because the heat energy is transferred directly from the range element to the magnetic pan.
Thermador offers the small-width Pro Harmony Liberty 30-Inch Freestanding Electric Induction True Convection Range with WiFi. This range uses induction heat which means it requires special pots and pans that are compatible with induction cooktops. Its frameless black cooktop features five induction burners, which can be used to create two extra-large cooking zones. There’s also several power boost functions to quick-boil and provide extra heat when needed most. The Thermador model’s convection oven has a 4.4 cu. ft. capacity along with a self-cleaning mode.
Let’s compare those specs to that of The FORNO Galiano 36″ Alta Qualita Pro-Style Freestanding Electric Range. One of the biggest differences in these models is their heat source. While both the Thermador and FORNO models are electric ranges, the Thermador uses induction heat while this FORNO model uses traditional electric burners. Although this is a big difference, there are a number of similarities with these two models. Both feature a professional-looking stainless-steel design, and the FORNO model, like the Thermador, has five radiant elements with a ceramic glass top. The FORNO oven is also nearly the same as the Thermador model, with a 4.32 cu. ft. capacity and true convection fan. The biggest differences can be found in overall size and price. The FORNO model is not only wider than Thermador’s (36-inches compared to 30-inches), but the FORNO model is also close to $6,000 less than the Thermador range.
Gas Ranges
Gas ranges are one of the most popular types of ranges on the market today. Which is why we choose two 36-inch models from Thermador and FORNO to compare. Thermador’s Gas Professional Pro Grand® Commercial Depth Stainless Steel range and FORNO’s Galiano Gas Range have a lot in common. Let’s start with a cooktop comparison and work our way down.
Thermador’s cooktop features six burners with their trademark five-point design. These range from 15,000 to 22,000 BTUs. Similarly, FORNO’s cooktop also includes six burners ranging from 9,000 to 20,000 BTUs. Now, let’s compare their ovens. Both models boast a large oven, with Thermador’s is just a bit bigger at 5.7 cu. ft. compared to FORNO’s 5.36 cu. ft. and nearly equal oven power and bake and broil capabilities. Thermador claims to have the fastest self-cleaning oven in the industry along with telescopic racks and a soft-close door hinge. These are nice perks, but they do add up. Once again, the Thermador model comes in over $6,000 more than the FORNO model which comes with similar power and luxury features.
Dual Fuel
Dual Fuel ranges have become increasingly popular because of their functionality and ability to deliver the best of both worlds: the performance of a gas cooktop combined with the even heating of an electric range. This double-shot of power however typically comes with a high price tag, as you can see from the Thermador price point. Let’s see how the much more economical FORNO dual fuel range stacks up to Thermador’s luxury model.
Thermador’s Pro Harmony® Dual Fuel Range is 48-inches wide with a 4.4 cu. ft. double oven. FORNO’s Galiano Dual Fuel Range is also 48-inches wide but features a much larger oven at 6.58 cu. ft. total capacity for its double oven. Thermador’s gas cooktop has six burners plus a griddle cooktop while FORNO has eight sealed burners counting its double-burner griddle. Thermador’s burner power ranges from 15,000 to 18,000 BTUs while FORNO’s burners go from 9,000 to 20,000 BTUs. Although Thermador’s model does include some nice features (similar to its gas range model) like telescoping oven racks and a soft close door, those might not be worth an extra $10,000+ when looking at both models’ price points. Finally, it’s worth noting that with the FORNO dual fuel model, you also get the ability to customize your range’s look, with five different range colors to choose from.
Thermador |
FORNO |
|
Gas Range |
$8,599.00 |
$2,099.00 |
Electric Range |
$8,399.00 |
$2,499.00 |
Dual Fuel Range |
$14,299.00 |
$2,999.00 |
FORNO vs. Thermador: Rangetops
Rangetops provide you with the flexibility to not have to add a range with both a cooktop and oven attached to it. This is ideal for families that would prefer to place a built-in oven at eye-level and skip the oven that sits below waist height. A rangetop is different from a drop-in cooktop, because a rangetop has a front faceplate that’s similar to what you would find on a typical stove. Rangetops are gaining popularity and for good reason. They can be a sleek way to maintain a refined look to a kitchen space that makes it feel more like a well-appointed entertainment space than a commercial kitchen. If you’re looking for your appliances to seamlessly fit into your kitchen’s design, a rangetop might be the best way to go.
Both Thermador and FORNO offer gas rangetops, but how do they compare?
The FORNO Lseo Gas Rangetop and Thermador’s Professional Series Built-In Gas Cooktop are both 36-inches wide and feature six burners. Thermador’s model however comes with its trademark star burners while FORNO’s cooktop model includes a convenient griddle insert that’s perfect for whipping up a scrumptious breakfast. Both models are stainless steel with the heavy-duty knobs and cast iron grates you’d expect from a luxury appliance.
When it comes to cooking power, the Thermador’s burners are between 15,000 to 18,000 BTUs, while the FORNO ranges from 9,000 to 20,000 BTUs. They also both feature an easy-to-clean maintop, with Thermador’s constructed of porcelain and FORNO’s of enamel. Finally, there’s the consideration of price. You can expect to pay close to $4,000 more for the Thermador rangetop, while the FORNO model comes in at under $1,000.
Thermador and FORNO Refrigerators
Stand Alone Refrigerators
A standalone refrigerator, also known as a freestanding refrigerator or a full-size refrigerator, is a large, self-contained appliance which typically combines a refrigerator with a freezer. It’s designed to be free-standing, not built into a kitchen’s cabinetry like a built-in or integrated refrigerator. French door models have become particularly popular, especially ones that place the freezer component on the bottom of the appliance. Standalone refrigerators are convenient because they can be placed anywhere in the kitchen without the need for a custom installation. FORNO and Thermado both make similar 36-Inch French Door freestanding refrigerators. Thermador’s Freedom® Freestanding French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator is similar to FORNO’s Moena French Door Refrigerator, however you can see a big difference just at first glance. The FORNO fridge has a double freezer drawer, which can be easier to pull open and organize the freezer section of your pantry. In terms of capacity, the Thermador comes with 20.8 cu. ft. of storage space, while the FORNO is just a tad smaller at 19 cu. ft.
Let’s compare some of the other features they have in common. Both models are counter-depth, so they look like a built-in. They also both feature ice makers, LED lighting, a door open alarm and crisper drawers. The Thermador model includes an internal water supply, a humidity control function and stainless steel mats to line drawers. But the biggest difference comes when you look at the sticker prices. The FORNO is over half the price of the Thermador model, making it a smart buy. With the FORNO fridge you get the benefits of a high-end design for under $2,000.
Built-In Refrigerators Side-By-Side Comparison
A built-in refrigerator, also known as an integrated refrigerator, is meant to be custom-fitted into kitchen cabinetry, creating a seamless and polished look. These high-end refrigerators are often bigger than a standard fridge and bring a professional look to any kitchen. They typically come with a higher price tag and may require proper ventilation and precise installation.
Thermador’s Freedom Collection French Door Built-in Smart Refrigerator has a capacity of 27.7 cu. ft., whereas the FORNO Forno Pro-Style Refrigerator and Freezer comes in just a tiny bit smaller at 27.6 cu. ft. The unique aspect of the FORNO fridge is that each half is convertible, so you can choose which one you want to be your freezer and which is your refrigerator. The Thermador, which is 47.25 inches wide, relies on the traditional top-bottom format with a French door refrigerator on top and freezer drawers underneath. That’s different from the FORNO, which is a French door design with a side-by-side layout. The price is also staggeringly different, with the FORNO being around $14,000 less than the Thermador fridge. That’s one of the biggest price differences of all of these model comparisons.
Comparing Range Hoods: Thermador vs. FORNO
Next we’ll compare range hoods and part of this decision will come down to personal preference. The Thermador has a thin body that would fit in any ulta-modern kitchen aesthetic, while the FORNO has the classic hood look that many crave for a centerpiece look to add to any kitchen. That said, let’s look at their power specs. The Forno Orvieto Range Hood is a 36-Inch stainless steel wall mount hood with a suction power of 1200 CFM. Similarly, the Thermador Masterpiece Series Convertible Range Hood is 36-inches and has a suction rating of only half that of the FORNO at 600 CFM.
The Thermador makes up for less power with WiFi capabilities, noise-control technology and its ability to sync with Thermador induction cooktops. Prices aren’t too far off with these two hood models, but the FORNO yet again comes out on top in the price department. FORNO is under $1000 and over $1000 cheaper than the Thermador model.
Comparing Thermador vs. FORNO Dishwashers
Luxury dishwashers add a sleek look to any kitchen. Their controls have been moved to the top portion of the door, allowing for a streamlined look without the old visual clutter of dials and buttons on the front-facing panel. Thermador and FORNO offer up their take on the modern luxury dishwasher with two similar 24-inch wide models that both feature top controls and a built-in look. You’ll enjoy quiet washing cycles from both brands as their models come in at a similar decibel range (Thermador being 42 decibels and FORNO coming in at 48 dBs).
The Thermador wins when it comes to the amount of place settings which can be cleaned at one time, with an impressive 16 place setting capacity. However FORNO isn’t too far behind accommodating 14 place settings at one time. The FORNO model also boasts a sensor system that allows you to place a partial load in and the dishwasher will automatically adjust for the soiling level and quantity. With near indistinguishable looks and similar performance stats, the FORNO is actually over $1,000 cheaper than the analogous Thermador model.
Microwave Drawer Comparison: Thermador vs. FORNO
Microwave drawers have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique design and functional advantages. Unlike traditional microwaves, which can take up valuable counter space or require wall or cabinet installation, microwave drawers fit seamlessly into kitchen cabinetry, many times within an island layout. This integrated placement not only enhances the kitchen's aesthetics but also provides ergonomic convenience. With a microwave drawer, you can access the microwave at a comfortable waist-height level. This reduces the need to reach up high to access the microwave, making it safer when taking out hot bowls of soup or other tenuous items.
Microwave drawers offer an easy one-handed opening, making them ideal for users of all ages and abilities. Additionally, their spacious interiors and wide rectangular shape accommodate larger dishes and platters, expanding their cooking capacity and thus their capabilities. With their sleek and modern appearance, user-friendly features, and space-saving benefits, microwave drawers have become a sought-after must-have for every contemporary kitchen design.
Here we’re going to compare 24-inch microwave drawer models from Thermador and FORNO. Both feature a 1.2 cu. ft. capacity with nearly equal wattage (the Thermador has 950 watts, while the FORNO tops at 1,000). The Thermador model is pretty high-tech with an auto-sensor that automatically adjusts cooking times along with a digital screen display with electronic controls. The FORNO on the other hand has 11 power levels, a mild melting function and an LCD display with glass touch controls. In terms of pricing, the FORNO has the Thermador beat with a price tag that’s over $1,000 less than its comparable competitor.
Thermador vs. FORNO Built-In Microwave Oven Review
Built-in microwaves are another option when you’re looking to integrate this essential appliance into a kitchen. Microwaves have moved from being primarily sitting on a countertop or being hung overtop of a stove. Today, more people want microwaves to seamlessly fit into the rest of the kitchen design, rather than being a major focal point of the space. You can think of a built-in microwave like a wall oven, which is placed at chest-height for ease of use.
Both Thermador and FORNO offer built-in microwave models. Thermador’s Pro Series built-in microwave is the same size as the FORNO model, both offering 1.6 cu. ft. of cooking capacity. They also are both stainless steel and deliver 900 watts of cooking power. One main difference is that the Thermador model has a digital screen rather than the touchpad of the FORNO model. This could be a matter of personal preference which is best. The FORNO does however come with luxe modes like the “Melt Butter'' option, popcorn and ice cream softening mode, along with a defrost rack. Then there’s the difference in price, with FORNO coming in at more than $1,000 less than the Thermador built-in.
FORNO vs. Thermador Appliance Package Comparison
It’s easy to purchase a single appliance, especially when you need to replace an old or broken device. However, if you’re undertaking a full kitchen remodel, a luxury appliance package is the way to go. Not only does it provide the convenience of taking care of all of your appliance shopping with one click, but it can save you significant money as well.
An appliance suite gives you the unified look, allowing all of your appliances to match and look like they were custom-made for your space. As you can see, there is an enormous difference in price points between these two appliance packages. Surprisingly, FORNO offers a luxury appliance package that is well under the sticker price of Thermador’s models. This four-piece FORNO appliance package includes one of the largest residential refrigerators on the market plus a large luxury gas range, dishwasher and hood. For around $6,000 you can enjoy a full kitchen of top-of-the-line appliances, including a fridge that you’d typically only see in the homes of the most famous celebrities. It’s a great deal and will instantly add a big touch of glamor to any kitchen.
Final Thoughts on FORNO versus Thermador Kitchen Appliances
Comparing Thermador and FORNO kitchen appliances model-by-model has been an eye-opener. In so many specs, the two brands are nearly identical. They both provide that luxe aesthetic with stainless steel construction and heavy-duty knobs and handles. Both brands also deliver when it comes to power and luxury functions. But when it comes to price, that’s where the similarities end. FORNO can save you thousands of dollars when you’re looking to add new luxury kitchen appliances to your home. Whether you opt for Thermador or FORNO as your brand of choice, you can rest assured you’re getting high-quality appliances from brands both known for their dependability and durability. And with FORNO that peace of mind comes with the added bonus of budget-friendly price points.
Home Outlet Direct is an authorized supplier of FORNO appliances, which means you can trust their partnership with FORNO gives you the best pricing and highest quality pieces. Browse the full line of FORNO appliances on Home Outlet Direct and shop at your leisure with their convenient online store.
Because Home Outlet Direct is dedicated to making premium appliances available to the average consumer, they offer an easy financing system powered by the popular Affirm payment program. Also, be sure to explore all of Home Outlet Direct’s offers. To show appreciation, there’s discounts for military personnel, veterans and first responders. And builders should explore the special buys meant to make their job easier. With so many luxury appliances and reasonable pricing, the world of high-end appliances just became accessible to the everyday consumer.
If you’ve loved what you’ve seen from FORNO Appliances, be sure to browse the full collection of FORNO appliances to find the size, color and specs that are right for you. You’re sure to be pleasantly surprised by the prices you find, which is a rare experience in times like these!