HOD Builder's Brief: The GE Café Collection is one of the most common luxury appliance lines, but today it has competition from emerging brands, like THOR Kitchen, which aim to combine luxury features and construction with value pricing.
Luxury appliances make any kitchen feel instantly high-end with luxe design touches and superior performance features. Two of the top brands in luxury kitchen appliances today include THOR and GE Café. When choosing the right brand and models for your home, it’s a smart idea to do a thorough comparison before making any decision. We’re here to help with that process. Here we’re going to break down the features and benefits of both THOR and GE Café. With this guide you’ll gain a greater understanding of how each model stands up to the competition.
With this guide, you’ll be ready to make your purchase with confidence, knowing you’re getting the best value for your investment. Appliances are not something you purchase every day. In fact, you’ll want them to last for years to come. That’s why it’s so important to make the right choice. Use this guide as a way to determine which brand is right for you and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your decisions are backed up by facts and objective information.
An Overview of GE Café and THOR
The GE Café Collection is a line of luxury appliances which was launched in 2018. Many people are familiar with the GE or General Electric brand name, which is a brand that’s been around for over a century. However, it’s important to note that GE took itself out of the appliance business in 2016. The Chinese-owned Haier appliance company now owns the GE Appliance division and produces the Café collection, which is known for its sleek looks and customizable features.
THOR Kitchen is an American-owned company which is based in California. Although THOR is a relative newcomer in the appliance industry, the brand was born to be a disruptor to the market as a value-driven brand in a luxury space which often sees overly inflated prices. The founders of THOR believe in both quality and value. What they lack in years, THOR makes up for in sourcing the finest components, such as American-made thermostats and dual ring top burners from Germany. This strategic sourcing of high-quality parts is coupled with a focus on delivering the budget-friendly price points on a full suite of high-end appliances.
Comparing GE Café Ranges to THOR Ranges
A cooking range is a centerpiece of a kitchen, so you want to make sure you choose the right one that fits your cooking and baking needs. Both THOR and GE Café have several range variations to choose from, here we’ll explore their three options, comparing cooking power, construction and their luxury features:
- Electric
- Gas
- Dual Fuel (Gas cooktop and electric oven)
Electric Ranges
Electric ranges provide easy cleaning cooktops with even heat consistency throughout the oven for better baking and cooking. Both GE Café and THOR offer 30” ranges in this category, with the Café oven coming in only slightly bigger at 5.7 cu. ft. compared to THOR’s 4.55 cu. ft. oven. While the Café model features an induction cooktop, which requires only certain cookware to be used, the THOR model is a pure radiant cooktop, ranging from a convenient 100W warming zone to a 3,000W powerful quick boil element that’s perfect for high heat needs.
Both ovens feature true convection technology, but special features differ a bit. The Café model is equipped with steam clean, an in-oven camera and self-cleaning option which connects to a home’s WiFi. On the other hand, the THOR oven boasts a 800W heating element, multiple cooking modes and an air fry function, so you don’t need an additional countertop air fryer taking up space. THOR also includes a self-cleaning feature as well as a storage space, easy-to-clean oven floor and tilt panel display. The biggest difference is in the price, with THOR offered at around 50 percent less than the similar Café electric range.
Gas Ranges
For those home chefs who love the control that comes with cooking with gas, both THOR and the Café Collection include 36” ranges in their offerings. Here, it was surprising to see how similar dimensions and features are, especially when you compare the prices of each.
Take the oven capacity for instance. The Café model has 6.2 cu ft. while THOR comes in just under at 6.0 cu ft. Both also include an air fryer function and a six-burner cooktop. Speaking of cooktops, the two models are fairly similar, with the THOR model’s cooking power as high as 18,000 BTUs and the Café’s highest burner coming in at 21,000 BTUs. The THOR gas range also features a convenient 650 BTU simmer function for low-heat needs such as melting chocolate or mixing up a roux.
Both gas ranges also include ample high-end luxury features, with Café’s revolving around WiFi enabled functions, such as remote oven control, voice control and a meat-probe, which requires an app to work. THOR’s standout features on the other hand include cast iron grates, a self-cleaning oven and its distinct tilt panel display, which allows for easier viewing of its controls. The biggest distinction you’ll find however is in price, with THOR nearly $5,000 cheaper than the comparable Café model.
Dual Fuel Ranges
Dual fuel ranges offer the best of both worlds, with the benefits of both gas and electric cooking. Luxury dual fuel ranges typically feature a gas cooktop for ease of heat control and electric ovens, which provide added heat consistency. Both Café and THOR produce 48” dual fuel ranges so let’s compare these two very similar models. The Café’s double ovens include a large 5.75 “caterer” oven and a smaller 2.5 “everyday” oven for an overall 8.25 cu. ft. The THOR model’s main oven is slightly smaller at 4.2 cu. Ft., with an equally-sized secondary oven also with a 2.5 cu. ft. capacity. It should be noted that the THOR oven is made with a brilliant blue porcelain interior that’s durable and easy to clean, while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the appliance.
Now, let’s compare the cooktops of these two models, both of which offer six burners. The Café dual fuel burners range from 10,000 to 21,000 BTU while the THOR’s highest powered burner peaks at 18,000 BTUs. Both ranges also include a stainless steel griddle, with THOR’s BTUs coming in at 15,000, just under Café’s18,000 BTU griddle power. With luxury ranges however, there’s more to consider than just the oven and cooktop power, so let’s compare these special features. The Café includes a temperature probe, auto oven shut-off and auto self-clean along with its Chef Connect and Scan-to-Cook recipe assistance. The THOR dual fuel is a more streamlined model, without the need for WiFi or apps to download. It does however include the trademark luxury touches such as heavy-duty control knobs, LED lighting and a black porcelain spill tray on the cooktop for effortless cleanup. Those differences can add up as the Café model comes in at the five-figure range while the THOR is about half the price, coming in at $6,399.
|
|
GE Café |
THOR |
Gas Range |
$4,999.00 |
$2,599.00 |
Electric Range |
$8,199.00 |
$3,299.00 |
Dual Fuel Range |
$12,599.00 |
$6,399.00 |
THOR vs. GE Café: Cooktops
Cooktops offer the convenience of placing burners where they are most convenient for the homeowner. Whether you don’t have a need for an oven, would rather have standalone ovens or want to add an additional cooking space, cooktops come in a variety of configurations based on each kitchen’s unique needs. Cooktop options include:
- Rangetops
- Drop-In Gas Cooktops
Rangetops
Doing a side-by-side comparison of the 36-inch gas rangetops by Café and THOR, let’s start with the looks department. Both feature sleek stainless steel looks and heavy duty knobs. The Café collection allows for customization of the facade and knob color. However, it’s important to note that this can add several hundreds of dollars to the cost based on colors selected. Both cooktop grates are similar, using heavy-duty cast iron. Both also feature porcelain cooktops for ease of cleaning and durability.
When it comes to power, the Café’s burners range from 21,000 to 10,000 BTUs, while the THOR goes from 18,000 to 12,000 BTUs. The only difference is an obvious one, and that’s the price. The Café Collection rangetop is over $2,000 more than the comparable THOR gas rangetop.
Drop-In Gas Cooktops
Some kitchens call for a drop-in cooktop which fits seamlessly into a countertop. A cooktop can be especially nice in an island design. With the popularity of these streamlined appliances growing, many homeowners are shopping for luxury gas drop-in cooktops. GE Café and THOR both have gas drop-in cooktops, so it’s beneficial to know the difference between the two. The first thing you might notice is the price difference. The Café drop-in is over double the price of the THOR cooktop. What do you get for this price difference? Let’s compare. Each features LED illuminated knobs, with the Café model offering a white backlight and the THOR featuring bright blue lighting.
In terms of cooktop power, the Café includes one 18,000, one 15,000, two 9,500, and one 5,000 BTU burners. The THOR on the other hand features two 18,000, two 15,000, and two 6,000 BTU burners. Another difference is in the manufacturer’s warranty. Although the Café cooktop is more than double the price of the THOR, it only comes with half as long of a warranty. THOR boasts a two-year parts and labor warranty, while Café only carries a one year warranty for parts and labor.
GE Café |
THOR |
|
36-Inch Rangetop |
$3,777.00 |
$1,299.00 |
36-Inch Drop-In Gas Cooktop |
$2,110.00 |
$899.00 |
GE Café and THOR Refrigerators
Up next are refrigerators. At first glance the GE Café and THOR four-door French door refrigerators look nearly identical, but how do their features measure up? Although their prices are closer than most of our comparisons so far, there’s still a $600 difference. Is the Café worth the added cost? In terms of storage, the Café has more with 22.3 cu. ft compared to THOR’s 21.6 cu. ft. Not a huge difference. Both are designed to be counter depth so they blend into a kitchen design, rather than stick out awkwardly. They both also include flexible temperature controlled drawers for a custom experience that can change based on your day-to-day needs.
In terms of ice making capabilities, the THOR refrigerator can produce 4.4 lbs. a day and store 1.7 lbs of ice, featuring a sealed system that prevents odors and flavors from infiltrating the ice. Both the Café and THOR offer filtered water from the in-door dispenser along with a door alarm to alert you anytime the fridge is left open. Techies will appreciate Café’s WiFi capabilities that enable smart notifications to be sent to mobile devices. However, others may appreciate THOR’s “Triple-Tech Cooling System” which provides each compartment with its own airflow to boost humidity levels and reduce frost. Both the THOR and Café models are energy-efficient with Energy Star certifications and LED lighting.
Comparing Range Hoods: GE Café vs. THOR
With surprisingly equal price points, it’s helpful to compare the features of the Café and THOR range hoods side-by-side. Let’s start with power and performance. Both hoods are the same 36-inch size, but have vastly different suction power. The Café has three modes with the highest coming in at a low 350 CFM compared to THOR’s 800 CFM of suction power. That’s a big difference when you consider this capability is what will clear out smoke, steam and annoying odors from your home. The Café model doesn’t list its noise rating, but the THOR range hood boasts a quiet operation of max 67 decibels. Finally, there’s aesthetics. The Café models prominently features a glass hood, while the THOR is designed to be a more traditional hood style. This will come down to personal preference, in terms of which is the design winner, but for the price it’s clear that THOR delivers more powerful suctioning and air cleaning capabilities.
Comparing GE Café vs. THOR Dishwashers
If you put the Café and THOR 24-inch dishwashers side-by-side, they look pretty identical, with sleek, low-profile lines and a stainless steel construction and bar handle. The resemblance continues with the interior that’s stainless steel with three racks (including one adjustable rack). In fact, you have to do a double-take to make sure you’re not looking at the same model. Looks can be deceiving however, as the Café and THOR models differ significantly when it comes to price, with THOR’s model costing around $600 less than the Café dishwasher.
In fact, both dishwashers can equally handle a mess, such as a big dinner party or holiday affair. The Café dishwasher holds up to 16 place settings, while the THOR can handle 14 comfortably. The THOR dishwasher also features a Smart Wash system which senses the level of washing needed for each load and adjusts automatically. This is coupled with four powerful spraying arms. The Café dishwasher features five different cycles, while the THOR comes in slightly higher with six.
When it comes to noise level, THOR and Café are fairly similar. THOR reports a 45 decibels rating for everyday use while the Café model offers a quiet mode feature which comes in at 39 dBA. Both of those decibel levels will allow you to enjoy watching TV or having a conversation in the same room while the dishwasher runs. No more having to flee the room because the dishwasher is so loud. Finally, like several of their other kitchen appliances, the THOR dishwasher beats Café with a longer warranty of two years for parts and labor, compared to the Café single year warranty.
Microwave Drawer Comparison: GE Café vs. THOR
Whether you have an open concept kitchen or want to free up space above your stove for a focal point range hood, microwave drawers are the new sign of luxury kitchen convenience. GE Café and THOR both offer a 24-inch drawer microwave with similar pull-out functionality. Each gives you the convenience of a pull-out drawer, rather than an awkwardly high door. This makes it much safer to lift out hot dishes rather than reach for them at great heights. One apparent benefit of the THOR microwave drawer is that it carries a lower price tag and will save you around $200 in contrast to the Café. But are there perks that come with the Café for the extra cost?
Well, both the THOR and the Café include the food prep functions you’d expect to find on a luxury model, such as defrost, popcorn settings, melting chocolate, etc. In terms of power, these models are quite similar with the Café equipped with 1000 watts of power and the THOR similarly providing 950 watts. In terms of capacity, these two models are identical, offering 1.2 cu. ft. of cooking space. There are two added features the THOR model carries worth pointing out. One is an Auto Touch Open/Close Control, which allows you to close the drawer with a touch of your hip when your hands are full. The other perk to the THOR model is a convenient “Keep Warm Function,” which provides brief pulses of microwave power to keep food warm before serving without the danger of overcooking.
GE Café vs. THOR Appliance Package Comparison
Appliance suites offer the convenience of getting all new appliances in one purchase. The perks to buying an appliance package include ensuring all of your appliances match each other and all feature the latest in kitchen appliance technology. An appliance suite can also be a good choice from a budget standpoint as many times a package of appliances will carry a lower price than if you were to purchase each item individually.
GE Café and THOR both have appliance packages featuring high-end luxury appliances. In each package you can receive a luxury refrigerator, gas range, dishwasher and range hood to instantly upgrade any kitchen. While both packages offer the same high quality construction and luxury features, the THOR appliance package is close to $4,000 less than the Café. If you’re looking to customize your kitchen with speciality colors, the Café Collection may be what you’re looking for. However, if the sleek look of stainless steel suits your style, then the THOR collection will deliver all of the performance you’d expect from a luxury appliance line.
Final Thoughts on GE Café versus THOR Kitchen Appliances
Based on this deep dive comparing GE Café versus THOR, it’s clear that both collections offer high-quality, luxury appliances but THOR Kitchen delivers these high-end styles and benefits with a much lower price tag. Time and again as we put these brands side-by-side, their specifications and functions came up extremely similar, except when it came to price. Time and again the THOR appliances were hundreds or thousands of dollars cheaper.
Home Outlet Direct carries a full line of THOR Kitchen appliances. Here you can shop in the leisure of your home for a variety of THOR products from ranges to refrigerators to full appliance packages. With Home Outlet Direct you can rest assured you’re getting the best prices for high-quality luxury kitchen appliances.
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