Thor vs. Thermador: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Luxury Kitchen Appliance Brands

HOD Builder's Brief: When it comes to luxury kitchen appliances, Thermador has long been a household name. However, the emerging brand THOR is offering a compelling alternative, providing similar specs and luxury features at more affordable price points, making it a worthy contender in the market.

Not long ago, owning luxury kitchen appliances was a privilege only a few people had the privilege of enjoying. These high-end items were known for their top-notch quality and cutting-edge designs, but the price tag they carried was usually out of reach for most of us. But things have changed! Now, there are several luxury kitchen appliance brands that offer high-end appliances at an affordable price. 

You no longer need to compromise on quality or style as these brands have made it possible for everyone to enjoy the elegance and performance of premium kitchen appliances without breaking the bank. But with this abundance of brands comes a new challenge – the potential for confusion. With so many options available, it's essential to do your research and make an informed decision. Learning about the features, benefits, and customer reviews of the top brands can help you find the ideal luxury yet pocket-friendly kitchen appliances that perfectly cater to your cooking needs. 

To make this research easier, we’ve set out to complete a 360-degree comparison of two popular luxury kitchen appliance brands: Thor and Thermador. Here we dissect their specifications, construction, functionality and price points to give a full picture view of some of their most popular models. Let's dive in!

An Overview of Thermador

Thermador is a well-established luxury appliance brand with a rich history of producing high-quality kitchen equipment. They are known for their high-end ranges, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more. Thermador is actually one of the oldest appliance brands that’s still popular today. The company is over 100 years old. Some of their products are made in the USA, but the company is based in Germany. Thermador just happens to be a sister brand of another well-known name, Bosch. 

All About THOR Kitchen 

THOR Kitchen is a California-based appliance company that has made a name for itself by providing top-of-the-line luxury appliances at affordable prices. Today, THOR offers many luxury appliances, including cooking appliances, hoods, dishwashers, ice makers, and many others.

In this comprehensive face-off, we will compare popular kitchen appliance models from THOR with Thermador to help you see which is a better fit for your home.

Comparing THOR Ranges to Thermador Ranges

Sources: Thermador and THOR 

THOR and Thermador, two renowned luxury range manufacturers, are synonymous with elegance and top-tier performance, making them the preferred choice for home cooks. With their impressive high-powered burners, even oven heat, and intuitive controls, they are perfect for culinary enthusiasts! Let's explore how each of the different range types offered by THOR and Thermador stack up. Here, we’ll look at:

Electric

• Gas 
• Dual Fuel (Gas cooktop and electric oven) 

Electric Ranges

Source: Thermador and THOR

Electric ranges are a popular choice, especially for smaller spaces. They offer easy clean-up with a solid surface and are a good choice for those looking to move away from gas ranges. Thermado and THOR both offer 30” self-cleaning range options, but which is the best buy?

The Thermador electric range boasts a spacious 4.4 cu. ft. oven capacity, while the THOR model is slightly bigger with a size of 4.55 cu. ft. In terms of cooking power, the Thermador range offers a variety of electric heating elements, with a wattage of 3600 watts. Similarly, THOR provides a powerful range of electric heating elements, ranging from 3,000 to 1,200 watts. 

It’s helpful to note here that in a side-by-side comparison, these two ranges are slightly different. The Thermador range uses induction as its heat source. THOR does not offer induction ranges at the moment, so it’s a better fit for those looking for gas and traditional electric stoves. 

The THOR range has a tilt-out control panel for ease-of-use and accessibility while cooking. This lets you simply look down, rather than having to bend over to check your heat settings. It also has an air fryer function for health-conscious cooks who like crispy, fried foods without the need for oil and deep-frying. THOR and Thermador electric ranges both have self-cleaning functions and convection fans for even and precise heating during cooking. However, the THOR electric range has some exclusive luxury touches not found in the Thermador model, such as the air fryer mode and tilt-panel display.

You can explore a world of culinary possibilities with the THOR electric range! It offers multiple cooking modes, so you can get creative in the kitchen. Plus, there's a handy storage drawer to keep your kitchen essentials organized and close at hand. Cleaning up is a breeze, too, thanks to the hidden bake element cleverly placed below the oven floor. 

Stepping away from features, let’s finish up this side-by-side comparison by reviewing the two models’ price points. The Thermador costs close to three times as much as the equally-sized THOR model. This makes the THOR 30" Electric Range the clear winner when it comes to value for your money.  

Gas Ranges

Source: Thermador and THOR

Gas ranges are popular due to their exceptional performance and a high power output. The THOR 36-Inch Tilt Panel Professional Gas Range and Thermador’s 36-Inch Pro Grand® Commercial Depth gas range deliver equally exceptional performance. Both models are equipped with a single “power” burner, Thermador’s delivers an impressive 22,000 BTUs while THOR maxes out at a powerful 18,000 BTUs. The Thermador model’s other burners range in power from 15,000 to 18,000 BTUs with an “extra-low” function added for keeping dishes warm without burning. THOR has similarly high-performing burners with a range from 6,000 BTUs to 15,000 BTUs. 

Beyond the BTUs, both theThermador and THOR gas ranges offer a variety of cooking modes to cater to every culinary need. Additionally, they both feature a true convection fan, ensuring even oven heating for perfect baking results. However, the THOR gas range goes the extra mile by including an air fry feature, providing a healthier cooking option for those who enjoy deliciously crisp dishes without excess oil. Moreover, the THOR range incorporates a convenient tilt-out display, eliminating the need to bend down to access the controls.

Dual Fuel 

Source: Thermador and THOR

Dual Fuel Ranges combine the features of a gas cooktop with an electric oven, delivering an exceptional cooking experience and giving you the best of both cooking worlds. Thermador offers a high-end model, which comes with a steep price tag of over $14,000. On the other hand, THOR provides a more budget-friendly option at $6,399. But with such a big price discrepancy, how do their features compare?

Remarkably, the THOR Stainless Steel Dual Fuel Range stands up well against the pricier Thermador Dual Fuel Professional Range 48'' Pro Harmony® model. Both THOR and Thermador dual fuel ranges have a spacious 48-inch wide cooktop with six gas burners, including two powerful 18,000 BTU burners for quick boil convenience. In terms of their electric ovens, the Thermador model sports two ovens, 4.4 / 2.4 cu. ft. THOR’s two ovens are just about the same size, coming in at 4.2 cu. ft. and 2.5 cu. ft.

Additionally, THOR offers some appealing features that Thermador doesn't have, like the LuxGlide™ Telescopic Racks, which make oven cooking and baking effortless. THOR also provides energy-efficient heating, LED control panel lights, and a bright blue porcelain oven interior. Considering all these impressive features, along with its more reasonable price, the THOR dual-fuel range becomes an enticing choice for those seeking top-tier performance without the exorbitant cost. 

	Thermador	THOR
Gas Range	$8,599.00	$3,299.00
Electric Range	$8,399.00	$2,599.00
Dual Fuel Range	$14,299.00	$6,399.00

THOR vs. Thermador: Cooktops

Sources: Thermador and THOR

Cooktops provide greater cooking versatility and are more popular than ever for countertops and kitchen islands.  They provide the flexibility of placing a cooking appliance anywhere that suits your kitchen layout and design. You can enjoy the freedom to customize your cooking space with these ranges and they make it easy to add an extra cooking area on an island or counter. Get creative and make your kitchen even more versatile! In the range of cooktop options offered by both THOR and Thermador, you can find the following types:

1. Rangetops
2. Drop-In Gas Cooktops
3. Drop-In Induction Cooktops

Rangetops

Source: Thermador and THOR

Rangetops are cooktops that fit right into your kitchen counter, giving you the benefit of an easy to use front plate, without the need for a full range. The Thermador rangetop has 18,500 BTUs of energy for cooking, and the THOR 36” Gas Rangetop is almost the same with 18,000 BTUs. Both have six burners, spill trays, and durable controls. The main difference is the price, with the THOR model costing around $3,000 less than the Thermador.

Drop-In Gas Cooktops

Source: Thermador and THOR

Let's compare the THOR 36” Professional Drop-In Gas Cooktop with the Thermador 36” Drop-In Gas Cooktop. Both feature a 36-inch size, six burners in THOR and five burners in Thermador of different sizes, and a side control panel. The THOR cooktop impresses with two powerful 18,000 BTU burners, while the Thermador model also offers high-powered burners, but with varying BTU outputs.

THOR goes the extra mile with additional perks like a wok ring for easy placement of round-bottom cookware and blue LED-lit control knobs for effortless use. Surprisingly, these features are not included in the Thermador cooktop, despite its considerably higher price than THOR's. With such similar sizes and comparable power, the THOR Professional Drop-In Gas Cooktop becomes an attractive choice. Saving $2000 compared to the Thermador model is also a big perk for THOR’s drop-in.

Drop-In Induction Cooktops

Source: Thermador and THOR

Drop-in-induction cooktops have gained immense popularity over the years and are among the top choices of professional chefs and at-home cooks . Both THOR and Thermador offer induction cooktops with five cooking elements.

The THOR Kitchen 36-Inch Built-In Induction cooktop boasts one 11” 2,300-watt element, two 9” 2,100-watt elements, and two 7” 1,500-watt elements. On the other hand, the Thermador induction cooktop, which is the largest available on the market, is equipped with all 3,500-watt elements which all boost to 5,500-watts. The THOR model however features sync heating which allows burners to instantly merge to accommodate a griddle or other large pan.

The significant variation lies in the price. The THOR model is attractively priced at under $1000, presenting an excellent value proposition. In contrast, the Thermador induction cooktop comes with a higher price tag, almost six times that of the THOR model.

	Thermador	THOR
36-Inch Rangetop	$4,499.00	$1,299.00
36-Inch Drop-In Gas Cooktop	$2,899.00	$899.00
36-Inch Drop-In Induction Cooktop	$6,099.00	$899.00

Thermador and THOR Refrigerators 

Source: Thermador and THOR

In the realm of French-door refrigerators, Thermador boasts a spacious model with with its Freestanding 36-Inch French Door Bottom-Mount model. It comes with a generous 20.8 cu. ft. capacity, so you'll have ample room to store all of your culinary delights. Plus, Thermador includes an interior water dispenser, allowing you to quench your thirst without interrupting the sleek look of its exterior. Can THOR stack up to this competitor? The THOR Kitchen 36-Inch French Door Refrigerator stands tall with its 22.5 cu. ft. capacity, offering even more space than the Thermador counterpart, measuring at  20.8 cu. ft. 

Now, let's delve into the luxury features that make the THOR refrigerator shine. First, it features the convenience of two humidity-controlled crisper drawers, perfect for preserving the freshness of fruits and vegetables. With six one-gallon door storage bins, organizing your beverages and condiments has never been easier. The special "Cool Zone" drawer allows you to maintain a cooler temperature, ideal for storing delicate items. And the icing on the cake? The elegant LED lighting which illuminates beyond the standard fridge bulb. With a sleek counter-depth design, the THOR refrigerator adds a touch of luxury to any kitchen, delivering that high-end, custom-made look you've been dreaming of.

But here's the best part – while the THOR French Door Refrigerator boasts an impressive array of features, it comes with a surprisingly affordable price tag, saving you around $2300 compared to the similar Thermador model.

For those who crave the convenience of an on-door ice and water dispenser, THOR offers another French Door refrigerator option, delivering both style and practicality, all at a more budget-friendly price than the French Door model from Thermador.

In this journey of luxury refrigerators, THOR and Thermador beckon you with their extraordinary offerings with cost-effective splendor. 

Comparing Range Hoods: Thermador vs. THOR

Sources: Thermador and THOR 

As we cook, things like smoke, steam, grease, and odors naturally fill the air. A range hood acts as a powerful ally to combat these nuisances and improve the air quality within the home. Both THOR and Thermador offer excellent range hoods, but the Thermador model is nearly triple the cost of THOR's 36” Professional Wall Mount Pyramid Range Hood. With such a higher price tag, are there any features that can make Thermador standout compared to the THOR model? 

Let's talk power! THOR's range hood boasts a robust 1,000 CFM (cubic feet per minute) suction power, while Thermador falls short at a maximum output of 600 CFM. But that's not all. THOR's model is designed for quiet operation, with a maximum noise level of 67 decibels. On the other hand, Thermador doesn't even mention noise prevention on its spec sheet, leaving us with uncertainty about its noise levels.

THOR doesn't compromise on quality, either. With commercial-grade stainless steel construction, it's built to last. Plus, you have the flexibility to choose between venting outside or filtered recirculation, tailoring it to fit your kitchen setup. With three adjustable speeds and two bright LED lights, THOR's range hood offers convenience and functionality in one package. And to sweeten the offer, THOR’s model delivers all of this for under $1000.

Comparing Thermador vs. THOR Dishwashers

Sources: Thermador and THOR

When it comes to dishwashers, there are many features you’ll want including good looks, quiet operation, energy-efficiency, and performance. THOR and Thermador both offer these features, but with much different price tags.

Coming in at the same sleek 24-inch width, these THOR and Thermador dishwasher models both feature luxury touches like adjustable racks and a sleek LCD control bars on the top of the panel, giving them a modern and tidy look.

Both models operate quietly, with Thermador coming in at 42 decibels and THOR at just a slightly higher 45 decibels. They also have energy-efficient washing cycles to save on power and water.

THOR goes the extra mile with its smart wash system, featuring a built-in soil sensor. This sensor instantly figures out the best washing cycle for each load, making sure your dishes come out sparkling clean every time. And the best part? THOR's dishwasher is over $1000 cheaper than the comparable Thermador model. So you get all these fantastic features without breaking the bank. It's a win-win situation with THOR.

Microwave Drawer Comparison: Thermador vs. THOR

Sources: Thermador and THOR 

A microwave drawer is a versatile and space-saving addition to any kitchen, offering numerous practical advantages that are quickly moving it from indulgence to essential appliance in many kitchen remodels. Its unique design allows for seamless integration into kitchen cabinetry, freeing up valuable countertop space for other cooking activities and allowing for easier loading and unloading with it at waist-height. Both Thermador and THOR offer microwave drawers with a near-identical streamlined look that add a touch of elegance to any high-end kitchen.

When we delve into the specs, both microwaves impress with near identical specs. They both are 24-inches wide, boast a 1.2 cu. ft. capacity and have 950 watts of power. However, the THOR model takes it up a notch with its numerous bells and whistles. It offers 10 precision power modes for efficient heating and 12 food prep functions that range from defrosting to luxurious options like melting chocolate and softening ice cream. The convenient touch open and close feature of the THOR model will also be a welcomed addition. It allows you to operate the microwave even with your hands full.

You might expect such similar microwaves to come with a hefty price tag, but here's where THOR shines. Despite the comparable size, power, and features, the THOR microwave drawer is priced around $1000 cheaper than its Thermador counterpart. 

THOR vs. Thermador Appliance Package Comparison   

Source: Thermador and THOR

When it comes to purchasing luxury appliances, bundling into an appliance package can be a smart move. Bundling your appliances together often means getting a better price overall. Plus, opting for an appliance package ensures that all of your appliances match perfectly, giving your kitchen a professionally designed built-in look.

As shown in the graphic above, there's a significant price difference between the Thermador and THOR appliance suites. If you chose the THOR high-end appliance package, you'd save over $10,000 compared to similar appliances from Thermador. That's a remarkable amount of savings for the same quality and features. So, if you're looking to upgrade your kitchen with top-notch appliances while staying within your budget, the THOR bundle is a good option to consider. 

Final Thoughts on THOR versus Thermador Kitchen Appliances

After thoroughly comparing Thermador and THOR kitchen appliances, both deliver when it comes to material quality, construction and innovative features. Both brands also deliver the high-style you’d expect in luxury appliances. But when it comes to value, it becomes evident that THOR stands out as the superior brand in terms of pricing. If you’re looking for affordable luxury kitchen appliances for your home, THOR is a brand that can meet and exceed your expectations. 

For those interested in adding THOR products to a kitchen upgrade, Home Outlet Direct is the go-to destination. As an authorized dealer of a full range of THOR appliances, Home Outlet Direct gives you the ability to shop with confidence. Home Outlet Direct takes pride in offering a number of discounts to show our gratitude to military personnel, veterans and first responders for their service and dedication. There’s even a special buying option for builders. Families looking to upgrade their kitchen can also benefit from Home Outlet Direct’s financing options powered by Affirm, helping make new, high-quality appliances attainable to everyone. 

Make Home Outlet Direct your one-stop shop for all your THOR kitchen appliance needs. Experience the perfect blend of luxury, affordability, and exceptional service as you elevate your cooking journey with the appeal of luxury appliances.