HOD Builder's Brief: Viking may be a common name in household high-end appliances, but consumers would be wise to take a good look at emerging brand THOR, which offers similar specs and luxury features at much more affordable price points.
High-end luxury appliances provide many features and design specifications which you just can’t find in ordinary models. Whether you’re replacing one appliance or giving your kitchen a full makeover, high-end appliances not only provide a designer look and feel, but they’ll be dependable and highly efficient for years to come.
While everyone would probably opt for a luxury line of appliances for their kitchen, the cost can sometimes prevent indulging in these high-grade appliances. Up until a few years ago, only celebrities and those with limitless budgets could afford these high-end models. The good news is today, there are brands which combine luxury construction with budget-friendly pricing.
With so many brands to choose from, it’s important to spend some time doing your homework and comparison shopping. Look at the functions, the features, the size and the power when making a decision on an appliance that you’ll want to enjoy for many years. Here, we’ll take a look at two of the most popular brands in luxury kitchen appliances to compare features, styles and prices, so you can make the choice that’s right for you. Now let’s explore a bit about Viking and THOR.
An Overview of Thor and Viking
Viking is an appliance brand which has been producing kitchen equipment for the last 40 years. With lines such as Viking Virtuoso and Viking Tuscany, they specialize in high-end appliances which offer performance and a built-in feel. Viking is known for the ranges and ovens, but they also manufacture refrigerators, dishwashers, hoods and outdoor kitchen appliances.
THOR is a California-based appliance company which began with the promise that luxury appliances shouldn’t have to carry an astronomical price tag. The founders believed that more foodies and home chefs should have access to the same great design and performance as those with limitless budgets.
Today, THOR, a member of the well-respected National Kitchen and Bath Association, offers consumers affordable options in everything from cooking appliances like ranges, ovens, cooktops and microwaves to hoods, dishwashers and ice makers.
With that background in mind, let’s explore some popular kitchen appliance categories and compare some of Viking and THOR’s top sellers to find out which comes out on top for both value and performance.
Comparing THOR Ranges to Viking Ranges
When it comes to luxury ranges both Viking and THOR deliver the good looks and professional performance that home cooks have come to count on in high-end appliances. These features often include high-powered burners, consistent oven heat and user-friendly displays and controls. Generally, home ranges can be broken down into the following categories:
- Electric
- Gas
- Dual Fuel (Gas cooktop and electric oven)
Electric Ranges
Comparing the Viking 30” Self Cleaning Range with the THOR 30” self cleaning range, the first impression is how similar these models are. The Viking electric range has a 4.7 cu. ft. oven while the THOR has a similar size at 4.55. Both feature powerful electric heating elements with Viking ranging from 3,200 to 1,200 watts and THOR offering a range of 3,000 to 1,200 watts. Both offer self-cleaning functions along with oven convection fans for even heating.
The THOR electric range also features a tilt-out control panel, a luxury touch that is missing from the Viking model, along with an air fryer function, multiple cooking modes, a storage drawer and a hidden bake element that is positioned below the oven floor to make cleanups a breeze.
Since the THOR 30" Electric Range with 4.55 Cu. Ft. Self-Cleaning Oven, Air Fryer, and Tilt Panel in Stainless Steel is under half the price of the comparable Viking model, it provides the performance and value which makes it an excellent choice for homeowners in the market for an electric range.
Gas Ranges
What do most of us want from our stoves? Power. And both the Viking 6B All Burner model and the THOR 36-Inch Tilt Panel Professional Gas Range deliver. Both feature a single “power” burner, with Viking’s delivering 18,500 BTUs and THOR bringing a nearly identical 18,000 BTUs here. That’s surprisingly comparable given their significant price difference. The THOR model will save you over $6,000.
But the similarities don’t stop at BTUs. Both the Viking gas range and THOR range feature multiple cooking modes along with a true convection fan for evening oven heating perfect for better baking. Finally, the THOR includes an air fry feature, which the Viking lacks along with a convenient tilt-out display that ends the need for ever having to bend down to see your controls.
Dual Fuel
A dual-fuel range offers the best of both worlds when it comes to cooking. This means you’ll get the convenience of a gas cooktop coupled with the consistency and baking perfection of an electric stove. These deluxe ranges often come with the highest of price tags and that’s evident with Viking’s $20,000+ price point. THOR offers a much more accommodating $6399 price, but how does it match up to Viking’s features?
In fact, the THOR Stainless Steel Dual Fuel Range stacks up surprisingly well compared to its over-triple the price competitor. Both the THOR and the Viking dual fuel ranges feature a generous 48-inch wide cooktop with six burners including a power burner. The highest output of heat the Viking supplies is 18,500 BTUs, with the THOR coming in just under that with a similar 18,000 BTUs. They also both feature similar oven sizes, with both including two ovens. The Viking model’s sizes are 4.7 cu. ft. and 2.6 cu. Ft while the THOR dual fuel is 4.2 cu. ft. and 2.5 cu. ft.
The THOR model also includes LuxGlide™ Telescopic Racks which are a luxury addition that make oven cooking and baking effortless. In fact, you’ll never have to worry about a rack tipping over again with this technology. Additional perks of the THOR model include energy-efficient heating, LED control panel lights, and a 15,000 BTU griddle.
Viking |
THOR |
|
Gas Range |
$9,889.00 |
$3,299.00 |
Electric Range |
$5,609.00 |
$2,599.00 |
Dual Fuel Range |
$20,699.00 |
$6,399.00 |
THOR vs. Viking: Cooktops
Cooktops offer the flexibility of placing a cooking appliance in a place that works for you and your kitchen design. With a cooktop, there’s no need to fit an entire range in, rather you can separate the two and even add an additional cooking area to an island with ease. Both Viking and THOR offer a number of cooktop models, such as:
- Rangetops
- Drop-In Gas Cooktops
- Drop-In Induction Cooktops
Rangetops
Rangetops slide into a countertop space and feature a front plate as well as a cooktop. Similar to their respective range options, the Viking rangetop brings 18,500 of BTU energy to cooking tasks and the THOR 36” Gas Rangetop is nearly identical, with 18,000 BTUs. Both feature six burners, porcelain spill trays and heavy-duty controls. In fact, the biggest difference between the two probably is the price, with close to a $5,000 savings when opting for the THOR model.
Drop-In Gas Cooktops
Now let’s compare the Viking 36” Drop-In Gas Cooktop versus the THOR 36” Professional Drop-In Gas Cooktop. Both feature the same size cooktop space with six burners of various sizes along with a side control panel. The THOR however has two high-powered 18,000 BTU burners while the Viking only has one which reaches 18,500 BTUs. But THOR’s perks don’t end there. It also features a wok ring for easy placement of round-bottom cookware and blue LED-lit control knobs for ease of use. The Viking doesn’t include these added features, which is surprising, given its price tag is triple that of the THOR.
Drop-In Induction Cooktops
Finally, to round out the cooktop options, let’s take a closer look at induction drop-in models from Viking and THOR. Both brands offer models that feature induction cooking, which is quickly becoming the preferred cooking element of home chefs and professionals alike thanks to its clean energy source, responsiveness, safety and consistency. Both the Viking 36” All-Induction Cooktop and the THOR Kitchen 36-Inch Built-In Induction Cooktop feature five cooking elements and a digital LED touch control panel. The Viking Cooktop consists of the following elements: an 11” 5,500 watt, two 8” 3,000 watt and two 7” 2,200 watt elements.
Similarly the THOR model has one 11” 2300 watt element, two 9” 2,100 watt and two 7” 1,500 watt elements. That makes these two models extremely similar in features and functions. In fact, the only significant difference is their price, with the THOR model coming in at under $1000 and the Viking costing nearly five times that amount.
Viking |
THOR |
|
36-Inch Rangetop |
$6,099.00 |
$1,299.00 |
36-Inch Drop-In Gas Cooktop |
$3,309.00 |
$899.00 |
36-Inch Drop-In Induction Cooktop |
$4,749.00 |
$899.00 |
Viking and THOR Refrigerators
Refrigerators do more than just keep your food cold, there are plenty of options and special features that you should analyze before making a purchase. For instance, while the Viking 36" French-Door Refrigerator with Bottom-Freezer features an interior water dispenser, the Thor Kitchen 36-Inch 22.5 cu. ft Freestanding French Door Refrigerator with Ice Maker provides more space with 22.5 cu. ft. versus 19.8 cu. ft. from Viking’s 36-inch model.
The THOR model also includes two humidity controlled crisper drawers, six one-gallon door storage bins, a special “Cool Zone” drawer which can hold a cooler temperature, along with LED lighting and a counter-depth design made to give any kitchen that high-end, custom-made look. While the THOR model packs in a significant amount of features, what it doesn’t carry is a big price tag, with a cost around $2000 less than that of the similar Viking refrigerator.
For those families who can’t live without the convenience of an on-door ice and water dispenser, THOR offers another French Door refrigerator option, which still carries a cheaper price tag than the French Door Viking model.
Comparing Range Hoods: Viking vs. THOR
When it comes to range hoods, there’s a clear winner in this match-up. Although Viking carries the much higher price tag, at nearly double the cost of the THOR 36” Professional Wall Mount Pyramid Range Hood, it doesn’t stack up to the specs of the THOR model.
For starters, the THOR model boasts 1,000 CFM of suction power, while the Viking offers less than half of this rate at 460 CFM. Furthermore, the THOR model is designed for quiet operation, with a maximum decibel level of 67, the Viking doesn’t even mention noise prevention on its spec sheet.
With THOR featuring commercial-grade stainless steel, the option for both venting outside or filtered recirculation along with three speeds and two LED lights, THOR is the obvious choice with more power for far less money.
Comparing Viking vs. THOR Dishwashers
When it comes to dishwashers, you’re probably looking for energy-efficiency, a stainless steel tub interior and a quiet operation that doesn’t interrupt your time in the kitchen. Both Viking and THOR deliver these features, but with a much different price tag.
Both the THOR and Viking models we compared here are sized the same at 24-inch widths. Both models feature luxury touches such as adjustable racks and a sleek top panel LCD control bar that keeps the look of the front panel uncluttered, with an elevated look.
While both models also feature quiet operations (Viking at 42 decibels and THOR at a comparable 45 decibels) and energy efficient washing cycles, the THOR boasts four arm sprays, while Viking features just three. The THOR Built-in Top Control Dishwasher also has a smart wash system with a built-in soil sensor which instantly determines the Normal washing cycle to meet the needs of each wash. And the best part, the THOR model is over $1000 less than the comparable Viking model.
Microwave Drawer Comparison: Viking vs. THOR
Today’s modern kitchens demand the ease and convenience of a microwave drawer. Whether placed centrally within a kitchen island or nearby a stove, this new style of microwave prevents you from having to reach up high for hot bowls and plates. Instead, the appliance is always within reach. Notice the near-identical streamline look of both the Viking and THOR models. They are so similar in appearance, both will fit seamlessly in with cabinetry to create that high-end kitchen look.
The similarities continue when looking at their specs as both microwaves are the exact same size at a 24 inch width with a 1.2 cu. ft. capacity. Their wattage is nearly identical, with the THOR microwave drawer featuring 950 watts of cooking power. The THOR model also features multiple bells and whistles, such as 10 precision power modes for effective heating, 12 food prep functions for everything from defrost and beverage heating to luxury options such as chocolate melting and ice cream softening. It also includes a convenient touch open and close feature to allow you to operate the microwave even when your hands are full.
Now with all of these similarities, you’d think the Viking and THOR microwave drawers would be priced the same. But surprisingly, with the similar size, power and features, the THOR wins at a price-point around $1000 cheaper than the Viking model.
THOR vs. Viking Appliance Package Comparison
While it’s important to compare individual prices of appliances and their features, let’s not overlook the many benefits that come from purchasing luxury appliances as a bundle package. This makes sense for many shoppers because you’ll often get a better price when you bundle your appliances together. Whether you’re personally remodeling your kitchen or you’re a builder outfitting a new dream kitchen, bundles are a cost-effective way to make one purchase complete a kitchen. Also don’t forget that by buying an appliance package, which typically will include four to five of the most essential pieces, you’ll ensure that all of your appliances match perfectly, giving that professionally designed built-in look.
As you can see in the above graphic, there is a dramatic difference in price when you compare a luxury appliance package from Viking with the similar bundle from THOR. If you went with the THOR high-end appliance package, you’d save over $14,000. That’s a staggering difference for the same quality and features.
Final Thoughts on THOR versus Viking Kitchen Appliances
When you’re looking to enjoy all of the benefits that luxury appliances offer, from high quality materials to user-friendly features, THOR kitchen appliances deliver these benefits, but with a significantly lower price tag than Viking.
With Home Outlet Direct, it has bever been easier to outfit your kitchen with the refined designs and high-performance that luxury appliances are known for. Home Outlet Direct is the preferred online dealer of THOR appliances, providing the unbeatable combination of luxury craftsmanship with surprisingly budget-friendly pricing. Enjoy extra discounts with our special rates for builders and military personnel. There’s even financing available with our Affirm payment program, allowing you to enjoy your new kitchen appliances today and pay as you go.
Home Outlet Direct gives you the options to upgrade your kitchen with the appliances that your family deserves, all at a price you can feel great about. We’re here to help so give us a call or live chat with one of our expert team members, ready to assist with your shopping experience.
2 comments
Joanie Smith
Brand new ground up construction contains Thor appliances. They are beautiful, however six cooktop burners have no simmer function. Lowest burner setting scorches food to cookware. Contacted Thor, who said “there is no simmer function on these burners. They are designed this way.” Huh? So, you can “Cook Like A God” as long as it’s on high. I thought the purpose of burners was to be able adjust the heat in cooking. My advice is to look elsewhere.
Marcus Miller
I’ve owned both. My Viking oven lasted twenty years and is still going. My Thor oven was not functioning in the first year. The oven and broiler were both not functioning. The oven gas distributor was melted beyond repair. The guy I called in to fix it said he’d never seen anything fall apart like that. A year after that all three ignitions on the fro t gas grills were broken. And due to design. I have one working now and can’t get the other two fixed. The control knobs get so hot when the oven is operating you can’t touch them. And the cheap plastic silver coating on them has all rubbed off. This is a terrible terrible product. The Viking is a real oven. The Thor is an imitation oven. The single worst product I’ve ever bought. (The BEST product I’ve ever bought was an apple titanium PowerBook- just so you might take me seriously).