HOD Builder's Brief: Wolf is a long-standing name in luxury kitchen appliances, but before diving in and making a big-ticket purchase, be sure to check out the breakthrough brand, FORNO, which also offers high-end features and quality you can trust at a far lower price than its competitor.
Technology has changed our lives in so many ways, and today’s modern kitchen is a perfect example of how drastically things have changed, especially in recent years. Years ago we could only dream of high-end luxury kitchen appliances. But today more cost-effective brands are allowing homeowners to enjoy the convenience, style, and versatility that comes with luxury appliances.
Even just a few decades ago, luxury kitchen appliances were too pricey for most of us to afford. But prices are becoming more competitive. New companies are challenging the status quo and technology has evolved to deliver commercial quality to home kitchens. Today, luxury isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy, but with so many options on the market today, it can be a challenge to decide which is the best investment.
That’s why product research is so important, but comparison shopping can be a daunting and time-consuming process. That’s why we’re taking a detailed look at two popular brands and comparing some of their most similar products. After all, with an appliance investment that should last you decades, you want to be sure you’ve made the right decision.
Wolf and FORNO are luxury appliance brands both worth considering when you’re looking for a new appliance. So here we’re going to examine their features, specs, and prices to see which one comes out on top. With this guide, you’ll be ready to make the best decision with plenty of concrete information to guide your decision-making process. Now, let’s check out a bit more about Wolf and FORNO.
An Overview of Wolf and FORNO
The Sub-Zero Freezer Company started in the US in 1945. In 1992 the brand expanded into the cooking sphere by buying the brand rights to the Wolf brand name. Wolf had been a brand which focused primarily in the commercial cooking world and with the acquisition, Sub-Zero looked to bring this same technology to residential kitchens. Today, the brand has become three companies working together as one: Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove. The company prides itself on being specialists in refrigeration, cooking, and dishwashing. Their products are American manufactured and tested for dependability.
FORNO is a newer name in luxury kitchen appliances, but don’t let that fool you. This company has quality, dependable products that have all the functionality of more established companies like Wolf, and with all the style too.
Inspired by the tradition of Italian cooking, the European-inspired company follows classic designs to recreate a sense of the Old World, where meals were family-centered and love was expressed through the hearty meals enjoyed with family and friends.
FORNO’s mission is to provide more consumers with the opportunity to own luxury kitchen appliances because the kitchen is the heart of the home. They focus on creating products that stand the test of time, so you can focus on making memories with your loved ones.
Comparing Wolf Ranges to FORNO Ranges
Home cooks and chefs are excited to find luxury ranges making their way into more family kitchens than ever before. Everyone wants consistent and reliable results, and the dependability, control, and precision in your cooking that luxury ranges provide. To find the perfect luxury range for your kitchen, think about what features are most important to you. Perhaps it is the convenience of quickly boiling water on the stove and never having to wait to make your pasta perfectly al dente. Or maybe it’s the ease of moving pots around on a continuous grill. You might be looking for a self-cleaning oven or one that offers a convection fan. No matter what features are most important to you, we will see what Wolf and FORNO offer with their ranges. They have a wide selection to choose from, that can be broken down as follows:
- Electric
- Gas
- Dual Fuel (Gas cooktop and electric oven)
Electric Ranges
In this first comparison, the Wolf 30” induction electric range and the FORNO 36” electric range with convection oven both have a ceramic glass surface for easy cleaning and even heating. The FORNO model has zinc-coated metal control knobs on the front of the unit for style and ease of use.
The Wolf range offers four induction zones for cooking, while the FORNO has five traditional electric burners. The Wolf induction zones range from 1,400 watts to 2,600 watts with power boosts, while the FORNO model offers a wider range, from 100 watts to 3,000 watts. For fans of conventional electric, the FORNO model would be the obvious way to go. On the other hand, for those who want the new tech of induction cooking, the Wolf model may hold greater appeal. Just remember, induction cooking only works with certain types of cookware.
Each of these ranges offer the reliable even heating that comes with a convection oven. The Wolf model has a 5.1 cu.ft. oven, but FORNO has a slight advantage here with 5.36 cu.ft. FORNO’s extra burner and slightly larger capacity is probably making you lean toward FORNO, but the most convincing detail is the close to $6,000 you will save by choosing FORNO. Since the price is the main difference between these two electric ranges, FORNO is a clear winner in electric ranges.
Gas Ranges
What do you want from a new gas range? Style, fast heating, or continuous iron grates that allow you to move pots around with ease? Both the Wolf gas range and the FORNO Galiana gas range both meet those needs. Each is a 36-inch width natural gas range with the Wolf range offering six burners with five delivering 15,000 BTUs and a smaller, simmering burner at 9,200 BTUs. FORNO also features six burners but surpasses Wolf with a 20,000 BTU power burner (perfect for searing a steak or other high-heat cooking needs) along with three 15,000 BTU burners and two 9,000 BTU smaller ones.
Some features are quite similar, with both ranges offering sealed burners and continuous cast iron grates for easy cleaning. When it comes to ovens, both feature convection ovens. FORNO has an oven capacity of 5.36 cu.ft., while the Wolf model is just a bit bigger, at 5.5 cu.ft.
When looking at price points, FORNO will save you over $5,500 compared to Wolf. That’s a great savings, especially considering how much they have in common.
Dual Fuel
The Wolf Dual Fuel Range and FORNO 48″ Galiano Dual Fuel gas range and electric oven allow you the luxury of fast cooking and searing with a gas range plus the even, consistent baking of an electric oven.
The Wolf range has an infrared griddle and six burners, but the FORNO range offers eight burners for a bit more flexibility. The FORNO and Wolf ranges also both feature a 20,000 BTU power burner that is sure to become that “favorite burner,” everyone has.
But what about those double ovens? A classic trait of dual fuel ranges, both models offer one large and one smaller oven. The Wolf range has a total oven capacity of 7.8 cu.ft., with a large 5.1 cu.ft. capacity oven and a smaller 2.7 cu.ft. capacity. The FORNO’s double oven capacity comes in just a bit smaller at 6.58 cu. ft., split into a 4.32 cu.ft. convection oven and a 2.26 cu.ft. oven with 3,400 watt broil and bake functions.
With a comparison of two ranges being so alike, it is astounding to see the $13,000+ savings you will get if you choose FORNO.
Wolf |
FORNO |
|
Gas Range |
$7,810.00 |
$2,099.00 |
Electric Range |
$8,770.00 |
$2,499.00 |
Dual Fuel Range |
$16,330.00 |
$2,999.00 |
Wolf vs. FORNO: Rangetops
Rangetops are a newer option for cooking, giving you the flexibility of installing it in places where a traditional range won’t fit. You may choose to add a rangetop to your kitchen in addition to a free-standing range, for those special occasions when you will be cooking several items at once. It may also be chosen instead of a range with an attached oven for smaller kitchens or for those who don’t like to bake.
Rangetops give a beautiful, modern look with the flexibility of placing your stove anywhere you want in your kitchen, whether it be for style or convenience. It can save room because an oven doesn’t need to take up valuable cabinet space. The Wolf 36-inch sealed burner rangetop features continuous cast iron grates that make it easy to move your pots and pans around on your stovetop. The FORNO 36-inch gas range top offers the same feature, as well as contoured zinc-controlled knobs that are specially made for ease of use.
The Wolf rangetop has six easy-to-clean, sealed burners, including a 20,000 BTU burner. The FORNO rangetop has these same features, a wok ring, and a griddle.
With so many features and specs alike, you may wonder which one is a better pick. Choosing the FORNO rangetop will save you $3,500+, which is a nice detail!
Sub-Zero and FORNO Freestanding Refrigerators
Just to review, Sub-Zero is part of the Wolf family of appliances, with Sub-Zero being the brand that focuses on refrigeration. The Sub-Zero 36” pro refrigerator freezer has much in common with the FORNO 36” Moena French Door Refrigerator Freezer. Both models feature two bottom freezer drawers, an interior ice maker, and ample LED lighting.
If you like French doors, FORNO delivers. The FORNO fridge is also an Energy Star appliance, which beats Sub-Zero’s energy ratings. Storage is also a big deal when it comes to fridges. The Sub-Zero refrigerator has a 18.4 cu.ft. capacity and its freezer is 4.3 cu.ft. The FORNO model has a bit smaller refrigerator, coming in at 12.1 cu.ft, but its freezer is a generous 7.1 cu.ft capacity. While Sub-Zero has a larger fridge space, the freezer is quite small, almost half the size of FORNO’s.
FORNO’s Energy Star status will save you money each year, but that’s not all. The price difference between these two refrigerator freezers is gigantic. Choosing the FORNO refrigerator freezer will cost over $14,000 less than the Wolf model. And that’s a pretty big cost savings.!
Sub-Zero vs. FORNO Built-In Refrigerators
You can’t go wrong with the modern appeal that a built-in refrigerator will give your kitchen. The design creates a sleek look with counter-depth configurations that will instantly give any kitchen that designer home feel. The Sub-Zero Built-In Refrigerator Freezer is a 48 inch classic, side-by-side refrigerator freezer. The FORNO 60 inch Rizzuto Prostyle Built-In Refrigerator Freezer consists of a 28-inch refrigerator and a 28-inch freezer with a trim kit to create a cohesive look. The Sub-Zero refrigerator is 18.3 cu.ft. and the freezer is 10.5 cu.ft. How does the FORNO model compare on space? Each of its units are 13.8 cu.ft. in capacity, but it has the flexible feature of having two zones that are convertible, able to change between fridge and freezer, depending on your needs. How’s that for luxury?
The Sub-Zero and FORNO built-ins are illuminated with LED lights, but the FORNO model is also an Energy Star appliance. This means you'll save money throughout the life of the appliance, year after year, with greater energy efficiency and less electricity used.
Speaking of saving money, in this side-by-side comparison, FORNO saves you over $12,500 compared to the Wolf built-in refrigerator. At under $3,000 the FORNO built-in is quite the bargain for an oversized, luxury refrigerator.
Comparing Range Hoods: Wolf vs. FORNO
No one wants a smoky kitchen. That’s why getting rid of food and cooking odors while using the range is so important. In fact, it’s not only a comfort issue. A power hood can also rid your home of dangerous impurities created from cooking. And as an added bonus, a hood range can create a gorgeous focal point to any kitchen space.
Let’s look at how the Wolf and FORNO range hoods stack up against each other. The FORNO 36-inch Wall Mount Range Hood vents air at a powerful 1,200 CFM, while the Wolf Wall Mount Range Hood falls short in this category, venting at a rate of only 600 CFM max.
The FORNO range hood has four surface lights to see well while cooking, while Wolf’s model falls behind with only two lights. The FORNO range hood also has four speed touch controls compared to Wolf’s two.
FORNO cares about making their products run quietly. To that end the FORNO range hood registers from 25 to 68 decibels, very quiet even at its most powerful. Unfortunately the Wolf model doesn’t list its noise level to compare. And you might be surprised to discover that FORNO is also the winner when it comes to price. It’s over $1,000 cheaper than the Wolf range hood.
Comparing Cove vs. FORNO Dishwashers
A dishwasher is a staple in most households. From getting through a busy day of cooking to hosting family holiday dinners, a good dishwasher is usually in constant use. A luxury dishwasher has all the bells and whistles you can think of to help you end your day easier. This includes flexible shelving, machinery that runs quietly and cleans to a sparkling finish. But there’s also the element of style. Luxury dishwashers like the ones we’ve reviewed here feature top panel controls, keeping the front-facing panel sleek and streamlined.
Cove is the brand name Wolf/Sub-Zero uses for its line of dishwashers. The Cove 24-inch dishwasher has a stainless steel tub, six wash cycles, and adjustable racks to fit more dishes. Likewise, the FORNO 24” Dishwasher shares those features, and it is also ultra quiet when running, at 49 decibels. The Cove dishwasher is slightly quieter, at 41 decibels.
The Cove model has a water feed pressure range of 30-140 psi, while FORNO’s is a bit less at 20-120 psi. However, the FORNO model is also an Energy Star appliance, and Cove’s model is not. The FORNO dishwasher is similar in size and performance to its competitor, but the most obvious difference between them is the price gap. You will save over $1,500 if you pick FORNO for your dishwashing needs.
Microwave Drawer Comparison: Wolf vs. FORNO
The microwave drawer is a new approach to a well-loved appliance. It has more flexibility for your kitchen, and it's a great space-saving appliance that will make your life easier. Just like a cabinet drawer, a microwave drawer simply slides open rather than having to pull open the oven door from above.
The Wolf 24-inch Transitional Microwave Drawer has multiple microwave modes, sensor cooking, touch controls, and a 1.2 cubic foot capacity. The FORNO 24-inch Microwave Drawer offers the same features as the Wolf model. FORNO’s appliance has 11 levels, which surpasses the Wolf model’s ten. FORNO features 1,000 watt cooking power and Wolf comes in a bit lower at 950 watts.
The Wolf and FORNO microwave drawers are similar in power and features, so when we look at the price, we can see that the price is what truly sets these two appliances apart. If you buy FORNO, you will be saving more than $1,000 compared to Wolf.
Built-in Microwave Oven Comparison: Wolf vs. FORNO
While microwave drawers are becoming more popular, there’s another innovative option: the built-in microwave. FORNO and Wolf both have introduced a built-in microwave. Their models’ features and options are similar, but with slight differences in FORNO’s favor. The Wolf Transitional Drop Down Microwave Oven offers 900 watts of cooking power, but the FORNO Built-In 1.6 cu.ft. Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel comes in stronger with 1,000 total watts. FORNO also has 11 power levels compared to Wolf’s ten. Both units feature a 1.6 cu.ft. capacity.
With so much in common, how can you choose? You will save yourself well over $1,000 if you go with the FORNO microwave oven. With that much savings and the leg up on Wolf in the other categories, FORNO clearly wins this round.
Wolf/Sub-Zero/Cove vs. FORNO Appliance Package Comparison
Source: Wolf and FORNO
If you want to save time and money, an appliance package is often the way to go. It can make shopping easier and you’ll enjoy the convenience of completely matching pieces that all have the same manufacturer and similar quality. When comparing FORNO’s appliance package to similar models offered by Wolf, one major difference becomes clear.
With similar specs and features like those we’ve previously reviewed, you can save an astounding $21,000 by choosing the FORNO luxury appliance package. That is an incredible savings for products that are strikingly similar to such high-priced competition.
Final Thoughts on Wolf versus FORNO Kitchen Appliances
Wolf and FORNO kitchen appliances are high quality products that stand the test of time in terms of durability and craftsmanship. With those high standards, high prices usually go hand-in-hand. Fortunately, FORNO is a company that is pushing back against the large price tags which typically accompany luxury appliances. You can find the same great features and quality with FORNO, which offers high quality without the extravagant price tag.
HOME OUTLET DIRECT is your online solution when you are in the market for high-end luxury kitchen appliances. This preferred dealer of FORNO appliances offers high-quality craftsmanship and durability at amazing low prices!
Extra discounts and special rates are available for builders and military personnel. And with the Affirm payment program, you can enjoy effortless financing, so you can buy now and pay later. That means you could be whipping up new dishes in your brand new kitchen in the blink of an eye. Those holiday dinners will get a lot less stressful and memories can be made with the ease of these high-end appliances.
Home Outlet Direct can help! If you are ready to start that remodeling job or finish that new construction project, you are going to love these prices. Call today to speak to an experienced team member or chat online for assistance with your order. Get ready to enjoy your new luxury kitchen.