We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Wolf, Viking, and Thermador are all leading brands of high-end ranges, but which one is right for you? In this comparison guide, we weigh the pros and cons of each brand to help you make an informed decision.
You’ve made the decision to upgrade your kitchen with a high-end range. Well done; your culinary masterpieces will be grateful. The difficult thing now is having to decide between the three main contenders: Viking, Wolf, and Thermador. How can you choose when every brand is known for outstanding performance and commercial-grade quality? You’ve arrived at the proper location, then. We’ll give you the lowdown on these high-end brands so you can choose the one that most closely matches your cooking preferences and price range. We have everything you need, whether you’re a home cook, an aspiring chef, or you simply want the best stuff available. You’ll be cooking delicious meals in your ideal range in no time after reading this tutorial. What to make initially will be the only decision left!
Overview of the Leading High-End Range Brands
When it comes to pro-style ranges, Wolf, Viking, and Thermador are top contenders. Let’s compare these prestigious brands to determine which one suits your cooking style and budget.
Wolf ranges are renowned for power and performance. Their dual-fuel and all-gas ranges offer some of the strongest burners in the industry, reaching up to 20,000 BTU. Wolf’s build quality and stainless steel styling also exude a professional, commercial-grade feel. However, Wolf ranges typically have a higher price tag, from $8,000 up to $30,000 or more for their largest models.
Viking specializes in ultra-durable all-gas and dual-fuel ranges featuring signature dragon-shaped burners. Viking is a great choice if you want an all-gas range that can handle heavy-duty cooking and high heat. Their range prices start around $6,500. Viking ranges are built to last but some models have below-average reliability according to reviews.
Thermador ranges are praised for their innovative features and sleek styling. They offer high-performance all-gas, dual-fuel, and electric induction models. Thermador is particularly known for its Freedom® induction cooktops, which provide fast, precise temperature control. Thermador range prices range from $4,500 up to $15,000 for full-size models with lots of bells and whistles.
In the end, you can’t go wrong with any of these luxury range brands. But depending on factors like your budget, fuel type preference, and how much power or features you really need, one brand may suit you better. With some comparison shopping, you’ll find your perfect pro-style range.
Wolf Ranges – The German-Engineered Workhorse
If you’re looking for a pro-level range that can handle even the most demanding cooking tasks, Wolf should be at the top of your list. Founded in 1836, Wolf is renowned for manufacturing high-performance ranges that deliver exceptional results.
Wolf ranges feature iconic red knobs and stainless steel construction for a sleek, commercial look. Under the hood, they pack some serious power. Their dual-fuel ranges offer up to 60,000 BTUs across 6 powerful burners so you can quickly boil, sauté and stir fry. For bakers, Wolf’s convection ovens circulate hot air for fast, even cooking.
A few other highlights of Wolf ranges:
- They’re handcrafted in Germany using the highest quality materials and time-tested craftsmanship. Expect your Wolf range to last for decades.
- They offer innovative features like infrared charbroilers, gas grills, and griddles integrated right into the cooktop.
- Their patented dual-stacked, sealed burner system provides a high BTU output for fast heating and precise temperature control. Simmer sauces or blast heat under stockpots with ease.
- Available in a range of sizes from 4 to 8 burners you can choose what’s right for your needs and kitchen space.
While Wolf ranges do come at a premium, their performance, quality, and durability are second to none. If you want a range that cooks like a dream and will become the centerpiece of your kitchen for years to come, Wolf is the gold standard. Your inner chef will thank you.
Viking Ranges – The Bold American Innovator
Viking is the original innovator of high-end, professional-style ranges for the home. Founded in 1987, Viking single-handedly created the “professional range for the home” product category. If you want power, performance, and an industrial look in your kitchen, Viking is a great choice.
Unparalleled Power and Performance
Viking ranges are known for their powerful burners that can boil a pot of water in minutes. Their commercial-grade brass burners range from 15,000 BTUs all the way up to 23,000 BTUs. The convection fans and infrared broilers in Viking ovens also provide fast, even cooking.
- Viking’s Rapid ReadyTM Preheat gets ovens up to temperature in just 8-10 minutes.
- Their VariSimmerTM setting gives you ultra-low, precision temperature control.
- The infrared broiler can reach up to 1800°F for fast searing.
Top 5 Best Double Oven Microwave Combo for Any Budget
Striking Design
With their signature blue knobs and handles, Viking ranges make a bold statement in any kitchen. Their ranges feature commercial styling with stainless steel construction. Viking also offers ranges in a variety of shades like cranberry, mint, and plum in addition to stainless steel.
Premium Features
Viking includes many high-end features as standard. Some of the highlights include:
- Double oven configurations for maximum capacity.
- Self-cleaning porcelain ovens.
- Striking glass doors on wall ovens.
- Soft-close oven doors and soft-open burners.
- Lots of optional accessories like griddles, charbroilers, pasta cookers, and more.
While Viking ranges do come at a premium price, their powerful performance, innovative features, and head-turning style are unmatched. If you want the ultimate professional cooking experience in your home, Viking is the way to go. Viking truly lives up to its reputation as “the bold American innovator.”
Thermador Ranges – The Pinnacle of European Luxury
Thermador is a premium brand that prides itself on high-performance, innovative ranges that provide an exceptional cooking experience. If you want a showstopper range that makes a bold statement, Thermador should be at the top of your list.
Unparalleled Power and Control
Thermador ranges are powered by their exclusive ExtraLow® Burner Technology that provides extremely precise temperature control. Their star burners range from an ultra-low 140°F all the way up to a scorching 18,000 BTU. This level of control allows you to gently simmer sauces for hours or quickly sear a steak at maximum heat. Thermador’s exclusive simmer function called SimmerSavor lets you dial in the perfect gentle simmer.
Stunning Good Looks
Thermador ranges are as stylish as they are powerful. Their signature design includes a bold pro-style look with heavy-duty stainless steel, sturdy metal dials, and a striking illuminated panel. The 48-inch range is a showstopper with six burners, a griddle, and two ovens. For a minimalist look, the 30-inch all-gas range still packs four burners and a 4.5 cu. ft. oven.
Innovative Features
Thermador is an industry leader in kitchen innovation. Their ranges offer features like the patented Star® Burner, which provides a powerful flame with an exceptionally low simmer. The exclusive Grill/Griddle option lets you switch from open burners to a convenient griddle surface. The Freedom® Induction Cooktop offers the responsive precision of induction cooking. Thermador also offers the first pro-style steam and convection oven, combining steaming, baking, broiling, and keeping warm functions in one oven.
Premium Quality at a Price
As a premium brand, Thermador ranges don’t come cheap. Their high-end ranges start around $5,000 and go up to $15,000 or more for their top-of-the-line models. However, Thermador is a brand that prides itself on producing innovative, high-performance products built to last. If you want a luxury range that makes a statement in your kitchen, provides an exceptional cooking experience, and stands the test of time, Thermador is an excellent choice.
Comparing Cooking Performance: Burners, Ovens, and More
When it comes to high-performance ranges, the cooking capabilities are where the rubber meets the road. Wolf, Viking, and Thermador all produce exceptional ranges with commercial-grade power, but there are some differences in how they cook and bake that could impact your cooking style.
Burners
Wolf’s trademark red knob burners are renowned for their precise temperature control and even heating. Their dual-stacked burners also provide extra high heat for tasks like searing steaks or boiling stockpots of water. Viking is similarly powerful, with up to 23,000 BTU burners, while Thermador uses a patented star-shaped burner for more even heat distribution. Any of these brands will boil, sear, and sauté like a dream.
Ovens
Wolf’s convection ovens are highly efficient, using fans to circulate hot air for fast, even cooking. Their dual convection option provides maximum airflow for the ultimate in temperature control. Viking also produces convection ovens with a variety of cooking modes for every recipe. Thermador uses a unique telescopic rack in their ovens that glides out smoothly for easier access. Their Freedom induction cooktop can also be paired with an electric or gas oven.
Grills and Griddles
If you love cooking outdoors, Viking and Thermador both offer commercial-style grills and griddles that can be installed in an outdoor kitchen or as part of a range. Viking’s gas grills reach up to 25,000 BTU, while Thermador’s griddles are ideal for cooking pancakes, eggs, and hash browns for a crowd.
Steam Ovens
For the health-conscious cook, Thermador also builds steam ovens that use the power of steam to cook foods while preserving more nutrients. The steam ovens can also be used for proofing bread dough or reheating leftovers.
Any of these brands would be an excellent choice for a passionate home chef. Consider how you like to cook and bake, your typical recipes, and any extra features that match your needs. With power and performance to spare, you really can’t go wrong with Wolf, Viking or Thermador.
Smart Home Connectivity and Technology Features
When investing in a high-end range, smart home connectivity and advanced cooking technology are major selling points for many home chefs. Here’s how Wolf, Viking, and Thermador stack up in this department.
Wolf
Wolf was ahead of the curve in introducing smart home features for ranges. Their ranges offer Wi-Fi connectivity so you can control oven functions from your phone using their app. You’ll get alerts on your phone when the oven has reached the target preheat temperature or the timer has gone off. Some models even allow you to access recipe databases and video tutorials right on the range’s display.
Wolf’s dual-fuel and gas ranges also feature innovative burners like their “simmer to sear” burner which can reach up to 20,000 BTU for quickly searing meat before dialing down to a mere 300 BTU for delicate sauces. Their dual-stacked burners provide maximum power on demand. If high-heat cooking and smart home convenience are priorities, Wolf is a top contender.
Viking
While not quite as advanced as Wolf in smart home connectivity, Viking ranges do offer Wi-Fi-enabled control with their app to monitor oven functions and receive alerts. Their ranges are best known for commercial-level power and performance. Viking’s gas ranges feature up to six powerful 15,000 BTU burners, infrared broilers, and continuous cast iron grates for maximum cooking space.
For the tech-savvy chef seeking a professional-grade range, Viking delivers the power and performance to handle any culinary challenge. Their ranges may lack some of the smart features of Wolf but make up for it in sheer cooking muscle.
Thermador
Thermador ranges also offer Wi-Fi connectivity through their Home Connect app to control oven functions and monitor cooking progress. Their gas ranges feature a unique star-shaped burner with 56 flame ports for maximum heat coverage and a 15,000 BTU power burner. Thermador is particularly known for their Freedom® Induction Cooktop which offers the responsive, high-heat cooking of gas combined with the safety and efficiency of induction.
For cooks seeking a blend of power, performance, and smart home convenience, Thermador ranges provide the best of all worlds. Their innovative induction technology and Wi-Fi features make cooking an interactive experience. Of the three brands, Thermador may have the widest appeal for tech-savvy home chefs.
Design Esthetics – Finding Your Style Match
When it comes to design, these high-end range brands each have a distinct style that may appeal to you more than the others. Consider what will complement your kitchen’s decor and also fit your cooking needs.
Wolf
Wolf is known for its sleek, commercial-inspired aesthetic. Their ranges feature stainless steel construction, chunky knobs, and a sturdy, industrial feel. If you like a minimal, professional-style kitchen, Wolf’s bold designs would suit you well. Their dual-fuel and gas ranges offer power and precision for serious home cooks.
Viking
Viking has a more ornate appearance with signature cobalt blue ovens and range tops. They aim to recreate the feeling of a professional kitchen but with decorative flourishes. Viking’s styling may work better for kitchens with an old-world, Tuscan-inspired theme. Their all-gas ranges are also highly capable, with features like infrared broilers, convection ovens, and up to eight burners.
Thermador
Thermador lies somewhere in between the starkness of Wolf and the embellishment of Viking. They have a sleek but still stylish aesthetic with touches like chrome trim and metallic finishes. Thermador’s ranges would complement most contemporary or transitional kitchen designs. They are known for pioneering the kitchen’s “third element”—the steam oven. If you want on-trend features and styles, Thermador is an appealing choice.
In the end, the look of your new high-end range comes down to personal taste. Evaluate how each brand’s designs and customization options would fit with your intended kitchen motif. And of course, don’t forget that performance and functionality are also key factors in your decision. The range that perfectly matches your style still needs to meet your most demanding cooking needs. Think about how you can have the best of both worlds—a range you’ll love to look at and use for years to come.
Pricing Considerations Across the Brands
When it comes to pricing, there are some key differences between Wolf, Viking, and Thermador that you’ll want to consider based on your budget.
Wolf
Wolf ranges are typically the most expensive of the three brands, with prices starting around $4,000 for a basic range and going up to $20,000 or more for a high-end model with all the bells and whistles. However, with Wolf, you are paying for commercial-grade quality and performance that is meant to last a lifetime. Wolf also holds its value incredibly well, so you’ll get a large portion of your money back if you sell the range in the future.
Viking
A professional-style Viking range costs between $3,000 and $15,000, which is less than a Wolf range. Viking is known for making pro-style ranges that look good and work well at a lower price than Wolf. Even though it’s still an investment, Viking is a great choice if you want a strong, high-end range but don’t want to pay as much for Wolf. Also, Viking ranges keep their value well over time.
Thermador
Thermador is typically the most affordable of the three brands, with prices starting around $2,500 and topping out around $12,000. While Thermador ranges are high-quality and perform well, they have a more contemporary, mainstream style than the pro-style Wolf and Viking ranges. Thermador is a great choice if you want an affordable luxury range but don’t need the commercial-grade power and performance of Wolf or Viking. Thermador ranges still hold value reasonably well, but not quite as much as Wolf or Viking.
In the end, you need to weigh the pros and cons of performance, style, and budget to determine which high-end range brand is the best fit for your needs and pocketbook. With some smart shopping, you can get a great deal on any of these three luxury brands.
Making the Final Decision – Which Luxury Range Is Best for You?
Now that you’ve considered the pros and cons of Wolf, Viking, and Thermador luxury ranges, it’s time to decide which brand is the best fit for your needs and budget. Ask yourself the following questions to help determine the perfect high-end range for your kitchen.
How much do you cook?
If you only cook occasionally or for small groups, a smaller range like Thermador’s 30-inch Pro Harmony® may suit you well. Avid home chefs and those who frequently entertain large parties may prefer the spacious ovens and high BTU burners of Wolf’s dual fuel ranges or Viking’s 60-inch models.
What types of cooking do you do most?
If you mainly bake, broil, or roast, consider a range with a convection oven like Wolf’s all-gas models or Thermador’s Pro Grand® Steam Ranges. Frequent sautéing or stir-frying is best served by a range with high-powered burners, such as Viking’s Turbo-FlowTM sealed burner models which produce up to 25,000 BTUs. Ranges with a built-in griddle or grill are ideal for making pancakes, bacon, and other breakfast foods or for indoor barbecuing.
How much are you willing to spend?
Wolf ranges typically have a higher starting price, from $8,000 up to $30,000 or more for their commercial-style models. Viking ranges usually start around $6,500 and go up to $25,000. Thermador tends to be slightly more affordable, ranging from $5,000 to $22,000. Keep in mind that more advanced features, higher BTU power, and larger oven/burner capacities will increase the overall cost.
In the end, choose a range that inspires your cooking passion while fitting your budget and needs. Any of these luxury brands would be an excellent, long-lasting addition to your home. With the right decision, you’ll be cooking up a storm in style for years to come!
Conclusion
Here are the top three luxury range brands presented for your consideration. Ultimately, it’s impossible to go wrong with any of these top industry players. However, one may stand out as the obvious choice for your kitchen based on your priorities, whether they are the newest smart home connection, maximum power and performance, or sleek good looks. Whichever option you choose, your friends and family will undoubtedly enjoy the delectable results of your cooking with the finest. Your ideal range is waiting for you—stop reading now and go shopping!
