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

In the realm of luxury kitchen appliances, Thermador has enjoyed a long-standing reputation for crafting high-quality products. However, emerging brands like FORNO Appliances are gaining traction in the luxury market, offering cost-effective alternatives without compromising on style and functionality.

Luxury appliances can transform any kitchen, offering not just aesthetic appeal but also a unique culinary experience. These high-end appliances often come equipped with convenient features, advanced technology, and robust construction. In the past, such premium appliances were reserved for the elite, leaving the average consumer with limited options and appliances lacking the desired capabilities and style.

Today, the landscape of kitchen appliances has evolved, and there are exciting, budget-friendly competitors offering similar quality and aesthetics without the hefty price tags. This shift prompts a crucial question: Are lower-priced luxury models a worthy alternative to their premium counterparts? In our pursuit of answering this question and providing consumers with confidence in their appliance choices, we present a head-to-head comparison of two leading luxury brands in the market: Thermador and FORNO Appliances. Thermador, a trusted name in commercial-grade appliances, faces off against FORNO, an emerging brand winning over consumers with high-end appliances at accessible price points.

To simplify your appliance shopping, we’ve handpicked comparable appliances from both brands for a detailed evaluation. We will assess specifications, functionality, design, construction, and pricing to determine which brand offers the superior option. Let’s delve into both brands and see which one emerges as the frontrunner.

All About Thermador

Thermador, with its enduring legacy, started its journey far removed from the world of kitchens. In 1916, the company’s origins can be traced back to the production of electric heaters, marking a century of existence. Over the past century, Thermador has earned the trust and confidence of consumers, venturing into the manufacturing of ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more. While it may have its roots in the United States, Thermador is now primarily a German-owned corporation. Although it still manufactures some products and parts in the USA, the company’s main operations are based in Europe, alongside sister brands like Bosch. Thermador has maintained its status as one of the most prominent luxury brands, albeit often carrying a premium price tag.

A Brief Overview of FORNO Appliances

Although FORNO Appliances may not boast a century-long history like Thermador, it is by no means a newcomer to the appliance scene. This popular luxury appliance brand has been crafting high-quality appliances since 1996. Initially gaining popularity in Asia for its emphasis on sleek aesthetics and luxury construction, FORNO’s reputation and demand spread to the Western market. To cater to its growing North American customer base, FORNO established its headquarters in Montreal, Canada. While premium aesthetics and features have been the hallmark of FORNO for over two decades, another aspect that endears consumers is its warranty. Homeowners can enjoy peace of mind with FORNO’s 2-year in-house warranty on all products, inclusive of a 1-year parts and labor warranty and a 1-year parts-only warranty in the second year.

Comparing FORNO Ranges to Thermador Ranges

Electric Ranges

Electric ranges are appreciated by many for their convenience and familiarity. For households without a gas connection, electric ranges often present the only cooking option. Within the electric range category, two distinct types exist: induction and traditional electric. Induction ranges are known for their energy efficiency and safety, as they do not retain heat after cooking, transferring heat directly from the element to magnetic cookware.

Thermador offers the Pro Harmony Liberty 30-Inch Freestanding Electric Induction True Convection Range with WiFi, featuring induction heat that requires compatible cookware. With its frameless black cooktop housing five induction burners, including two extra-large cooking zones, and various power boost functions, this Thermador range delivers flexibility. The convection oven boasts a 4.4 cu. ft. capacity and self-cleaning mode.

Now, comparing this to the FORNO Galiano 36″ Alta Qualita Pro-Style Freestanding Electric Range, a key difference emerges in the heat source. While both are electric ranges, Thermador uses induction heat, while FORNO relies on traditional electric burners. However, their similarities abound in terms of design, with stainless steel exteriors, five radiant elements, and a 4.32 cu. ft. convection oven. Notably, the FORNO model is both wider (36 inches compared to Thermador’s 30 inches) and significantly more affordable, costing nearly $6,000 less.

Gas Ranges

Gas ranges are among the most popular choices in today’s market, and we’ve chosen two 36-inch models from Thermador and FORNO for comparison. Thermador’s Gas Professional Pro Grand® Commercial Depth Stainless Steel range and FORNO’s Galiano Gas Range share many features.

Both feature six burners, with Thermador’s burners ranging from 15,000 to 22,000 BTUs and FORNO’s from 9,000 to 20,000 BTUs. The ovens in both models are spacious, with Thermador slightly larger at 5.7 cu. ft. compared to FORNO’s 5.36 cu. ft. capacity. They offer similar oven power and baking capabilities, with Thermador touting the industry’s fastest self-cleaning oven, telescopic racks, and a soft-close door hinge. Despite these features, Thermador commands a premium price of over $6,000 compared to FORNO, which delivers comparable power and luxury features at a more budget-friendly cost.

Dual Fuel Ranges

Dual Fuel ranges have gained popularity due to their ability to combine the performance of a gas cooktop with the even heating of an electric range. However, this combination often comes at a high cost, as evident in Thermador’s pricing. Let’s examine how the more economical FORNO dual fuel range measures up to Thermador’s luxury model.

Thermador’s Pro Harmony® Dual Fuel Range is 48 inches wide, with a 4.4 cu. ft. double oven. FORNO’s Galiano Dual Fuel Range shares the same width but offers a significantly larger oven with a total capacity of 6.58 cu. ft. The differences continue in the cooktop, with Thermador featuring six burners and a griddle cooktop, while FORNO boasts eight sealed burners, including a double-burner griddle. Thermador’s burner power ranges from 15,000 to 18,000 BTUs, while FORNO’s burners span from 9,000 to 20,000 BTUs. While Thermador incorporates attractive features like telescoping oven racks and a soft-close door, the price difference between the two models is substantial, with the FORNO model offering similar power and luxury but at a cost savings of over $10,000. Furthermore, FORNO offers customization with five different range colors to choose from.

FORNO vs. Thermador: Rangetops

Rangetops provide a versatile option for those who prefer to separate their cooktop and oven, avoiding the need for a combined range. These sleek appliances lend a refined look to kitchens and fit seamlessly into various design schemes.

Both Thermador and FORNO offer gas rangetops, and the choice may come down to personal preference. Thermador’s model features a slim profile suitable for modern kitchens, while FORNO embraces the classic hood look that many desire as a centerpiece. In terms of power, the Forno Orvieto Range Hood is a 36-inch stainless steel wall mount hood with a suction power of 1200 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). Conversely, Thermador’s Masterpiece Series Convertible Range Hood is also 36 inches but offers half the suction power at 600 CFM.

Thermador compensates for lower power with WiFi capabilities, noise-control technology, and the ability to sync with Thermador induction cooktops. Pricing differences are not extensive, with FORNO once again offering a cost-effective solution, priced at under $1,000, which is more than $1,000 cheaper than the Thermador model.

Comparing Thermador vs. FORNO Dishwashers

Luxury dishwashers bring a sleek touch to kitchens, relocating controls to the top of the door for a clutter-free front panel. Thermador and FORNO offer similar 24-inch dishwasher with top controls and a built-in appearance. Both models ensure quiet washing cycles, with Thermador operating at 42 decibels and FORNO at 48 decibels.

Where Thermador excels is in its capacity, accommodating an impressive 16 place settings, while FORNO is not far behind, accommodating 14 place settings. The FORNO model stands out with its sensor system, adjusting automatically for soiling levels and quantity when a partial load is placed inside. With similar looks and performance stats, FORNO’s dishwasher is over $1,000 cheaper than Thermador’s counterpart.

Microwave Drawer Comparison: Thermador vs. FORNO

Microwave drawers have surged in popularity due to their unique design and practical advantages. Unlike traditional microwaves that can consume valuable counter space or require wall or cabinet installation, microwave drawers integrate seamlessly into kitchen cabinetry, often within an island layout. This positioning enhances both aesthetics and convenience, allowing users to access the microwave at a comfortable waist-height level, reducing the need to reach high for hot dishes.

In this comparison, we evaluate 24-inch microwave drawer models from Thermador and FORNO. Both models boast a 1.2 cu. ft. capacity, with wattages nearly equal (Thermador at 950 watts and FORNO at 1,000 watts). Thermador’s model incorporates advanced features like an auto-sensor for automatic cooking time adjustment, along with a digital screen display with electronic controls. In contrast, the FORNO model offers 11 power levels, a mild melting function, and an LCD display with glass touch controls. Price-wise, FORNO emerges as the more economical choice, with a price tag over $1,000 less than its Thermador counterpart.

Thermador vs. FORNO Built-In Microwave Oven Review

Built-in microwaves present an alternative when integrating this essential appliance into a kitchen’s design. They resemble wall ovens, positioned at chest height for easy access.

Both Thermador and FORNO offer built-in microwave models with similar 1.6 cu. ft. cooking capacity and stainless steel exteriors. They deliver 900 watts of cooking power, with Thermador featuring a digital screen and FORNO incorporating a touchpad. The FORNO model includes additional features such as a “Melt Butter” option, popcorn and ice cream softening mode, and a defrost rack. The price difference favors FORNO, which costs over $1,000 less than the Thermador built-in microwave.

FORNO vs. Thermador Appliance Package Comparison

When undertaking a full kitchen remodel, opting for an appliance package can offer convenience and cost savings. Such packages provide a unified look, ensuring all appliances match seamlessly and contribute to a cohesive kitchen design. Here, we observe a substantial difference in price points between FORNO and Thermador appliance packages. Surprisingly, FORNO offers a luxury appliance package priced well below Thermador’s models. FORNO’s four-piece appliance package includes a massive refrigerator, a large luxury gas range, a dishwasher, and a hood for approximately $6,000. This package provides a complete kitchen makeover with appliances that would typically be found only in the homes of the most renowned celebrities, adding a touch of glamour to any kitchen.

Final Thoughts on FORNO versus Thermador Kitchen Appliances

Comparing Thermador and FORNO kitchen appliances on a model-by-model basis yields illuminating insights. In many aspects, these two brands share striking similarities. Both offer a luxurious aesthetic with stainless steel construction, robust knobs and handles, and powerful performance. However, the stark divergence arises when considering pricing. FORNO offers substantial savings, making luxury kitchen appliances more accessible to consumers. Whether you choose Thermador or FORNO, you can be assured of high-quality appliances from brands known for their reliability and durability. Opting for FORNO brings the added advantage of budget-friendly price points.


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