For you, the kitchen is more than a place where meals are created: It’s an easel awaiting your next masterpiece. Just like your passion for cuisine and the carefully selected ingredients that go into every one of your winning recipes, the right appliances make all the difference. In this case, a kitchen equipped with a professional range is the key to accessing reliable performance, ample cooking methods, and state-of-the-art features that allow you to achieve restaurant-quality meals.
In this article, we’re shining the spotlight on two of the industry’s finest range manufacturers, Wolf and Thermador, in a side-by-side comparison of the features and possibilities each brand provides for shoppers. Additionally, this article will cue you in on the pros, the cons, plus a list of our favorite ranges from each brand.
At a Glance:
Best Wolf 48-inch Range: Wolf® 48" Pro Style Dual Fuel Range-Stainless Steel (DF486G)
Best Wolf Dual Fuel Range: Wolf 30" Stainless Steel Freestanding Dual Fuel Range (DF30450/S/P/LP)
Best Wolf All-Gas Range: Wolf® 30" Pro Style Gas Range-Stainless Steel (GR304)
Best Thermador 48-inch Range: Thermador® Pro Grand® 48" Stainless Steel Pro Style Dual Fuel Range (PRD48WDSGU)
Best Thermador 36-inch Range: Thermador® Pro Grand® 36" Stainless Steel Pro Style Gas Rang (PRG364WLG)
Best Thermador 30-inch Range: Thermador® Pro Harmony® 30" Stainless Steel Pro Style Gas Range (PRG304WH)
Quick Guide: Wolf vs. Thermador Ranges
When it comes to luxury appliances, it’s not always easy to tell which brand features are better than the competition — it’s all luxury, after all. If you’re looking for a quick comparison, explore these common attributes every shopper needs to consider before making a purchase.
| Product Attributes |
|
| |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Types | Gas ‣ Dual Fuel ‣ Induction | Gas ‣ Dual Fuel | |
| Width Sizes (in.) | 30 ‣ 36 ‣ 48 ‣ 60 | 30 ‣ 36 ‣ 48 ‣ 60 | |
| Rangetop Options | 4 Burners ‣ 6 Burners ‣ 8 Burners | 4 Burners ‣ 5 Burners ‣ 6 Burners | |
| Max BTU | 20K | 22K | |
| Max Single Oven Capacity (cu. ft.) | 5.5 | 4.4 | |
| Max Double Oven Capacity (cu. ft.) | 10.2 | 10.6 | |
| Features | VertiCross Convection ‣ Dual-Stacked Burners ‣ Boost Mode ‣ Star K Certified ‣ Gourmet Mode ‣ | Star Burner ‣ Hydraulic SoftClose Doors ‣ ExtraLow Simmer ‣ QuickClean Base ‣ | |
| Convection | Yes | Yes | |
| Steam Options | Yes | Yes | |
| Smart Range Options | Yes | Yes | |
| Cooktop Accessories | Infrared Charbroiler ‣ Infrared Griddle ‣ French Top | Aluminum Griddle ‣ Fusion Coated Grill ‣ | |
| 30-inch Range Starting Price* |
‣ Gas: $5,470
‣ Dual-Fuel: $7,475
‣ Induction: $7,950
|
‣ Gas: $4,949
‣ Duel Fuel: $6,299
| |
| 36-inch Range Starting Price* |
‣ Gas: $7,085
‣ Dual-Fuel: $10,535
‣ Induction: $10,950
|
‣ Gas: $10,499
‣ Dual Fuel: $8,599
| |
| 48-inch Range Starting Price* |
‣ Gas: $10, 850
‣ Dual-Fuel: $13,945
|
‣ Gas: $11,649
‣ Dual Fuel: $12,399
‣ Steam Dual Fuel: $15,649
| |
| 60-inch Range Starting Price* |
‣ Gas: $14,720
‣ Dual-Fuel: $19,280
|
‣ Dual Fuel: $17, 649
‣Steam Dual Fuel: $20,149
| |
*Prices are based off MSRP value
Wolf Ranges
Wolf appliances are no stranger in the world of first-class cuisine, receiving approval from professional chefs to intrepid home cooks alike. Sure, the iconic red knobs are a nice merit badge that let guests know you’re cooking with quality, but what truly makes Wolf ranges alphas of the industry are its versatility and power.
Currently, the premium appliance brand crafts a full gamut of range options, from classic, all-gas ranges, to dual fuel and induction ranges, as well. Both Wolf gas and duel fuel ranges come available in a full suite of sizes from 30 inches to 60 inches, though Wolf induction models are limited to 30-inch and 36-inch varieties.
Additionally, Wolf ranges come in a diverse array of cooking surface options. On standard ranges, buyers can find models with four, five, and six burners (or elements on induction ranges), as well as options with an infrared charbroiler or griddle. For truly ambitious home cooks, there are even 48-inch models with up to eight burners.
Wolf Range Features
When it comes to high-end appliances, expect nothing less than superior craftsmanship. In the case of Wolf ranges, that comes in the form of cooktop features and oven functions that provide more possibilities for cooks of every background.
Namely, Wolf builds its gas and dual fuel ranges with dual-stacked, sealed burners complete with spark ignition that automatically rekindles a flame if it’s gone out. On top of being easier to maintain, the special design also provides a smooth transition from high-heat sears to low-level simmers all from a single burner. Across the lineup of ranges from Wolf, at least one burner produces 15,000 BTUs of heat, while some models go as high as 20,000 BTUs. Meanwhile, Boost Mode on select induction models can boil water up to 40 percent faster than on gas or electric cooking surfaces.
Wolf range ovens also provide the performance necessary to tackle all your ambitious baking and roasting goals on ranges with single ovens starting at a spacious 5.5 cubic feet of capacity. Depending on the model, shoppers will find high-end features like VertiCross Convection with a columnar wall fan that improves heat circulation or Gourmet Mode with smart technology that automatically adjusts cooking settings based on one of 50 presets.
PROS:
✓ Provide at least 20 years of use
✓ Wolf ranges tend to cost less than Thermador
✓ Wolf outmatches Thermador when it comes to the amount of purchasable cooking surfaces
✓ 48-inch eight-burner ranges provide maximize kitchen space flexibility
CONS:
✗ The majority of Wolf burners only reach 15,000 BTUs
✗ Currently, Wolf manufactures 27 range models, while Thermador clocks in at 41
Our Picks: Wolf Ranges
Best Wolf 48-inch Range: Wolf® 48" Pro Style Dual Fuel Range-Stainless Steel
Your culinary creativity may have met its match: This Wolf 48-inch dual fuel range with a complete setup of six gas burners, plus an infrared griddle ideal for Sunday brunch and cooktop burgers. Powerful performance is at your fingertips with a 20,000-BTU burner complemented by a low-heat 300-BTU simmer burner for a full range of heat options to cook any meal. Utilize double the baking space inside a full-size and one half-size oven, including dual convection heat and a temperature probe that notifies you when items are cooked to your desire.
Best Wolf Dual Fuel Range: Wolf 30" Stainless Steel Freestanding Dual Fuel Range
While modest in size, this best Wolf 30-inch dual fuel range is loaded with power and performance. Use this smart oven to create professional-style meals inside an oven with VertiCross technology that delivers consistent results no matter where you place items. Plus, with Gourmet Mode, there’s no guesswork — simply select from 50 presets and the oven cooks and adjusts the temperature for perfect results. And with four burners capable of producing a range of heat from 300 to 20,000 BTUs, mastering every recipe is easier than ever.
Best Wolf All-Gas Range: Wolf® 30" Pro Style Gas Range-Stainless Steel
Home chefs faithful to the flame will find cooking on this best gas range from Wolf a true delight. Four dual-stacked burners and 15,000-BTU max heat on this 30-inch range provide more than enough power suitable for intimate kitchen settings. Additionally, the spacious 4.4 cubic-foot oven also uses gas, which is ideal for achieving succulent roasts and savory vegetables and sides that are never overdried.
Thermador Ranges
With a Thermador range, you can put all your cooking skills to exercise with a series of powerful cooking functions and innovative oven features designed to make meals shine. The star of the show (no pun intended) are the patented Pedestal Star burners. Using a star pentagon design, heat is distributed with up to 56 percent more efficiency, helping to eliminate cold spots, encourage better browning, and produce heat with better response. Additionally, the raised profile on these burners mean easier maintenance, as well as a one-of-a-kind look that tells everyone “That’s right, it’s a Thermador.”
Like Wolf, Thermador ranges come in standard 30-inch and 36-inch sizes, plus 48 and 60-inch models, both with double ovens. Unlike Wolf, though, Thermador ranges with double ovens come in three options, depending on the size:
- Two full-size ovens
- A full-size and half-size oven
- A full-size oven plus a half-size steam oven and a warming drawer
Thermador also deviates from Wolf when it comes to fuel sources, manufacturing gas and dual fuel ranges exclusively (though some models come with an induction module cooktop). The brand is also conservative when it comes to the number of burners available, manufacturing four- and five-burner models, up to a maximum of six burners.
Thermador Range Features
Although the amount of cook zones might be considered a tradeoff, Thermador redeems itself with burners capable of producing 22,000 BTUs of heat, giving the brand a slight edge over Wolf in terms of power. Just as important, many Thermador professional ranges are also able to deliver gentle heat with ExtraLow simmer burners that delicately cook foods at 100 degrees.
While Thermador ranges single ovens are slightly smaller (4.4 cubic feet versus Wolf’s 5.5 cubic feet), Thermador ranges with full size double ovens are unmatched, providing 10.6 cubic feet of industry-leading oven capacity. Across the Thermador lineup, you can find exclusive oven features like Hydraulic SoftClose Doors, convection baking, and the industry’s only range with combination steam convection that uses steam and convection together rather than each function independently.
PROS
✓ More juice — 22K BTU burners
✓ Available in commercial-depth range models (24-inch; 27-inch)
✓ Larger catalog of ranges
✓ Greater oven capacity and size options
CONS
✗ Only come in a maximum of six burners
✗ Thermador ranges tend to cost more than Wolf
✗ Fewer fuel options
Our Picks: Thermador Ranges
Best Thermador 30-inch Range: Thermador® Pro Harmony® 30" Stainless Steel Pro Style Gas Range
Shoppers in the market for a compact luxury kitchen appliance will enjoy how this best 30-inch range from Thermador delivers superior performance on a space-saving profile. The addition of four Pedestal Star burners means you’ll have the power to conquer meals with beautiful sears, while two ExtraLow cooking zones keep sauces, simmers, and gentle boils at consistent heat. Clocking in at 4.6 cubic feet, this 30-inch all-gas range also offers convection baking for an outstanding package of power through and through.
Best Thermador 36-inch Range: Thermador® Pro Grand® 36" Stainless Steel Pro Style Gas Range
This best Thermador 36-inch range is for all the grill lovers, complete with an integrated indoor grill top, plus four burners ranging from 15,000 to 22,000 BTUs of power. Equipped with WiFi compatibility, this smart pro-style range also features convection baking, CookControl meat probe technology, and the industry’s fastest self-clean cycle that gets the job done in two hours.
Best Thermador 48-inch Range: Thermador® Pro Grand® 48" Stainless Steel Pro Style Dual Fuel Range
A total of three ovens comprise this best 48-inch range from Thermador, giving cooks greater versatility during meal prep. Included are a steam function and convection, plus the option to use both inside the accompanying oven. Above, six burners and a built-in non-stick griddle provide plenty of space to cook a full course meal. Enjoy the power of 22,000 BTUs and the unbeatable performance of Thermador’s Pedestal Star Burners for a cooking experience that feels truly first-class.
Which is Better?
Bottom line, both Wolf and Thermador manufacture supreme range options that will inspire any home cook. The difference lies in how much power you need and how much flexibility you want.
- While the dual-stacked, sealed burners from Wolf are great for rapid heat response and are easy to clean, it’s hard to outdo Thermador’s Pedestal Star burners. In this round, Thermador comes out on top thanks to an ergonomic design that provides more consistent heat that is easy to control. Extra marks also go to their signature look that give the Thermador range lineup a distinct touch of detail.
- However, Thermador comes up short when it comes to the number of burners, though, Wolf only manufactures eight-burner ranges on 48-inch models. While that may be convenient for shoppers looking to save some space in the kitchen, it would also be ideal to explore Wolf 60-inch ranges with eight burners, too.
- Regardless, Thermador slightly overperforms Wolf when it comes to power, offering 22K BTU burners, plus special oven features like simultaneous steam + convection cooking that help aspiring food connoisseurs unlock new levels of cuisine.
- Of course, there’s also price. While it can be a bit of a toss-up, Thermador ranges typically cost more than Wolf. With that in mind — and considering the comparable performance and features — a Wolf range might be able to deliver near-exact functions as Thermador at a slightly smaller price tag.
Shop Wolf & Thermador Ranges in the Bay Area
Composing a culinary masterpiece is irreplaceable, which is why it’s important you find the right instrument that not only inspires you — but also allows you to do more. Wolf and Thermador ranges are prime examples of the endless possibilities home cooks can explore when perfecting recipes on a high-end cooking appliance.
At Friedmans Appliance, our perfect recipe consists of quality service, a catalog of reliable appliances, and a stock of trusted brands worth the investment. By following this simple formula, we’ve been recognized as a Trusted Name in the Bay Since 1922™ and continue to provide Bay Area shoppers with an unbeatable selection of appliances. Shop three easy ways: By phone at 925-808-2950, in-store at our appliance showroom located at 2304 Monument Boulevard in Pleasant Hill, or online!