Kitchen Appliances - Thermador Or Wolf/Subzero?

15 years ago

Hi All-

We're buidling a new house and are trying to decide between Thermador and Wolf/subzero kitchen appliances. Any experiences with reliability, quality, service, features, on either of these brands. Also trying to decide between the 48" dual fuel range or a rangetop and double ovens, and then refrigeration - either the Subzero 30" fridge and 30" freezer or the Thermador 30" freedom fridge and 24" freedom freezer.

In terms of features, I like the ball-bearing racks on the thermador and non-stick griddle, but like the overall look of the Wolf. Would love any thoughts from people who have experience with these brands. Thanks!

Featured Answer

funkyamazon

15 years ago

I, personally, am not a fan of the new Sub Zero fridges. Many people have issues with them.

They are EXPENSIVE to fix. My last bill was $700. Cleaning and working on the compressor. It's needed service every year or two and this is one of the older, more reliable ones. Allegedly, anyway.

I'd be careful of them, after paying SO much for a fridge. Granted, I've had it a long time but i don't like forking over 300 to 700 for service. My guy is reasonable too! The quotes have been higher!!

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Comments (6)

User
15 years ago
As a whole there is no contest: SZ/Wolf is miles ahead.

That said T'dor makes some gems, just not many.

Their warming drawers are solid and so are their fridges, Freedoms especially. After that it becomes a crap shoot.
wekick
15 years ago
Anything nonstick you will be replacing.
I probably would do a range top and 2 wall ovens, as the ergonomics are better. I would have 2 single ovens because you have full function on both ovens and if something happens to one, you still have the other one.
I thought Wolf had ball bearings on the bottom rack. I use the regular racks on top(usually just one) because I am constantly changing them around.
I have a Wolf range and it has been trouble free and I really enjoy cooking on it. If you can cook on both , you can really get an idea of the feel of it and what is best for you. Good Luck!
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maire_cate
15 years ago
funkyamazon- would you post the model and age of your Sub Zero? Since age is relative I'm not sure which ones you mean by 'older, more reliable'.
Thanks
geo91324
15 years ago
I've owned both Thermador and Wolf range tops and ovens. In my experience, there's no question that Wolf is vastly superior. In our recent remodel we chose the 48" range top/double oven route because of ergonomics (and it didn't hurt that it cost less than the 48" free standing range).

The new Thermador columns are nice. My brother has them and loves 'em. We almost bought them until we realized that the bottom compressor could be a problem given our numerous shedding pets. We instead went with the 48" Sub (B-48). We've had Subs before and have always been pleased and this unit has been exceptional.
captsmethwick
15 years ago
Wolf for the range - our DF366 is a gem (and, as wekick suggests, the bottom rack is definitely on bearings for Wolf dual fuel models). The 36" oven is a real joy but it takes a long time to warm up (the DF48s you're considering do not have as large an oven cavity - it's effectively back-to back 30" and ~18-20" ovens - so they shouldn't be as "bad" in this dept).

We also went with the Miele MasterChef rather than a separate wall oven. It won't be installed until next week so I cannot yet comment on it. We saw this as a good companion to the 36" oven as we can avoid the Wolf's wasteful warm-up times when cooking smaller dishes. Plus, we'll get rid of our MW and clunky toaster oven.

As for refrigeration, Subzero does not have the reputation up here (I'm in Ontario) that Thermador or Miele enjoy. We didn't go built-in ('twas a misguided budget-minded decision. don't ask...) but had done some preliminary digging at higher end appliances places before we decided to just go with a 36" CD E'lux. But, before that detour, we were definitely leaning to Miele. So far, it's my only regret - but not a major one.