Thermador Freedom Vs. Liberty

7 years ago

Hi all --

Former GardenWeb lurker, now Houzz lurker I suppose?

We're about to launch a kitchen renovation. Trying to decide between the Thermador Freedom and Liberty cooktops. I like the flexibility of the Freedom. Husband likes the simpler controls of the Liberty. The price difference matters but not too much compared to the scope of the renovation.

I've found plenty of reviews of the Freedom here but there is none powered up locally that we can play with. Our local spots have the Liberty to play with... but I can't find any reviews!

Thanks for any insight for anyone who has tried or owns either model!

Featured Answer

kaohinani
Original Author

6 years ago

We got the newer model 36" Freedom. Absolutely love it. We are a family of 5 who entertains a lot (well used to pre pandemic) and so the flexibility to push things around and use different size vessels (while chatting with friends or yelling at kids!) without any adjustment is amazing. The controls are slightly fussy (scrolllll to pick temp), but the cooktop is so fast and easy otherwise I don't mind at all. Being able to just shove one pot out of the way when you want to add another pot is such a perk the rest fades away. The option for 6 pans/pots seemed important in theory but in practice we are rarely using more than 3. So I suspect we would have been equally happy with the older model.

The only thing I notice that is a true downside is that there are "hot spots" in the pans at high temperatures. Perhaps this happens in all induction because of the magnets? It is not an issue for us (just stir a bit more), but if we were professional chefs (or wannabes) then I suspect gas would be better.

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Comments (7)

kevinande
7 years ago
When we replaced our cook top the Freedom was at the top of our list. After researching this piece extensively two things turned me off. The 36" model could only accommodate 4 cooking vessels. Almost all 36" units accommodate 5 vessels. Not that I need them all the time, I just was not happy with the limitation. The other thing was that it seems to break...a lot. Given the cost of the unit, some if he issues people were having was unacceptable. I am sure there are some units that give trouble free operation, however it was enough to turn me off. I know nothing about the Liberty. Sometimes simple is better.
kaohinani
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the info! The newest model accommodates 6 pots and has a new interface -- but it's so new there's really limited information!

Helpful to hear about the repair issues. Was it your local shop that was reporting the trouble? We're working with a shop who both sells and repairs and in the past has been really good about giving us the heads up but they haven't mentioned it -- might be they haven't sold enough yet to see them coming back....
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J
6 years ago
Kaohinani, what did you decide? and sre you happy? looking at the same options for the same reasons today!
Richard C
5 years ago
Hello, I’m also debating between the Liberty and the Freedom. I like the features of the Freedom, but love the mirrored finish on the Liberty (Installing white quartz with a stainless steel backsplash). Do you think it’s worth it to give up the functionality of the Freedom for the appearance of the Liberty?
Darren Skrehot
5 years ago
We have the Liberty and is amazing!
cmw214
4 years ago
Is the Liberty limited to three pots at a time? I see that it has five heating elements, but only three "cooking zones." I'm not sure what this means.