Not all appliances are made the same, so how do you know which ones to buy? When shopping for kitchen appliances consider the brand that makes them. Some appliance brands have been around for over 100 years so they know what their customers are looking for in terms of features and aesthetics.
Two of the most popular kitchen brands at the moment are Viking and Thermador, but how do they compare to one another? Which one should you choose for your home? While both brands make high end products, it's important to look at the below Thermador vs Viking comparison guide so you can make an informed decision.
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Shop In-Stock AppliancesAbout the Brands: Thermador vs Viking
Get to know your appliance brand before you buy their products so you can understand how they operate and what makes them stand out. Let's compare Viking vs Thermador on how they started in the industry.
About Thermador
Thermador is a big name in luxury appliances and a pioneer that has a history all the way back to 1916. The company was established in California and is now headquartered in Irvine and has spent over a century pushing manufacturing appliances.
The Thermador brand was the first to bring America the wall oven, the cooktop, and even stainless steel in home appliances. They didn’t stop there because, by the 1940s, they were reimagining the professional range for home cooks, and by the 1970s, their innovations had earned them a spot in kitchens on TV and in real homes alike. Now part of BSH, Thermador continues to embody bold, forward-thinking design.
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→ Learn more: Thermador Appliances: A Luxury Brand Guide
About Viking
In the heart of Greenwood, Mississippi, Viking Range started its appliance revolution nearly four decades ago. This audacious brand dared to bring professional-grade cooking into home kitchens and forever altered the industry of luxury appliances. Founded in 1984, Viking's visionary approach culminated in 1987 with the debut of the first professional-grade range made for residential use
The company's move set a new standard and gave Viking its reputation as an innovator. Their idea to make ranges for home use has made Viking a popular brand in kitchens where performance and design harmoniously converge.
Differences in Thermador vs Viking Appliances
Both Viking and Thermador make appliances like ranges, cooktops, ovens, and refrigerators. Each brand has developed its appliances with specific features and designs. In this section, we've done a Thermador vs Viking appliance comparison based on everything you need for your kitchen.
Thermador vs Viking Range
When comparing a Viking vs Thermador range, your focus should be on performance and design innovation. Viking emphasizes power with burners that reach up to 20,000 BTU and its TruConvec convection system for even baking. On the other hand, Thermador ranges have unique Star Burner technology for consistent heat and faster cooking, along with steam oven options and Wi-Fi connectivity via the Home Connect app.
Additionally, Viking ranges are built with commercial-grade materials and provide bold color finishes, while Thermador leans toward sleek stainless steel and flexible configurations like gas, dual-fuel, electric, or induction. Each brand caters to different priorities. For example, Viking is for professional-level power, and Thermador is for precision and dedicated home cooks.
Thermador vs Viking Cooktop
You'll notice when looking at Viking vs Thermador cooktops, that both brands deliver premium performance and distinct design elements across gas, electric, and induction models.
Thermador’s gas cooktops stand out with exclusive Star burners that increase heat distribution by 56%, and their induction options feature full-surface cooking panels with smart pan recognition. However, Viking emphasizes intense heat with sealed brass burners up to 18,000 BTU on gas models and makes induction cooktops that reach temperature in three seconds, paired with stylish BlackChrome knobs.
The Thermador brand leans into innovation with Wi-Fi connectivity and Sapphire Glow lighting, while Viking highlights durability with laser-etched graphics and TransMetallic ceramic surfaces. It should be noted that the features may differ depending on which model you buy from each brand, but Thermador’s cooktops are generally less expensive than their Viking counterparts.
Thermador vs Viking Oven
Viking and Thermador ovens each have standout features for serious home chefs, but their strengths differ. For starters, Thermador ovens focus on precision, with exact 1° temperature control, Wi-Fi connectivity, and True Convection for even cooking. Their signature SoftClose doors add a smooth, quiet touch.
But with Viking, the brand emphasizes capacity and power, with some of the largest ovens available, that feature TruConvec convection and RackView windows for easy monitoring. These ovens also include rapid preheating via QuickCook elements.
While Thermador leans into innovative controls and sleek design, Viking integrates commercial-style durability and size, ideal for those who need space and robust performance.
Thermador vs Viking Refrigerator
Next up is our Viking vs Thermador refrigerator comparison. You'll find that the brands will vary in design and features. Some models may have different features depending on the size and type you choose.
Thermador refrigeration emphasizes modular flexibility with its Freedom collection as it features refrigerator columns and bottom-freezer units that integrate seamlessly into cabinetry. Notable features include Cool Air Flow technology, SoftClose drawers, and Wi-Fi connectivity via the Home Connect app, which allows remote temperature control and alerts.
On the other hand, Viking prioritizes air quality and food preservation with ProChill temperature management and Bluezone Fresh Preservation Technology.
Both brands also excel in custom panel options and have built-in, freestanding, freezerless, and undercounter models.
Comparing Thermador vs Viking Price and Value
Thermador and Viking are luxury appliance brands and are compared for performance and design. Pricing varies based on the type of appliance, size, and model you buy. For example, Thermador cooktops typically range from $1,800 to $3,500, while Viking’s start around $2,000 and can exceed $4,000.
Refrigerators from Thermador can begin near $8,000, with Viking models priced similarly or higher. When comparing Thermador vs Viking 30” ranges, Thermador usually gives you better value at around $5,000, versus Viking’s $6,000 starting point.
Though both brands are large investments, Thermador delivers consistent performance, quality materials, and advanced features, which makes it a solid choice for those seeking long-term value from luxury appliances.
Which Brand is Right for Me?
Choosing between high-end kitchen brands like Thermador and Viking can feel like splitting hairs — both offer premium appliances, professional styling, and powerful performance. But when you’re investing in your dream kitchen, the differences matter. Let’s break down the battle of Thermador vs Viking appliances, and why Thermador may be the smarter choice.
Viking is known for bold, commercial-grade designs and impressive cooking power, particularly in their ranges. They’ve been a trusted name in luxury kitchens for decades. However, Thermador has consistently raised the bar with innovative technology, sleek European styling, and thoughtful features designed for modern home chefs.
Take Thermador’s Star® Burners, for example — uniquely shaped to provide even flame distribution and faster boil times. Their induction cooktops give you the flexibility to cook anywhere on the surface, while Home Connect™ technology offers smart control from your phone. Thermador refrigerators also offer customizable configurations with sleek panel-ready options, perfect for creating a seamless, built-in look.
In comparison, Viking tends to lean more traditional and commercial, which may appeal to restaurants more than homes. But for homeowners who want a blend of cutting-edge performance, design versatility, and smart connectivity, Thermador offers more value and innovation across the board.
So, which brand is right for you? If you're looking for reliability, smart features, and a refined modern aesthetic, Thermador edges out Viking as the more well-rounded choice for today’s luxury kitchens.
Ready to upgrade? You can find a wide selection of Thermador appliances at Orville’s, where premium service and expert advice come standard. Visit your local showroom or shop online today to bring Thermador innovation into your home.
Thermador vs Viking FAQ
Thermador is seen as the better option for those who want high-end appliances with strong performance and premium features without the higher price tag of some competitors. Compared to Viking, Thermador ranges include innovative features like Star Burners for even heat distribution, and their refrigerators have customizable storage and sleek, built-in designs. Overall, Thermador delivers excellent value, so it's a smart choice for homeowners who want luxury appliances at a more accessible price point.
Yes, Thermador is considered a luxury appliance brand because of its high-quality materials, advanced features, and sleek, built-in designs. Their appliances, including ranges with patented Star Burners for precise heat control and refrigerators with flexible storage and panel-ready options, are designed for performance and style. Thermador makes appliances with premium craftsmanship and innovation found in high-end kitchens.
Brands like Wolf and Electrolux have similar luxury performance, but Thermador is the brand most comparable to Viking in terms of premium style and advanced features. Thermador produces high-end refrigerators, cooktops, and wall ovens in various sizes, with flexible configurations to suit different kitchen layouts. Its focus on built-in designs, smart technology, and efficient performance makes it a strong alternative to Viking for those who want luxury without compromising value.
If you're looking for Thermador appliances you can find everything you're looking for at our Rochester appliance store. We have multiple models with different features, so you can choose appliances that match your kitchen layout and cooking needs. Visit Orville’s to explore your options and find the perfect Thermador appliances for your home.
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