Kitchenaid Vs Thermador Refrigerator: Which Is Better? KitchenAid and Thermador are two excellent refrigerator brands, especially for people who prefer minimalist design. Both company offers very elegant models that can be a great addition to any kitchen. In this article I will help you choose between Kitchen Aid vs Thermador by reviewing and comparing two of their most popular models.
About Kitchenaid
History
KitchenAid is now a brand owned by Whirlpool, but it was originally founded in 1919 by Josephine Cochran, an inventor from Ohio who patented the first ever dishwasher in 1886.
The KitchenAid refrigerator was originally called the H-5, and it was one of the first refrigerators to use a hermetic compressor. This new technology allowed the refrigerator to be cooled using less space than previous models, making it more efficient and economical.
Outstanding features
The KitchenAid refrigerator has many outstanding features that make it stand out from other brands.
Size
The larger units can come with either four or five doors, making them ideal for large families or individuals who need to store a lot of food for their business or restaurant.
Sleek design
The sleek design is one of the most outstanding features of KitchenAid refrigerator. The design is ideal for any kitchen. You do not have to worry about having an old-fashioned refrigerator in your modern kitchen. Everything about the design is smooth, including the edges and surfaces of the refrigerators.
Energy efficient
It is also one of the energy-efficient appliances you will find on sale today. KitchenAid refrigerators come with a great certification that proves their energy efficiency. They are also designed to use minimal energy in order to save on costs.
For example, you can set some compartments to different temperatures, so that only that section cools instead of the whole fridge getting cold. This saves you a lot in terms of energy bills at the end of each month or year. It is also good for the environment because it produces less carbon emissions that are harmful to the atmosphere and cause global warming.
Easy to maintain
Cleaning your refrigerator should not be a hard task, but some appliances make this task very difficult for you, especially if they have many compartments and sections in them. However, if you choose a KitchenAid appliance, then you do not have to worry about this problem anymore because it is very easy to maintain.
Keep Produce Fresh Longer
Easily store all your family’s fresh and frozen favorites, including produce that stays fresher longer in the humidity-controlled FreshFlow Produce Preserver.
Extra-deep door bins
Free up valuable shelf space on the refrigerator interior with extra-deep door bins, which provide room for jugs of milk and juice bottles.
Moisture filter for extra freshness
Create the perfect environment for your fruits and vegetables with a moisture-control filter that helps keep them fresher longer so you can buy in bulk, save money and reduce waste.
Drawbacks
Pricey compared to other brands
Kitchenaid refrigerators are known for their reliability and durability but they are also expensive compared to other brands with similar features such as GE or Whirlpool. Its price ranges from $2,000-$4,000 depending on the model and capacity size.
Not a lot of variety in the color and design department
If you are looking for a specific color or design then this may not be the brand for you because there aren’t many options available besides stainless steel finishes which can get dull over time due to fingerprints smudges left behind by hands touching food items inside them all day long every day (That’s a lot of food!).
About Thermador
History
Thermador was founded in 1916, in Southern California. Its first product was the electric range and they later added cooking units, wall ovens and cooktops to their portfolio.
In 1947, Thermador introduced the very first wall oven and cooktop combo and in 1949 came up with the first built-in bottom freezer refrigerator. In 1991, Thermador became a part of BSH Home Appliances Corporation and continued to manufacture high-end appliances. The company is celebrated for its innovative products.
Outstanding features
Thermador refrigerator is one of the leading brands that provide best in class features for their refrigerators. It has always been known for its best customer service and product quality. Thermador refrigerators are the most luxurious refrigerators that you can have at your home.
Here are some outstanding features of Thermador refrigerator:
1-2-3 Touch screen
This is the most exceptional feature that you can find in this premium brand. It enables you to set the temperature of your refrigerator as per your own needs. You can even set the temperature according to the products that you have stored in your refrigerator.
Illuminated Control Panel
The illuminated control panel allows you to adjust all of your settings easily and efficiently. The control panel is easy to use and lets you control all of your features with just a single button.
1+1 cubic foot freezer
This feature allows the user to convert half of the freezer into a refrigerator. The conversion is very simple, and can be done at the touch of a button. This is ideal for people who do not want to have two separate refrigerators, or for those who prefer to have their freezer space flexible.
Painted Interior (black, polished stainless steel)
This feature gives the consumer the option of choosing between painted interior and stainless steel interior finishes. Many consumers prefer one or the other, and this allows them to customize their refrigerator by color.
4 Swing-Out Shelves
This feature allows the user to access items in their refrigerator without having to open the door all the way. This is perfect for busy families who need easy access to their refrigerated food at all times.
Drawbacks
Noise
Thermador refrigerators are very loud, especially on startup. It’s not uncommon for them to make an audible thump when they turn on, but if you’re looking for something really quiet, don’t look here.
This is because Thermador refrigerators use a traditional compressor-based system, as opposed to newer “fluid cooling” designs that some other companies have adopted. The fluid cooling systems are noticeably quieter than their compressor counterparts, so if noise is a big issue for you then maybe a different brand would be better suited to your needs.
Space
While the interior of these refrigerators is impressive, with lots of room and convenient features like adjustable shelving and door bins, the exterior dimensions of the unit can be very limiting.
Because most models use a side-by-side design (two compartments with equal width), it can be difficult to fit them into certain spaces where you need a lot of extra space. You can’t place a Thermador refrigerator right up against a wall, or even next to the counter. Over-the-range refrigerators can help you out here since they typically have fewer cubic feet than some side-by-side units.
Repairs
Although Thermador refrigerators typically come with a one-year parts and labor warranty, they may require frequent repairs.
The average cost of repairing a Thermador refrigerator is $400. In addition, the availability of replacement parts can be limited. This means that it may take much longer than expected to complete home repairs or you may have to pay more money for labor charges.
Energy Usage
While Thermador refrigerators are Energy Star rated, they use more energy than standard models to keep food fresh and cool temperatures constant in the freezer section. This can add up to significant increases in monthly energy bills over time.
Comparision of Kitchenaid and Thermador Refrigerator
Size
The two brands have somewhat different shapes and sizes of their refrigerators.
While KitchenAid offers a handful of counter depth fridges, most of their models are full-depth, meaning the door extends out from the cabinet. Thermador offers more counter depth options, including some column-style fridges that can fit into the tightest spaces.
Price
When it comes to price, KitchenAid refrigerators tend to be more expensive than their Thermador counterparts. This is true across every type of refrigerator, including side-by-side fridges, bottom freezer units and French door designs.
The difference in price isn’t too dramatic when you look at individual models. For example, a KitchenAid French door refrigerator with a bottom freezer costs an average of $2,500, while a similar Thermador model will cost around $2,200 on average.
Design
KitchenAid and Thermador refrigerators come in a variety of sizes and styles, but they all share many standard features. Most models have an ice maker and water dispenser, as well as a built-in alarm to warn you if the door has been open too long or if the internal temperature is too high or low.
Installation
Both KitchenAid and Thermador require professional installation. KitchenAid requires that your refrigerator be installed by an authorized KitchenAid service provider, or you will void the warranty on your unit.
Thermador also requires professional installation of their units, but they go one step further – if you don’t use a Thermador authorized service provider during the installation process, you void both the warranty on the unit and the warranty on your kitchen cabinets!
Conclusion
Kitchenaid Vs Thermador Refrigerator: Which Is Better?
To conclude, the Thermador refrigerator line is twice as expensive as Kitchenaid, but they both have their pros and cons. If you need more space and reliable quality, it’s going to be hard to find a better option than Thermador. But if you’re on a tight budget, the Kitchenaid refrigerator may be your best bet. There are no losers here – just two quality refrigerators that will give you the storage space you need.
