October 25th, 2024 | 7 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect cooking products with our Induction Cooking Buying Guide
Wolf and Thermador are two of the largest companies in luxury appliances.
Both brands offer induction ranges in 30- and 36-inch sizes, introduced in 2023.
But which one is better?
In this article, you’ll learn about each company and read a direct comparison between their ranges.
First, a disclaimer:
Why You Should Trust Us
These articles are designed to help our clients make the best decisions. Often, as in this case, there isn’t one product that is universally better in every situation.
We sell both Wolf and Thermador equally.
It’s up to you to decide which is best for your needs.
Looking for answers about Induction Cooking?
Short on time? Download our free Induction Cooking Buying Guide.
Wolf
Wolf was, and still is, a commercial range company.
In 2001, Wolf was acquired by Sub-Zero and underwent a complete overhaul, including a new convection system and other consistent improvements.
In a short time, Wolf became the most preferred premium cooking brand.
The iconic red knob of Wolf has become a symbol in kitchens, though the induction range has no knobs.
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove are part of an American, family-owned company.
Note: I personally like supporting this company, perhaps because we’re family-owned too. It’s better for jobs and the community.
Let's take a look at Wolf's most popular induction ranges. In this section, we’ll cover their key features, burner output, and pricing.
Wolf Induction Ranges
Wolf offers four induction ranges, but they can be grouped into two styles: transitional or professional.
The primary difference between Wolf's professional and transitional series is the handle design.
Wolf Induction Stovetops
The surface is scratch-resistant ceramic glass (no knobs) with electronic controls for precise temperature adjustments.
Wolf 30-Inch Induction Range Burner Output
The 30-inch model includes:
- 1 burner at 1,400 watts with the ability to boost to 2,200 watts
- 2 burners at 2,100 watts with the ability to boost to 3,700 watts
- 1 burner at 2,600 watts with the ability to boost to 3,700 watts
The two burners on the right side can form a continuous bridge burner.
PowerBoost, by the way, redirects power from the adjacent burner. So, you can “boost” the front burners if that’s all you’re using.
Wolf 36-Inch Induction Range Burner Output
The 36-inch model includes:
- 4 burners at 2,100 watts with a 3,700-watt boost
- 1 burner at 2,600 watts with a 3,700-watt boost
The Wolf 36-inch stovetop is well-designed with a larger center burner, and both sides can bridge for larger platters.
Wolf Induction Range Oven
The Wolf 36-inch range oven is relatively large, with 6.3 cubic feet of space, though only 4.1 cubic feet is usable.
That’s still big enough to fit a standard-sized turkey or a commercial (18” x 26”) baking sheet.
Wolf features the best convection system, called Dual VertiFlow, which uses two fans and two heating elements to ensure even heat distribution throughout the oven.
You can bake cookies on three racks simultaneously, with each one baked evenly, top and bottom.
The oven has ten cooking modes: Bake, broil, dehydrate, gourmet, proof, roast, stone, and warm.
Wolf Induction Range Controls
The controls feature a color interactive touchscreen, but the highlight is the Wolf Gourmet setting.
The Gourmet mode offers a variety of pre-programmed dishes and food types.
Simply select the Gourmet setting, choose the food type, enter the weight, and specify how you want it cooked.
Gourmet mode uses sensors in the oven to determine the proper time, temperature, and rack position.
Additionally, there are 50 preset recipes to choose from.
Wolf Prices and Promotions
Prices
Wolf’s 36-inch models, IR36550/S/T and IR36550/S/P, are priced at $11,840. The 30-inch models, IR30450/S/T and IR30450/S/P, cost $8,590.
Promotions
To receive a $1,000 credit towards a Cove dishwasher, you must purchase this range along with a Sub-Zero refrigerator.
Wolf Induction Range Warranty
Wolf offers a full two-year warranty with a five-year limited warranty.
Thermador
When I started at Yale in 1986, Thermador was a disaster.
Sure, they had incredibly innovative products, like ovens that could convert to microwaves, convection microwave double ovens, the infamous downdraft, and steam dishwashers—many of these were Thermador firsts.
But most of them didn’t work.
At that time, Thermador was a quirky brand in a larger portfolio owned by Masco.
Everything changed when Thermador was acquired by Bosch, a German multinational.
Bosch brought manufacturing discipline. Many of those early innovative products were discontinued and replaced by new ones that did work.
Pro ranges, cooktops, and especially, induction ranges were introduced.
Note: Thermador is not American-owned, but Bosch has kept most of the jobs in the U.S.
Thermador Induction Ranges
Thermador offers two induction ranges: one in 30 inches and one in 36 inches.
Thermador Induction Stovetops
Thermador is known for its induction cooktop, which allows both sides to be connected for longer pans or dishes.
Thermador's induction ranges feature HeatShift technology, which allows you to set burners at different levels (0–9) across three zones.
For example, when cooking mac and cheese, you can boil at the front, simmer in the middle, and warm at the back — simply by moving the pot.
Additionally, Thermador induction ranges feature PowerBoost technology.
Unlike most other induction cooktops, Thermador’s PowerBoost draws all the power from the adjacent burner to maximize heat output.
Thermador 30-inch Induction Stovetop Output
The 30-inch model includes:
- Back Left Heating Element: 2,200 W / 3,600 W (Boost)
- Front Left Heating Element: 2,200 W / 3,600 W (Boost)
- Back Right Heating Element: 2,200 W / 3,600 W (Boost)
- Front Right Heating Element: 2,200 W / 3,600 W (Boost)
- Left Area FlexPlus™ Heating Element: 3,300 W / 3,600 W (Boost)
- Right Area FlexPlus™ Heating Element: 3,300 W / 3,600 W (Boost)
Thermador 36-inch Induction Stovetop Output
Like the 30-inch model, the Thermador 36-inch range also allows both sides to be bridged. It includes:
- Back Left Heating Element: 2,200 W / 3,600 W (Boost)
- Front Left Heating Element: 2,200 W / 3,600 W (Boost)
- Center Heating Element: 3,300 W / 3,600 W (Boost)
- Back Right Heating Element: 2,200 W / 3,600 W (Boost)
- Front Right Heating Element: 2,200 W / 3,600 W (Boost)
Thermador Induction Range Oven
The oven capacity is 4.4 cubic feet overall for the 30-inch model and 4.9 cubic feet overall for the 36-inch model (Thermador does not publish the usable space for these ovens).
Both sizes can fit a standard-sized turkey, large roasts, or multiple baking sheets.
Cooking Modes
The available cooking modes include Bake, Convection Bake, True Convection, Convection Roast, Roast, Convection Broil, Broil, Meat Probe, and Sabbath Mode.
Thermador has a True convection oven which uses a fan and a third heating element to cook food faster and more evenly.
Thermador Induction Range Controls
Thermador features a touchscreen along with two knobs to control oven mode and temperature.
Like Wolf, Thermador’s induction ranges have Wi-Fi connectivity. You can download recipes and operate the range remotely using the Home Connect app.
Thermador Prices and Promotions
Prices
- PRI30LBHU (30-inch model): $8,399
- PRI36LBHU (36-inch model): $11,599
Thermador 1, 2, Free Promotion
With the purchase of this range, you receive a $1,399 credit toward other Thermador appliances.
It’s a good promotion, but many of the other appliance prices tend to be somewhat inflated.
Wolf vs. Thermador Induction Ranges
Cooktops
The wattage in their highest or “Boost” modes is the same at 3,700 watts.
However, Thermador is more flexible, especially with the 30-inch model, which has bridge elements on both sides, compared to just one for Wolf.
Thermador’s “Liberty” technology is arguably the best for induction cooktops.
Moving the pan across the burner for different temperatures is a novel feature, although I can’t see myself using it.
Then again, as you’re reading this, it’s more important to consider if you would use it.
PowerBoost
Wolf at their boost will share the wattage while Thermador's boost will take all the power.
So you have the option to cook in the back burner on the Wolf while boosting, but not Thermador.
Ovens
I thought Wolf was larger based on the published specs, but I was wrong with the 30-inch model. It’s almost identical.
For the 30-inch models, Wolf and Thermador are close in size. Both are 25 inches wide and 14.5 inches tall, with Wolf’s depth just slightly more at 16.5 inches versus Thermador’s 16 inches.
In the 36-inch models, Wolf offers noticeably more space. It’s 31 inches wide and 15 inches tall, while Thermador measures 28 inches wide and 13 inches high.
In terms of technology, Wolf is better.
Their VertiFlow convection system with two fans and 2 heating elements outperforms Thermador’s True convection with 1 fan and 1 heating element particularly in the 36-inch size.
Controls
Both ranges are Wi-Fi enabled, but Wolf’s Gourmet feature takes the guesswork out of cooking.
You simply select the food and how you like it cooked, and the range determines the precise time, temperature, and rack position.
Both ranges offer access to recipes through their apps.
Price
Thermador is less expensive than Wolf:
- 30-inch Thermador: $8,399 vs. Wolf: $8,770
- 36-inch Thermador: $11,599 vs. Wolf: $12,680
Thermador’s rebate program is better, offering a $1,399 credit toward other appliances, although some of those prices are a bit inflated.
Thermador vs. Wolf Induction Ranges: Which Is Better?
That depends.
Thermador’s induction cooktops, with their bridging elements and Liberty technology, offer some of the best features you can buy.
The 30-inch model is particularly versatile, allowing you to cook with any size pot or pan on either side.
Wolf, on the other hand, has superior oven technology. You’ll get better baking results with their VertiFlow convection system.
I’ve mentioned Wolf’s Gourmet feature throughout this article.
Appliance technology is often overhyped—most people don’t use all the cycles and options available—but you will use Wolf's Gourmet feature because it makes cooking much easier.
In the end, it really depends on how you plan to use your range.
One Final Consideration: Service
Both ranges (and every induction range, for that matter) require 50 amps, which means they use the entire circuit.
A voltage spike can disable the controls, so reliable service is crucial for any induction range.
We service what we sell, and both Wolf and Thermador are excellent for parts availability.
Before buying either range, make sure to check the service options in your area.
In such a close matchup, service could be the deciding factor.
What do you think?
Additional Resources
Want to know the best induction brands and products and have a better understanding of how induction works? Download the Yale Induction Cooking Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips. Over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
Related Articles
Looking for answers about Induction Cooking?
Choosing a new cooking appliance can be a confusing and time-consuming experience. We've taken the pain out of the decision process with our Induction Cooking Buying Guide.
Why Should You Trust Us?
It seems that every appliance review has nothing but glowing comments about almost every product, yet you read customer reviews and they are almost universally bad.
We are here to fill in the disconnect. We'll give you the best features, and the drawbacks as well, including reliability based on over 37,000 calls performed by our service team just last year. Our goal is to give you ALL the information so you know what's right for you.
Please consider subscribing or adding to the conversation in the comments below. We appreciate you stopping by.
A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
