I'm in the same appliance decision boat - haven't made a decision but can offer the pros/cons as I have learned to date.
1. Dollars & Cents:
Thermador: can't beat the promo w a free dishwasher (that is highly recommended by Consumer Reports & can be upgraded for $200-$400). Also, if refrigeration is added, you get free ventilation (which I'm told is just ok) or a microwave drawer.
vs
Subzero/Wolf: $1,000 off if u buy their stove, oven and refrigeration. This discount doesn't scratch the surface of the cost differential between the products, especially with Therm's promotional throw ins.
2. Consumer Reports, Quality & Repair
Thermador - surprisingly, they scored better on their features compared to SubZ & Wolf. However, as posts above note, however, their service support lacks, and, parts are usually difficult to come by a few years later.
Sub zero - American made, has superior quality control, has a major US service presents, has better customer service, and they keep a warehouse of parts for 25 years. (Thermador refrigeration is being made by a dutch company).
Both manufacturers laud the same warranty, but as we all know, reliability and ease of service are key. What Consumer Reports does not account for or note is the appliance life. Although both have new integrated refrig systems that have not stood the test of time, my bet is on SubZ due to their hesitation to come to market on a product without putting it thru rigorous tests. Also, their extensive parts warehouse offers piece of mind.
My grandmom had a stupid saying that rings in my head with this purchase decision ..."Smart, Smart, Dumb, Dumb". In my situation, I am likely to downsize in 10 years. Though the appliances will be old at that juncture, SubZ's track record for building appliances that last 20+ years, along with their Prestige "Quang" partially compensate for their higher out of pocket cost. Even if Therm may perform slightly better or lasts equally as long, we all know that the SubZ/Wolf brand name maintains an intrinsic status value that is far superior to Thermador, regardless of whether it is warranted.
3. Features
Refrigeration - the column systems are comparable in cubic ft. Some posts laud Therm's hinge system, but I haven't noticed it.
Cooktops - For me, Wolf's simmer feature wins out over Therm's noisy intermittent simmer that is only on a few of its burners. Also, I am wild over Wolf's new contemporary cooktop which places the knobs thru the front of the cabinet and maintains a low profile, flush with countertop. Its personal choice, but for women who don't want to see bulky stainless of range tops, and, who don't want to recreate a Mrs, Doubtfire mishap with knobs on the surface before the burners, this new Wolf cooktop is the bomb.
Double Ovens - Wolf literature notes 3 cost levels (their M, L & E series) but I they just discontinued their mid range L series this past year. Wolf's E series that have a handleless version with an electronic touchscreen that I'm wild about; however, the door opens slowly and some reviews question why the defaults for both baking and roasting are at 350. I'm an old timer who never worked with convection nor can comment on the other bells & whistles. What I do know is that Wolf undergoes significant quality control tests and supposedly will not release an oven if it has the slightest imperfection in the enamel. For me, the only drawback besides overall package price, is the fact that Wolf doesn't make a 27'' double oven that enables me to steal 3 inches of wall space. Conversely, Therm's 27" double oven only comes with their masterpiece handle. These differences may not be applicable for you.
I inherited a Thermador 24'' double oven that is now 40 years old and is the only original appliance in my home that is still working, albeit not optimally even with a repair. My home warranty has agreed to replace it due to their inability to find replacement parts. If you read posts from actual chefs, all seem to prefer Wolf, hands down & without reservation.
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Appliance shed
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