I can see how it can be hard to choose between a Thermador and Monogram professional range. We just started representing Monogram, so I thought it would be an interesting comparison.
Both brands offer different professional (pro) ranges in dual fuel and all gas. Thermador also offers two different series, the Pro Grand and Pro Harmony.
Both, of course, are different.
In this article, we’ll compare Monogram’s and Thermador’s best 48-inch ranges in dual fuel and all gas.
But let’s start with both companies, their series of professional ranges, and then we will compare the rangetops, ovens, prices, and possible issues.
By the way, I tend to compare their larger range sizes such as 48 inches. If you are in the market for a smaller stove, most features are still the same in smaller sizes.
Professional Range Heat Sources: Dual Fuel vs. All Gas
You may believe a dual fuel range has the ultimate combination of features with the speed of a gas stovetop and the precision of an electric oven.
Electric ovens are excellent for baking, but gas ovens are better for roasting and broiling. In all gas, both Monogram and Thermador have infrared broilers for more directed, intense heat than an electric oven.
The fuel type you choose for your oven depends on how and what you like to cook the most frequently. However, Monogram and Thermador add additional features to their dual fuel ranges.
Monogram has a better clock available in one model, while Thermador adds self-cleaning and a few other stovetop and range options unavailable in their gas models.
Let’s take a look at the brands and their series of professional ranges.
Monogram Professional Ranges
Monogram 48-Inch Professional Range
I would never have imagined us carrying Monogram six years ago. It was a luxury line with builder-grade features.
We try to keep brands to a minimum because we service the appliances we sell. You can’t achieve service excellence with many brands, so we curate and carry only the best in each category.
However, Monogram was sold to Haier, a Chinese company. They are an appliance-only multinational company who turned around Fisher & Paykel, GE, Café Appliances, and Monogram.
Their new Monogram line is interesting and now competitive with other luxury brands.
Monogram Professional Range Models
Monogram All Gas Professional Range:
Monogram Dual Fuel Professional Range:
Monogram only offers three 48-inch models, two in dual fuel and one in all gas.
You can buy with a grill and griddle and their new control system or six burners in a griddle in dual fuel and all gas with their more basic system.
Highlights
The range has a great burner output with 23,000 BTU (British Thermal Unit) and 21,000 BTU burners and a combination of 18,000 and 15,000 BTU burners.
Monogram’s 48-inch ranges also offer an infrared gas grill and gas griddle. You will see more in the comparisons section below.
In addition to a powerful stovetop, Monogram’s ranges offer the best Wi-Fi experience with several different tie-ins to cooking apps, like the Hestan CUE advanced cooking system.
Lastly, Monogram ranges have light-up knobs and brass accents. In my opinion, they are a nice touch.
Thermador Professional Ranges
Thermador 48-Inch Pro Grand Range
Thermador was another turnaround story 25 years ago. They were purchased by the BSH Home Appliance Corporation in the 1990s and are probably the number one luxury brand by sales.
They manufacture more ranges than Monogram, but mostly in dual fuel.
Let’s start with their Pro Harmony series ranges.
Thermador Pro Harmony Series Ranges
Thermador Pro Harmony All Gas Range:
Thermador Pro Harmony Dual Fuel Range:
The Pro Harmony series has one all-gas and one dual-fuel range. Both have six burners and a griddle. The difference between all gas and dual fuel is self-cleaning and their convection system.
Their electric oven uses a “True” convection system, also called “Pure” or “European” convection, meaning air is blown from the back.
It’s technically better than regular convection, with the heat generated from the bottom and blown in from the rear.
Thermador Pro Grand Series Ranges
Thermador Pro Grand ranges have a larger depth than the Pro Harmony by 3.5 inches at 24.6 vs. 27.9 inches for the Pro Grand.
The cubic foot difference of 5.7 versus 4.9 in the Pro Harmony.
Of course, the Harmony will sit flush while the Pro Grand will protrude past your cabinets. You can fit a sheet pan in a Pro Grand but not in a Pro Harmony range.
It also offers a radial clock, a 22,000 BTU burner versus the 18,000-max output of the Harmony, with an additional Proofing mode.
Thermador Pro Grand Series Gas Range
In all gas, the Pro Grand series has one model with six burners and a griddle. The Pro Grand all gas ranges are self-cleaning as well.
Thermador Pro Grand Series Dual Fuel Ranges
The Thermador Pro Grand series has more models in dual fuel. The top surface is available with a griddle or induction module.
The side oven can be a regular oven or steam oven with a warming drawer below. Steam is one of the healthiest ways to cook. A steam oven adds moisture to your food and reduces the loss of nutrients instead of baking them out.
Underneath is a warming drawer to keep food warm for up to three hours without dehydration. It’s a good feature to have, especially if you and your family tend to eat at different times. The food is always warm without being microwaved.
Highlights of all Thermador Ranges
Let’s talk about Thermador’s signature Star Burners. I am not sure Thermador’s star-shaped burners are faster than round burners, however, the burner is raised and easier to clean underneath.
Thermador ranges have two intermittent simmer burners that can reach a low temperature of 100 degrees. To keep a consistent low temperature, the range will turn the burner on and off intermittently. The induction option is far better than 100 degrees.
Thermador’s display offers touch controls and shows modes and temperatures.
Like Monogram, Thermador’s ranges are Wi-Fi enabled and can connect to your phone and other Thermador appliances. With Thermador’s app, HomeConnect, you have access to different recipes to enhance your cooking.
Now that we’ve covered both brands, let’s compare their best ranges.
Monogram vs. Thermador 48-Inch Pro Ranges: Which Is Better?
Let’s look at the top surfaces of all the various ranges and compare them based on their specs.
Monogram vs. Thermador Pro Range Stovetops
- Monogram Pro Ranges
- Two 23,000 BTU burners, two 18,000 BTU burners, and two 15,000 BTU burners
- Thermador Pro Harmony Ranges
- Three 18,000 BTU burners and three 15,000 BTU burners
- Thermador Pro Grand Ranges
- One 22, 000 BTU burner, two 18,000 BTU burners, and three 15,000 BTU burners
From an output standpoint, Monogram has the newer 23,000 BTU sealed burner that delivers more output across the board.
In gas, induction is a different story, as I will explain later in the article.
Simmering Capability
This is tougher to measure because Thermador measures theirs in BTU while Monogram is in degrees.
Thermador is amongst the best, with their XLO simmer at 100 degrees. You have four XLO burners on the Thermador.
The Monogram is 140 degrees. BlueStar is the only other manufacturer to use degrees as a measurement.
When I asked them years ago why 130 degrees, they claimed 130 is the lowest to still kill pathogens in food.
A simple Google search says it takes 24 BTU of heat to change the temperature of one pound of air by one degree.
The Monogram simmer burner can reach as low as 550 BTU, roughly. At 100 BTU, Thermador is better.
Composition of the Burner
Monogram Pro Range Brass Burner
Both use brass to some extent. Monogram has a higher percentage of brass. Brass burners will age better and crack less than a regular burner.
Thermador’s Star Burner
Thermador’s Signature Star Burner on Their Pro Ranges
Thermador’s literature will say it covers 56% more of the pan, but I am unsure how that is beneficial.
You stir your ground beef or scrambled eggs, so I don’t see the advantage. Perhaps with salmon or another whole item, you would have better heat distribution.
Then again, the pan heats and cooks your food. (It’s worth a test).
Cleanability
Cleaning a Thermador Star Burner
The Star burner is raised, so it is easier to clean under than Monogram or any other sealed round burner.
Griddle
Monogram 48-Inch Pro Range Griddle
Monogram’s pro range has 18,000 BTU griddle, while Thermador pro ranges use a 1630-watt, 6-pass element.
As the proud new renter of an apartment with an electric range, my thoughts on electric cooking have changed. Electric burners are fine once the heating element reaches temperature.
However, the process is slower, both heating and turning it down to simmer.
Thermador has a non-stick surface. It should be easier to clean than a stainless and aluminum Monogram griddle.
However, the Monogram will be a better griddle in terms of performance.
Induction
Thermador Pro Grand Duel Fuel Range with Induction Cooking
The Thermador Pro Grand offers induction. More manufacturers include induction burners as a module on their pro ranges, like Fisher & Paykel and Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS).
Induction cooking is the “newest” cooking technology first introduced by GE in the 1980s. Then abandoned by most manufacturers until about 15 years ago.
An induction burner will be faster than the 23,000 BTU Monogram burner, BlueStar’s 25,000 BTU Nova burner, or the 30,000 BTU Hestan burner.
Its magnetic heat excites the metal molecules of the pan, bypassing the glass for easier cleaning and venting.
You also have an infinite simmer and the most child safety. You need metal to cook with induction so it cannot accidentally be turned on.
Induction is a great option. You can read more about induction vs. pro gas cooking by clicking here.
Grill
Monogram features a 14,000 BTU infrared grill on one of their dual fuel ranges.
Infrared is the best type of grill with its directed heat. It also burns any drippings that may fall with its intense heat.
You can sear well with this burner. For New Englanders, you can effectively grill even in the winter.
Overall, you have a wide range of possibilities on either cooktop. Let’s talk about Monogram’s and Thermador’s ovens.
Monogram vs. Thermador Pro Range Ovens
Capacity
- Monogram Dual Fuel Pro Range
- 5.75 cu. ft. of capacity in the large oven and 2.5 cu. ft. in the smaller oven
- Monogram All Gas Pro Range
- 6.2 cubic feet of capacity in the larger oven and 2.7 cu. ft. in the smaller oven
- Thermador Pro Grand Range
- 5.7 cubic and 1.4 cu. ft. in the smaller steam oven
- Thermador Harmony Range
- 4.9 cu. ft. in the large oven and 2.1 cu. ft. in the side oven
Self-Cleaning
All dual fuel ranges are self-cleaning. In gas, only the Thermador Pro Grand range is self-cleaning.
Monogram offers a steam self-cleaning mode in all their ranges. It’s a 30-minute cycle used after you cook. The steam loosens the debris so you can easily wipe it. Once the food is hardened, you must use the regular self-cleaning cycle.
You can also keep the oven racks inside the oven during self-cleaning in the Monogram range but not Thermador.
Convection Cooking System
Both Monogram and Thermador use single-fan convection in both ovens. Miele will use a twin fan system, and Wolf will use the newest blower style.
Steam Oven
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Thermador Pro Range with Side Steam Oven
Thermador has a steam oven option in the Pro Grand series. Steam is the best way to cook by adding moisture and not baking out nutrients. It’s not just for rice but any food, including proteins, starches, and brownies.
The only thing to keep in mind is there is a learning curve when it comes to successfully using a steam oven. Make sure to spend the time learning how to use one.
On the steam models, you have a warming drawer below. You can keep food warm for up to one hour in a drawer without dehydrating it.
Warmers are great if your family eats at different times.
Oven Controls
Monogram Pro Range Oven Controls
The basic Monogram and Thermador are similar, showing you modes and oven temperature. The Monogram shows you the time.
The Thermador Pro Grand has a smaller radial-style clock. The Monogram dual fuel has a more fully functional 7-inch LCD screen. It’s pretty cool as the clock swings out for easier viewing.
Monogram vs. Thermador Pro Range Smart Functionality
Monogram Pro Range with App Integration and Wi-Fi Connection
Both have excellent smart capabilities. Monogram uses the SmartHQ app, while Thermador uses the HomeConnect app compatible with all BSH appliances.
Smart technology for appliances has been evolving, but basic until recently. With Thermador and Monogram, you can turn the oven on or off remotely and see the time remaining all through your smartphone.
Now both have recipe integrations with recipe apps. Thermador has tie-ins to Innit and SideChef, so you can follow along with prepping meals.
Monogram might be better because they always add modes wirelessly, like their Steakhouse or Turkey modes.
You also have Hestan CUE and the Hestan cooking pan with the purchase of a Monogram pro range with tons of step-by-step recipes in the better Monogram dual fuel range.
Monogram vs. Thermador Pro Range Prices
Monogram’s all-gas range starts at $11,000, while their dual fuel is $14,000 or $15,000 for the better LCD screen.
The Thermador 48 inch all gas range starts at $10,999 while their dual fuel Pro Grand with steam and induction is $18,199.
Both have similar rebate programs. Thermador has a One-Two-Free rebate program. This range will qualify you for a free dishwasher. The refrigerator purchase, along with the range, adds a free hood.
GE Appliances (the parent company of Monogram) has another free appliance or $1,500 towards purchasing another Monogram appliance. Their refrigerator purchase adds another $1,500.
Monogram vs. Thermador Pro Range Availability
Thermador appliances are tough to find at the moment. Depending on the model, you should expect a lead time of six months to over a year. Monogram is better at a three-month lead time.
Monogram vs. Thermador Pro Range Reliability
I don’t have Monogram numbers as we just started selling their appliances. Professional ranges generally have a repair rate of about 15.5% in the first year.
Dual fuel and larger units need more repair. You will need service on both brands within five years, if not sooner.
Both companies have their own service departments. That’s a rarity these days.
After you review features, spend an equal amount of time researching who is better at fixing your future problems in your area.
Monogram vs. Thermador 48-Inch Pro Ranges: Key Takeaways
I was surprised at how limited the selection both companies offered, which may or may not be a problem for you.
Monogram has an excellent grill and griddle, but you can’t buy six burners and a grill.
Thermador doesn’t have a grill. Then again, they offer induction, which is a faster burner. So, why not offer four induction burners with a grill or griddle?
Anyway, both are good ranges. Monogram is surprisingly competitive with high output burners, gas infrared grills, and griddle versus Thermador’s electric griddle. Their smart functionality is worth checking out for both.
Thermador has an induction module. You will like it better than the gas burners. Their steam oven is also worth learning. The food does taste better out of a steam oven.
Of course, the intangible is always service. You will need it. The question is, who will service your new stove better?
