Thermador Freedom induction cooktop vs. Wolf induction range

[Anonymous]

We have decided to go the induction route for our new kitchen. We considered gas but were ultimately swayed by the environmentally friendly nature and performance of induction. We *love* the flexibility of the Thermador Freedom -- being able to put a pot down anywhere, using a griddle with ease, etc.-- but have read lots of complaints about Thermador reliability as well as the sluggishness of the induction controls. (We were not able to test one in person.) The only place for our oven is under the cooktop, so we would install a 30" Thermador oven under the cooktop.

We are also considering the Wolf induction range. We actually like the look of the range versus the induction cooktop with an oven underneath. We tested it at the showroom, and the controls seemed very easy to use. It does have specific hobs, so doesn't have quite the flexibility of the Thermador and I worry about how well the bridging element actually works with a griddle. We also are concerned about the blue enamel chipping on Wolf electric ovens.

Any experiences with either of these specific products? They cost a pretty penny, and we would hate to spend so much only to be plagued by expensive and annoying repairs. One other thing -- the Thermador appliance package (with fridge), means a fairly significant cost savings. But the most important thing to us is getting products we love and that will last. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We don’t have experience with the induction products but my wolf stove has needed service 3 or 4 times in six years. Nit a fan.

[Anonymous]

I have the Thermador Freedom, and I love it. I can't speak to the Wolf product at all. I have had induction stoves for many years (common in the country I am from) and this is the best one I've had because of the ability to place pans anywhere. A few "negatives" (I don't think they are exactly negatives, certainly compared with traditional ring stoves, but just to be aware of) - the top is divided into two halves (invisibly) and if you have a lot of pans on it, they need to be carefully arranged so that no pan is crossing the halfway point, if that makes sense. Basically, nothing to worry about if you just have a couple of pans on the stove, but if you have more than 3 then you need to place them carefully to make sure that heat is getting to all of them.
We also had an electrical problem with our hob after a couple of years. Thermador recommended a repair company who came and while they eventually managed to repair it, it took them a while with lots of calls from their guy to Thermador because no one is very experienced in Thermador induction (or actually any induction stove) repair because there are so few here.
Overall, I love it, would get it again and would recommend it to anyone.

[Anonymous]

I have wolf cooktop(s). I have them installed on my island (sacrilege!) and although I can't tell you about the oven part (I've got wolf double ovens) I can tell you that I really like the induction. I have a smaller two burner and I use them more than my gas cooktop. I bought a grill pan and I used it this weekend to make pancakes and sausage. I do have to place it slightly diagonal but it does a pretty good job of evenly heating the large pan. Here is the pan I bought - it took a lot of searching to find one with ratings that said it wold work on an induction cooktop. The larger cooktops come with 4-5 burners, it seems.

However it sounds like the Thermador the pp has sensors to allow you to use more of the space on the cooktop area. My wolf gets mad and beeps when I have other metal items on the cooktop while I'm cooking that are not tied to the use of the burners.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VS1VQJY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've had my wolf appliances three years so far, no problems, minor rattling on one of my stoves and I called the recommended appliance repair company. They showed up with replacement parts, which we didn't need after they addressed the issue.