Easily two of the most popular kitchen appliance manufacturers right now, Zline and Thor seem to be taking leaps and bounds in their development as companies.
It is for this reason, that many are finding it hard to choose between the two brands.
In this article, we explore the features, models, and pros and cons of each brand, to help you make a better-informed purchase decision.
ZLINE Profile
Located in Reno, USA, ZLINE Kitchen and Bath is a family-owned company that specializes in designing and manufacturing professional kitchen and bath appliances.
The company was founded in 2007 by Andrew Zuro, who up to date, is personally involved in the styling and designing of the products in the US before they are shipped to China for assembling.
The company’s other headquarters are based in Nevada and Ohio.
ZLINE Selection.
ZLINE has three product series: the RA (Dual Fuel Ranges), RG(Gas Ranges), and the autograph series.
The RA and RG series come as the standard everyday models while the autograph series is ZLine’s premium line; offering elegant ranges with a tonne of customizations and extra perks.
Induction Ranges
ZLINE offers only one induction range: the RAIND-30.
Measuring 30 inches in width, the RAIND-30 ships with four elements, an electric oven, and a stainless steel finish.
Gas on Gas Ranges
ZLINE’s gas on gas ranges use gas on both the cooktop and the oven and are fueled by combustible gasses such as propane and liquified petroleum.
Under this selection, you can grab either a 24”, 30”, 36” or 48” gas on gas range.
All the sizes are also available in different finish materials which include; Stainless steel, Durasnow, and Black stainless steel.
Dual Fuel Ranges.
ZLine’s Dual fuel ranges feature gas burners on the cooktop paired with an electric oven.
The company’s 24” and 30” dual fuel ranges come with four burners. A 48” comes with seven burners while a much larger 60-inch ships with nine burners.
All the ranges are also available in three different builds: stainless steel, durasnow, and black stainless steel.
ZLine Stove Features
Hand-crafted Italian Burners: ZLine’s Italian burners are efficient, easy to clean, and durable.
Porcelain Cooktop: ZLine’s stove tops are made of scratch-resistant porcelain that makes them a tad easier to clean.
Cast Iron Grill: ZLine ranges come with heavy-duty single-piece cast iron grills that are strong enough to hold heavy pots while maintaining an even cooking surface.
Adjustable Legs: All ZLine ranges come with stainless steel, easy-to-install adjustable legs.
Three Layer Glass Oven: Zline’s ovens doors feature three layers of glass which makes them cooler to the touch.
ZLine pros.
- All their gas ranges come with a free propane conversion kit
- Easy to clean porcelain cooktops.
- Zline’s long list of showrooms and authorized dealers means you’ll most likely be able to find professional help if you need it.
- Way more pocket-friendly as compared to other ranges.
- Good feature list for the price
- A variety of options to choose from.
ZLine cons
- 1 year parts and service warranty is on the low end
- The components are allegedly susceptible to failure.
- Customer Service could be better.
- A number of reviews have associated their ovens with uneven baking.
Thor Kitchen
THOR kitchen is an American company that majors in creating, designing, and manufacturing pro-style kitchen appliances.
Based in southern California, THOR under the management of director Kyle You and product development manager Shaun Lin, is committed to providing its customers with handsomely crafted, professional, cooking, cooling, and cleaning appliances.
Thor products are designed in California with sourced components from Spain, Italy, and the US.
Thor Range Selection
THOR kitchen has four range series:
The HRG series includes ranges fueled by either natural gas or liquid propane.
The LRG series which features only natural gas ranges and the HRD series with dual fuel ranges.
The HRE series features only electric ranges.
Gas/Liquid Propane (HRG Series)
Thor kitchen offers gas ranges that come with an option of switching to liquid propane. These range from 30 to 48 inches.
The larger 48” comes with 6 burners: three 18000 BTU single burners and three 15000BTU dual burners plus a high intensity 15000 BTU griddle.
The 36” gas range consists of six burners including two 15000 BTU dual burners, an 18000 BTU single burner, and three 12000 BTU single burners.
The 30” gas range has four burners including an 18000 BTU single burner, a 15000 BTU dual burner, and two 12000BTU single burners.
Dual fuel (HRD Series)
Thor offers dual fuel ranges in sizes 30, 36, and 48 inches. The ranges can be had with either gas/liquid propane and an electric convection oven.
The 48” dual fuel range has 6 burners: two 18000 BTU single burners, two 15000 BTU dual burners, and two 12000 BTU single burners plus a 15000BTU stainless steel griddle.
The 36″ consists of 6 burners: three 18000 BTU single burners, two 15000 BTU dual burners, and a 12000 BTU single burner.
The 30” has four burners including an 18000 BTU single burner, a 15000 BTU dual burner, and two 12000 BTU single burners.
Electric Ranges (HRE Series)
Thor offers electric ranges in sizes of 24, 30, and 36-inch width.
The 36” electric range features an easy-to-clean, smooth glass top, 5 heating element zones, a 100W warming zone, and a high-powered 3000W broil element.
The 30-inch electric range offers similar features as the 36” while the 24” electric range has four heating zones, a 1200W single burner, and a high-powered 2200W dual-heating element.
THOR Stove Features
High-powered Burners: Thor ranges come with powerful Italian burners that provide high output options of up to 18000BTUs
Continuous cast-iron grates: Thor ranges feature heavy-duty grates that the company says can handle any type of cookware.
Brilliant blue porcelain interior: Thor ranges come with a blue porcelain interior that adds a bold and stylish touch to your range.
Convection fan: Thor ranges have a convection fan that provides controlled distribution of heat to ensure fast and efficient cooking.
LED control panel lights: Thor’s ranges come with LED control panel lights that not only make it easier to see the settings in darkness but also add a striking uniqueness to any kitchen.
Thor Pros: The good about Thor
- Affordable prices
- The dual burners ensure even heat distributions
- Burner versatility
- Two years warranty
Thor cons
- Unreliable customer service
- There have been reports of the knobs getting super hot when using the oven.
- No self-cleaning feature.
ZLine vs Thor: Price Comparison
When it comes to pricing, you will realize that the price gap between the two brands is tiny.
ZLine Ranges Prices
Zline gas ranges start at $ 2,649
Zline induction ranges start at $1,019
Zline dual fuel ranges start at 2,339
Thor Ranges Prices
Thor gas ranges start at $1,699
Thor electric ranges start at $1,999
Thor dual fuel ranges start at $ 2,399
Conclusion
Both based in America, the differences between Zline and Thor aren’t exactly vast and you certainly can’t go wrong with either brand.
While Zline is loved for its premium and feature-stacked appliances, you can’t ignore the fact that Thor’s ranges carry a lower price tag and come with a lengthier warranty.
If you still fancy looking at a few other brands, here are some we’ve covered:
Zline vs Wolf
Bertazzoni vs Thermador
Zline vs Kucht
Is Kucht a good brand
Kucht vs Thor