The sleek, minimalist and most decidedly modern designs of Thermador’s ultra-premium kitchen appliances belie the brand’s true age.
This year the BSH Home Appliances badge turns 100, capping a century of innovation.
Thermador was founded in 1916 by William E. Cranston, who began by making portable and built-in heaters, and introduced its first cooking products in the 1930s after merging with fellow entrepreneur H. H. Fogwell to form the Thermador Electrical Manufacturing Company.
Over the ensuing years, the company laid claim to a number of firsts, including:
• the first built-in wall oven with matching cooktop (1947);
• the first pro range for residential use (1948);
• the first combination speed-cooking oven, which employed thermal and microwave energy; and
• the first modular refrigeration units (2006)
Now, on its 100th anniversary, the BSH-owned business will continue its legacy of innovation with next month’s introduction of a Pro Grand range collection. The 60-inch ovens will be offered in a side-by-side convection configuration with 10.6 cubic feet of combined double-oven capacity, and as a combination steam and convection oven replete with warming drawer.
BSH is also marking the centennial with a Kitchen Design Challenge for designers, builders, architects and other trade professionals. Prizes from a $110,000 purse will go to contestants who can demonstrate the best overall use of Thermador appliances in any style of kitchen design. The contest is open now through Jan. 31.
