At a Glance:
What Are Thermador’s Star Burners?
Are Thermador Star Burners Good?
Features to Look for Before Buying
For generations, Thermador has been elevating everyday kitchen experiences into a professional setting where even the pros would feel at home. Several groundbreaking innovations later — including the first domestic built-in refrigerators for domestic and the debut of the electric cooktop — Thermador is still a leading name in the industry and for enthusiasts of the Culinary Arts. After all, even Julia Child used to cook on Thermador appliances.
Yet, despite the numerous successes, many sum up Thermador’s genius with a single feature: Star Burners. The debut of this feature in 1998 changed the game for gas burners, but nearly 25 years after its arrival on the scene, many shoppers wonder if the design is a gimmick or a goldmine. We answer that question (and more) in this Thermador Star Burner spotlight.
Thermador has been in operation for over a century and prides itself on being an all-American brand since 1916. Comprised entirely of premium kitchen appliances, Thermador caters to passionate food lovers, extravagant entertainers, and homeowners who value quality. Patented Star Burners on Thermador cooking appliances are a special gas stove burner design found exclusively from the brand’s lineup and are just one of the many ways the brand continues to revolutionize the way home cooks prepare memorable foods.
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Shop Thermador AppliancesWhat Are Star Burners?
For decades, a round stove top burner has been used on traditional gas cooktops, ranges, and rangetops. This was thought to be the ideal gas burner shape until Thermador envisioned a new concept with a five-point design. The simple redesign enables there to be a 16-¾” flame perimeter versus a 10-¾” perimeter on round burners of the same diameter.
Thermador continues to be the only brand on the market to offer this type of burner, which means:
- Any round burner with a perimeter of less than 16-¾” will not deliver the same heat distribution as a Star Burner.
- Round burners of the same diameter as Star Burners are likely to have less heat coverage and transfer heat with less efficiency.
- Thermador gas appliances accommodate various cookware sizes more easily than competitors.
→ Learn More: Thermador Appliances: Redefining Kitchen Luxury
What Makes Star Burners So Good?
While the signature Star Burner shape is nice to look at, heat coverage, flame control, and cleanability are where a stove burner truly shines. Take a deeper look at our Star Burner reviews from each category.
Better Heat Coverage
As mentioned, there’s a six-inch difference between the surface area around a Star Burner versus a round flame burner. That equates to 56 percent more heat coverage. That not only means cookware heats up more efficiently, but it does it faster, and with less heat loss.
The extra surface area also allows each burner to have more flame ports. Each Star Burner features 50 flame jets, while 28 are typically found on traditional gas burners. Here’s how that compares on a larger scale:
- The average five-burner gas cooktop will have 140 flame ports.
- A Thermador five-burner gas cooktop will feature 250 flame ports.
Now, consider the space in between flames. Gaps between each flame are vulnerable to temperature changes and drafts, both of which lead to cold spots. When cooking on gas appliances, cold spots result in slower cook times and uneven sears. At the same time, less spacing from flame to flame helps to keep temperatures consistent, so no matter where a pot or pan is placed, it gets equal heat exposure.
In other words, Star Burners provide 110 more opportunities for you to use and control heat while cooking, based on the model used above.
Superior Flame Control
What’s power without control? Professional-grade firepower is at your fingertips with every Thermador gas appliance with 15K-, 18K-, and 22K-BTU outputs, depending on the series and appliance. But just as important is gentle heat, which is why Thermador Pedestal Star Burners also come with ExtraLow Select technology.
This heat setting uses a unique flicker that fires flames for 10 seconds and shuts off for 50 seconds. This allows food to cook delicately and remain warm long after they’re ready to eat without the fear of scorching. The heat mode operates as low as 200 BTUs per hour and is ideal for gooey fondues, tempering chocolates, and reducing rich sauces.
Cleanability
Flame coverage and heat control aren’t the only ways Thermador is reinventing gas burners. For many, the cleanup is a big reason to consider other modern cooking surfaces like smooth glass cooktops and induction burners over gas burners.
To solve this dilemma, Thermador made two changes:
- The first is a pedestal design that elevates each Star Burner off the cooktop. If crumbs and food particles fall beneath the burner, all users have to do is wipe the messes away. On other closed burners, food often gets lodged in crevices between the burner and the appliance’s surface.
- Additionally, Thermador’s QuickClean Base makes sure spills, splatters, and boil-overs can be cleaned with just a wipe. It’s made of high-grade porcelain and what Thermador calls a “teardrop emboss,” which captures spills and prevents buildup.
Star Burners Performance and Cooking Precision:
The Star Burners by Thermador have redefined cooking precision and performance in modern kitchens. Here's how:
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Enhanced Heat Coverage:
- The unique star shape provides a 56% longer perimeter than round burners, resulting in wider flame distribution.
- This design significantly reduces cold spots, ensuring more uniform heating and cooking.
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Increased Flame Ports:
- Star Burners feature a greater number of flame ports compared to traditional round burners.
- For example, a typical five-burner gas cooktop with traditional burners might have around 140 flame ports, while a Thermador five-burner cooktop with Star Burners boasts approximately 250 flame ports.
- This increase in flame ports leads to more efficient heat distribution and faster heating of cookware.
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Precision Flame Control:
- The Star Burners offer superior flame control, allowing for adjustments from high heat to a very low simmer.
- The ExtraLow® feature is particularly noteworthy for its precision in simmering. It maintains a temperature as low as 100°F, perfect for delicate tasks like melting chocolate or holding sauces without scorching.
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Faster Cooking Times:
- Due to the efficient distribution of heat, cooking times are reduced, making meal preparation quicker and more efficient.
- The increased surface area of the burners means quicker heat-up times for pots and pans, leading to a more responsive cooking experience.
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Compatibility with Various Cookware Sizes:
- The design of the Star Burners accommodates different sizes of cookware more effectively than traditional round burners.
- This flexibility makes it easier to cook with a wide range of pots and pans, ensuring even heating regardless of cookware size.
Features to Consider Before Making Your Purchase
When you're in the market for Thermador Star Burner appliances, there are essential features to take into account. The most critical factor to keep in mind is the appliance's output capacity. Here's a breakdown of what you should consider before purchasing a Thermador cooktop, rangetop, or range:
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Thermador Gas Cooktops:
- When you're browsing through Thermador gas cooktop options, pay close attention to the specifications. Determine whether the model you're interested in provides a maximum power output of either 16,000 BTUs or 18,000 BTUs.
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Thermador Rangetops:
- Shopping for a Thermador rangetop is relatively straightforward, as all models in this category offer a robust 18,000 BTUs of power.
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Thermador Ranges:
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Choosing a Thermador range requires a bit more consideration, as the brand offers two distinct series: the Pro Harmony and the Pro Grand. In addition to power output, the primary differences between these two lines are related to size and depth.
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The Pro Harmony range series is tailored for flush installations and boasts a depth of 24 inches.
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Conversely, the Pro Grand range series stands out with its deeper design, measuring 27 inches in depth, and exudes a commercial-inspired aesthetic.
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It's worth noting that while Thermador proudly offers an industry-leading 22,000 BTUs of heat output, this feature is exclusive to Thermador gas range models within the Pro Grand line.
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Here’s a quick comparison of the two lineups:
| Series | Sizes (in.) | BTUs | Cooking Modes | Bonus Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Harmony |
• 36
• 48 | 18K | 8 Cooking Modes | WiFi connectivity; Self-cleaning; Sabbath Mode |
| Pro Grand |
• 36
• 48 | 22K | 10 Cooking Modes | WiFi connectivity; Self-cleaning; Sabbath Mode; Temperature probe |
Exploring Star Burners in Comparison to Other Brands
When evaluating the Thermador Star Burners, it's insightful to compare them with other high-end brands like Wolf, Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS), and BlueStar. This comparison focuses on three key aspects: BTU output, simmering capabilities, and cleanability.
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BTU Output:
- Thermador: Offers a maximum of 22,000 BTU, providing potent cooking power for searing and boiling.
- Wolf: Features a high BTU output with one burner at 20,000 BTU, two at 18,000, and two at 15,000 BTU.
- SKS: Comes with a mix of 23,000 and 15,000 BTU burners, with options for lower temperatures.
- BlueStar: Known for its high BTU output in open burners, offering 25,000, 22,000, and 15,000 BTU in the Platinum series.
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Simmering Capabilities:
- Thermador: Their ExtraLow® feature allows for precise simmering at 100 BTU, using an on-off method to maintain a low temperature.
- Wolf: Renowned for an excellent simmer burner, going as low as 300 BTU for true simmers.
- SKS: Features a 100 BTU "Ultralow" burner, which maintains a consistent temperature.
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Cleanability:
- Thermador: The Star Burner's design makes it easier to clean around, with removable tops for professional ranges.
- Others: Round burners in other brands often require more meticulous cleaning as they are not always removable, especially in professional ranges.
Overall, while each brand brings its strengths to the table, Thermador's Star Burners stand out for their unique design, which offers superior heat spread, precise simmering capabilities, and easier maintenance
→ Learn More: Wolf vs. Thermador Ranges
FAQs
Shoppers like you are also curious about gas cooking appliances. Here are a couple of answers to the questions our buyers ask the most.
Are Star Burners easy to clean and maintain?
Absolutely! Star Burners are engineered for easy cleaning and maintenance. One of their key advantages is the sealed burner design. This design prevents spills, splatters, and food particles from seeping into the cooktop, making cleanup a breeze. You can simply wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth or sponge after each use.
Which type of burner is the best for gas stoves?
For many, the best burners available are brass burners — but the luxury will cost buyers. If you want to save a little, sealed burners are the next best thing. Thermador Star Burners feature a sealed design, plus a patented shape for superior heat control and coverage. While they aren’t brass, many professional cooks consider Thermador Pedestal Burners a premium upgrade that delivers high-end results.
Can you replace the burners on a gas stove?
Replacing a gas burner can be a cost-efficient way to save your appliance over replacing it entirely. While this can be a DIY project, it does involve a gas line and wiring, which can be potentially dangerous. In this case, it’s best to call a professional to troubleshoot your gas stove.
Do Star Burners save energy compared to traditional burners?
Yes, Star Burners are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Their superior heat distribution and precise control mean that you can achieve desired cooking results more quickly, ultimately reducing your energy consumption.
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Shop Thermador Products at Spencer’s TV & Appliance
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop Thermador appliances today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you determine which brand of gas burner is right for your cooking needs. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
→ Learn More: Thermador Cooktop Reviews to Upgrade Your Culinary Adventure