Kitchens

History of Innovation: Thermador Celebrates a 110-Year Legacy of Designing Premium Kitchen Appliances

Founded in 1916, Thermador has helped set the standard for premium kitchen appliances that blend design and performance.

By Remi Wright / August 12, 2026

Photo by Emily Followill Photography

Kitchens have come a long way since 1916.

From the introduction of stainless-steel design and electric stovetops to integrated smart connectivity, kitchen appliances are more innovative than ever.

Leading the way with industry firsts is Thermador. The luxury kitchen appliance company has been a pivotal player in the industry, introducing many now-standard technologies to the market over its long history of innovation.

Thermador created the first-ever built-in wall oven in 1947, built-in cooktop in 1950 and built-in refrigerator-freezer in 1957. It also introduced the first all-stainless-steel dishwasher in 1962, the first self-cleaning oven in 1963 and the first oven-microwave combo unit in 1975.

“In reflecting on our 110-year history, it’s with appreciation that we pioneered many appliances that are now part of everyday kitchens, from column refrigeration to built-in wall ovens,” says Ashley Audisho, head of marketing at BSH Canada Group. “Since 1916, we have pushed the boundaries of kitchen design, focusing on high-performance appliances that seamlessly integrate into the modern home.”

Carrying Forward a Legacy of Innovation

As our homes and lives have evolved, so too have kitchen appliances.

Whether it’s through luxury dishwashers with zone control for different soil levels or HomeConnect technology that allows users to customize and control appliances seamlessly through voice or mobile commands, Thermador continues to design with precision and aesthetic appeal in mind for the modern day.

“Our legacy in craftsmanship inspires us to continue to innovate and challenges us to provide Canadians with best-in-class products that are created with precision, power and sophisticated style,” says Audisho.

Thermador’s modern appliances cover the full kitchen suite.

The iconic Pro Grand gas range features Thermador’s unique Star® Burners that deliver 56 percent better flame distribution and more responsive heat settings. With seven distinct cooking options—including an ExtraLow setting—the range offers a versatile cooking experience with griddle and burner configuration.

Simultaneously, the Freedom Induction Cooktop lets you cook however—and wherever—you wish. The induction cooktop is designed for flexibility, offering intuitive control. It can sense cookware anywhere on the surface, allowing for the flexible placement of up to five pots simultaneously.

The Steam Convection Ovens do everything a standard convection oven does, plus cook with steam, which retains more vitamins and nutrients in the food. These appliances combine steam technology with professional-grade performance to maximize the preservation of flavour and texture without drying food.

With its iconic stainless-steel interiors and theatre-style lighting, Freedom Built-In Refrigeration offers advanced cooling and temperature precision in a panel-ready design. The refrigeration system is enhanced by innovative elements, like ThermaFresh® Pro, which enables you to set the optimal temperature and humidity for food preservation, and the ThermaFlex™ Drawer, which allows you to change the temperature based on your storage needs, from freezer to fridge.

From pivotal industry firsts to raising the bar on modern luxury kitchen appliances, Thermador continues to elevate everyday living by blending precision, design and performance.