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Why Thermador Owns the Luxury Kitchen Conversation in Hawaii

Sat Jan 31 2026

  • Appliance Reviews
  • Education

Hawaii homeowners choose Thermador for the patented Star Burner's 56% more flame coverage, CES award-winning Liberty Induction technology, and the Gift With Purchase program that delivers up to $9,000 in free appliances. PHAD Home Appliance (Pacific Home and Appliance Distribution) is Hawaii's authorized Thermador dealer. Visit our showroom at 99-1305 Koaha Pl in Aiea to experience the difference.

The Star Burner: 25 Years of Patented Performance

In 1998, Thermador introduced the Star Burner, and nobody has replicated it since. That five-point design delivers 56% more flame coverage than round burners of the same diameter.

Here's what that means in practice: 35 heating ports versus 28 on a conventional burner, and a 16.75-inch perimeter delivering heat where round designs leave cold spots. When you're searing ahi on a 14-inch skillet, coverage matters.

Thermador's Pedestal Star Burners deliver up to 22,000 BTU for restaurant-quality searing, then drop to as low as 200 BTU with ExtraLow Select technology. That cycling feature fires flames for 10 seconds and shuts off for 50, maintaining temperatures low enough for tempering chocolate or holding hollandaise without breaking.

The raised pedestal design also addresses cleanup. Food falls beneath the elevated burner where a quick wipe handles it.

The Pro Harmony Liberty Induction Range

Thermador's 36-inch Pro Harmony Liberty Induction Range won the CES 2024 Innovation Award for Home Appliances. Three features set it apart:

MoveMode lets you transfer cooking settings by sliding your pan to a new zone. Start a risotto at high heat, slide it to a cooler zone, and the settings follow. No touching controls with sauce-covered fingers.

HeatShift divides the cooktop into three preset heat zones. Move your pan from left to right, and the heat level changes automatically.

Flexible Cooking Zones accommodate oversized cookware, including teppanyaki grills up to 16 inches long.

For Pacific island homes, induction makes particular sense. Our electricity rates make energy efficiency a priority, and induction transfers heat directly to cookware rather than heating the air around it.

The 36-inch model starts at $11,599. The 30-inch version begins at $8,399.

Freedom Induction: Full-Surface Cooking

Thermador's Freedom cooktop represents the most advanced induction technology available. With 56 individual inductor elements beneath the surface, it automatically recognizes the size, shape, and position of your cookware.

Set six different pans anywhere on the surface. Move them around as you cook. The system tracks each one through a full-color touchscreen showing exactly what's happening in real time.

Sapphire Glow LED lights along the cooktop edges provide visual feedback, following your cookware and indicating whether it's actively heating.

For open floor plans common throughout Hawaii, the Freedom cooktop offers Wi-Fi connectivity that communicates with your range hood, automatically adjusting ventilation to match cooking intensity.

StarDry Dishwashers

Anyone who's run a dishwasher knows the frustration of plastic containers still dripping. Thermador solved this with Zeolite technology, using natural mineral crystals that absorb moisture and release heat.

The StarDry system in Thermador's Sapphire and Star Sapphire dishwashers dries everything, including Tupperware containers that normally hold water in their concave bottoms. The Zeolite crystals regenerate during each cycle.

Combined with operation as quiet as 42 decibels, these dishwashers disappear into your kitchen routine.

Freedom Refrigeration and Wine Storage

Wine collectors in Hawaii face specific challenges. Our ambient humidity and temperature swings affect storage conditions. Thermador's Freedom Wine Columns address this with multiple independent temperature zones and active humidity control.

A 24-inch Wine Column holds up to 92 bottles across three separate zones, each calibrated for different varietals. UV-protected glass doors shield collections from light degradation, while vibration control keeps sediment undisturbed.

For refrigeration columns, Thermador's ThermaFresh system provides advanced temperature and humidity control that keeps produce fresher longer.

Gift With Purchase Program

Thermador's Gift With Purchase program makes outfitting a full kitchen significantly more affordable. Purchase a qualifying range or cooktop/wall oven combination and receive a free Emerald dishwasher.

Upgrade to Sapphire for $500 or Star Sapphire for $1,000. Add qualifying refrigeration, and you can earn additional gifts including ventilation, microwave drawers, or warming drawers.

For developers and contractors working on multiple projects, this program substantially reduces appliance costs. We've helped builders spec Thermador into projects from Ewa Beach to Hawaii Kai.

Two Collections, One Standard

Thermador offers two design languages, both 2024 KBB Readers' Choice Award winners.

The Masterpiece Collection suits contemporary kitchens with sleek, integrated aesthetics and panel-ready options.

The Professional Collection brings restaurant-inspired design with bold stainless steel and commercial-grade presence.

See Thermador at PHAD

We've been installing Thermador in Hawaii kitchens for over two decades. What we've learned: these appliances perform. The build quality stands up to constant use. The technology delivers on its promises.

Visit our showroom at 99-1305 Koaha Pl in Aiea to see the current lineup. We're open Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 3 PM. Call or text 808-564-2493 with questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PHAD stand for?

PHAD stands for Pacific Home and Appliance Distribution. PHAD Home Appliance is Hawaii's locally-owned premium appliance showroom. Visit our showroom at 99-1305 Koaha Pl in Aiea, open Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 3 PM. Call or text 808-564-2493.

Where can I buy Thermador in Hawaii?

PHAD Home Appliance is Hawaii's authorized Thermador dealer. Visit our Aiea showroom to see the full lineup and learn about the Gift With Purchase program.

What is the Thermador Star Burner?

The Star Burner is Thermador's patented five-point burner design that delivers 56% more flame coverage than conventional round burners. It provides 35 heating ports and up to 22,000 BTU for professional-grade cooking.

How does Thermador's Gift With Purchase work?

Purchase qualifying cooking appliances and receive free dishwashers, ventilation, or other appliances. Add refrigeration for additional gifts. Contact PHAD for current program details.

Can I see Thermador appliances before buying?

Yes. Visit our showroom at 99-1305 Koaha Pl in Aiea to experience Thermador's Star Burner, Freedom induction, and full lineup. No appointment needed.

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