If you’re in the market for new windows, two big names you’re likely to encounter are Kolbe and Andersen. Both companies have been manufacturing windows for over 100 years and offer high-quality products with excellent performance.
But there are some key differences between Kolbe and Andersen when it comes to frames, glass, customization, warranties, and of course, cost.
Before deciding between Kolbe or Andersen, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each brand carefully based on your climate, budget, and needs.
This comprehensive window comparison guide outlines everything you need to know to determine whether Kolbe or Andersen windows are the wiser long-term investment for your home.
Kolbe and Andersen Window Comparison At-a-Glance
| Feature | Kolbe Windows | Andersen Windows |
| Frame Material | Primarily wood, fiberglass, & aluminum-clad options | Primarily Fibrex (composite) & wood |
| Glass Technology | ThermaPlus LoE, ThermaPlus LoE2, ThermaShift, & more | High Performance Low-E & High Performance Low-E4 |
| Custom Options | Extensive custom shapes, sizes, colors & finishes | Moderate customization available |
| Warranty | 20 years on glass seal failure; 10 years other components | 20 years on glass seal failure; 10 years other components |
| Cost | Premium | Mid-range to premium |
Now let’s take an in-depth look at how Andersen vs Kolbe compare across the key factors you should evaluate when shopping for new windows.
Window Frame Materials Comparison
Kolbe primarily uses wood and aluminum-clad wood frames, with some fiberglass options, while Andersen mainly offers Fibrex composite and wood window frames.
Kolbe
- Wood – Beautiful, durable & repairable natural material
- Aluminum-clad – Low maintenance exterior protects wood frames
- Fiberglass – Strong, dent-resistant & low maintenance
Andersen
- Fibrex – Composite material that’s strong, durable & low maintenance
- Wood – Warm & beautiful natural aesthetic
Most Kolbe window units feature wood construction for exceptional strength, insulation, and longevity compared to vinyl, composite, or PVC frame materials.
The company takes special pride in crafting intricate solid wood windows capable of lasting over 100 years when properly maintained.
For lower maintenance exteriors, Kolbe’s aluminum-clad windows wrap the wood frames in a protective waterproof aluminum casing.
This prevents exterior moisture damage while preserving the warmth and beauty of real wood indoors.
Andersen Fibrex windows also deliver superior thermal performance and durability while resisting rotting, swelling, shrinking, and warping more effectively than solid wood. Maintenance is very low with composite Fibrex frames. But the material doesn’t offer the aesthetic appeal or customization potential of real wood interiors.
Both companies offer sound frame technologies optimized for any region or climate. But Kolbe’s broad selection of real wood species and custom building capabilities give them an edge in aesthetic options.
Glass Technology & Energy Efficiency
When evaluating windows, the glass technologies and glazing system arguably have an even greater impact on performance factors like energy efficiency, noise reduction, UV protection, climate control, and durability than the actual frames.
Both Kolbe and Andersen engineer their window units to meet strict energy efficiency qualifications thanks to innovative glass coatings and argon/krypton gas filled insulating glass.
But there are some differences in their signature glazing systems:
Kolbe
- ThermaPlus LoE, ThermaPlus LoE2, ThermaShift & more
- UltraV low-Emissive coatings
- Krypton gas filling optional
Andersen
- High Performance Low-E & High Performance Low-E4
- Low-E4® SmartSunTM glass
- Argon gas filled
Andersen High Performance Low-E4 glass incorporates four transparent metallic coatings for industry-leading thermal control, while letting in an abundance of natural light.
SmartSun glass provides enhanced protection from solar heat gain.
Most Andersen windows come with Low-E4 glazing and argon gas as standard.
Kolbe also utilizes a variety of low emissivity coatings like ThermaPlus LoE2-272 in many of its double pane units, providing U-Factors as low as 0.14 and SHGC coefficients under 0.18 for superior insulation. This matches or exceeds Andersen’s thermal performance capabilities.
Triple glazing with krypton gas upgrades are also readily available from Kolbe to accommodate extreme climates. Between both brands, Kolbe may have the edge in the highest insulation and sound dampening glass technologies.
Customization & Unique Window Options
When it comes to tailoring windows designs to match your home’s exact floor plan, architectural style, and appearance preferences, Kolbe offers industry-leading customization potential. Every Kolbe window unit is built from scratch in the United States to your specifications.
Kolbe Customization Includes:
- Any opening shape and unusual geometry: circles, curves, angles, arches, etc.
- Custom sizing down to 1/8th inch
- Wide selection of interior & exterior wood materials, textures, colors
- Decorative glass, divided lite patterns, specialty hardware
- Mixed configurations combining fixed picture units with operating casements, awnings, double hungs, etc.
Kolbe’s made-to-order process enables countless options for matching existing window replacements or dreaming up something totally unique for new builds and remodels. Custom wood windows retain their value and often qualify for historical renovation property tax credits as well.
By contrast, Andersen windows arrive as pre-assembled stock units in standard sizes. While their Renewal by Andersen line includes inserts for existing frames, adaptations for non-standard dimensions and shapes generally entail additional trimming materials. Customization is much more limited compared to Kolbe.
Warranties Comparison
Kolbe and Andersen back all their window & door products with similar 20-year warranties on sealed glass units should moisture seep between panes causing fogging.
The coverage extends to a full 10 years for defects in operable parts like hardware, screen, and non-glass components.
Most wood windows only carry 1-year product warranties, so the decade of coverage provided by Kolbe and Andersen offers valuable peace of mind that your investment will actually last 20+ years as intended.
Just be sure to transfer warranties and stay on top of proper maintenance like caulking, painting, hardware tightening, etc. which fall outside warranty terms.
Cost Differences
There’s no getting around the fact that Andersen windows sell for less than Kolbe in most cases. As a larger producer of stock window units for homeowners and commercial use, Andersen offers more affordable pricing averaging national estimates*:
- Andersen windows cost between $450 – $1,100 per window installed
- Renewal by Andersen custom replacement projects run $800 to $2,000 per insert.
Kolbe positions itself as a luxury window provider serving high-end residential new builds and historical renovation projects. Being custom built exclusively in the United States rather than overseas results in premium pricing:
- Kolbe windows have installed prices ranging $1,200 to $3,000+ per unit.
- Larger custom jobs easily exceed $50,000+ for a whole home.
However, you get what you pay for in terms of longevity, performance, aesthetic quality, emissivity, customization, and noise reduction with Kolbe. Their craftsmanship, attention to detail, sustainable harvesting, and construction are second-to-none. Investing in the highest caliber wood windows makes sense for forever homes.
You’ll have to determine whether Andersen product savings outweigh benefits of truly custom wood windows. Evaluate current property value along with long-term plans to decide if spending extra money upfront on Kolbe windows will pay off down the road.
Which Brand Is Best For Your New Windows?
At the end of the day, Choosing Kolbe and Andersen windows over cheap vinyl, fiberglass or other composite replacements comes down to longevity and performance per dollar. Key deciding factors between the two brands include:
Kolbe Advantages
- Fully custom sizing, shapes, wood species & textures
- Best-in-class insulation & soundproofing
- Intelligence glass technologies
- More durable over 100+ year lifespan
- Huge array of architectural styles
Andersen Advantages
- Excellent thermal efficiency & UV protection
- Very low maintenance composite & wood frames
- Smoother installation process
- More budget friendly price points
- Industry leading warranties
We hope this comprehensive Andersen and Kolbe window comparison equips you to select the ideal windows for blessing your home with natural light, energy savings, and timeless curb appeal for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Kolbe windows are among the highest quality and best performing window products available. As Made-in-USA custom built units featuring the finest wood species and expert craftsmanship, Kolbe windows deliver exceptional longevity, insulation, noise reduction, and aesthetic potential. Their glazing technology also matches or exceeds efficiency standards from leading brands like Andersen. With proper installation and maintenance, Kolbe windows easily last over 100 years.
Kolbe windows match or exceed Andersen in many performance categories while offering greater customization flexibility. Other window brands comparable in quality and thermal efficiency to Andersen include Pella Architect Series, Marvin, and Jeld-Wen. Milgard, Simonton, and CertainTeed also make excellent triple pane vinyl and fiberglass windows costing much less than Andersen.
All Kolbe window and door products are proudly made in the United States at the company’s 500,000 square foot manufacturing plant in Wausau, Wisconsin. They handle the entire custom building process from raw material sourcing to end construction on-site. U.S. based production allows Kolbe to maintain exceptional quality control and exacting standards.
Andersen and Pella offers another tough choice between two industry leaders. Andersen windows rate slightly better for thermal efficiency thanks to Fibrex composite’s insulation properties and Low E4 glass coatings. But Pella offers outstanding strength, sound dampening, and custom wood aesthetics rivaling Kolbe at lower price points. There are also more consumer complaints regarding Andersen’s customer service and problems obtaining warranty issues resolved compared to Pella windows. For the best blend of technology, durability, and warranty protection, Pella makes a strong case against Andersen as the better window brand overall.
Closing Remarks
In comparing Kolbe and Andersen windows, both companies manufacture exceptional quality wood and fiberglass windows that will last for decades when installed properly.
Kolbe windows edge out Andersen in customization flexibility, noise reduction, and design aesthetics thanks to made-to-order U.S. craftsmanship. But Andersen offers greater value and efficiency using patented Fibrex composite frames and LowE4 glass at more affordable mid-range price points.
For homeowners seeking fully customized windows with exceptional insulation for cold climates, Kolbe is worth the premium investment. Andersen provides stellar performance at lower costs for those prioritizing budget savings over custom features.
Regardless of which brand you choose, properly maintaining your windows will ensure they continue blessing homes with comfort and beauty for generations.
