If you’re in the market for new windows, you’ve probably come across two big names: Marvin and Andersen. Both companies make high-quality vinyl windows designed to improve your home’s aesthetics, comfort, and energy efficiency.
But how do Marvin Essential and Andersen 100 Series vinyl windows actually compare? That’s what we’ll explore in this in-depth guide.
Below, we’ll break down the key differences between these two popular vinyl window lines. We’ll look at features like glass, frames, warranties, configurations, and more.
We’ll also highlight pros and cons of Marvin Essential and Andersen 100 so you can determine which vinyl windows are the better choice for your home improvement project.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Marvin Essential | Andersen 100 Series |
| Frame Material | Rigid PVC vinyl | Fibrex (vinyl + wood fiber) |
| Glass | Low-E, Low-E2, triple pane available | High-Performance Low-E4, triple pane available |
| Configurations | Casement, awning, sliders, double hung, picture, special shapes | Casement, double hung, sliders, awnings, picture, transoms, special shapes |
| Sizes | Standard and custom sizes | Standard and made-to-order sizes |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited, 20-year glass breakage | 20-year limited, 10-year glass breakage |
| Exterior Colors | White, beige | White, sandtone, ebony, canvas, forest green |
| Interior Colors | White | Oak, maple, cherry, pine veneers, white |
| Energy Efficiency | U-factors down to 0.27, ENERGY STAR certified | U-factors down to 0.27, ENERGY STAR certified |
Marvin Essential Windows Overview
Marvin Essential windows represent the company’s foray into the midpriced vinyl window segment.
As the “essential” name suggests, these windows focus on core necessities like durability, energy efficiency, and appealing aesthetics.
With an expanded range of styles and options, Essential aims to make Marvin’s premium features more accessible to homeowners.
These vinyl windows are made in the United States and designed for low maintenance.
Key features:
- Vinyl construction with fusion-welded corners for durability
- Insulated glass units with Intercept warm-edge spacer
- Multiple frame extension options from 4 9/16” to 7 1/4”
- Various glass options, including triple-pane
- Comprehensive selection of operating styles
- Available in standard or custom sizes
- White or beige exterior, white interior
- Lifetime limited warranty
Compared to Marvin’s upscale Integrity line, Essential vinyl windows offer a slightly more basic feature set at a more affordable price point. But they still provide pleasing aesthetics, quality construction, good energy efficiency, and robust warranties.
Andersen 100 Series Windows Overview
Part of Andersen’s Fibrex material line, the company’s 100 Series windows feature a composite vinyl/wood fiber frame. This proprietary Fibrex material aims to emulate the stability and insulation of wood while providing the durability and low maintenance of vinyl.
100 Series spans a wide range of operating styles, colors, sizes, and options. Overall, the line focuses on blending beauty, efficiency, strength, and value. The windows are made in the United States.
Key features:
- Fibrex composite frames with fusion-welded corners
- Insulated glass with high-performance Low-E coatings
- Frame extension options from 4 5/8” to 7 1/4”
- Array of glass options, like triple-pane
- Many operating styles from double-hung to awning
- Broad range of custom size capabilities
- Exterior color options include white, sandtone, ebony, canvas, forest green
- Interior wood veneers in oak, maple, cherry, pine, white
- 20/10 year limited warranty
The 100 Series sits in the middle of Andersen’s window collections, offering a step up from the company’s 200 Series vinyl line but just below the premium Architectural Classics line. The Fibrex frames aim to bring some high-end aesthetics and performance to this middle-tier product family.
Comparing Key Features and Options
Now that we’ve covered the basics of Marvin Essential and Andersen 100 Series, let’s compare some of the most important features and options side-by-side:
Frames
- Marvin – Rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride) vinyl with fusion-welded corners
- Andersen – Fibrex composite material combining wood fiber and vinyl polymers
While both feature durable vinyl materials, Andersen adds real wood fiber for extra structural stability and insulation.
However, some homeowners may prefer the low-maintenance benefits of Marvin’s pure vinyl frames.
Glass
- Marvin – Insulated glass units with Intercept warm-edge spacer; low-E and low-E2 coatings
- Andersen – High-performance Low-E4 glass; optional triple pane
Both utilize top-notch insulated glass units to boost efficiency. Andersen highlights their High-Performance Low-E4 coating for excellent solar control and thermal insulation.
Configurations
- Marvin – Casement, awning, picture windows, sliders, double hung, special shapes
- Andersen – Casement, double hung, picture windows, awnings, sliders, transoms, special shapes
The product lines are nearly identical in their wide range of operating styles and custom shapes to fit any home design needs.
Sizes
- Marvin – Standard and made-to-order sizes from very small to very large dimensions
- Andersen – Broad size capabilities from small to large; made-to-order available
Both Marvin Essential and Andersen 100 give homeowners extensive sizing options to replace existing windows or fill new openings flawlessly.
Warranties
- Marvin – Lifetime limited; 20-year glass breakage; 10-year on finishes
- Andersen – 20-year limited; 10-year glass breakage
Marvin provides a more generous limited lifetime warranty on vinyl and component parts, while Andersen offers 20 years of coverage. But Andersen matches Marvin’s 10 years of glass breakage coverage.
Colors
- Marvin – Exterior white or beige; interior white
- Andersen – Many exterior color options; wood veneer interior options
Andersen 100 offers more exterior color choices. But Marvin Essential counters with an optional beige exterior, while Andersen only has white in this product line. Andersen’s wood veneer interiors provide a warmer, more premium aesthetic.
Energy Efficiency
- Marvin – U-factors as low as 0.27, ENERGY STAR certified
- Andersen – U-factors down to 0.27, ENERGY STAR certified
Available glass upgrades like triple pane allow both vinyl window product families to achieve excellent U-factors and ENERGY STAR ratings for superior thermal performance.
Marvin Essential Pros and Cons
Now that we’ve directly compared the Marvin Essential and Andersen 100 window lines, let’s summarize some of the main pros and cons of the Marvin Essential vinyl windows:
Pros
- Sleek, contemporary appearance
- Thick, rigid vinyl frames resist warping
- Large glass viewing area for plenty of natural light
- Intercept warm-edge spacer enhances efficiency
- Lifetime limited warranty surpasses Andersen’s 20 years
- Beige exterior color provides an alternative to basic white
Cons
- More limited exterior color options compared to Andersen
- No wood interior means missing out on real wood veneer aesthetics
- More expensive than comparably featured vinyl windows from Andersen
To recap, Marvin Essential windows offer sturdy, low-maintenance construction, ample glass area, and pleasing white or beige exterior colors. The lifetime warranty provides peace of mind. But the vinyl-only construction lacks the richness of real wood interiors.
Andersen 100 Series Pros and Cons
Moving over to the Andersen 100 Series vinyl windows, here are some of the major advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- Fibrex material provides stability of wood plus durability of vinyl
- Many pleasing exterior color choices including black, green, sandtone
- Real wood veneer interiors in oak, maple, and other options
- High-Performance Low-E4 glass enhances solar control and insulation
- 100 Series is more affordable than comparably featured Marvin Essential
Cons
- Shorter 20-year limited warranty doesn’t match Marvin’s lifetime coverage
- Available in white exterior only, no alternative beige color offered
- Fibrex material limits exterior color options compared to wood windows
To summarize, the composite Fibrex frames with optional wood interiors give Andersen 100 windows a leg up on aesthetics compared to Marvin Essential. Homeowners also benefit from lower pricing and a strong warranty.
But Marvin still surpasses Andersen in exterior color selection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It’s hard to crown one brand as the clear winner. Marvin is known for very high-end wood and vinyl windows with premium features and industry-leading warranties. But Andersen also offers outstanding products that tend to cost less than comparable Marvin models. For high-end wood windows, Marvin gets the nod. But Andersen excels in the vinyl category while also featuring composite Fibrex models that rival wood for aesthetics.
Andersen’s closest competitors in quality and price are windows from Pella, Jeld-Wen, and Milgard. Each of these leading brands offers vinyl, wood, and fiberglass lines with advanced glass, strong warranties, energy efficiency, and excellent performance. Marvin is also comparable but focuses more on the high-end market.
For discerning homeowners focused on top-tier quality and service, Marvin windows may be worth premium prices. You can expect thicker, sturdier frames, quieter operation, flawless craftsmanship, and leading warranties. But more budget-focused shoppers can likely find excellent performance and a cheaper price from brands like Andersen, Pella, and Milgard.
Marvin and Pella both rank among the finest window brands on the market. In terms of quality construction, innovative features, energy efficiency, noise reduction, and overall aesthetics, these two industry leaders are neck and neck. Homeowners really can’t go wrong with either top-tier brand. Choice comes down to individual product lines and prices between Marvin vs Pella.
Final Thoughts
With the detailed feature comparison and pros/cons lists above, homeowners can make an informed decision between Marvin Essential and Andersen 100 Series.
But if we had to crown an overall winner, the Andersen 100 Series gets a slight edge in this vinyl window matchup.
The Fibrex material and optional wood veneer interiors give Andersen 100 windows a performance and aesthetic advantage. Lower pricing also makes this line a better value compared to Marvin Essential models with similar specs.
However, Marvin Essential remains an excellent choice for homeowners who prioritize low maintenance, contemporary styling, and generous warranty coverage.
For shoppers deciding between Marvin vs Andersen, it pays to get quotes on comparable window configurations and see how pricing shakes out. Carefully match the features that matter most to your home improvement goals.
With their quality construction, customization, energy efficiency, and pleasing aesthetics, both Marvin Essential and Andersen 100 Series can transform any home with beautiful new windows.