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Home : Company Info : Anderson vs Kolbe
Anderson Windows vs Kolbe Windows
Read 2023 reviews and opinions on Kolbe Windows vs Anderson and see how these two wood clad window companies stack up against one another. Here's my take: both of these manufacturers make very good wood clad windows, although Kolbe also makes solid, but not great, vinyl series in the Kolbe Latitude. Andersen has stayed out of the vinyl window market, unless you count Silverline, which they no longer own as they sold that division to Ply Gem in 2018. For the record Silverline made some of the worst vinyl windows imaginable. (Read all of our Silverline windows reviews here.)
In terms of their main focus, high end wood windows, both companies make very good products. They both offer a number of quality series. Kolbe in the Classic, Heritage, Ultra and VistaLuxe series. Andersen in the 200, 400, and A series options. I would say Kolbe might even make the better product over Anderson. However, I do really like the Andersen 400 series and think it's a great performing series.
For me, when it comes to Kolbe Windows vs Anderson, I would look at the price tag of the bid and decide which of these two exceptional brands offers the long term value.
Bill - Site Editor - Updated In 2023
Anderson Window Cost vs Kolbe
I have quotes from Kolbe, which is close to the Anderson windows cost I was quoted, as well as from Pella. My quote included the Kolbe Ultra and Kolbe Ultra Sterling, which I believe the only difference is that the Sterling option uses a extruded cladding method whereas the traditional Ultra uses a roll form (apparently not as good). The price difference was roughly 15%. Is this worth the extra cost.
Neither of the quotes for the Kolbe including the cost of grilles so this may make the overall cost was a bit more than the Anderson and Pella quote. I have ruled out Pella windows and am waiting to hear back from the Marvin rep in our area who came out last night and took measurements so I'll be interesting to see how his price compares. I have not, as of yet, seen either the Kolbe or Marvin Ultimate in person, which I would like to do before making a decision.
Jeannie - Homeowner - from 2013
[Site Editor's Response]
I would say that extruded cladding is worth the 15% difference. The roll form aluminum cladding method is the cheaper option and will not typically hold up as well over time (better to pay a bit more and get the job done right the right the first time). Kolbe is a very good wood window manufacturer and I would absolutely look at the Kolbe strongly. As far as how it compares to the Anderson, it depends what model you are considering. The Anderson 400 Series is going to be the most comparable. I happen to really like the Marvin Ultimate and would probably give the nod to the Ultimate over both the Kolbe Ultra and the Anderson 400. See all of them side-by-side and then make sure whichever one you select, that you are comfortable with the installers who will be doing the work.
Dan - Site Editor - from 2013
Window Upgrades
Kolbe has a number of models, although the Heritage Series sells the most since it's the least expensive. However, it uses a roll formed aluminum cladding on the outside and in order to get the extruded cladding, you have to go with their Ultra model, which of course is more expensive. From what I've read, the rolled form can let water get behind the sashes and cause them to rot. The Sterling Ultra model has a tilt latch upgrade that apparently is a much better sash. It's always more money and upgrades to get an actual decent product!
Jim - Homeowner - from 2013
Kolbe vs Marvin Windows
I've always considered Pella, Marvin and Kolbe as the big three for wood clad replacement windows. Recently I've heard that Kolbe has some quality control issue. I just compared Kolbe wood clad to Marvin and felt the details on the Marvins were much better.
Steve - Homeowner - from 2012
Kolbe Windows vs Andersen
I've been doing a bunch of research and here is what I've come up with for clad wood options. The Marvin Ultimate, the Jeld Wen Pozzi, Kolbe, Anderson, Eagle and Loewen.
Barry - Homeowner - from 2011
Anderson vs Kolbe Windows
Anderson use a vinyl cladding, but most other wood window companys use aluminum cladding. If your windows are vinyl, but you want to upgrade some to wood interiors, then you may want look at Anderson first. However, Anderson's wood casements use vinyl on the sash interior and the exterior of the sash, so it's not actually all wood inside. Marvin and Pella each make great woods windows and you can't go wrong with them, although you need to be careful about who does the installation. This is especially true with bow and bays where improper installation can cause the lower sill to sag. More on Andersen bay window cost.
Related Article: Anderson vs Pella Windows