There’s no doubt both the suburban and the rural cities of the USA let you capture breathtaking views from your windows.
From waking up to an amazing sight to capturing stunning snapshots, we all love a big window!
Therefore, enters the Andersen windows.
Andersen 100, 200, and 400 series are the most preferred windows in today’s market for their durability, size, and styles, and choosing the right one between them can be baffling.
That’s why I have prepared a detailed spec comparison between Andersen 100 Vs 200 Vs 400 series, so your home gets what it deserves!
Andersen 100 Vs 200 Vs 400 Series
In order to figure out the perfect window for your house, it’s important to know the key factors that differentiate all the Andersen series.
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences between the Andersen 100, 200, and 400 series.
| Factors | 100 Series | 200 Series | 400 Series |
| Material | Fibrex® composite material | Wood protected by a vinyl exterior | Wood protected by a vinyl exterior |
| Finish | 5 exterior finish; 4 interior finish | 2 exterior finish; 2 interior finish | 7 exterior finish; 3 interior finish |
| Size | 4×3 feet | 3’4×6 feet | 6×3 feet |
| Window Type | Awning, Casement, Single-Hung, and Gliding | Tilt-wash Double-Hung and Gliding | Awning, Casement, Tilt-wash Double-Hung, and Gliding |
| Hardware | Folding Handles, Standard Lock with an optional Lift/Pull and a Metal Slim Line Lock | Classic Hand Lift, Hand Pull, and Lock & Keeper | Traditional Folding and Standard Lock & Keeper |
| Frame | 4 options | 4 options | 4 options |
| Sash | Dual weatherstrip system | Raised track system | Rigid vinyl encasing |
| Grille Options | 4 options | 4 options | 5 options |
| Glass Options | 8 common options; 2 extra options | 8 common options; 2 extra options | 8 common options; 3 extra options |
| Insect Screen | 2 options | 2 options | 2 options |
| Energy Efficiency | 2021 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year | 2021 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year | 2021 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year |
| Warranty | 20 years of coverage on glass and 10 years on non-glass parts | 20 years of coverage on glass and 10 years on non-glass parts | 20 years of coverage on glass and 10 years on non-glass parts |
| Project Option | 2 options | 2 options | 2 options |
| Cost | $650-$850 USD | $700-$900 USD | $500-$1280 USD |
Material
Andersen 100 Series
The Andersen 100 Series is crafted with revolutionary Fibrex® composite material, known for its exceptional strength, twice that of vinyl.
It excels in extreme temperatures, resisting fading, flaking, blistering, or peeling.
This unique material combines reclaimed wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer, with 40 percent wood fiber by weight and 60 percent by weight.
Notably, it offers 700 times better thermal transfer locking than aluminum, contributing to reduced heating and cooling bills.
Moreover, it maintains stability and rigidity in all climates, ensuring remarkable durability.
Additionally, it provides superior scratch resistance compared to painted vinyl.
Andersen 200 Series
The Andersen 200 Series is a fusion of wood protected by a vinyl exterior.
This unique combination offers the best of both worlds – the natural, timeless look of wood on the interior and the robust weather resistance provided by the vinyl exterior.
With this design, you can achieve the desired aesthetics without the concerns of added maintenance.
The 200 Series double-hung windows specifically feature low-maintenance Perma-Shield® exteriors and provide the choice of clear pine interiors or a white interior finish.
Andersen 400 Series
The Andersen 400 Series combines wood and vinyl in its construction.
The exterior features a resilient vinyl layer that shields the window from the harshest weather conditions, ensuring its longevity.
Meanwhile, the interior retains the natural beauty of wood.
This unique blend allows you to enjoy the aesthetic appeal of wood without the concerns of extensive maintenance.
Notably, these windows are also equipped with stormwatch® protection, providing added peace of mind.
Finish
Andersen 100 Series
For aesthetics, the 100 Series offers a choice of 5 exteriors and 4 internal deep, rich colors.
These colors are vibrant and resistant to rot, fading, flaking, blistering, and peeling, making them virtually maintenance-free.
Andersen 200 Series
In terms of finish, the 200 Series offers two options for both the exterior and interior.
These deep, rich colors not only enhance the visual appeal but also come with the assurance that they won’t rot, fade, flake, blister, or peel.
Moreover, they are virtually maintenance-free, ensuring lasting beauty.
Andersen 400 Series
The 400 Series offers a wide range of finish options to cater to your style preferences.
With 7 exterior colors and 3 interior colors, plus the option of natural, unfinished pine, you can achieve either a modern or traditional look tailored to your taste.
Size
Andersen 100 Series
Sizes for the 100 Series windows can be customized, with options up to 4 feet wide and 3 feet high.
Custom sizes are available in 1/8″ increments, allowing you to fit nearly any space with fresh air and natural light.
Andersen 200 Series
For flexibility in fitting various spaces with fresh air and natural light, the 200 Series offers sizes up to 3’4 feet wide and 6 feet high, providing ample options to suit your needs.
However, customization isn’t available for this series.
Andersen 400 Series
When it comes to size, the 400 Series offers versatility.
These windows can be as wide as 6 feet and as high as 3 feet, making them suitable for filling various spaces with invigorating fresh air and abundant natural light.
Custom sizing is available in precise 1/8″ increments, ensuring a perfect fit for nearly any location.
Window Type
Andersen 100 Series
Window types include Awning, Casement, Single-Hung, and Gliding options.
Andersen 200 Series
Window types available in the 200 Series include Tilt-wash Double-Hung and Gliding windows, catering to different preferences and requirements.
Andersen 400 Series
The 400 Series provides various window types to suit different needs.
Options include Awning, Casement, Tilt-wash Double-Hung, and Gliding windows, offering diverse choices for your specific requirements.
Hardware
Andersen 100 Series
Hardware options come in 6 finishes.
Folding handles are designed to avoid interference with window treatments, and there’s also a Standard Lock with an optional Lift/Pull and a Metal Slim Line Lock.
Andersen 200 Series
For the 200 Series, hardware options are available in a classic white finish.
The hardware styles for these windows include the Classic Hand Lift, Hand Pull, and Lock & Keeper, ensuring ease of operation and security.
Andersen 400 Series
For the 400 Series, you can choose hardware finishes with a generous selection of 12 options.
The hardware styles available for these windows include the Traditional Folding and Standard Lock & Keeper, offering ease of operation and security.
Frame
For installation flexibility, all Andersen series offers 4 similar frame options:
A 1 3/8″ (35) flange setback for siding applications with an integral rigid vinyl flange that helps seal the unit to the structure.
A 1″ (25) flange setback with a stucco key which also has an integral rigid vinyl flange.
A no-flange option for window replacement in an existing framed opening.
And lastly, an insert option for window replacement in an existing window frame.
Andersen 100 Series
For casement and awning windows in this series, Andersen goes the extra mile with concealed receiving brackets.
These brackets are cleverly mounted on the hinge side of the frame and keep the sash tightly secured within the window frame when closed.
The Andersen 100 Series incorporates a durable, side-loaded balancer in single-hung windows.
This addition makes opening and closing the sash easier.
Plus, for added convenience, the lower sash can be easily removed without the need for any tools.
Furthermore, there are weep holes strategically located on the exterior frame, ensuring proper water management.
Andersen 200 Series
Exterior outer frame members are treated with a water-repellent preservative and covered with a rigid vinyl cover.
This not only minimizes maintenance but also enhances the visual appeal.
Interior surfaces are available in unfinished pine or low-maintenance prefinished white finishes.
The full-perimeter installation flange ensures easy and fast installation with minimal adjustments, providing a fixed, seamless, and integrated fit with the exterior frame.
The flexible weatherstrip, factory-installed around all four sides, creates a tight seal between the sash and frame, enhancing energy efficiency and weather resistance.
Andersen 400 Series
The 400 Series incorporates a seamless one-piece rigid vinyl frame cover for ease of maintenance and enhanced durability.
This cover is secured to the exterior of the frame, safeguarding the wood frame from moisture while preserving its attractive appearance.
The vinyl cover extends around the unit’s perimeter, creating a flange that aids in sealing the unit to the structure.
Wood frame members are treated with a water-repellent preservative for maximum lifespan.
Interior stops in unfinished pine or low-maintenance prefinished white, dark bronze, and black finishes are available.
Sash
Andersen 100 Series
The sash is constructed from Fibrex material, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Its robust capping provides serious protection and a matte, low-maintenance finish.
The dual weatherstrip system is made of an exterior watershed design and a bulb weatherstrip seal between the sash and frame.
This creates a long-lasting, energy-efficient barrier against wind, water, and dust.
Andersen 200 Series
The sash of the 200 Series windows is designed for durability and performance.
It has a Flexacron® finish that is magnetically applied to penetrate all exterior surfaces and has a polyester-stabilized coat for maximum protection.
Wood sash members are also treated with a wood preservative for extended protection and performance.
The sash interior surfaces are available in unfinished pine or prefinished white finishes for interior aesthetics.
The raised track system ensures smooth operation, even with dirt build-up, ensuring consistent performance over time.
Andersen 400 Series
The sash of the 400 Series windows is engineered for optimal performance and longevity.
A rigid vinyl encases the entire sash, with a vinyl weld reinforcing each sash corner, ensuring superior weather-tightness.
This design not only maintains an attractive appearance but also minimizes maintenance requirements.
Wood core members provide exceptional structural stability and energy efficiency.
Furthermore, vinyl closed-cell foam weatherstrip is factory installed on the perimeter of the sash, enhancing energy efficiency and weather resistance.
Grille Options
Andersen 100 Series
Grille options include FINELIGHT™ Grilles Between-the-Glass, which enhances the aesthetics and makes cleaning easier.
They come in a chiseled profile and offer a two-sided color scheme to match both the interior and exterior of the window or patio door.
Exterior grilles are also available to provide architectural style and details.
Additionally, the FULL DIVIDED LIGHT option is permanently applied to the exterior and interior with a spacer between the glass.
You can also pick SIMULATED DIVIDED LIGHT, which is permanently applied with no spacer between the glass.
Andersen 200 Series
Grille options include permanent SIMULATED DIVIDED LIGHT grilles with no spacer between the glass on the exterior and interior.
The Andersen 200 series also offers permanent exterior grilles with removable interior grilles for added convenience.
Furthermore, removable interior grilles are designed to come off easily for cleaning.
For a sleek appearance, Finelight™ grilles-between-the-glass are installed between the glass panes.
They provide a stunning contoured profile in 1″ and 3/4″ widths.
Andersen 400 Series
Grille options for the 400 Series include FULL DIVIDED LIGHT, which is permanently applied to the interior and exterior of the window, with a spacer between the glass.
SIMULATED DIVIDED LIGHT provides permanent grilles on both the exterior and interior without a spacer between the glass.
For added convenience, permanent exterior grilles are available with removable interior grilles.
Moreover, removable interior grilles are designed to come off easily for straightforward cleaning.
The Andersen 400 series also offers a Finelight grilles-between-the-glass option, which features the same contoured profile as the 200 series and is installed similarly.
Glass Options
All the Andersen series windows offer common glass options, including:
- SmartSun™
- SmartSun with HeatLock® Coating
- Low-E
- Low-E with HeatLock Coating
- Sun
- PassiveSun®
- PassiveSun with HeatLock Coating
- Clear Dual-Pane.
They also provide additional glass options like tempered glass and patterned glass.
But Andersen 400 series windows provide one extra laminated glass option.
These additional glass options allow you to tailor your windows to your specific needs and preferences.
Insect Screen
The Andersen 100, 200, and 400 series offer the same two insect-screen options.
Traditional screens have a fiberglass screen mesh, while the latest TruScene® insect screens feature a micro-fine stainless steel mesh
This provides 50% greater clarity than conventional insect screens and allows you to enjoy the outdoors without compromising your view while effectively keeping pests at bay.
Energy Efficiency
All Andersen series windows have received the 2021 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award.
It is the highest honor from ENERGY STAR for its ongoing leadership in environmentally friendly energy efficiency achievements.
Warranty
The warranty for 100, 200, and 400 Series stands out, as it continues even when a home changes ownership.
They offer 20 years of coverage on glass and 10 years on non-glass parts.
This coverage is fully transferable and not prorated, which can significantly add value when it’s time to sell your home.
Project Options
Andersen 100, 200, and 400 series windows are suitable for both new construction projects and replacement window projects.
Cost
According to the official Andersen Website, a normal-sized 100 series window costs around $650-$850 USD with complete installation cost.
The Andersen 200 series windows range from $700-$900 USD, and the 400 series windows cost about $500-$1280 USD, both with complete installation.
Bottom Line
From energy efficiency to enhancing your home’s natural light and air, Andersen windows are a whole package.
However, if you are already an Andersen user looking for a change, check out this window comparison guide to discover more!
FAQ
How long do Andersen 200 windows last?
All Andersen series windows last up to 20 years. But with proper maintenance, they can serve you for decades.
Which is better Andersen 200 or 400?
If budget isn’t any concern to you, the premium Andersen 400 series is the one.
But just so you know, the Andersen 200 series will serve you with the same energy efficiency, durability, and beauty of your home.
Is Andersen 100 or 400 series better?
Andersen 400 series is much better, considering their extended demand for replacement windows, finish options, and flexibility.
They even have extensive exterior trim kit options, something the 100 series doesn’t.
