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Viking Vs Wolf Ranges | Which Is Better?

If your in the market for high end, professional quality kitchen appliances then your probably considering Viking vs Wolf ranges.

There are quite a few appliance manufacturers making professional, commercial quality appliances. Two of the very best each and every year are Viking and Wolf. They’re similar in almost every way including price, features, warranty, looks, size, and cooking power. However they also have some differences you should know about because that info could swing your decision. So when deciding between Viking vs Wolf ranges, how do you choose? What’s the difference between a Viking and a Wolf range? Which oven is better? Which is the better long term value? And which one is better for cooking at home? We’ll answer all of these questions and more in the post ahead.

Viking was the first brand to offer commercial level gas ranges for home use decades ago and they’ve earned their reputation for reliability and quality. Wolf is a newer manufacturer of high end appliances but they also have an excellent reputation are are considered equal or better in most Viking vs Wolf match ups. Wolf constantly challenges Viking with a wide array of high output burners and heavy duty components as well as with it’s great looks and sought after red knobs. Viking is one of the best ranges ever offered to consumers and has recently upped its game by adding increased cooking power to it’s line of pro models. While Wolf has introduced a few new features of it’s own where it once fell a little short, such as a self cleaning oven.

Are you in the market for high end kitchen appliances? Read ahead to find out which is better. Viking vs Wold ranges.

wolf vs viking side by side pic 1

How Are Viking And Wolf Ranges Alike?

When it comes to high end luxury appliances, Viking vs Wolf gas ranges is a constant debate. The reality is that both brands are top notch and leaders in the kitchen appliance industry. And they have far more similarities than they do differences. Nevertheless, we’ll go over some pros and cons to help you decide which is best suited for your own cooking needs and preferences.

Both manufacturers are American made, offer both gas and dual fuel pro style ranges in sizes from 30 to 60 inches wide, have self cleaning ovens, burners with high BTUs, and are available with different burner configurations. Both brands have their loyal followers because both make top quality appliances. Almost unanimously high praise will be found for performance, durability, dependability, value, looks and low heat cook tops.

A common criticism for both manufacturers tends to be about the placement of the oven in relation to the floor. Some feel it’s a bit too low. The weight and extremely high cost are other common complaints. These are really the only 3 complaints we hear and honestly they’re very small points. Because their price points, weight and oven placement are comparable, these likely won’t be a deciding factor for you. So how will you choose?

As two of the most popular luxury appliance brands, the Wolf and Viking ranges have far more similarities than differences. Both companies strive to secure their status as the industry leader in high end home professional ranges. Here are some key similarities:

  • Price point
  • Features
  • Efficiency
  • High BTU output
  • Burner configurations
  • American made
  • Quality
  • Durability

36" Wolf range in a beautiful luxury kitchen. Wood floors with white cabinets, stone countertops and tan stone backsplash.

36″ Wolf range in a beautiful luxury kitchen. Wood floors with white cabinets, stone countertops and tan stone backsplash.

Professional Ranges Go In Luxury Kitchens

It’s very rare that we install a professional level Wolf or Viking range in anything but a high end luxury kitchen. While we could install them anywhere, unless you really love to cook at a super high level, the cost is probably not worth it. The return on investment wouldn’t be very good if at all in your average home. However, if you have a luxury home then one of these is the standard. Not installing a professional range in your kitchen will cost you at resale.

Typically high end cabinets and countertops, lighting, hood, finishes, sinks, tile, etc. are all priced to match the range. It’s not uncommon for a $10,000 oven to be part of a $50,000 appliance package. Then add in everything else and your looking at a kitchen that costs well over $100,000 just for materials.

Then you’ve got all your pots, pans and other kitchen supplies. Designing a luxury kitchen isn’t cheap.

If you don’t have a high end kitchen budget but want either a Viking or Wolf range because you love to cook then we recommend buying one on the secondary market. You can get a good deal and these things are very dependable and pretty easy to fix if you should ever have a problem. Try to find one that’s still under warranty just to be on the safe side though.

Range Sizes

Home chefs that want to cook like a pro would benefit from owning a professional quality range. Although a lot more expensive than a standard stove, they’re the only way to achieve commercial level performance at home.

Pro ranges offer precise control over temperatures thanks to versatile burners with high BTUs and low simmering capabilities.

Another benefit of using professional ranges at home is that you can design the stovetop however you want based on your cooking style. While traditional ranges come in 30 or 36 inches, professional ranges offer 30″, 36″, 48″, 60″ and 66″ inch options. Wolf offers 30″, 36″, 48″ and 60″ models while Viking offers 30″, 36″, 48″, 60″, 66 inch ranges. It’s not all about how much cooking surface you’ll need but also how you’d like to configure that surface with different options. And some models have customizable ovens too.

Some models have dual ovens that have different sizes. For example, a Wolf 48” gas range includes two ovens, one is 18” and the other is 30”. Larger models have two full size ovens like the 60″ Wolf Ranges which feature 2 full size, full feature ovens. Most ovens are customizable.

High End Ranges Have A Variety Of Fuel Types

Wolf ranges come in either electric, gas or dual fuel designs. Wolf Dual Fuel Ranges have an electric oven that offers self clean along with a variety of cooking options like roasting, cooking, dehydrating and baking. Wolf is known as a work horse oven capable of heavy professional use and was one of the first manufacturers to use dual convection baking. It’s a great feature to have because convection ovens are generally considered better for baking but most chefs prefer a gas stovetop. Wolf also offers all electric designs.

Viking ranges also available in all gas or dual fuel designs which is a combination of a gas cooking surface with an electric oven. Viking also offers all electric designs.

Choosing a colored range is one of the reasons homeowners end up choosing a Viking.  Wolf only comes in stainless steel.

One last note about electric ovens. They require a 220-volt power source. This is true of all electric or dual fuel designs.

The absence of a self clean option is a deal breaker for some homeowners. Because of this, Wolf recently introduced a self clean option to their line of ranges.

Customized Cooking Surfaces

Wolf and Viking ranges both offer a customizable cooking surface on most models. It comes in handy because you can change the surface depending on what or how you like to cook.

Design your cooking surface with combinations such as all burners, a griddle, a charbroil grill, a French top, or a glass electric induction. The griddle can be used for flipping pancakes or fried eggs. Sear burgers or a steak on that charbroil grill. Or stick with all burners if the standard kitchen layout is what you like best.

Thanks to its large stovetop area, selecting different surfaces can make cooking easier and more fun.

Much Better Burners

If you want to cook just like pro chefs in a high demand commercial kitchen, then you’ll need a good quality burner. Burners on a high end stove are probably not what your used to. The can reach super high heats capable of searing a steak or firing a wok and at the same time dial down a super low flame that can cook chocolate. That’s not easy to do and requires a special burner not often seen on your standard stove.

Both Wolf and Viking stove burners are top of the line. Heat distribution is controlled by two levels of flame and their proximity to the pan. From a low simmer to a super high heat sear, both stoves offer burner systems that are precise, reliable and, easy to clean.

Wolf dual stacked burners offer a super low BTU that can sometimes put out as little as 300 BTU. Viking has a similar design they call precise flame control ability. Whichever stove you choose, you’ll have a very low level simmer ability on top of a very high max BTU.

Both brands have an auto re-ignition feature and low heat controls. These are features your standard stove won’t have and come in handy when you want super high heat and then a very low simmer from the same burner.

viking vs wolf ranges side by side comparison picture

Viking and Wolf ranges side by side comparison. Viking ranges come in a few colors, however, Wolf is only available in stainless steel.

What Are The Differences Between Viking And Wolf Ranges?

In the luxury appliance market, Viking and Wolf are two of the top brands clients ask for each and every year. Both offer top quality ranges that last for decades and let home chefs cook just like the professionals do. If you’re shopping for commercial quality home ovens, at some point you’ll probably look at Viking and Wolf. Which of these two brands makes the best cooking range for your home?

In most ways, cooking ranges made by both manufacturers are very similar. Both offer durable and professional style stainless steel exteriors with heavy duty burner grates. Both Wolf and Viking gas burners feature automatic re-ignition any time a flame flickers out and both offer powerful convection fans and temperature probes. They’re both good looking ovens you’ll love having in your kitchen and they both come is a bunch of sizes and configurations with all sorts of options.

To help you decide, we’ve detailed a few differences between Wolf and Viking ranges. For this comparison we looked at Viking vs Wolf ranges Pro dual fuel 36″ appliances. The reason we’re looking at this size is because it’s both manufacturers most popular oven and the size used in the majority of kitchens.

Burner Power

Burner power, or BTUs, is one of the most talked about features of ranges and cook tops. The Viking range beats the Wolf range at both high and low temperatures. Viking’s front burners heat up to 23,000 BTUs and a simmer burner in the back reaches a low of 8,000 BTUs. The Wolf range heats up to 15,000 BTUs and reaches a low simmer of only 9,200 BTUs.

If burner power is your top priority then Viking is the range for you. However the Wolf offers more than enough BTUs so it’s not at all under powered, in fact most people consider the Wolf to be more of a work horse than the Viking.

Even though the Viking technically has more power, the Wolf range will probably have more power than you’ll ever need.

Oven Versatility

While both Viking and Wolf offer a wide range of baking options, including traditional and convection baking, traditional and convection broiling, dehydrating, and more. The Viking range beats out the Wolf range once again with 12 cooking modes compared to Wolf’s 10.

Before choosing which range to buy find out first if either of these additional two modes are even things you’ll use. Most clients say no, they don’t even need the 10 modes Wolf offers so 12 is an overkill.

Some of the modes are multi purpose so you probably won’t be lacking cooking options with either the Wolf or Viking.

Convection Fans

Both Viking and Wolf offer convection cooking. A cooking method that home chefs are beginning to rely on more and more. Viking offers the industry’s largest convection fan, which turns bi-directional to ensure even heating. However, Wolf beats Viking this time with their dual fan system.

Honestly, both brands offer a great convection fan so you really can’t go wrong with either. The Wolf design is such a small improvement that many home chefs may not even notice the difference.

Preheat Time

When your ready to get dinner ready, the last thing you’ll want to do is wait for the oven to preheat. Viking is better in this case because of it’s Rapid Ready preheat feature that preheats in only a few minutes. Wolf doesn’t have a fast pre-heat option.

This is an option that really comes in handy from day to day. However, even though the Wolf doesn’t have a fast pre-heat option, it doesn’t take that long to pre-heat an oven. The feature will save you a few minutes at best.

Warranty

While it may not be the most glamorous feature, a good warranty can come in handy down if you ever have a problem with the stove. Even if you never use it a warranty offers peace of mind when buying such an expensive appliance.

  • Wolf offers a two year full warranty on the entire appliance and a five year limited warranty on certain parts, including the gas burners, electric oven heat elements.
  • Viking, on the other hand, offers a three year full warranty, a five year warranty on gas burners and electric oven heat elements, and an additional 90 day warranty on all cosmetic parts.

The winner here is clear. Viking offers a better warranty in just about every way. Although this doesn’t actually mean their range is any better.

Cool Features

Viking’s new cooking range features an i-Devices accessory meat thermometer which allows you to keep track of the food your baking or roasting from up to 200 feet away using your Apple or Android mobile device. That means you can keep an eye on your baking from just about anywhere in the house. This is an option I really like. I’m busy and can’t wait in the kitchen while I cook. being able to monitor my baking from my office or living room is a bug plus for me.

It’s not gonna help you cook great food but a quality of life feature like this is a cool option to have and makes baking more fun.

Wolf didn’t offer the option at the time we wrote this article although I have a feeling they eventually will because people really seam to like it.

Looks

Commercial grade style stainless steel ranges are the most popular by far. Everyone seams to want one. However designs are starting to move towards a more refined, contemporary look. Especially with built in ovens.

Stainless steel has been the most popular appliance finish for over 20 years, and that’s true of high end kitchen ranges. But lately colors have been getting more popular. Viking comes in a few different colors, however Wolf is still only offered in stainless steel.

The one stand out here are the knobs. Everyone seams to love the red knobs offered by Wolf. For this reason alone we have to give them the slight edge. The majority of our clients ask for the stove with the red knobs, they don’t even know it’s a Wolf, they just know they love it.

However if you want a color then you have no choice but to choose Viking. And if you don’t care what color your knobs are then both ranges look equally great.

Wolf range with matching hood and red knobs.

Wolf range with matching hood and red knobs.

Should I Buy A Viking Or Wolf Range?

High end ranges are mostly for for people with big budgets and a luxury kitchen. However, they’re great for anyone that wants to do professional style cooking at home. If your in the market for a high end gas ranges, considering Viking and Wolf ranges is a must.

While owning a Viking or Wolf range won’t automatically make you a better cook, they’ll have more cooking power, precision, and versatility than lower cost ranges. That can give you cooking options that aren’t available on cheaper stoves like getting a good sear on that steak or super heating a full size wok.

These ranges are made much better than a standard stove because they use heavier commercial grade materials. It’s one of the reasons why they’re so durable.

Either a Viking or Wolf stove will improve the look of your kitchen while offering much better resale value than lower cost ranges. They can also do a lot more than your standard range. If all you do is basic cooking then you may not need one but the option of doing more is good to have.

Keep in mind these are luxury items. Install them in a home that’s appropriate for a range that costs $5,000 and up.

Are Viking And Wolf Dual Fuel Gas Ranges?

Yes, both Viking and Wolf have ranges with duel fuel options. Dual Fuel gas ranges combine the fast response of a gas cook top with the even, consistent heat of an electric oven. Most of the experts we speak with consider this the ideal setup for home cooking. And many dual fuel models have better specs than their gas only counterparts, like stronger power burners or extra oven controls. These extra features may not be something you use every day but they’re good to have just in case you need them.

One downside with a dual fuel range is that they tend to cost thousands of dollars more than all gas models since your paying for the added features. They have more parts and therefore may be more repair prone. You’ll also need hookups for both gas and 220 volt electric. And unless you’re a serious baker, you probably won’t notice the difference between a gas and an electric oven.

We recommend going with an all gas range to most customers. Unless you really need the added features, gas cooking tends to be the best value for your money. However if you like to bake a lot, then the dual fuel range would be better.

What Size Viking Or Wolf Range Should I Buy?

Range width is one of the first things you’ll decide when you start designing your kitchen. It’s important to pick your appliance sizes early on because it effects the cabinet layout and just about every other decision in the kitchen. Most people tend to want the biggest model they can afford. However, most people end up buying way too much stove than they actually need.

Both Viking vs Wolf ranges come in 30, 36, and 48-inch configurations. Wider options are available but not commonly used in a residential kitchen. However if that’s what you want, both Viking and Wolf offer ranges over 60″.

36 Inches seems to be the perfect size for most people, typically offering six burners and an oven that’s at least 5 cubic feet. Ranges 48 inches and larger usually have a second oven, and often a grill or griddle built into the cook top.

36 Inch and 48 inch are the two most popular sizes we install.

What Surfaces Do Viking vs Wolf Ranges Come With?

When it comes to the cook top, there are plenty of options to customize based on how you like to cook. For example, if you frequently grill meat, fish or vegetables, a range with a grill is clearly the way to go. If you’re all about pancakes, burgers, or French toast, you should pick up a cook top with a griddle.

If you have a large family or you often cook different meals at the same time, think about double oven systems and larger cook tops with more burners. Both Viking and Wolf offer multiple sizes ranges with a wide variety of customizable cook top options.

Both ranges feature both open and sealed burners. Open burners deliver the flame directly to your pan giving you intense cooking power. But open burners are harder to keep clean. Open burners must be cleaned more often because spilled food may clog the burner nozzles. Sealed burners have a small cap on them which causes the flame to swerve around thus avoiding spillage on the burner nozzle.

Do Viking And Wolf Offer A Variety Of Appliances?

Viking and Wolf both offer great ranges, but do they offer other kitchen appliances?

In 2013 Viking became part of the Middleby Corporation, the largest food service equipment manufacturer in the world. Since then, the company has introduced more than 60 new products. Wolf, on the other hand, is part of Sub-Zero, a third generation, family owned company that prides itself on making the worlds best refrigeration equipment. While other brands divide their attention among a wide variety of kitchen appliances, Sub-Zero and Wolf remain committed to mastering their specialties. The world’s finest refrigeration and cooking appliances.

This is important to consider if you’re outfitting your entire kitchen and want to stick to the same brand for either aesthetic or cost reasons. It’s a nice feature when we design a Viking kitchen. Almost everything in the kitchen including the pots and pans can be Viking. That’s not possible with Wolf.

Some clients want a matching set of appliances and some couldn’t care less. They want the best manufacturer for each appliance no matter who makes it, as long as the colors match. There’s no wrong answer and it’s really a personal decision each client has to make. Since both manufacturers offer stainless steel, which is by far the most common finish, we recommend buying quality over a matching label unless that’s really important to you.

Which Is Easier To Clean, A Viking Or Wolf Range?

Like with most other things in the Viking vs Wolf ranges debate, they’re comparable. Both Wolf and Viking ranges come with sealed burner pans that make cleaning easier.

In general Viking stove tops tend to be slightly harder to clean. Because of the design for some reason food and liquids are able to drip down the burner covers and get stuck around the wiring a little easier on the Viking. This makes it harder to clean. This isn’t the case with the Wolf. Wolf’s burner design is better, the removable burner rings fit tightly and prevent drips down into the stove parts. Preventing the drips is one less thing you have to worry about when cleaning the stove top.

Don’t Forget The Extras

When your pricing a high end professional quality range like Viking or Wolf, make sure to include all the extra things that go with it. Here’s a list of a few of the more common items you’ll need.

  • A range hood. Both Wolf and Viking manufacture hoods that match the range. You can also buy an off brand hood or get one custom built. You should account for this expense when your pricing out the range.
  • The gas line. Generally speaking, both a Wolf and Viking range will need more gas than your standard oven. If your building a new home it’s not a problem because your plumber can spec the gas line you need. However, if your upgrading to a professional range then you may have to upgrade you gas supply.
  • Electric. If you buy an electric or dual fuel range then you’ll have to install a 220 outlet to power it. If you don’t have one already then add this onto your list of expenses. 
  • It’s not a necessity but most of our clients end up upgrading their cooking supplies along with the oven. Kitchen stuff can get addicting. You may end up wanting that expensive pots and pans set to go along with that beautiful new oven.

Wolf gas range in a luxury kitchen with marble countertops and back splash

Wolf electric range. Stainless steel finish with slim hood design and red knobs.

Should I Buy A Wolf Range?

When you think of high end luxury appliances, you’re likely to think of Wolf. Clients often ask specifically for Wolf which stands out as perhaps the most commercial looking range meant for household use, as well as for its excellent reputation for durability and good looks. People all love those red knobs. The dual fuel models have versatile cook tops with some of the strongest power burners you’ll find, as well as the ability to hold some of the lowest temperatures. We also like its straightforward, knob based controls, including a simple display built into the oven dial.

The only finish is stainless steel, but you have some choice in the knob color. The red knobs are the most popular option, a defining trait for Wolf, but they’re available in black and stainless steel as well.

Wolf claims on its website that its ranges are designed to last “a minimum of 20 years under far heavier use than any home cook will ever subject them to.” That’s tough to verify, but at least Wolf is confident enough to put a number on it, most brands just avoid the topic. In our own experience we’ve found Wolf to be very durable and don’t doubt the claim. The Wolf warranty is also better than average, with a full two year warranty on parts and labor and a limited five year warranty on parts.

The cook top is a particular highlight on Wolf ranges. Depending on the width and burner configuration, you can get a cook top with either four or six sealed, dual-stacked burners. The power burner (some models have two) tops out at 20,000 Btu. It’s not the absolute most powerful burner you can get, but we think it’s more than enough for most people.

Low Powered Burners

The other thing this Wolf cook tops have going for them is that you can reduce each of its six burners to a very low output of just 300 Btu. Tests show a Wold cook top can hold recorded temperatures of 118 °F, which is insanely low for a gas powered burner and ideal for things like melting chocolate without scorching.

The oven size depends on the width of the range, but Wolf tends to have plenty of space in comparison to many other pro style models, even if they’re not quite the largest. The oven (or primary oven, in multi-oven models) has dual fan convection, one gliding rack, and two standard racks. The secondary ovens in larger models have single fan convection. They’re also self-cleaning.

Wolf Ranges Are Simple To Use

The cook top and the oven are controlled via knobs. No touchscreens or even buttons here. One unique feature is the small seven segment display on the oven knob, which reads out the oven temperature (or preheating status). Another small electronic display pops out to set the clock, timer, probe, timed cooking, and delayed start.

Wolf dual fuel ranges are available in 30-, 36-, 48-, and 60-inch widths. They also make all gas models in those widths, with similar specs and features, though their power burners top out at just 15,000 Btu which are not particularly strong. Wolf also makes 30- and 36-inch models with induction cook tops. Wolf ranges only come in a stainless steel finish and have red knobs by default, though a couple of other knob colors are available.

Pros Vs Cons Of A Wolf Range

Wolf ranges are fantastic, but they’re are still some notable pros vs cons worth considering.

Pros:

  • Family owned company
  • Focus on refrigeration and cookware
  • Easy to clean
  • Excellent warranty
  • 10 distinct cooking modes
  • Up to 15,000 BTUs with a simmer of 9,200 BTUs
  • Red knobs

Cons:

As producers of only refrigeration and cookware products, if you’re looking to design your entire kitchen with all the same brand, you may be limited.

  • More difficult to negotiate a discount from the purchase of several brand items together
  • No rapid preheat setting
  • Limited variety of finishes

blue viking range with matching hood in a luxury kitchen

60″ Viking blue range with dual ovens.

Should I Buy A Viking Range?

Viking ranges bring the power and versatility of commercial cooking into the comfort of your home. Their stove’s have timeless styling that not only accents your cabinets, stone, and tile, but the classic appeal creates an inviting and warm, open concept kitchen.

Viking was the first brand to introduce professional grade stoves to the residential market in 1987. They were also the first to manufacture appliances in a variety of colors such as apple red and cobalt blue, that created a design movement which now offers a wide variety of color choices.

Viking ranges come with an industry leading two year total warranty along with a five year limited warranty. With this level of quality assurance, you can rest assured your investment in a high end Viking range will pay dividends for years. Whether you choose classic stainless or one of Viking’s signature colors, these ranges are highly sought after by home chefs who rely on their power and temperature accuracy to create deliciously crafted meals.

What Sizes Do Viking Ranges Come In?

Viking ranges come in 30-inch, 36-inch, 48-inch, 60-inch, and 66-inch width options. It’s a good idea to measure your kitchen in order to figure out which size is best for you.

36-inch ranges are the most popular sizes and provide a wide variety of cook top and oven combinations. If you are looking for a range with plenty of flexibility at a reasonable cost then the 36 inch is your best bet.

Want to try professional baking at home? Check out the 48-inch and 60-inch ranges. These stoves come with a double oven and have tons of capacity for all the goodies you want to bake. The cook tops typically come with a griddle by default, and there are a wealth of options for customization based on how and what you like to cook.

What Fuel Types Do Viking Ranges Come In?

Viking ranges come predominantly as all gas or dual fuel (i.e., dual-fuel means gas cooking surface and electric oven). Viking also has a small selection of electric and induction ranges.

Most people prefer Viking’s electric ovens (i.e., the dual-fuel ranges) as they help control the heat more precisely compared to that of gas powered ovens. In an all gas oven, the heating element kicks in to reach the right temperature but maintains the temperature by turning itself on and off. These oscillations may actually vary the temperature in the oven cavity. More importantly, the self clean feature found in electric ovens is much more desirable.

As far as the cooking surface goes, Viking offers gas, electric and induction. A gas flame cooking surface is by far the most popular choice by Viking customers. It is what Viking is known for, and you’ll find the flame ultra responsive. Electric burners still have some small advantages though like having a smooth stove top surface which is easy to clean. Induction cook tops use electromagnetic energy that heats only the surface of your pan. Induction surfaces boil liquid the fastest and respond immediately to very precise temperature changes.

What Features Do Viking Ranges Come With?

You’ll notice a ton of internal language in Viking’s marketing materials which can be confusing. When comparing Viking vs Wolf ranges, Wolf is definitely easier to use and understand. Below we attempt to clarify some of the frequently used terminologies:

VariSimmer:

Low-level simmer is standard on all Viking stove burners. Precise low heat settings evenly melts chocolate and simmers food without burning it.

Rapid Ready Preheat:

Do you get impatient while waiting for your oven to heat up? This time-saving option found on dual fuel 5 and 7 Series ranges allows you to preheat the oven quickly by utilizing the power of both the bake and the infrared broiler elements.

The VSH (VariSimmer-to-High) Burner:

The Pro Sealed Burner System helps you enjoy cooking the best meals of your life with precise temperature control, and a powerful TruPowerPlus™ 18,500 BTU burner. Thanks to the unique surface design, this cooktop is easy to clean.

Viking nomenclature gets a bit confusing as they refer to the same high functioning burner as VSH, VariSimmer-to-High and as TruPowerPlus.

GourmetGlo Infrared Broiler:

The infrared glass broiler brings intense heat, yet doesn’t dry out your food. It’s also a great option if you’re looking to improve your pizza making skills. This option is available for both electric and gas ovens. This infrared broiler produces 18,000 BTU’s of heat. (We noticed that in some circles Viking refers to a 1,500ºF performance. However, we could not verify this information on official Viking specifications.)

SureSpark Ignition System:

SureSpark system is designed to eliminate frustration. It provides reliable ignition at the first spark. In addition, if for any reason your burner goes out while cooking, this system will automatically re-light. All Viking gas and dual-fuel ranges share this technology to make your cooking experience as seamless as possible.

Self-Clean:

Who likes cleaning the oven, really? This feature burns spilled and baked on food debris using a high-level of heat. After the cleaning cycle, all you need to do is wipe away any residual ash.

Elevation Burners:

These high quality brass burners are found on 7 Series ranges. Viking’s elevation burners boast 23,000 BTU output. Viking also makes 15,000 and 8,000 BTU versions of elevation burners so you can use different cookware sizes. Elevation burners are raised up about 2 1/2 inches from the porcelain surface. This helps keep the cooktop surface cool (preventing baked on spills) and allows access under the burner for easy cleanup.

GentleClose Door:

This option ensures that your oven door always closes gently and silently. This well-thought-out detail showcases Viking’s attention to ergonomic luxury.

QuickCook Surface Elements:

Are you an impatient chef that wants to roll up your sleeves and get started right away? Electric cooktop burners reach full power in just 3 seconds.

MagneQuick Induction Elements:

This is an excellent choice for those who want to save energy and cook with optimized precision. Induction elements react with the iron in your cookware, transforming your cookware it into a powerful vessel that heats quickly, responds precisely, and is incredibly efficient.

TruGlide Oven Rack:

Full extension racks offer safer and easier removal of heavy bakeware. This is an excellent feature that will make your life easier if you bake often.

iDevices:

Like new tech? This feature allows you to monitor your food temperature from up to 200 feet away via Bluetooth and an Apple or Android device.

ProFlow Convection Baffle:

Viking’s fancy way of saying the air movement generated by a convection fan is channeled in multiple ways so you can bake bread and cakes faster and evenly.

TruConvec:

An exclusive air circulation system in Viking convection ovens. TruConvec uses only the convection element in rear of the oven versus using direct heat from a fan at the top or bottom of the oven cavity. This gives you maximum control and helps you bake to perfection.

Vari-Speed Dual Flow Convection System:

This extra large convection fan gives you maximum control. This fans can turn both directions and can operate at different speeds for maximum airflow and versatility.

Pros Vs Cons Of A Viking Range

Wolf certainly challenges Viking for the number one spot but Viking ranges still have a devoted following.

Pros:

  • Large corporate company means the production of many new products
  • Excellent warranty
  • 12 distinct cooking modes
  • Up to 23,000 BTUs with a simmer of 8,000 BTUs
  • Rapid Ready preheat feature
  • Variety of finishes
  • Considered the top range for decades.

Cons:

  • Stove top style can be difficult to clean around the burner
  • Limited variety of knob styles
  • Not as simple to use as the Wolf

Viking vs Wolf Ranges Picture Gallery

The following pictures are just a few examples of Wolf and Viking ranges in some beautiful luxury kitchens.

60" Viking pro range with dual oven. Stainless steel finish. Huge stovetop. Viking vs Wolf ranges.

Viking pro range with dual oven. Stainless steel finish. Huge stovetop.

Viking Pro Range With Dual Oven

This stainless steel Viking pro range features 2 ovens and a customizable 6 burner stove top. The custom built hood matches the cream colored cabinet design. If you’ve got a luxury kitchen then Viking may be the right range for you.

48" Viking pro range with single oven design. Gray finish with matching hood and refrigerator. Viking vs Wolf ranges.

48″ Viking pro range with single oven design. Gray finish with matching hood and refrigerator.

48″ Viking Pro Range With Single Oven

This beautiful gray and white kitchen design is very popular at the moment. White cabinets and gray center island and white stone countertops. Viking ranges are offered with a gray finish which matches the rooms color scheme. You can’t get this with Wolf.

60" Viking range with dual oven design. One small and one very large. Stainless steel finish. Viking vs Wolf ranges.

60″ Viking range with dual oven design. One small and one very large. Stainless steel finish.

60″ Viking Range With Dual Ovens

This stainless steel 60″ Viking pro range features a dual oven design, one smaller and one very large. The hood is a custom build which matches the white cabinet finish.

48" Wolf range with dual ovens, stainless steel finish and red knobs. Viking vs Wolf ranges

48″ Wolf range with dual ovens, stainless steel finish and red knobs.

48″ Wolf Range With Dual Ovens

Wolf ranges are a beautiful addition to just about any kitchen. Everyone seems to love those red knobs and the stoves strong appearance. The dual oven design is great for baking and a 6 burner customizable stove top is enough for serious chef level cooking at home.

Pro Wolf range with dual oven design, stainless steel finish and red knobs. Viking vs Wolf ranges.

Pro Wolf range with dual oven design, stainless steel finish and red knobs.

Pro Wolf Range With Dual Oven Design And Red Knobs

Another Wold range featuring dual ovens and 6 burners in a beautiful luxury kitchen. What I really love about this kitchen are the solid slab backsplash and custom hood. Wold stoves work in a wide variety of kitchen designs.

Pro Wolf range with dual oven design and silver knobs. Large stovetop with 6 burners. Custom white hood.

Pro Wolf range with dual oven design and silver knobs. Large stovetop with 6 burners. Custom white hood.

Pro Wolf Range With Dual Oven Design And Silver Knobs

This Wolf stove features silver knobs. Most people picture red when they think of Wolf knobs but they do offer other colors.

60″ Pro Wolf Range With 2 Full Size Ovens

Wolf ranges come as large as 60″ which should be more than enough to cook whatever you need. Huge stovetop with 2 full sized ovens.

Summary: Viking Vs. Wolf Ranges. Which Is Best?

So, it’s pretty clear that Viking and Wolf ranges are both top of the line. So which should you buy?

Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer. It really depends on personal preference. Small details will have to make the difference as they’re is really no big difference or wrong decision here.

Do you love the red knobs, then you ‘ll have to buy a Wolf. Do you want a color other than stainless steel, then buy a Viking. Vikings are a little more powerful however Wolf ranges have a reputation for being a real work horse. Viking offers a wide variety of high end appliances so you can have a matching set if you want one. However Wolf is owned by Sub-Zero which makes the some of the best refrigerators money can buy, you can’t get this level of quality from a Viking fridge. We recommend our clients buy quality, not a matching label.

In the end they’re both fantastic ranges offering true commercial level cooking at home.

If you have any questions or comments e-mail us any time. We’d love to hear from you.

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