The options for professional-style ranges designed for home kitchens have greatly expanded over the years, but two of the most prominent contenders still maintain their positions: Viking and Wolf. With similar price ranges, features, and cooking capabilities, they may appear more alike than different. So, how do you decide between them?
Wolf Ranges in Brief
Wolf, a member of the Sub-Zero Group alongside Sub-Zero and Cove, produces its ranges in the United States.
The Wolf range selection comprises three series: all gas, dual fuel, and induction. These ranges are characterized by the brand’s iconic red knobs, although alternatives in stainless steel, brass, gray, or black are available for a more understated appearance.
The gas and dual fuel ranges feature the classic Wolf design with continuous cast-iron grates that make it convenient to move cookware from one burner to another. They also incorporate dual-stacked sealed gas burners, which we will delve into shortly. Notably, Wolf’s dual fuel ranges have recently undergone a design update, showcasing aligned knobs, slimmer cooktop trim for increased cooking surface, and a larger oven window.
On the other hand, Wolf induction ranges boast a sleek, heavy-duty glass cooktop that resembles older electric cooktops in appearance. However, their precision temperature control and responsiveness provide an experience more akin to cooking with gas.
If you have limited kitchen space, a layout that doesn’t accommodate a large one-piece range, or a preference for an electric cooking surface, you may want to consider Wolf cooktops and wall ovens as an alternative to a traditional range.
Viking Ranges in Brief
Viking is a division of Middleby Residential, a company headquartered in Greenwood, Mississippi, which also holds ownership of La Cornue, Aga, Lynx, U-Line, Marvel, and Evo.
Remarkably, Viking was the pioneer in introducing professional-style ranges to the residential market, a milestone achieved in 1987. Today, their range offerings encompass four distinct series: the 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, and Tuscany.
The 3 Series represents Viking’s entry-level range and is available in gas, dual fuel, and electric configurations, albeit exclusively in a 30-inch width. If you seek the renowned cooking prowess that Viking is celebrated for, the 5 Series is the recommended choice. However, for those aiming to enhance their home’s value on a more budget-conscious basis, the 3 Series may be precisely what fits the bill.
The 5 Series directly evolved from Viking’s original pro-style ranges and embodies the quintessential Viking range image. Notably, components that come into contact with the gas flames are crafted from brass, a pricier yet performance-enhancing choice that ensures longevity. This series includes features such as LED lighting to illuminate the knobs, a soft-close oven door, and high-output burners. Furthermore, the 5 Series provides the broadest array of options, including the most extensive color palette (offering stainless steel and 20 additional colors), the widest range of sizes (ranging from 30 to 60 inches), and an assortment of cooktop configurations encompassing gas, dual fuel, electric, and induction choices.
Wolf Vs. Viking Prices:
Wolf Range Prices:
Wolf gas range prices start at $5,745
Wolf dual-fuel ranges start at $7,850
Wolf induction ranges start at $8,350
Viking Range Prices:
Viking 3 Series ranges start at $5,239
Viking 5 Series ranges start at $5,699
Viking 7 Series ranges start at $11,269
Viking Tuscany Series ranges start at $14,189
Cooking Fuels Types
Enthusiastic home chefs worldwide have a special fondness for professional ranges. Despite their higher cost compared to standard stoves, they provide everyone with the opportunity to experience the sensation of cooking in a commercial kitchen. Professional ranges deliver precise control, courtesy of versatile burners capable of both high BTU outputs and low simmering.
Both Wolf and Viking offer a selection of fuel options, including induction, gas, and dual fuel.
Wolf boasts a wider range of induction ranges compared to Viking, providing a greater assortment in this category. Nevertheless, Viking’s Tuscany series stands out by allowing users to combine both induction and gas cooking elements, offering versatility.
It’s noteworthy that Wolf exclusively manufactures cooktops when it comes to electric ranges, whereas Viking includes a 30-inch electric range in its product lineup.
In the case of Wolf’s dual fuel ranges, they come equipped with an electric oven featuring dual convection, a feature that the brand has refined for improved performance.
Lastly, it’s essential to mention that electric ovens typically necessitate a 220-volt power source and commonly include convection as a standard feature to ensure consistent temperature control throughout the oven cavity.Range
Size Choices
One advantage of incorporating a professional range into your home kitchen is the flexibility it provides in tailoring the cooktop to suit your cooking style and preferred culinary techniques. High-end brands like Wolf and Viking offer a more extensive range of size options compared to typical big-box store stoves, particularly with a focus on larger sizes. While more affordable, conventional ranges typically come in 30- and 36-inch widths, both Viking and Wolf expand upon these options:
Wolf range size offerings encompass: 30, 36, 48, and 60 inches for gas and dual fuel; 30 and 36 inches for induction models.
In contrast, Viking’s range sizes span: 30, 36, 48, 60, and the unique 66-inch option.
It’s worth noting that among these choices, only Viking manufactures a 66-inch range.
The width of the range allows for a variety of cooktop and oven configurations to cater to your individual preferences. Whether you prefer all burners on top, opt for a griddle, grill, or French top, and decide between one or two ovens underneath, your choices can be customized based on your personal culinary requirements.
Finishes
Viking provides an extensive selection of over 20 colors for its ranges, and this diverse color palette is often a primary factor in favor of choosing Viking over Wolf.
In contrast, if you opt for Wolf, a stainless steel finish is the primary choice. The only customizable aspect in terms of color for Wolf ranges is limited to the knobs, which are available in just a few options: the iconic Wolf red, black, or stainless steel.Bottom of Form
Cooking Performance
The Wolf range offers a completely customizable cooktop. For a gas or dual fuel model, you have the flexibility to design the cooktop surface according to your preferences. You can opt for burners alone or select a configuration that includes burners along with choices like a griddle, a charbroiler grill, a French top, or even a sleek electric cooktop. If you have a penchant for breakfast meals, you’ll appreciate the joy of flipping pancakes and frying eggs on the griddle during leisurely Sunday mornings or searing dishes on those chilly winter weeknights.
Viking cooktops typically include a griddle, but your choice of options can be tailored to your specific cooking preferences. If your culinary repertoire frequently involves grilling meats, fish, or vegetables, Viking’s grill surface excels in performance and simplifies the post-cooking cleanup process. On the other hand, if you delight in preparing dishes like pancakes, burgers, fried eggs, crepes, or searing meats, a cooktop equipped with a griddle is the ideal choice. For families with a passion for baking, dehydrating, or creating roasted dishes, the consideration of a double oven adds a layer of flexibility and versatility to accommodate a variety of cooking needs.
Burner Technologies
With a rich heritage rooted in the demanding environments of commercial kitchens, Wolf’s patented burners have earned their exceptional reputation. Wolf ranges feature a 9,200 BTU burner as well as options ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 BTU burners. However, what truly sets Wolf’s burners apart is their innovative design. These burners utilize a dual-stacked configuration and precise proximity to the cookware, granting you unparalleled control over heat distribution. From gentle simmering to high-heat searing, Wolf’s sealed burners deliver consistent reliability and are remarkably easy to clean.
Viking, on the other hand, offers burners ranging from 15,000 to 23,000 BTUs, depending on the specific model. Viking ranges provide both open and sealed burner options. Open burners deliver flames directly to your cookware, making them ideal for those who prefer high-heat cooking and seek intense cooking power. The VSH (VariSimmer-to-High) feature allows for precise heat control.
Viking’s exclusive Elevation burners, found exclusively in the 7 Series, are constructed with high-quality brass and offer an impressive 23,000 BTU output. Additionally, Viking manufactures 15,000 and 8,000 BTU versions of elevation burners to accommodate different cookware sizes.
It’s important to note that only Viking provides the choice between open and sealed burners.
Both brands deserve praise for their auto-reignition features and their capability to provide precise control over low-heat settings.
Additional Features of Note
Viking offers the distinctive GourmetGlo Infrared Broiler, delivering an intense 18,000 BTUs of heat without compromising moisture, making it ideal for searing meats, cooking bacon, shirred eggs, and flash-roasting vegetables such as peppers, zucchini, and asparagus. This feature is available for both electric and gas ovens.
Viking’s tried-and-true Vari-Speed Dual Flow Convection System features an extra-large convection fan that ensures even heating. These fans can rotate in both directions and operate at varying speeds to optimize airflow and maintain consistent heat distribution. The system includes 11 high-performance cooking modes, encompassing two-element bake, convection bake, TruConvec Convection Cook, convection roast, convection broil, high broil, medium broil, low broil, convection dehydrate, convection defrost, and proof.
Wolf, on the other hand, boasts its own set of well-conceived features. The control panel can be discreetly rotated out of view when not in use. This panel includes 10 program modes that make cooking decisions for you, covering bake, roast, broil, convection, convection bake, convection roast, convection broil, proof, bake stone, and dehydration.
Wolf’s Twin Convection feature ensures even temperature distribution within the oven cavity. The charbroiler grill features a powerful 16,000 BTU infrared burner designed for intense grilling, allowing you to enjoy grilled pineapple for dessert year-round.
Ergonomics, Design, and More
Wolf’s Coaxial oven knobs display the temperature, a highly practical feature. As mentioned earlier, these knobs are available in red, black, or stainless steel. Wolf’s pivoting control panel and responsive touch-screen controls are also noteworthy.
Each Wolf dual fuel range oven comes equipped with three racks: an easy-glide rack featuring a ball-bearing design, one full-extension door glide, and one standard rack. Additionally, Wolf offers a temperature probe built into dual fuel ranges, eliminating the need to open the oven to check the dish’s internal temperature.
Wolf demonstrates attention to detail with its soft-motion design. The exclusive Wolf spring and damper door system ensure the oven door closes softly and silently.
Viking’s sealed burner all-gas stoves feature knobs illuminated by LED lights. Viking’s latest knobs are stainless, although some recent models also offered black and white options. The ovens in all Viking ranges include six rack positions, the TruGlide oven rack for safer and easier removal of heavy bakeware, and Vari-Speed Dual Flow convection fans capable of rotating in both directions and operating at varying speeds for maximum airflow.
Viking incorporates the GentleClose door in its models, ensuring that the oven door always closes softly and silently.
For tech enthusiasts, Viking’s iDevices feature allows you to monitor your food’s temperature via Bluetooth and an Apple or Android device from up to 200 feet away.
Warranties
Both companies provide robust warranties for their products.
Wolf offers a Residential Warranty that covers all parts and labor for two years, along with five-year limited coverage on certain parts. Wolf’s appliances call center is available 24/7, 365 days a year. As a U.S.-based company, Wolf ensures accessible availability of parts.
Viking offers one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry: the Viking 3-Year Signature Warranty, providing full coverage for all indoor cooking appliances. Additionally, this warranty now includes a 90-Day No Quibble Guarantee, meaning that Viking will repair or replace a product within the first 90 days following your purchase.
Cleaning Convenience
Maintaining a clean oven is essential to ensure enjoyable cooking experiences and prevent a smoky kitchen. Fortunately, both Viking and Wolf have designed features to simplify the cleaning process.
Viking stoves feature a durable porcelain finish that resists food stains. Elevated Burners and the VSH (VariSimmer-to-High) feature make cleaning more convenient. Most Viking dual fuel range ovens and select gas range ovens come equipped with a self-cleaning feature. With the self-clean option, you simply select the cycle, wait for it to complete, and then wipe away the remaining ash.
Wolf’s sealed burner system makes cleaning spills exceptionally easy. Wolf dual fuel range ovens now offer a self-cleaning option as well.
For those who prefer open burners (an option offered by Viking), it’s important to consider the differences in cleaning up spills and splashes. Open burners may require more frequent cleaning, as spilled food and liquids have the potential to clog the burner nozzles. In contrast, sealed burners feature a small cap over the burner nozzle, protecting them from debris.
Where to Purchase in Tahoe
Czyz’s Appliance – Truckee
10960 W River Street
Truckee, CA 96161-0372
530-582-4400