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The Editor :
July 2006
Wolf Versus Viking: What's The Difference?
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Wolf |
Viking |
Question: "Is there somewhere other than Consumer Reports that
gives pros and cons about different brand-name appliances? I'm trying to
get solid info on Wolf versus Viking."
Answer: To make a very long story short: Wolf offers a stainless
steel finish and heavier components; a wider range of Btus for cooking
at extreme temperatures; and a two-year full warranty. Viking offers a
stainless steel finish plus 13 other colors, a wider range of appliance
types, and a one-year full warranty.
"The number one difference is the build quality," says Chris Athanas,
sales manager in the custom kitchen department of Abt Electronics in
Glenview, Ill. The dealership carries both Wolf and Viking appliances.
"What Wolf does differently than any other company is they use a
cast-iron frame. Everyone else uses stamped steel."
The cast iron makes for a durable product that withstands the
rigors of shipping and moving and can last 20 to 25 years, says Athanas.
Kirby Holekamp, sales manager for Modern Kitchens
in Syracuse, N.Y.,
agrees, but adds that Wolf appliances, which his company represents,
tend to be heavier as a result. If you have an older home, check with
your salesperson, designer or installer to be sure the floor joists can
support the weight.
He points to the Btu output of the burners as another Wolf advantage. On
gas ranges, Wolf's burners provide 500 to 16,000 Btus while Viking's
burners provide 1,000 to 15,000 Btus. Athanas doesn't consider it much
of a difference, but Holekamp says that cooks who work at extreme
temperatures appreciate the extra control.
Viking offers more design possibilities than Wolf, thanks to finishes
such as mint julep and cobalt blue, and a 24-inch wide model that makes
it possible to have a professional-style range in a small kitchen.
Another neat option from Viking that Wolf doesn't offer: a self-cleaning
gas range. This is for chefs who prefer cooking with gas to electric or
dual-fuel (gas cooktop, electric oven) but want the self-cleaning
feature.
Viking also offers refrigerators, dishwashers, compactors, disposers and
countertop appliances. Wolf’s sister company, Sub-Zero, however, makes
refrigeration appliances.
Prices vary by region and retailer, but comparable Wolf and Viking
appliances usually cost within a few hundred dollars of each other,
according to Athanas and Holekamp.
One thing your money can't get with Viking: Wolf's trademark red knobs,
considered a status symbol in some circles.
Comparing Wolf and Viking
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Wolf Appliance Co./
Sub-Zero Freezer Co. |
Viking Range Corp. |
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Major Appliances Offered
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Cooktops: electric, gas, induction and integrated
Microwaves: Built-in
Outdoor grills: built-in and cart
Ranges: dual-fuel and gas
Rangetops
Ventilation: downdraft, wall and island hoods, liners
Wall ovens
Warming drawers Refrigerators: bottom-mount,
side-by-side, freezers, wine cellars, beverage centers, ice
machines, drawers |
Cooktops: electric, gas
Microwaves: Built-in
Outdoor grills: built-in and cart
Ranges: dual-fuel, electric, gas
Ventilation: downdraft, wall and island hoods, recirculating
conversion kits, accessories
Wall ovens
Warming drawers
Compactors
Dishwashers
Disposers
Outdoor ranges, hoods, ovens, refrigerators, ice machines,
cabinetry
Refrigerators: bottom-mount, side-by-side, freezers, wine
cellars, beverage centers, ice machines
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Finishes
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Stainless steel.
Refrigerators are also available in platinum
stainless and carbon stainless.
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Stainless steel, black, white, almond, biscuit,
stone gray, graphite gray, burgundy, lemonade , mint julep,
forest green, Viking blue, cobalt blue, and eggplant; brass trim
option
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Gas Ranges
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30", 36", 48", 60" widths
All models 28 3/8" deep
Dual-stacked, 500 to 16,000 Btu semi-sealed surface brass burners
Convection oven(s) |
Commercial depth (27") models:
- 36", 48" and 60" widths
- open stainless steel burners
Standard depth (24") models:
- 30", 36" and 48" widths
- open stainless steel or sealed brass burners
- convection or self-cleaning convection oven
- 24" range with open stainless steel burners and convection oven |
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Electric Ranges
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None
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30", self-cleaning convection oven, 800- to
1,800-watt heating elements
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Dual-Fuel Ranges
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30", 36", 48", 60" widths
Dual-stacked, sealed surface, 15,000 Btu aluminum burners
One dual-stacked, sealed surface, 9,200 Btu aluminum burner with melt
feature
Self-cleaning convection oven(s)
Eight cooking modes: bake, roast, broil, convection bake,
convection roast, convection broil, convection and bake stone
48" model with 18" oven: proofing mode
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30", 36", 48" widths
Open or sealed 15,000 Btu surface burners
Self-cleaning convection oven(s)
Seven cooking modes: Bake, broil, convection bake, convection
cook, convection broil, convection dehydrate, and convection
defrost
48” model with 18" oven: proofing mode
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Warranty
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2-year full, 5-year limited |
1-year full, 5-year limited |
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