Ask the Editor: Wolf vs. Viking
What's the Difference Between Wolf and 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 23 other colors, a wider range of appliance types, and a three-year full warranty on the Professional Series products or a one-year full warranty on the Designer Series products.
"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.
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Viking Range Corp.
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Major Appliances Offered |
Cooktops: electric, gas, induction; modular steamer, fryer and grill
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Cooktops: electric, gas, induction
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Microwaves: convection, drawer and standard
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Microwaves: convection, drawer, standard and microhoods
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Outdoor grills: built-in and cart
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Outdoor grills: built-in and cart
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Ranges: dual-fuel and gas
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Ranges: dual-fuel, gas, electric and induction
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Rangetops: gas |
Rangetops: gas
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Ventilation: downdraft, wall and island hoods; liners |
Ventilation: downdraft, wall and island hoods;, liners, microhoods and recirculating conversion kits
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Wall ovens: electric, steam |
Wall ovens: electric, gas
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Warming drawers |
Warming drawers
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Outdoor refrigerator |
Outdoor rangetops, hoods, ovens, cookers, warming drawers, refrigerator, refrigerator drawers, ice machines, cabinetry
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Refrigerators: bottom-mount, side-by-side, freezers, wine cellars, beverage centers, ice makers, refrigerator drawers, freezer drawers, combination drawers
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Refrigerators: bottom-mount, side-by-side, French door, freezers, wine cellars, beverage centers, ice machines, refrigerator drawers |
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Compactors, Dishwashers, Disposers
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Finishes |
Stainless steel. |
Stainless steel, black, white, biscuit, stone gray, graphite gray, burgundy, lemonade, Viking blue, cobalt blue, metallic silver, taupe, cotton white, oyster gray, golden mist, sage, mint julep, sea glass, iridescent blue, pumpkin, racing red, apple red, plum and chocolate. Brass trim option. |
Gas Ranges |
30", 36", 48", 60' widths |
Commercial depth (27") models: - 36", 48" and 60' widths - open stainless steel 15,000 Btu burners
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All models 28 3/8" deep
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Standard depth (24") models:
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Dual-stacked, 500 to 16,000 Btu
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open stainless steel or sealed brass burners
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Convection oven(s)
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convection or self-cleaning convection oven
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Electric Ranges
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None
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30", self-cleaning convection oven, 800- to 2,500-watt heating elements
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Dual-Fuel Ranges |
30", 36", 48", 60' widths
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30", 36", 48", 60' widths
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Dual-stacked, sealed surface, One dual-stacked, sealed surface, 9,200 Btu aluminum burner with melt feature
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Open or sealed 15,000 Btu surface burners
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Self-cleaning convection oven(s)
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Self-cleaning convection oven(s)
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10 cooking modes: bake, roast, broil, convection bake, convection roast, convection broil, convection, proof, bake stone and dehydration
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Seven cooking modes: Bake, broil, convection bake, convection cook, convection broil, convection dehydrate, and convection defrost
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48" model with 18" oven: proofing mode
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Warranty |
2-year full, 5-year limited
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1-year full on Designer Series; 3-year full on Professional Series
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