Are Viking Pro Ranges really that bad??
Cue123
10 years ago
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chadw01
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agojwvideo
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Viking Refrigerators (36' side-by-side), Designer v. Pro-line
Comments (7)msackar, if you don't want to spend the bucks for built-in but want it to match your range and have a somewhat built-in impression, the Viking SXS from Amana/Whirlpool has basically the same reviews as their parent company's mechanically similar branded units. My understanding is that the otherwise identical SXS units only have different handles (Designer vs Pro) which should not effect their energy rating. I can give this opinion not because I am a salesperson, but because I actually own one and it has performed flawlessly and closely mimics the appearance of built-in for a lot less due to the Viking trim kit. That said, I'm not sure it would be worth it for resale to spend the $3000 or so if you can get another SXS for a lot less. In my area, I have seen high end condos with Viking ranges and KitchenAid refrigerators, and the name recognition of the range alone seems to merit attention in this case, according to the realtor who was representing the property....See MoreProLine Range Hoods -- good or bad idea?
Comments (35)I strongly urge that you do not buy Proline. I recently purchased a Proline insert for my custom hood. I had the hood built around the specs for the Proline insert. I researched liners and was intrigued by videos put out by Proline. I actually called the company to get more information on a liner. After speaking with a Proline rep they convinced me that this would be a good liner. I was concerned about the low price, but the rep assured me that was a promotional price, and they wanted to get reviews on the product. My review: TERRIBLE, MISTAKE, CHEATED. Model: PLFL CL 3416D. The description of this liner is that it is quiet. FALSE. Stand next to a jet engine during takeoff...that is how loud it is. If you intend to have a conversation in the same room, be prepared to yell at each other and even then you might not be heard. This liner is unusable if you intend to be in the same room. It is so loud you can hear it outside the house. The boast "runs at a maximum noise level of 4-5 sones, or the volume of a quiet conversation, meaning that it is extremely quiet" right on their website - it's an absolute lie. When I contacted Proline and asked for help with a solution to the problem their attitude was "too bad, you bought it, it's your problem". They said I installed it incorrectly. It was installed by my professional, licensed general contractor. The home inspector actually failed the final inspection in part because of the Proline liner. The inspector said air was blowing back down into the cooking area. I found mounting holes in the housing for the fans that wa blowing air back down the liner. I had to cover them with duct tape. I remodeled my kitchen and bought a custom hood. The hood was built around the dimensions for this liner. Now i am stuck with it. IT IS ABSOLUTE GARBAGE. Buy a Venta Hood or Z-Line...don't buy a Proline. Junk and no support. Beyond disappointing. My plan now is to gut this piece of junk, purchase a remote blower and figure out how to install it into the attic since I am stuck with this junk. Seriously, do not buy this liner and don't do business with Proline...they make false claims on their website, they do not stand by their products and their customer support is no help at all." UPDATE: Proline has now changed their website on the sones rating. They duped me, maybe I have saved some other unfortunate soul from falling for their false advertising....See MoreViking Really That Bad? Real World Opinions...
Comments (34)They certainly do seem to be stepping up the innovation. That Viking Turbochef oven (assuming it's ever actually released) looks awesome. Granted, Viking didn't develop that technology themselves, but I still consider it innovative since nobody else offers anything like it in the residential marketplace. cssnms, my question about proof was rhetorical. I know that it will come with time. The reason I said that was to caution against making statements about them turning over a new leaf that can't be verified. I do wish them well, but as I said before they have plenty of competition with equivalent or better prices and, as of now, equivalent or better features. I definitely don't think they're at risk of going out of business, thanks to builder sales and uninformed buyers who think they really are regarded as the best. But, while Viking may be alive and kicking, they just aren't at the level of companies like Miele and Wolf. To play in the big leagues, they are going to need to differentiate themselves more. Just being stainless and having all the typical high end appliance features isn't going to cut it. They already have some unique stuff: there's the 3 year warranty, along with all the cool custom color options that only a few other manufacturers offer. Those are great starts, but to really shine they are going to need to come out with more tangible products and use technology to their advantage. They don't have the excuse SubZero does for being out of date in some respects: "We build them like we used to." LOL I don't think anyone wants Viking to build them like they used to! The prostyle induction range and the Turbochef oven I mentioned earlier are great examples of the kind of thing they need to do more of. They will have the help of their sister companies within the Middleby empire. If they can pull that off without having quality issues like they did before, they'll be well on their way to becoming a real competitor and a worthwhile choice for a new kitchen....See Morecompare viking and blue star
Comments (3)Well, I have been on this board long enough to know that you may not get any response from the regular experts (wekick and a few others). One reason is there have been many discussions on this very subject. Have you searched through gardenweb? In addition, your post does contain enough information such as how do you cook, what functions are important to you, etc.... I recently purchased a Wolf range and had done a lot of research on all high end ranges including Viking and Blue Star. I would highly recommend to stay away from Viking. I have spoken to several appliance retailers who either stopped carrying Viking or recommended not to purchase Viking appliances because the reliability and customer service is not very good. A few expressed frustration with trying to assist customers with issues and not getting a satisfactory response. There are a lot of happy Blue Star customers on gardenweb that speak very highly of this range. Again, I would encourage you to search gardenweb, if you haven't already....See Moretyguy
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