I was trying to help out another user with a Viking Dishwasher. So I goggled the number She gave me. I didn't have the heart to put up the posts I found. I also looked at some of their other product reviews too --unfortunately not much better news.
Hopefully you have an appliance store close to you that You can trust.
The only other way is find the model #'s that are "Possiblilites" then google them for reviews, reliability problems etc etc etc

Thanks, Gary. I did try Googling but there's even less info there, or else I'm missing the right search terms (I'm usually pretty good at searches).

Here there were a couple of basic things that seemed to add up to there were good ovens with more features for less, but not really addressing how well things actually cook in the Viking. Since size and controls/display are important, whereas programming and multiple modes aren't, those don't really advance my understanding. There were older messages talking about heat issues, but because this is going in a pre-modern-insulation situation, that doesn't worry me as much, especially because Viking is supposed to be improving, and the one I'm looking at has an analog clock so I'm not as worried about reports (also old) of the display burning out.

I'm trying to know as much as I can before I take her to the appliance store, because her requirements are so specific, and not necessarily that common.

Yep, probably one with knobs hopefully with big numbers easiest for her, alto my Mom is 87 Great Health, and when she comes to visit here, She wizzes thru that speed oven, alto it is usually just to nuke her and husband some coffee.
I know my own age, should you decide on a model with a display, the bigger the better---I hate hunting down my glasses to see things. This monitor is a 26" (actually a TV) if that gives you and idea of "What us Oldies but Goodies like"
I can go by Pacific Sales tomorrow and scout around again (Ya I'll hush this time) see what I think would appeal to My Mom.

Gary

PS, they are having fun with the arms thou---don't ya think?

I have only had my Viking double oven about 10 days. It is easy to see and understand. I bought the professional only because I liked the looks. I did not think I was getting the clock but digital which would tell me oven temp. The oven works great so far at least for 10 days. I probably would not order again only because you do not know when the oven is at the correct temp. They said the light would go off but the light goes on and off as it is adjusting temp. So unless you stand there and wait you have to guess when it is at correct temp. I should have made a bigger fuss when they ordered the wrong oven but I had waited so long I felt it would not annoy me as much as it does. I did have a complaint about the knobs on the double oven did not match the range top. The store and distribution center both told me I would have to pay an addt'l $189. for the black knobs to match my range top. I called the Viking Corp office and they apologized and sent me out the matching knobs no cost. I received in about 7 days. So as far as that is concerned they were excellent with the customer service. Hopefully that will be the only time I need to contact them. I know my Mom who is 80 would understands and be able to see the clock and knobs and how to use my oven.

Thanks, Faith! I really appreciate your feedback. It's especially reassuring that they are seen to be doing in reality the kind of customer service they claimed they wanted to undertake. I'm so glad you got the knobs you wanted! A special thanks for pointing out that the digital display also shows temperature.