Viking Cookware: Conquering The Market One Pan at a Time

Viking is a brand known for its confidence, vision, and commitment to redefining future cookware. A 40-year old business dedicated to manufacturing promising professional-standard kitchen ranges, including cookware. 

Breaking boundaries and setting new limits to modern American pots and pans – they are committed to innovation and next-level production methods. Viking cookware is appealing and combines smart features to keep ahead of the curve. 

The cookware range offers numerous lines; hard-anodized aluminum, hard stainless steel, multi-clad, and tri-ply steel, enamel cast iron, copper-clad, etc. 

Viking Cookware Reviews

Viking Professional 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware SetClassy Looking, Heat Efficient, and The Works! 

The Viking Professional 5-Ply Stainless Steel cookware set is a smart work of innovative stainless steel cookware. They are constructed with a 5-ply layer of mixed materials combining to ensure the best heat transfer, saving valuable energy. Specific layers function to provide guaranteed durability and seamless cooking. The food comes out tasting delicious every time. 

viking cookware reviewsThe exterior surface is crafted of magnetic stainless steel, a cookware material that maximizes efficiency and is compatible with all cooktops, including induction stoves. The interior rekindles the magic through its 18/10 stainless steel build, both nonreactive and impermeable and amounts to healthier cooking habits and comfortable cleanup. The interior surface ensures the distribution of heat around the inner-walls and the bottom surface. 

When you orchestrate these five layers of functionality together, you get the fast heating time and more controlled cooking temperatures. Sear or brown your meat, roast some potatoes, or flip a pancake; the cookware set provides versatile functionality for daily use in the kitchen. 

Why Yes?
  • Stay-cool and cast stainless steel handles are made ergonomically for the balance of weight and control
  • Significantly lightweight at one pound
  • The chic satin finish adds to your kitchen glam
  • Oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Vaulted stainless steel lids snug-fitting
Why No?
  • Cheaper alternatives like Cuisinart, Homi Chef, etc.
  • A design flaw in the base of some of the cookware, not fitting on glass stovetops
  • Cleaning is difficult without a dishwasher, time-consuming
  • All-Clad cookware have superior collections at similar prices or even below

What to pick, then?

Their heavy performance, resilience in innovating, and especially the heat transfer distribution edge give them an edge in the market. Moreover, their specialty items and nonstick pans are a bonus. 

Viking 3-Ply Stainless Steel Pasta Pot with Steamer –Get More Done With a Lot Less; The Best Pasta Steamer! 

An exquisitely polished and glossy pasta pot from Viking will be an absolute steal for its economical price-offerings. The Viking 3-ply stainless steel eight-quart multi-functional pot helps to boil faster with minimal heat than typical stockpots, creating it ideal for preparing slow-cooked meals.  The attached strainer eases your way into draining the water out leaving the necessary bit inside just by lifting the lid. This results in fast-cooking, the time-saving performance that lives up to its worth.

viking 3 ply cookware reviewsThe double-layered stainless steel exterior features an aluminum core in a three-in-one package of cookware proactive to heat. The cookware’s corners and walls bandaged by the stainless steel combine with the aluminum base to provide fast and even heating for efficient cooking results. 

Another brilliant addition is the measuring marks ingrained inside so you won’t need a measuring cup to fill your stockpot with water. A practical set of essential pots and pans that allow you to boil, simmer, cook, and steam fish is a convincing case. 

Why Yes?
  • Lifetime warranty
  • 3-ply construction provides superior reaction to heat
  • Molded stainless steel handles that don’t heat up
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Multi-tasking multicooker
  • Supports all cooktops including induction cookers
Why Say No?
  • Prone to discoloring, peelings, and dishwashing damage
  • Relatively expensive

What to pick then?

This stainless steel steamer is worth buying for its regular versatility. Cook fish stews, chicken stocks, noodles, etc.; just by removing the insert, this is just a glimpse of how versatile it indeed can be. 

Viking 5-Ply Hard Stainless Cookware Set with Hard Anodized ExteriorThe Ultimate Aluminum & Stainless Cookware Fusion! 

The Viking 5-Ply line of stainless steel cookware is a beast because of its inner and outer bodies. A four-layer build of hard-anodized aluminum integrated with an equally hard stainless steel interior furnishes the pan’s fire in the flawless discipline. It results in an interior with easy cleanup and unblemished food release and an exterior that offers an impeccable food-responsive system. A unique plus point is the helper handles that provide greater comfort and balance with regards to the steel handles. 

viking cookware masterchef

Why Say Yes?
  • Compatible with induction and all other cooktops
  • Oven/grill-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • More durable, reliable, and hard-built than regular stainless steel cookware
Why Say No?
  • Not nonstick
  • Stainless steel handles received complaints of turning hot
  • Due to not being nonstick, food sticks to the surface
  • Amounts to time-consuming cleaning because the cookware is not nonstick

What to pick then?

Their fusion of stainless steel and aluminum makes this cookware set one of the best due to its competitive edge. Investing your budget in a Viking cookware set is definitely worth the drive to Walmart. 

Viking Culinary Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware SetThe Hard-Anodized Stainless Steel! 

Witness the stability on the stove, and on that matter, any stovetop, and efficient mastery in heat and temperature from the finely engineered Viking Culinary Hard-Anodized aluminum cookware. It is crafted with a hard-anodized aluminum (considered the best conductive metal for cookware everywhere) body; only it features a stainless steel base that makes this cookware set a top choice on anyone’s shopping list. You get a solid aluminum body’s durability and the flawless heat distribution of a stainless steel base. The ergonomically designed base ensures it sits flat on any stovetop for easy handling. 

viking induction cookware reviewNot to forget this cookware set is also nonstick. The coating is a combination of three refined layers of PFOA-free nonstick that ensures masterclass release and endurance. You are well off flipping pancakes in the kitchen and cooking little delicacies away with accuracy; their pots and saucepans have ingrained measuring marks that allow you to make efficient use of your time getting the volume of ingredients just right. More on control, the set comes with tempered glass lids that in their words let you look and cook so you know you’re doing it right. This is a cookware everyone should own, complete in its portfolio, and gets you results.   

Why Say Yes?
  • They feature ergonomic cast stainless steel handles that maximize comfort
  • Handles made to stay cool
  • Long handles come with indentations that allow for correct placement of fingers for an easy grip
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Carefully constructed rims on frypans and larger vessels for comfortable use
Why Say No?
  • Cheaper alternatives
  • The aluminum body is harder to clean manually
 

What to pick, then?

The Viking Culinary line of hard-anodized aluminum cookware is one of their finest; this particular cookware set is a top choice all around for its nonstick excellence and durability. You can rely on this set of pots and pans for the future. 

Viking Contemporary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware SetConcrete in Form and Substance 

The Viking Contemporary line of cookware is a revelation for the avid-cooker. A well-thought-out combination of qualitative factors makes it one of the best stainless steel cookware out there. As the name says, its triple-layer construction of aluminum and stainless steel gives the cookware perfect form. First, an aluminum core ensures the highest grade of heat transfer (conduction, retention, and distribution). Simultaneously, the exterior stainless steel is magnetic and has a flat base to support all cooktops, including induction. To top it all of, the 18/8 stainless steel interior surface offers surgical finesse, as it is nonreactive, and cleanup is easier than ever.

Viking Contemporary cookware reviewsBut the beauty is in shape. Steep walls that flawlessly add to the aesthetic of the cookware’s angular shape as a whole serve a bigger purpose; more room means quicker evaporation, and the walls retain more heat, and hence you get food cooked within the blink of an eye. 

Why Say Yes?
  • Ergonomically designed rims made to keep the aluminum core inside the stainless steel layers
  • Oven and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Fine engineered handles for maximum comfort and solid grip
  • Glass lids that come with vents allow you to supervise your cooking and prevents spill-overs and excessive steam
Why Say No?
  • Complaints regarding flawed design in the ten-inch frypan
  • Significantly heavy
  • Prone to discoloration

What to pick, then?

The Vikings Contemporary 3-Ply cookware line has garnered positive reviews throughout for its commitment to durability and functionality. Although a little heavy, this cookware set is a worthy purchase, thanks to its finely engineered body and smart tweaks in features.

Viking Culinary Enamel Cast Iron Dutch OvenThe Sword & Shield to Your Kitchen Needs 

A heavy-duty dutch oven is a necessity for any kitchen. Searing your meat, cooking stews, Thanksgiving meals for the family, you can do it all when you own a dutch oven. The Viking Culinary Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven is an essential part of your kitchen pyramid. 

viking professional cookwareThe cast iron body does a fine job at distributing and retaining the heat across the surface evenly. It allows for sustainable temperature control and cooks your food optimum in every taste, conserving energy. In contrast, cast iron retains cold temperatures just as well so you can prepare those desserts or store leftovers for later. 

The shiny and slick look both inside and out in the cookware comes from an enamel coating. The enamel coating interior makes the dutch oven nonreactive to acids but tough to resist damage from metal utensils. Although the dutch oven isn’t nonstick, it has stick-resistant attributes that make cleanup an easy task. Another smart tweak is the enamel coating on the outside. This increases the lifespan of your cookware as it naturally resists chippings, scratches and makes management convenient. 

The icing on the cake, perhaps, is their heavy and snug-fitting lids. They are crafted with round bumps on the inside that aid at self-basting, so through efficient condensation, you keep the precious cooking liquids mixing and pouring back inside.  

Why Say Yes?
  • Sturdy body and enamel coating makes it long-lasting
  • Self-basting ability is a plus point
  • Energy-saving
  • Compatible on the stove and oven
Why Say No?
  • Relatively expensive

What to pick, then?

The dutch oven is a fan-favorite for its heavy-gauged build and functionality. It doesn’t burden you with maintenance, cooks you quality food through its self-basting feature, and cleans up easily.

Viking Culinary Copper Stainless Steel Cookware Set – Three Metals, Three Times The Quality!

The Viking Culinary Copper Stainless Steel cookware set is a marvelous work of art. It is engineered with three metals to kick heat control up a notch and dressed in copper color for elegance in the kitchen aesthetic. An assemblage of an aluminum core sheltered by a copper exterior and a thick stainless steel interior provides exceptional heat transfer all around and through the pots and pans because of the aluminum core. The copper body ensures even heat distribution for precision in temperature control and the thick stainless steel interior for effortless food release and easy cleanup. You will save a lot of money cooking in low temperatures with this cookware set on a regular basis.

viking copper cookware reviewThe set also features widened out, and smooth rims combined with vented glass lids so you can prevent boil-overs, pour liquids with ease, and monitor your cooking keeping the excess steam out and flavors inside. Ergonomic handles remain cool to the touch, and their integrated finger-placement design lets you control the weight and include heat breaks too. The cookware set has essentials like stockpots with a pasta insert, frypans, saucepans, etc. for daily functionality and maximum utility. 

Why Say Yes?
  • Oven and grill-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Tri-ply construction for heavy-duty and quality performance
  • Measuring marks on the inside of pots and pans allow for precise ingredient measurements
Why Say No?
  • Does not support induction stovetops
  • Not dishwasher-safe
  • Prone to discoloration and damage
  • Relatively expensive

What to pick, then?

The cookware set is exceptionally well at dealing with heat transfer and conduction. Hence it saves you energy and ultimately money. Besides the copper that is prone to discoloration, the Viking Culinary Copper Stainless Steel cookware set is reliable and is worth investing in for its heavy-duty construction and practicality.

A Contrast in Viking

The Viking range offers numerous options with various features and attributes, and it will depend on your specific requirements to give you the most informed choice. A brief comparison amongst the seven lines of cookware will aid you in making that choice. We compare their 5-ply stainless steel range, their 3-ply stainless steel range, the Hard-Anodized Nonstick range, the Enamel Cast Iron collection, and the 3-ply Copper Clad range based on material, durability, price, and performance.

viking pots and pans vs all cladThe 5-ply range includes the Viking Professional 5-ply Stainless Steel and the Viking 5-ply Hard Stainless Steel. They are both constructed of five layers of metal. The difference being the Professional range offers a magnetic stainless steel exterior shielding the three-layer aluminum alloy beneath the stainless steel interior. They both provide surgical quality stainless steel, except the Professional line comes with 18/10 stainless steel and the latter an 18/8.

The key feature is their construction that allows for superior heat performance and a knack for heavy-duty tasks. The aluminum alloys ensure optimal heat transfer combined with stainless steel for easy cooking and cleaning and compatibility on all stovetops. This combination accounts for benchmark cooking performances and longer lifespans. Due to the 5-ply construction, this range of cookware is Viking’s most expensive, so if you’re not a regular chef or an avid cooker, this might not be the right option for you. But it is a worthy investment for the future.

viking nonstick cookware reviewsNext up on our list, we got the 3-ply range of stainless steel cookware. It includes the Contemporary range, the Mirror Finish, and the Copper-Clad range. The 3-ply construction is perhaps the highlight for all three. The first two are sandwiched with an aluminum core and stainless steel interiors and exteriors. It results in uniform heat transfer, conduction, and retention. However, the notable difference is the Contemporary cookware’s Windsor-inspired shape of pots and pans. The tapered walls are widened out to retain more heat and create extra room for the cooking surface for faster evaporation. Perhaps, this feature makes the Contemporary line one of their popular choices as you get more done in less time and food tastes proper. On the other hand, the Mirror Finish line comes with stainless steel lids, unlike the Contemporary line’s vented glass ones. Monitoring your food is a necessity, especially when cooking slow-cooked meals, and therefore you may want to pick the type of lid you prefer. These are more affordable than the 5-ply cookware range. 

The Copper-Clad range is the last one on the 3-ply line of cookware—an attractive copper color collection. An aluminum alloy core sits in between a heavy-duty copper exterior and a surgical-grade 18/8 stainless steel interior. Why is it different? The copper exterior gives you marginal temperature control with its ability to heat up and cool down just as quickly. 

viking stainless steel cookwareThe Viking Culinary Hard-Anodized Nonstick collection is their only nonstick cookware range. It offers excellent heat and temperature control. The hard-anodized exterior helps distribute heat evenly and comes with twice the toughness than stainless steel; if you are looking for durable, here it is! Its stainless steel base attracts any stovetop for its ergonomic flatness and heat control. But if you’re buying Viking and want nonstick, this is probably the range you want. Their nonstick coating is PFOA-free and is triple-layered for superior food release and comfortable cleanup. 

If you’re looking for something distinctive but equally well-performing, the Viking Enamel Cast Iron collection is a fine one. Cast Iron is impressive in its heat distribution and retention. Its benefit is that it allows cooking in high and low temperatures; its ability to conserve energy saves you money and lets you cook desserts or store food in cold climates. Moreover, their sturdy body ensures rough-use won’t be an issue. Their cast-iron range may not be nonstick but offers stick-resistant attributes that help in convenient cleanups. Perhaps, the more prominent attraction is their self-basting lids; heavy and tight-fitting, they come with spikes that guide the cooking liquids and moisture downwards back into the pot and results in perfectly cooked meals. It is relatively pricey but is an excellent option for everyday use.

Cookware Shopping: Viking

Viking cookware assures quality and offers various options that are both expensive and affordable. But what you buy depends on you; are you a chef looking to revamp the kitchen inventory? Or are you working a 9-5 and are looking for cookware that will give you more for less? Such questions will allow you to arrive at a well-informed decision.

viking copper cookware reviewsIf you are a young couple looking to invest in new cookware set for your new home, you may want to invest in one that will last for the next five years. The Viking 5-ply collection is one of their best. It is expensive but worth every penny; the 5 layers of metal offer you superior heat and temperature control and adaptability. They come with stovetops, frypans, saucepans, and whatever you might need in well-assorted sets. If you’re looking for a more potent hybrid, the 5-Ply Hard Stainless Steel collection offers a hard-anodized aluminum exterior. It also comes with vented glass lids that allow you to monitor the food, unlike the 5-Ply Professional range. 

However, if you’re just a stay-at-a-home mom looking to get a solid frypan replacement for your children’s breakfast shenanigans, the Viking Cast Iron cookware is the ideal candidate. Its cast-iron body is tough and rigid, easy to clean, and can go through high heat frying and sauteing with ease. 

If you’re trying to impress the newlywed couple with a gift; the Viking Copper-Clad cookware set would be the perfect fit. Its exquisite body in a copper hue is elegant and it performs just as well, thanks to a tri-ply construction. 

Viking cookware gives you options within different price ranges and ensures quality, making your buying process a lot easier. Ask yourself what you need and buy the ideal fit.

Care for Your Cookware

Although Viking cookware is dishwasher-safe, a manual wash is always the wise bet. When handwashing, use warm and soapy water (it ensures the grease is well-soaked and loosened up) and scrub with soft sponges (avoid steel wires) before rinsing and drying the cookware immediately to prevent marks. 

how to clean viking cookwareSeasoning your pans from time to time prior to cooking would benefit their health (especially since Viking offers a few nonstick cookware only). Pour up to two tablespoons of cooking oil and heat it for around two minutes under mild heat. Before the oil changes color or there’s any hint of smoke forming, pour out any remains. Using lukewarm soapy water, clean the pan thoroughly and let it completely dry after. 

Bonus Round: Viking vs All-Clad vs Demeyere Cookware

Choosing the best cookware is a daunting task, but knowing the essential factors behind making the best choice makes the process very easy. We will look at the key similarities and differences between the three cookware brands and arrive at a well-informed decision. 

Heating properties, stability, durability, maintenance, and design are all key components to studying to understand cookware’s quality.

viking cookware vs all-clad

Similarities

Viking, All-Clad, and Demeyere use multiple layers of durable and corrosion-free stainless steel in their construction. They are well-reputed for being easy to clean and maintain and are nonreactive to acids. The various metal layers generally involve 18/10 professional-grade stainless steel, magnetic stainless steel, and an aluminum core. These metals highlight the essential components required for quality cookware. The multi-ply construction of stainless steel and aluminum ensures quick and even heating and nonreactive food-grade stainless steel properties. The magnetic stainless steel exteriors make induction compatibility their best friend. Moreover, they are oven-safe in various ranges depending on the particular cookware you pick. Their stainless steel build, compatibility with all cooktops, shiny mirror-finish incorporate their key similarities in a nutshell. These properties make Viking, All-Clad, and Demeyere, such reputable market leaders. 

Differences

Both Viking and All-Clad use nonreactive 18/10 and 18/8 nonreactive stainless steel, and the aluminum core combinedly ensures superior thermal performance. However, Demeyere uses their signature Silvinox cooking surface. It is an electrochemical surface treatment procedure that makes their cookware easy to clean, corrosion and abrasion-free, and nonreactive to acidic foods and chemicals; you come out with the newness of their cookware after years of use. 

Both Viking and All-Clad use wide handles and ergonomic rims for easy pouring when it comes to handles. Demeyere uses handles that are welded onto the body and sometimes unnecessarily small in size, making handling harder. 

Now let’s get an overview.  When it comes to price, both All-Clad and Demeyere are expensive but provide the quality for it; Viking offers both economic and costly price ranges. Viking and All-Clad make mostly silver and shiny stainless steel, but Demeyere, on the other hand, also provides multiple color options. Demeyere also has 7-ply construction in their cookware ranges, unlike the former two. 

Bottom line, if you are looking for premium-quality cookware at an affordable rate, Viking is the way to go. However, if you prefer superior induction compatibility, Demeyere is ahead of both. All-Clad is an alternative in the middle with its high prices and fine performances.

To Summarize

Viking is a trailblazer in the cookware market and has been at it since the 80s. They compete with powerhouse brands like All-Clad, Eagleware, USA Pan, etc. Their pricing is as premium as their quality. Customers have shown continuous support and placed their faith in Viking pots and pans for decades. You can’t go wrong with a brand like Viking in the cookware business. 

FAQ

What can I do to best use my nonstick Viking frypans?

Before frying, sauteing, or searing anything on your Viking frypan, use mild heat for two minutes to heat the pan and then put the food into the best care for your nonstick pan and prevent a sticky mess.

How do I get rid of discoloring marks from my stainless steel Viking pots and pans?

Customers have mentioned that some Viking cookware tends to discolor in places; using a magic eraser to scrub the particular spots usually solves that issue.

How to maximize the utility of my Viking cookware when cooking? 

Besides for boiling and other such reasons, avoid cooking in high heat. Using low to mild heat levels can get you the best cooking results out of your cookware. If you are cooking on gas stoves, try picking a stove with a diameter similar in length to that of your cookware and regulate the flame, so it does not reach the walls of your pan.

What is a similarity and a difference in the construction of a Viking and All-Clad cookware?

They are both made of multiple layers of premium quality stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. However, All-Clad offers more options, including 2-ply, 3-ply, 4-ply, 5-ply construction, and cookware with a copper core. Viking only offers 3-ply and 5-ply construction.

What’s a piece of advice for a beginner in cooking for using Viking stainless steel cookware?

It is important to note that Viking cookware is prone to react quickly to temperature changes, given its ability to cook optimally in low heat settings. It may seem a bit too much to adapt your stove’s temperature accurately with such cookware. Therefore, you should opt for their 5-ply cookware collection of heavier and robust cookware that is more stubborn to temperature changes.

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