Viking D3 vs JennAir JGS8860BDP 30 Inch Slide-In Ranges (Reviews/Ratings/Prices)

November 6th, 2012 | 2 min. read

Professional ranges have been around since the early 1990s. Their popularity is based from their commercial style appearance, convection ovens and high output burners. The Pro is the range of choice in most high-end kitchens.

Slide-in ranges have been around since the 1970s. A slide-in is quite simply a range without a backguard. It is a much more customized appearance than a regular range as you can see the tile of your backsplash. See freestanding versus slide-in ranges for a more complete description (BTW all pro ranges are or can be slide-ins).

Over the years, the slide-in has become more powerful and is now equipped with many upgraded features, so the question is: What is the real difference in features between a slide-in and a professional range? We compared two of our more popular products, the new Viking D3 line versus the popular Jenn-Air.

Viking D3

Viking D3 is their latest iteration of a less expensive professional range. D3 is designed with five burners, convection oven and customizable knobs and handle. D3 is manufactured in Greenwood, Mississippi and is currently their best-selling 30 inch professional range.

Jenn-Air

Jenn-Air was an independent company based in Indianapolis until purchased by the toxic Maytag company in the 1990s. Their claim to fame has always been cooking. In fact, they pioneered residential convection cooking in the 1970s. Now owned by the Whirlpool company, Jenn-Air has once again become a viable near-luxury appliance brand.

Viking D3 vs Jenn-Air Slide-In Ranges

viking d3 30 inch slide in range RDSCG2305BSS

VS

jennair 30 inch slide in range JGS8860BDP

Viking D3 RDSCG2305BSS
$3,399

Wide variety of BTU ratings to accommodate all types of surface cooking needs - including a fifth burner.
Sealed burners with porcelainized, cast-iron burner caps.
Automatic electric spark ignition/re-ignition.
Two heavy-duty TruGlide full extension oven racks.
Convection Bake.
15,000 BTU broiler.
Two halogen oven lights.
Shipped standard with island trim.

Jenn-Air JGS8860BDP
$2,399

Electronic Ignition and Flame-Sensing Re-ignition.
16,000 BTU PowerBurner.
4 Sealed Burners.
MultiMode Convection System with Convection Element.
Keep Warm Option.
Temperature Probe.
4.5 Cu. Ft. Oven Capacity.
Halogen Light.
Warming Drawer with Preset Temperature Settings.

The D3 unit is more powerful as you would expect. But not as much as you would think. The Viking D3 most powerful burners are 18,000 and 17,000 BTU, but the Jenn-Air is 16,000 and 15,000 BTU at their highest.

Viking does have customizable handles and knobs and a fifth burner as well. Jenn-Air, on the other hand, has a warming drawer, which can keep food warm (obviously) for up to three hours as well as refresh leftovers without dehydrating them. JennAir will also have better package rebates and a much lower sticker price.

Although the professional range is still more impressive in a kitchen, the slide-in has become a very attractive alternative.

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Steve Sheinkopf

Steve Sheinkopf is the third-generation CEO of Yale Appliance and a lifelong Bostonian. He has over 38 years of experience in the appliance industry, and he is a trusted source of information for consumers on how to buy and repair appliances.

Steve has also been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Consumer Reports, The Boston Globe, Bloomberg Radio, the New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Entrepreneur, for his knowledge of how to buy appliances and appliance repair.

Steve is passionate about helping consumers find the best appliances for their needs, and he is always happy to answer questions and provide advice. He is a valuable resource for consumers who are looking for information on appliance buying, repair, and maintenance.

Despite being the worst goalie in history, Steve is a fan of the Bruins and college hockey, loves to read, and is a Peloton biker. The love of his life is his daughter, Sophie.

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