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Viking vs. Thermador 36-Inch Professional Rangetops (Ratings / Reviews / Prices)

November 7th, 2012 | 2 min. read

By Steve Sheinkopf

Viking vs. Thermador 36-inch Pro Rangetops

A rangetop in simple terms is a professional cooktop. Pro rangetops can be purchased in 30', 36', 42' and 48' - we will compare 36' which is the most popular size. A range top is essentially the top of a pro range with the controls or knobs are in front of the unit.  The rangetop also sits into the cabinet and countertop with the burners and the grill or griddle on the top

Cooktop vs Rangetop

A cooktop is stationed on the countertop itself whereas a rangetop is installed into the cabinet with the knobs facing out. The rangetop is more commercial looking and will have more BTU output as well. The rangetop does have other options like griddles, grills, woks and frenchtops, but the cooktop is only burners.

Thermador

As we have mentioned before, Thermador has been somewhat of a dysfunctional company over the years, but Bosch really solidified them in 1999. Thermador service rate over the last few years has been much better than their competition.

Viking

Viking is an American manufacturer in Greenwood Mississippi. They were the original manufacturer of the professional range. Over the years, Viking, has lost share to more aggressive competitors like Wolf and have fallen down on quality for dishwashers and refrigerators in the past.

Viking has rededicated themselves to manufacturing and has upgraded their product line and included a industry best 3-year warranty.

Viking vs Thermador

viking 36 inch range top VGRT5366BSS

VS

thermador 36 inch range top PCG366G

Viking VGRT5366BSS
$3,279-$200 Instant -- $3,079

  • 18,500 BTU on one burner
  • Steel Griddle
  • Gas grill w/ flavor generator plates
  • 1,000 BTU Simmer
  • 3-year warranty

 

Thermador PCG366G
$3,099 

  • 18,000 BTU on all burners
  • Titanium surface non stick griddle
  • Electric Grill Plate accessory
  • 375 BTU Simmer
  • 2-year warranty

Thermadors' strongest 2 features are their patented Star burner, which has a quick clean base.  It is designed for easy surface cleaning and superior heat spread. Their simmering capabilities are as low as 100’ F - 375 BTU in their 2 Extra low simmer burners.

Vikings strongest 2 features are, their TruPower Plus 18,500 BTU Burner (on one burner) and their VariSimmer.

Which one do I like? The Star burner design is a very consistent burner and spreads the heat evenly for just about any size pan; this design creates a perimeter 56% longer than a round burner  The raised pedestal of the burner also allows a hand and sponge to fit easily underneath for superior cleaning. Viking is constructed very solidly with their burners made of brass. Their 3-year warranty and the brand cache are also considerations.

If I had to choose I would say Thermador. I love their burner and overall quality. Thermador also is more powerful with 18,000 BTU output on all the burners and simmers at lower temperatures. If you combine that with their free dishwasher and free hood with purchase of an entire Thermador kitchen, it’s the best promotion of luxury appliances in the industry today.

Related Articles

Additional Resources

Read the Yale Professional Cooking Buyers Guide with features, BTU ratings and tips on every major pro range manufacturer.

Pro Cooking Buying Guide

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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.

A Note About Pricing

Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.