Choosing a cooktop can be simple. Think of a cooktop as the top half of a regular range. Your decision depends on burner output and how you cook.
However, it is not that easy when shopping. Most of brands you may be familiar with, like Maytag, GE, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire, are not popular in built-in appliances (our parlance for wall ovens and cooktops). BlueStar and Viking, as well as Miele, Wolf, and Jenn-Air, are more widely purchased for built-in appliances.
In this article, we will look at BlueStar and Viking, their cooktops, and then compare them.
To prevent any confusion, we will explain the difference between a cooktop and a rangetop - two very similar products. That said, the terms and products are not interchangeable. You do not want to learn that upon installation.
Rangetop Vs Cooktop
Rangetops are the tops of professional ranges. Rangetops are cut into the cabinet and have the controls on the face of the rangetop. In contrast, a cooktop is cut into the countertop and has the controls on the top. (See the images above).
Rangetops have different sizes of up to 60 inches with the ability to have a built-in grill and griddle. Cooktops are just burners in the two most common sizes 30 and 36 inches.
Rangetops used to be known as much more powerful than cooktops, however, cooktops have now increased their burner output. We will go further into detail in this comparison. comparison.
Let's look at the companies.
The Brands
BlueStar
BlueStar is one of the oldest manufacturing companies founded in 1880. They manufactured upscale porcelain ranges, and in 2002, started with professional products.
Their cooktop is more of a commercial, restaurant type with high heat and open star-shaped burners. BlueStar is a family-owned company out of Pennsylvania.
Viking
Viking Range Corporation was founded by Fred Carl, Jr., a fourth generation building contractor, as a speculative venture aimed at developing the first commercial-type range specifically designed, engineered and certified for home use.
At one-time Viking sold over 50% of the high output pro ranges. However, quality issues have dogged Viking over the last 10 years or so.
In 2013, Viking was sold to Middleby, a commercial manufacturer. To be transparent, we do not sell Viking products.
BlueStar vs. Viking Gas Cooktops
BlueStar
Bluestar has 2 size options for cooktops 30" and a 36" open burners. Open burners are typically what you find in the restaurant industry.
The open burner allows a better oxygen flow to boost the flame power because fire feeds off of oxygen. This gives a hotter temperature quicker which means a faster boil and a better sear.
Cleaning is different in an open burner cooktop or range. You can disassemble the whole unit and clean it at the sink. If you spill a ton, you will have to clean a bit more between the top and chassis.
RBCT304BSSV2 30" Gas Cooktop - $1,755
- 4 Open Burners
- (2) 22,000 BTU Burners
- (1) 10,000 BTU Burner
- (1) 8,500 BTU Simmer Burner
- Wok Ring included
- Custom painted Color Knobs available
- Automatic electronic ignition an re-ignition system
RBCT365BSSV2 36” Gas Cooktop - $2,280
- 5 Open Burners
- (2) 22,000 BTU Burners
- (1) 10,000 BTU Burner
- (2) 8,500 BTU Burners
- Wok Ring included
- Custom painted Color Knobs available
- Automatic electronic ignition an re-ignition system
Viking
Viking also offers two sizes in 30” and 36” but they offer two styles in each size. One style has the knobs on the front which gives you a wider cooking surface. The other option is knobs on the side which some people prefer. Even though you are losing cooking surface the knobs are out you your way while cooking.
The Viking burners are sealed. Sealed burners are easier to clean because the burner is sealed to the cooktop. However, you have to clean at the cooktop, not at the sink.
30” Gas Cooktop
RVGC33015B Front Control - $1,409
VGSU5305B Side Control - $1,929
- 5 Sealed Burners
- Aluminum Flame Ports
- Cast-Iron Continuous Grates
- Automatic Electric Spark ignition/re-ignition
- 3 Year Full Warranty
- Front Knob
- (1) 17,000 BTU Duel Stacked Center Burner
- (1) 12,000 BTU Burner
- (2) 9,100 BTU Burners
- (1) 5,000 BTU Burner
- Side Knob
- (1) 18,000 BTU Duel Stacked Center Burner
- (2) 12,000 BTU Burners
- (1) 8,000 BTU Burner
- (1) 6,000 BTU Burner
36” Gas Cooktop
RVGC33615BS Front Control - $1,509
VGSU5366B Side Control - $2,259
- Front control
- 5 Sealed burners
- Cast-Iron Continuous Grates
- Automatic Electronic Ignition
- (1) 17,000 BTU Burner
- (1) 12,000 BTU Burner
- (2) 9,100 BTU Burners
- (1) 5,000 BTU Burner
- Side Knobs
- 6 Sealed Burners
- Scratch Safe Continuous Grates
- Child-Proof Knob Control
- SureSpark Ignition System
- (1) 18,000 BTU Burner
- (2) 12,000 BTU Burners
- (1) 10,000 BTU Burner
- (1) 6,000 BTU Burner
The Comparison
In terms of sheer output, BlueStar is far superior with two 22,000 BTU burners versus Vikings one burner at 17 or 18,000 BTU for stir-frying or cooking larger meals.
BlueStar Burner
Viking Burner
BlueStar has a better simmer at 140 degrees as well for cooking sauces or melting chocolate.
Viking has a more cleanable cooktop, especially for huge spillovers.
Ultimately, it depends on what type of cook you are and what type of cooking you like to do. BlueStar will perform better, but Viking is easier to clean.
Additional Resources
Download the Yale Gas Cooking Buyers Guide with specs, features, BTU outputs and buying tips. Almost 220,000 people have downloaded a Yale Guide.
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