HOD Builder's Brief: Viking Appliances are considered to be some of the best, but it’s not the only option for buyers. ZLINE has made its mark by offering affordable, high end appliances that allow consumers to have the luxury experiences without the luxury price tag.
Everyone dreams of having stainless steel, designer quality appliances in their home. Luxury appliances look incredible and they also tend to be more reliable than lower cost brands with heavy-duty construction and added convenience features.
It makes more sense to invest in appliances you may never have to replace, but for many people, they are just too expensive. Over the last few years many companies have recognized the need for affordable, high-end appliances and stepped up. Now buyers have options that give them the quality of a luxury appliance with an affordable price tag.
Picking out the best appliances for your kitchen is a big decision. It’s important to research the possibilities and narrow down what you’re looking for. Knowing what features, design and sizes you want is crucial to making the right choice. These are appliances that will be with you for decades to come. With that in mind, let’s take a look at two popular luxury appliance brands, Viking and ZLINE. We will compare their design, quality and features and give you all the information you need to figure out which appliances are best for you.
An Overview of Viking and ZLINE
Viking is a high-end appliance brand especially well-known for their cooking ranges and ovens. They also make other high-end appliances like refrigerators, hoods, dishwashers and outdoor kitchen appliances. They are known for their high-performance appliances and low impact visuals. Viking appliances are made to blend into the rest of the kitchen while providing a luxurious cooking experience.
ZLINE is a luxury appliance company that prides itself on providing high end products at affordable prices. They are well known for their use of premium material like stainless steel. With designs that are sleek, efficient and created with the modern kitchen in mind, ZLINE is quickly becoming a name associated with high-end luxury. They have a wide range of products including ranges, range hoods, cooktops, wall ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Their products are incredibly customizable and have many feature options. ZLINE is also known for having very versatile options for kitchens that have unique layouts. With advanced appliance technology, ZLINE’s products are made for reliability and high performance.
Comparing VIKING Ranges to ZLINE Ranges
To meet customer demand, Viking and ZLINE have taken appliance innovation a step further. Each company makes stylish looking products that deliver professional results. Features to look for on a high-end kitchen range include an easy-to-read display, accurate and consistent heat and user-friendly, heavy-duty controls. To start, you should consider what type of range you want. There are three main types of kitchen ranges to choose from:
- Electric
- Gas
- Dual Fuel (Gas cooktop with an electric oven)
Electric Ranges
Viking and ZLINE both make an impressive range. In fact the two brand’s large oven capacities are nearly identical with the ZLINE 36-Inch Induction Range having 4.6 cu. ft. of oven space in its convection oven, white the Viking 30-Inch Freestanding Electric Range comes with 4.7 cu. ft. It’s important now to point out a big difference in these models. The ZLINE uses induction technology for its heat source, while the Viking uses traditional electric burners.
What’s the difference between an electric stove and an induction range? It’s quite simple. Induction cooking is becoming increasingly popular because it uses an electromagnetic field to heat food directly. Whereas with the old-fashioned style electric stoves we all know, the glass cooktop is heated and this heat is then transferred to pans. With induction, you don’t lose any heat and the surface of the range doesn’t get hot. It’s also a lot easier to control and change the temperature of your burner with induction heat. So this is a big difference worth noting with these models.
Both models burn hot enough for a home chef to get the perfect sear. The ZLINE has a range of 1800W to 3500W and the Viking comes in a little cooler at 1200W to 3200W. The ZLINE comes with four glass top burners, similar to the Viking model, which also features one large griddle style burner in the middle.
The ZLINE has its own special features as well. The oven door is made of three layers of glass and aluminum mesh that allows it to stay cool to the touch while cooking. It also comes with “Power Boost Mode.” This feature allows the range to burn at maximum power for a short period of time and is perfect when you want to preheat the oven in a hurry. The ZLINE design includes dual lighting so you know exactly when those cookies need to come out.
Both ranges are self cleaning and include professional, stainless steel cast knobs. They each have digital displays for easy viewing, though the Viking’s is on the cooktop and the ZLINE’s is on the face of the range. The Viking includes a QuickCook feature to help get dinner on the table when you’re in a hurry. The only thing left to compare is price. Although the Viking model uses the older, slightly clunkier, electric heating technology, it’s still over $2000 more than the ZLINE, which uses induction heating to save energy and provide a safer cooking space. That’s a big difference in price especially since the technology doesn’t compare equally.
Gas Ranges
Gas stoves provide an incredible amount of precision in the cooking process and a high-end appliance can improve on this feature. ZLINE and Viking both excel at creating a superior gas stove product. In fact, both the ZLINE 36-Inch Professional Gas Range and the Viking are made of heavy-duty stainless steel, have self-cleaning functions and look like professional grade appliances. Their biggest difference is in their price. The Viking comes in at $9,889 while the ZLINE is a mere $3,299.
Despite the significant price difference, there isn’t much variation in power. Both have similar BTU ratings with the ZLINE maxing out at 18,000 and the Viking maxing out at 18,500 BTUs. The Viking model has a larger oven at 5.1 cu. ft. versus the ZLINE’s 4.6 cu. ft.
While you might get a slightly smaller oven, the ZLINE has plenty of other features. This model comes with adjustable legs for the perfect height and Italian-made sealed burners that enhance the range’s quality. You also have the ability to customize with different body and trim options. The ZLINE model also boasts an industry-first lifetime burner warranty along with an overall 1 year parts and service warranty.
Dual Fuel
A dual fuel burner offers the best of both worlds in a single appliance. Dual fuel ranges are beloved for their versatility. You get the instant heat response of a gas range with the near perfect temperature distribution of an electric oven. The ZLINE 48-Inch Professional Dual Fuel Range and the Viking 5 Series 48-Inch Freestanding Dual Fuel Range have many similarities including dual electric ovens and six gas burners. Both products also include a center griddle and easy to read LED lights and displays.
The Viking boasts a patented convection oven as well as a concealed heat element for a sleek look. Viking is known for its large holiday-saving ovens and this model doesn’t disappoint with a 7.3 cu. ft. main oven and 2.6 cu. ft. secondary oven. How does ZLINE’s oven stack up? ZLINE’s dual fuel range also features the convenience of two ovens with a total of 6.0 cu. ft. oven capacity. The ZLINE fits pans as large as 23 inches in the main oven and 9 inches wide in the mini.
In terms of burner power, Viking offers a powerful cooking experience with its six 15,000 BTU burners, plus a big 18,000 BTU one. ZLINE’s seven hand-cast burners range in cooking power from 1,000 to 18,000 BTUs. While many people may consider the Viking model, it’s important to look at all options. The ZLINE dual range includes many of the same features as the Viking, but with less cost. The ZLINE dual fuel model is over $10,000 less than the Viking!
Viking |
ZLINE |
|
Gas Range |
$9.9889.00 |
$3,299.00 |
Electric Range |
$5,609.00 |
$3,649.00 |
Dual Fuel Range |
$20,699.00 |
$5,399.00 |
Viking vs. ZLINE: Cooktops
Cooktops give you the power of a professional stove top, while allowing you to put it anywhere in your kitchen. There are different kinds of cooktops, but all are beloved for the same reason. They give you the ability to cook with professional kitchen speed and precision with convenient placement. When deciding which kind of cooktop is best for you, first consider where in your kitchen you’ll be putting it and what it will be used for. You also want to make sure it is in your budget and offers all the features and power you are looking for from a luxury appliance. There are three kinds of popular cooktops to choose from:
- Rangetops
- Drop-In Gas Cooktops
- Drop-In Induction Cooktops
Rangetops
Rangetops are perfect for someone who wants the option of expanding their cooking space, but would rather skip the oven portion of a full range. These appliances usually sit on an island or other prep surface. They are the perfect answer for the home chef who wants to add an additional cooking space or use built-in ovens rather than a range. The ZLINE 36-Inch Range Top and the Viking 36-Inch 5 Series Gas Rangetop offer virtually identical power with BTUs in the 18,000s as well as a similar stainless steel appearance.
The biggest difference in these two models is the price. The Viking costs $6,099 while the ZLINE is much more affordable at $1,399. It’s also worth noting that the ZLINE is available in a number of different finishes and trim colors and also carries a lifetime limited warranty on its burners. Important distinction when considering the enormous price difference.
Drop-In Gas Cooktops
Drop-in cooktops offer homeowners the ability to expand and reinvent their cooking space. These also have a low profile and tend to blend into the countertops, giving that streamlined look to a kitchen without all of the visual clutter. The two models we will be comparing are the Viking and the ZLINE 36-inch drop-in gas stovetop. These both have BTUs of 18,000, giving you the same power as the range top and they both come in at 36 inches wide. The Viking is a bit bulkier, sticking out 4.5 inches above the counter.
The ZLINE has a slimmer profile with a height of 3.4 inches. The Viking drop-in gas cooktop features six permanently sealed burners that range in power from 6,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Similarly, ZLINE’s drop-in ranges from from 4,200 to 18,000 BTUs and comes complete with the brand’s trademark Italian-made sealed burners. It’s hard to find any standout differences on the Viking model that would justify spending over $2000 more for it.
Drop-In Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops sport a sleek design which makes them nearly undetectable when dropped into a countertop. It’s a good thing then that they are cool to the touch! They look incredible in any kitchen and they boost your cooking power without cluttering and taking away from your space. The ZLINE 36 inch induction cooktop and the Viking 36-Inch All-Induction Cooktop both have black glass tops and feature five burners. The Viking’s burners reach 5500W and the ZLINE comes in at 3700W. Both include easy-to-read touch screen controls with LED lights for easy viewing in any light.
While the Viking has a higher wattage, the ZLINE won’t keep you waiting. Its ‘boost’ feature allows for rapid boiling, reportedly 50% faster than comparable models. If you’re looking for the perfect simmer Viking has it under control with their settings that ensure sauces and soups don’t burn. ZLINE, on the other hand, boasts a “Keep Warm Mode” that lets you always serve piping hot dishes without stressing about burning or overcooking.
While both of these cooktops will instantly elevate your cooking experience, they come with vastly different price points. The Viking costs $4,749 while the ZLINE costs a fraction of that, coming in at $1,199.
Viking |
ZLINE |
|
36-Inch Rangetop |
$6,099.00 |
$1,399.00 |
36-Inch Drop-In Gas Cooktop |
$3,309.00 |
$899.00 |
36-Inch Drop-In Induction Cooktop |
$4,749.00 |
$1,199.00 |
Viking and ZLINE Refrigerators: Comparing Freestanding French Door Refrigerator Options
Refrigerators are the heart of any kitchen and they are the first thing many people notice. Make a lasting impression with a sleek professional looking freestanding stainless steel refrigerator. Both the Viking 36-Inch French-Door refrigerator and the ZLINE 36-Inch Freestanding French Door Refrigerator are stunning pieces with freezers on the bottom. Flat doors and counter depth ensure each model fits perfectly into the flow of your kitchen, without sticking out.
Looks aside (because both look absolutely stunning), how does each of these luxury refrigerators do on performance and high-end functions? The Viking model has many features, including an internal water dispenser, odor control technology, a quick-cool compartment, and humidity control. The ZLINE model is ENERGY STAR Certified and features a total of 22.5 cu. ft. capacity (Viking falls short with a 19.8 cu. ft.capacity) with two humidity-controlled crisper drawers and six LED lights throughout the top and doors. Unlike Viking, the ZLINE model also comes with the perk of customizable trim pieces.
In terms of price points, Viking and ZLINE aren’t too far apart given that their products are fairly similar. However, you’ll still save over $500 If you opt for the ZLINE model and that can buy lots of pints of ice cream to stock your new gorgeous fridge with.
Built-In Refrigerator Comparison Viking vs. Zline
Now let’s compare Viking’s 60" Built-In Side by Side Column Refrigerator & Freezer Set to that of ZLINE’s ZLINE 60" Built-In 32.2 cu. ft. 4-Door French Door Refrigerator. Before looking at specs, it’s important to point out that Viking’s model is actually two separate items, a refrigerator and a separate freezer. For some homeowners, this can provide the flexibility that allows you to place each in a separate area. However, others might prefer having a single unit like ZLINE’s.
For this comparison however, we’ll just consider Viking’s model a set and review accordingly. Through this lens, both ZLINE and Viking provide some of the biggest refrigerators on the market, both coming in at 60-inches wide. Their capacity is only a wee bit different, with the Viking model providing 33.7 cu. ft. and the ZLINE just shy at 32.2 cu. ft. The Viking model set features some high-end commercial-style features including its exclusive Bluezone™ Fresh Preservation Technology, which is an air cleaning technology that promises to keep odors down and help food last longer by removing microbes and ethylene gas from the air in the unit. This promises to help extend the life of refrigerated foods. There’s also the PRO CHILL™ temperature management system which includes a quick chill overdrive, precise temperature setting and quiet operations. Viking’s model also features a proprietary fully articulating hinge for smooth opening and closing and seamless integration.
Those are some pretty impressive features. But they come at a VERY hefty price over $20,000, making this one of the most expensive appliances we’ve reviewed. The ZLINE model, of equal size and near identical capacity will save you over $7,000, which is actually the cost of some appliance packages, so this savings is nothing to overlook. ZLINE’s large capacity refrigerator also comes with similar perks, such as customizable facades, separate refrigerator and freezer cooling systems, and user-friendly adjustable temperature controls with a rapid-chill system for an added boost of cooling power. It’s also ENERGY STAR® Rated and features a 2-year parts and labor warranty and a 5-year warranty for its seal system.
Comparing Range Hoods: Viking vs. ZLINE
The ZLINE 36-Inch Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood is an impressive addition to any range. Maintenance is a breeze with the easily removable dishwasher-safe vent filters as well as built in LED that make viewing the fan options effortless. The Viking has these same features and also includes a heat sensor to determine the level of air flow needed. The Viking 36-Inch Chimney Wall Hood gives you the perfect lighting every time thanks to its adjustable dimmer. Their stainless steel finishes make it easy to mix and match your appliances without clashing. Both appliances are easy to install and come with all the necessary pieces for self installation.
ZLINE offers more customization at a much lower price point. Homeowners can choose the perfect hood height for their ceilings. There are options for ceilings between 8 and 12 feet high as well as accommodations for crown molding. Its telescoping chimney allows for a further custom fit. At over $1000 less, it’s hard not to pick the ZLINE in this match-up.
Comparing Viking vs. ZLINE Dishwashers
Sources: Viking and ZLINE
Dishwashers are a workhorse in the kitchen and make clean up so much easier. Having a high-end dishwasher can make this process even more efficient. The Viking 24-Inch Built-in Dishwasher is a popular choice when it comes to high-end dishwashers. Its separate silverware rack is a unique feature that makes cleaning up and putting away dishes more convenient. It also offers a quiet clean mode and room for 16 place settings.
The ZLINE 24-Inch Tallac Series 3rd Rack Dishwasher also delivers a high-end experience with hidden top controls to keep this dishwasher looking clean and modern. With eight different wash cycles and a speed wash cycle, you can be sure that your dishes will be clean without you having to wait around. It also includes extra dry settings and adjustable racks so that you can maximize your space and efficiency. With room for 15 place settings, the ZLINE model will be a welcome addition with a 51 dBA noise level that means you can watch TV while your dishes get clean. At $1,000 less than the comparable Viking model, there’s one other significant difference: customization. The ZLINE model is available in a dozen colors, including matte black, gloss blue and glowing red.
Microwave Drawer Comparison: Viking vs. ZLINE
Microwave drawers combine the convenience of a microwave with modern design. The ZLINE 24" Built-in Microwave Drawer and the Viking Undercounter microwave are both designed for ease of use with a convenient slide out drawer, rather than a heavy door to pull open. They both feature stainless steel construction with LED touch displays on the front for easy viewing. Large windows and dynamic lighting allow you to see your food with ease. Both also have a total capacity of 1.2 cu. ft. and come in at 24 inches wide, making them practically twins to look at. They even have the same 1,000 watts of power.
The Viking offers a child lock that’s perfect for families with small children and the ZLINE boasts an auto-touch close and open feature, which allows you to open or close the microwave easily, even when your hands are full. The ZLINE really sets itself apart with its affordable pricing, coming in at under $1000 less than the nearly identical Viking model.
Viking vs. ZLINE Appliance Package Comparison
Source: Viking and ZLINE
Whether you’re simply replacing all of your appliances or upgrading to the kitchen of your dreams, sometimes it makes more sense to buy your appliances as a package deal. When you’re looking into a package deal, make sure you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. These packages often come in a variety of combinations and adding or taking away a single piece can cost you thousands of dollars.
ZLINE and Viking both offer four-piece appliance packages that include a refrigerator, dishwasher, gas range and hood. It is possible to add on other pieces like a microwave drawer, so leave plenty of time to browse for the appliance suite that’s right for you. Just at a glance you can see the striking difference in prices. With the four-piece ZLINE set, you can actually save over $10,000. And since you’ve already seen how well ZLINE stacks up to Viking in terms of both construction, innovation and appearance, it’s an easy decision to find a clear winner here. Now all you have to do is decide what you’ll do with that extra ten grand!
Final Thoughts on ZLINE versus Viking Kitchen Appliances
Over all, Viking and ZLINE both make very professional looking, high performing appliances. They both include plenty of convenient features and understand their target audience’s needs. Looking over a variety of appliances, it’s obvious that ZLINE is a much more affordable option. In fact, you can enjoy many of the high-end bells and whistles of appliances that are usually double the price. It’s easy to see that ZLINE delivers a high performance product on a budget.
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