Viking Cookware: As Good as All-Clad?

Viking is known for luxury appliances, but they also make several lines of cookware and other kitchen tools. The brand is associated with high quality (and high prices), but does the cookware live up to the reputation? And is it still made in the USA? 

Here, we take a detailed look at Viking cookware. We review the different lines and discuss quality, performance, budget, and. more. Find out if Viking is the right cookware for you.

Viking Cookware Lines at a Glance

Viking has several lines of cookware: they are masters at putting out lines that compete with the latest cookware fads, such as hybrid cookware, their newest release. The quality is good, but not all the lines live up to the Viking reputation. We describe each Viking cookware line in the table below. An asterisk indicates a line we recommend.

This is a long review, so if you want to jump to a specific line, use the Table of Contents above.

Prices are approximate and may change.

*Recommended by The Rational Kitchen.

Viking also makes some specialty cookware pieces you can find at different retailers:

Viking roasting pans 

Viking stainless Multipot cooker w/steamer 

Viking 3-ply stock pot 

Viking 8 qt. stove top pressure cooker 

back to top

Who Is Viking?

Viking is an American manufacturer of luxury appliances owned by the Clipper Corporation. They are best known for their commercial-size gas ranges. In addition to ranges, Viking makes refrigerators, range hoods, dishwashers, and outdoor grills and cooking equipment. They've been in business since 1987.

You can read more about Viking appliances at their website.

Viking cookware is made by a subdivision of Viking called Viking Culinary. In addition to cookware lines, Viking sells bakeware, knives, stainless steel utensils, and heavy duty pot racks. 

back to top

Is Viking Cookware Made in the USA?

People assume that Viking cookware is made in the USA. Today, only one line is: the Viking 5-ply stainless Professional line. All other Viking cookware is now made in China, including the Titanium line, the new high-end PerformanceTi line, and the new Hybrid Plus line.

If you want to buy American-made cookware, the Professional 5-Ply line is the only Viking option. 

see viking professional cookware on amazon

back to top

What to Look for When Buying Cookware

We go into detail about how to buy cookware--especially clad stainless cookware--in other articles, such as A Guide to Induction Cookware, Stainless Steel Cookware Sets: A Detailed Buying Guide, and The Top 5 Brands of Stainless Steel Cookware. 

In short, the factors we look at are:

back to top

*Review: Viking 3-Ply Contemporary Clad Stainless Steel Cookware

See Viking Contemporary 10pc set on Amazon 

See all buying Viking Contemporary options on Amazon

See Contemporary at Viking

Features

The first thing you notice about Viking Contemporary is how solid and well-built it feels. Or maybe that's the second thing after you notice how attractive it is, with its high gloss finish, bold signature Viking handle, and modern "Windsor" style angled walls.

The 10 piece set includes: 

If you want a bigger skillet, you can buy a Contemporary 12-inch skillet separately.

Other open stock pieces are available, including a Viking steamer insert that works with 2-4 quart Viking sauce pans. (See steamer insert on Amazon)

The 3.6 quart deep sauté pan is a great piece.

What we liked:

The Contemporary pans have sides that angle outward in a Windsor design. This increases the amount of flat cooking surface: the 10-inch skillet's bottom surface is just over 8 inches (likewise, the 8-inch skillet has about a 6-inch cooking surface and the 12-inch has about a 10-inch cooking surface). 

The angled sides make it easy to get a turner in to flip food. 

The pans are heavy: the 10-inch skillet weighs almost 3 pounds (compare that to the All-Clad D3 10-inch skillet, which weighs just over 2 pounds). This is an indication of high quality cookware.

Contemporary pans are thicker than All-Clad D3: 3mm versus 2.6mm. This extra thickness means more aluminum, more even heating and better heat retention than D3. Our testing bore this out: these pans heat as evenly as D3 and hang onto heat longer. 

The pans are completely sealed, so there's no aluminum visible around the edge. This makes them dishwasher safe. 

The volume marks on the deeper pots are great. 

What we didn't like: 

You can see in the photo how high the handles arc above the pans. The tall handle stays cooler on a gas range, but some testers found the height made the pans hard to handle. 

We also don't like the vented glass lids. Stainless lids are more durable, and though the vents help prevent boil overs, you can't build pressure when you want to. Pressure helps food cook faster. 

Performance and Handling

We tested the 10-inch Viking Contemporary skillet and overall were pleased with the performance. The pan heated evenly, and heat retention was good. The temperature didn't crash too badly when we added food to the pan.

We pan seared a steak and got good results:

We made a stir fry, scrambled eggs, burgers, chicken breasts, and more, all with good results. Heat-up time was good and the heat was even. 

There was some sticking with the eggs (scrambled), but that is to be expected with stainless. Butter kept sticking to a minimum. 

Cleanup was easy. You can use an abrasive scrubby pad, which made quick work of the scrambled egg residue.

The handle is comfortable, looks good and makes it easy to stabilize the pot. However, as we mentioned, it's tall, and some testers thought it made the pan harder to use. On smaller pans, you may find the handle weight pulls the pan over so it doesn't sit levelly. (We didn't have this issue, but some Amazon reviewers did.)

We like that the deep sauté pan has a helper handle, but the 12-inch skillet should have one, as well.

Pros and Cons

Recommendation

Recommended, with a few reservations.

We were surprised how much we liked this cookware. It's beautiful, cooks evenly, and is built like a tank. It's expensive for Chinese-made cookware, but the quality is good. It should last a lifetime. 

buy Viking Contemporary cookware:

Other Viking Tri-Ply Options

Some Viking 3-ply are available on Amazon that are not Contemporary. Some may be from the Sam's Club set, and some may be the last pieces of US-made 3-ply still around. It's hard to know for sure, but here are the links.

See 13pc viking 3-ply set at Sam's Club 

see 17pc viking 3-ply set on amazon

back to top

Review: Viking 5-Ply Professional Clad Stainless Steel

See 10pc set of Viking Professional 5-ply on Amazon 

See 5pc set of Viking Professional 5-ply on Amazon

See all Professional 5-ply buying options on Amazon

See Professional 5-ply cookware at Viking.com

10 piece set about $900

Features

The Viking Professional line is Viking's flagship cookware line: built in the USA, with features desired by professional chefs, such as stainless lids and NSF certification. Unfortunately, the Professional pans are disappointing.

They're only 2.5mm thick--compare this to All-Clad D3's wall thickness of 2.6mm, the standard against which all clad stainless cookware is measured. At 2.5mm, Viking Professional is closer to a mid-level cookware brand (like Calphalon).

The 10-inch skillet weighs 2 lbs, 10 ounces. This is more than the All-Clad D3 10-inch skillet, which weighs about 2 lbs, 4 oz. But because the walls are thinner, we attribute the weight to the heavier Viking handle. 

Some reviewers complained that the handle made the 10-inch skillet not sit level, but in our testing, the skillet sat level when empty. 

The 10 piece set:

The 5 piece set: 

Performance and Handling

The pans are too thin to heat well. They did okay, but there are other brands that perform as well for less, including All-Clad D3.

We used the 10-inch skillet to sear steaks, stir-fry, make scrambled eggs, burgers, chicken breasts, and more. High heat searing produced a decent crust, but if you're looking for a good steak pan, you're better off with a $25 Lodge cast iron skillet.

Cleanup was fine. The stir-fry residue cleaned off easily, and the eggs came off with a scrubby pad. 

The stainless lids are great, with comfy handles and a snug fit. We like the Viking handle, which stays cooler than other brands on a gas range because it's so tall. It's comfortable and easy to grip. Some testers found the handle too tall, but most of us thought it was one of the best features on all the Viking cookware. 

The 12-inch skillet should have a helper handle (as found on All-Clad skillets). This is kind of a big miss on a pan that costs close to $200. 

Pros and Cons

Recommendation

Not recommended due to high cost and okay-but-not-great heating.

At this price, go with All-Clad Copper Core, Demeyere Industry 5, Demeyere Atlantis, or save and go with All-Clad D3. 

Buy Viking 5-ply professional cookware on amazon:

back to top

Review: Viking Hard-Anodized Nonstick

See all Viking Hard Anodized Nonstick buying options on Amazon

See Viking Hard Anodized Nonstick at Viking.com

About $100 for 10"/12" skillet set

About $380 for 10 piece set

read our statement about nonstick cookware

Features

The Viking Hard Anodized Nonstick cookware is good quality, heavy duty anodized aluminum on the outside, a thick layer of aluminum that's covered with 3 layers of PTFE ("Teflon") coating; about 3mm thick.

This is good, but similar to other nonstick pans we like that are cheaper. 

The set price is higher partially because the Viking skillets are bigger: you get a 10-inch/12-inch combo in the 10 piece set, and the 2-piece combo sold separately also includes two big skillets; if you want the 8-inch skillet, you have to buy it separately. 

However, the Viking 8-inch nonstick skillet goes for around $50--about the same as All-Clad's 8-inch/10-inch Essentials set.

The glass lids are not vented, as they are on some other Viking lines.

We recommend buying skillets only, which benefit the most from a nonstick coating.

The 10-piece set of Viking Hard Anodized Nonstick cookware contains:

Viking makes a steamer insert that works with all of their 2-4 quart saucepans. A steamer insert is an excellent piece that you will likely get a lot of use out of. (See steamer insert on Amazon)

Performance and Handling

Viking Hard Anodized nonstick performed well. The handles were less tall than on other Viking lines, were comfortable and had good grip. 

We made fried eggs, scrambled eggs, and fish--the foods we use a nonstick skillet for--and all came out well. Eggs didn't stick at all. Pans heated quickly and evenly. Residue wiped out easily. 

Performance-wise, these pans are as good as any nonstick we've tested. But they're not any better than brands that cost less. 

Pros and Cons

Recommendation

Viking Hard Anodized Nonstick is as good as any nonstick cookware we've tested but it's no better than less expensive brands like Anolon Copper Nouvelle. The skillet set contains two large skillets (10 in./12 in.), which is great, but more expensive. Get skillets, not a whole set.

Buy Viking hard anodized nonstick cookware:

back to top

Review: Viking Cast Iron Skillets and Dutch Ovens

You can see in the photos above that the skillet cooking surface is enameled, but so is the exterior. Viking uses a matte enamel for the outside which makes them look like bare cast iron. 

(The only non-enameled Viking cast iron we've found is the reversible griddle, which is a nice product but costs almost twice what the Lodge griddle of the same size costs.)

No seasoning is required, and they won't rust. 

Viking calls the enamel "stick resistant," another way of saying it's not nonstick. Enameled cast iron of isn't the same as the nonstick ceramic found on brands like GreenPan. 

Viking's enamel is oven safe to 400F--that's low for enameled cast iron, and is a big miss for a cast iron product, which should be safe at any kitchen temperature. 

see our enameled dutch oven review for more information

Performance and Handling

Other than the low heat limit, the performance and handling of Viking cast iron cookware is similar to other cast iron brands we've tested. Because cast iron is cast iron no matter how much you pay for it. You get durability, slow heating (because of the mass), and exceptional heat retention, making it excellent for high-heat searing and frying (skillets), and braising, bread baking, and deep frying (Dutch ovens).

Pros and Cons

Recommendation

The quality is good and the design is attractive, but the 400F max temperature limits the versatility of this cookware, so we can't recommend it.

The un-enameled reversible griddle is nice, but you can buy a Lodge griddle of the same size for less than half the price--and the Lodge griddle is made in the US.

Buy Viking cast iron cookware:

back to top

Review: Viking Carbon Steel Skillets

See Viking carbon steel skillet set on Amazon

See 10-inch Viking carbon steel skillet on Amazon

See 12-inch Viking carbon steel skillet on Amazon 

See Viking carbon steel skillets at Viking.com

About $100 for 10"/12" set

Features

If you want cast iron heat retention in a lighter pan, carbon steel is the way to go. The heat retention won't be quite as good, but it will be better than aluminum and better than most brands of clad stainless steel.

What we liked:

The stainless handle is a nice feature: it looks good and decreases the weight slightly. Pan shape is excellent for frying and sautéing, and the seasoned cooking surface gets better with use. At about 2mm thick, they're pretty standard gauge for carbon steel skillets, which range from about 1.5mm-3mm thick. 2mm is a sweet spot for carbon steel that provides decent heat retention without being too heavy. 

After several uses and a chance to develop seasoning, the pan did a great job with eggs. Both fried and scrambled cooked evenly and slid right out. 

The seasoned pans are easy to clean. Blue carbon inhibits rusting, but you still need to dry the pans thoroughly after washing. 

These pans are surprisingly light--2.7 and 3.5 pounds respectively. 

What we didn't like:

The 450F oven temp rating is too low. Carbon steel, like cast iron, shouldn't have heat restrictions. In all our years of cookware testing, this is the only carbon steel pan we've seen that has a heat restriction this low.

These pans are labeled "pre-seasoned" but they need more seasoning before use. This is true for most carbon steel pans, so it's not a big drawback. 

This is a minor point, but you can find carbon steel with welded handles that have no rivets to clean around. 

Performance and Handling

The stainless handle doesn't stay as cool on gas as Viking claims, but there's no such thing as a truly stay-cool handle on a gas stovetop. 

After a few seasonings and several uses, the pan became nonstick: eggs slid out of it with almost no residue, performing almost as well as new PTFE nonstick.

To sear a steak, we heated the pan considerably higher than recommended by Viking (about 580F), and the sear was excellent, with no visible damage to the pan. We can't recommend that buyers do this; it may not be safe for reasons we don't understand. 

Pros and Cons

Recommendation

Not recommended. We liked cooking with these pans, but the 450F oven rating is too low for carbon steel.

They can't compete with other carbon steel skillets, most of which have no upper temperature limit.

Buy Viking carbon steel skillets:

back to top

*Review: Viking 2-Ply Hard Stainless/3-Ply Black and Copper

NOTE: The 2-ply is no longer on Viking site, so is probably discontinued.

See Viking 2-ply set at Sur la Table (stainless lids, about $700)

See 3-ply black and copper 11 piece set on Amazon (glass lids, about $800)

See 3-ply black and copper 11 piece set at Viking.com  (glass lids, about $800)

Features

These pans are great for someone looking for a colorful option. The 2-ply sets come in red or blue, and the anodized aluminum set is black with copper-colored handles. The black and copper is 3-ply, but the exterior layer is anodized aluminum, so it is has essentially the same properties as 2-ply aluminum/steel.

But for us, performance is the reason to go with aluminum/stainless cookware. The body of the cookware is thick aluminum with excellent heating.

These pans are induction compatible.

The Sur la Table set has stainless lids, but we've seen these sets with glass lids as well for a lower price. We prefer stainless lids, but it's hard to recommend them when you can get the same set for about half the cost with glass lids (if you can find it).

The black and copper set is expensive for a set with glass lids, but it's great cookware.

Performance and Handling

These pans are excellent to cook with. The aluminum heats quickly and evenly. The stainless cooking surface is non-reactive and durable. The coated exterior adds color and makes these pans dishwasher safe (the red and blue sets are dishwasher safe, but not the black and copper). 

We don't recommend this line for searing steaks, as aluminum's strength is in its speedy heat and response times, but they'll work in a pinch because the aluminum is thick enough to hang onto heat pretty well.

The steamer insert is a great piece. Overall, the pieces in these sets are good sizes and most cooks will get plenty of use out of them. 

Note that the black and copper set has 10"/12" skillets, while the red/blue set has 8"/10" skillets. The black and copper set is also oven safe to 600F vs. 400F for the other set (probably because of the paint).

For all-purpose cookware you'll use for the majority of your cooking tasks, these sets are both great choices. 

Pros and Cons

Recommendation

Recommended for anyone who wants colored cookware that isn't nonstick. Performance and build quality are excellent. 

These are great sets with fast, even heating and all the features of clad stainless cookware, including induction compatibility. The pieces are a good size--especially the large skillets in the black and copper set--and the steamer insert is great. The 400F oven temp limit is a drawback for the red/blue set.

buy viking 2-ply 11 PC cookware set (stainless lids):

buy viking black and copper 11 piece set:

back to top

Review: Viking 7-Ply 10 Piece Titanium Cookware Set

See Viking Titanium 7-Ply 10 piece cookware set at Sur la Table

See Viking Titanium 7-Ply 10 piece cookware set at Viking.com

About $1500 for 10 piece set

Features

Note: this Viking steamer insert will fit any 2-4 quart Viking sauce pans and is an excellent piece.

At one time, Viking's 7-ply set was made in Belgium by Demeyere but is now made in China (not by Demeyere). Viking Titanium has some interesting features, but much like Viking's flagship Professional line (reviewed above), we were disappointed with it.

What we liked:

Unlike most cookware with the word "titanium" in the name, this 7-ply set from Viking actually has a titanium cooking surface. This is the primary feature that sets it apart from other clad stainless cookware.

Because of all the nonstick marketing you've seen, you may believe titanium is nonstick, but it isn't. Titanium is similar to stainless steel in appearance and performance, but about 45% lighter. Like stainless steel, it's sticky to cook on. 

Viking claims that titanium has "a natural inhibitor that has an antibacterial effect." We haven't been able to substantiate this, but can say that titanium is non-reactive once it forms its titanium oxide surface, which is pretty much immediately upon contact with air (what you perceive as pure titanium is really titanium oxide, the oxidized surface of titanium). This means you'll have almost no discoloration, pitting, or corrosion, even from highly acidic or alkaline foods, or anything else that can be hard on stainless cookware.

Also, the titanium cooking surface contains no nickel. So if you are concerned about consuming too much nickel, these pans are a good alternative to clad stainless steel cookware.

We like the large skillets included in the set and the large, deep sauté pan, which is a versatile piece.

What we didn't like:

Our biggest complaint about the Viking Titanium is its thinness: this cookware is only 2.5mm thick, which is thinner than All-Clad D3 and costs twice as much. 

The thin layer of titanium is partially responsible for the thinness of this cookware. But good cookware needs a substantial amount of aluminum (or copper) to provide the heating you would expect at this price point--the amounts you see in Demeyere's cookware, for example (some Demeyere pieces have 75% percent more aluminum than All-Clad D3 or D5). Titanium doesn't have good heating properties, so this cookware should have a substantial aluminum core to provide good heating, but it's just average.

At around $1500 for the 10 piece set--and no open stock pieces available that we've found--this set is pricier than a 10-piece set of All-Clad Copper Core. There's not a lot that makes it worth this price.

The 10 piece set of Titanium cookware contains:

This is sturdy, attractive cookware, but if you want to spend this kind of dough, there are better options. 

Performance and Handling

These pans were similar to the Viking Professional cookware in use, which makes sense because they have a similar build quality. They were fine for most kitchen tasks, but not heavy enough to hang onto heat as well as you expect at this price.

The titanium surface is similar to stainless steel: sticky.

Overall, the performance wasn't bad, but nowhere near what you should get at this price.

We weren't crazy about the rounded bottoms on every pan, including the sauté pan. They were nice on the sauce pans, but the sauté pan lacked flat cooking surface because of the curved bottoms. Not a huge issue, but noticeable.

Pros and Cons

Recommendation

Not recommended. People who buy this set will probably be trying to avoid nickel yet still get great quality cookware. If you aren't concerned about nickel, All-Clad Copper Core or Demeyere Industry 5 are both less expensive options and better quality. If you're concerned about nickel and have a big budget, we recommend Hestan NanoBond. 

Buy Viking 7-ply titanium stainless cookware:

*Review: Viking 5-Ply Hard Stainless

See 10 piece set on Amazon 

See 10 piece set at Viking

About $800 for a 10 piece set

Features

This set is closest to All-Clad's discontinued LTD2 line. With a hard anodized exterior and 3 internal layers of aluminum, this set offers superb heating performance. Unlike All-Clad's LTD2 line, the Viking Hard Stainless is induction compatible.

There are pros and cons to anodized aluminum cookware. Pros are that anodized aluminum is extremely durable and that it improves the heating performance (stainless steel doesn't). Cons are that it must be hand washed because the dishwasher will discolor it. 

We like the hard-anodized exterior because of its durability, heating properties, and neutral color that goes in any kitchen. You may prefer the 2-ply line reviewed above that comes in red or blue.

Do not confuse the Hard Stainless with Viking's Hard Anodized Nonstick line, reviewed above; though the appearance is similar, the Hard Stainless has no nonstick pieces, and the lids are stainless steel rather than the glass ones on the nonstick set. However, if you want to expand either set with different pieces, they look enough alike that they could pass for being from the same set.

The 10 piece set (if you can find it) has:

A steamer insert is an excellent add-on that you will get a lot of use out of. 

Performance and Handling

We couldn't get our hands on a skillet so we tested the 3 quart sauté pan. Loved the helper handle and stainless lid. Loved that the 3 quart sauté pan had volume markings inside. Loved that even though it wasn't too heavy, it heated fast and evenly.

Also liked the handle, which isn't as tall as on some other Viking lines and has a more round than flat shape. It's comfortable and easy to grip.

Most of all, loved the performance: it heated up surprisingly quickly for how thick it is. It hung onto heat for a good amount of time, too: though this is not aluminum's strong suit, the mass allowed for pretty good heat retention.

In short, this cookware is superb for most tasks. You may want a nonstick or carbon steel skillet for eggs and fish (as always, the stainless is a little sticky without a butter or oil), but for everything else we found this cookware a joy to use. 

Pros and Cons

Recommendation

Recommended: Buy it if you can find it. It's expensive, especially for cookware imported from China, but this cookware will last forever and performs wonderfully.

Buy Viking 5-ply hard stainless cookware:

back to top

Review: Viking 3-Ply 13 Piece Copper Cookware Set

See Viking 3-ply Copper 13pc cookware set on Amazon

See Viking 3-ply Copper 13pc cookware set at Sam's Club (best price!)

Features

Whenever we review tri-ply copper cookware, we know we're in for a challenge. Tri-ply copper cookware typically has:

• a copper exterior
• an internal layer of aluminum, and
• a stainless steel cooking surface. 

But actual configuration varies among brands, so it can be tricky to know how much actual copper a tri-ply piece really has.

Some brands have a thick layer of a millimeter or more, while some (probably most) have just copper electroplating, which adds that gorgeous copper color but isn't thick enough to add copper's excellent heating properties (the heating properties come from the aluminum).

see our copper cookware review to learn more about choosing copper cookware

Even if copper-plated, this doesn't mean cookware is poor quality or is going to perform poorly. A thick layer of aluminum provides good heating performance, even if the copper is too thin to have an effect. But there are a few problems with electro-plated "tri-ply" copper cookware that are important to understand.

One problem is that electroplating can wear off easily--sometimes with just one use or wash. The quality of electroplating can vary: in some cases, you can scratch the copper coating off with your fingernail.

Another problem is that buyers can think they're getting something they're not. If they're buying for copper performance, they'll be disappointed, because they're actually getting aluminum performance--which may not be bad, but it shouldn't demand the premium price of copper. 

Even if you're buying for the beauty of the copper, you'll be disappointed when the plating scrubs or cooks off the pans, which will eventually happen even with good quality electroplating.

So if tri-ply copper cookware is electroplated rather than having an actual layer of copper, buyers are likely to be disappointed.

If manufacturers don't supply configuration information--and most do not--it can be hard to determine without slicing a pan open and measuring the layers. However, there are some clues that can help us tell:

• Thinness: How easy the copper coating comes off the pan.
• Weight: Copper weighs more than aluminum, so a heavier pan means a higher copper content.
• Price: High copper content is always going to cost more.
• Performance: High copper content results in more responsive, more even heating than aluminum.
• Appearance: You can sometimes see the layers if the edges aren't rolled over or sealed.

The last one, appearance, is one of the easiest to see, and the first one we used when looking at the Viking tri-ply copper cookware. Here's a closeup of the Viking tri-ply copper pan showing the stainless and aluminum layers:

Because the other layers are visible but the copper is not, we suspect the Viking cookware is copper-plated. Several reviewers also complained of the copper coming off with one use, also making us think this is the case.

The price is another clue that these pans are merely copper-plated. $300 is a lot to pay for a set of cookware, especially Viking cookware. But it really is not; even good quality clad stainless cookware sets cost around this much (and some much more).

If a 6- or more piece set of tri-ply copper cookware is less than about $700, you're probably not getting much copper in the set.

This is the case with the Viking Tri-Ply Copper cookware. The copper layer is very thin and won't contribute much to the heating properties. And because the copper layer is so thin, it's going to scrub or cook off rather quickly unless you are very careful with it.

Copper is beautiful, but even if you just want it for its gorgeous looks (and not performance), you will probably be disappointed in this Viking Tri-Ply Copper set.

There seems to be no open stock pieces available, so if you want to expand the set, you'll have a hard time finding matching pieces. 

The 13 piece set has:

Viking also makes a steamer insert that works with their 2-4 quart saucepans. A steamer insert is an excellent piece that you will likely get a lot of use out of. (See the Viking steamer insert on Amazon.)

Performance and Handling

We were careful using this cookware because of what we'd read about the copper coloring coming off so easily. We used only low heat settings to cook eggs, and did no more testing than that. With butter in the pan, scrambled eggs still left a bit of a residue, very typical of stainless cookware (no worse than usual).

Overall, heating performance was good--even at low heat, the pan heated evenly, but was no better than most other aluminum cookware we've tested (though prettier). We hate the thought of people buying these pans because they think they're getting copper performance. They heat like decent quality aluminum cookware, but not like copper.

We like the handle, though it's a little tall. We prefer stainless lids and non-vented glass lids. We loved the 5-quart deep sauté pan: it's a useful piece for most people.

Pros and Cons

Recommendation

Not recommended: This is almost certainly electroplated copper, meaning that you get the looks but not the performance of copper (reflected in the low price). If you want copper performance, you have to spend significantly more, and even if you only care about the appearance, it's not going to last because the copper plating is going to wear off.

We suggest you go with a real copper brand like Mauviel and skip the tri-ply copper altogether, unless the maker tells you what you're paying for. Or, if you want durable cookware, clad stainless is the better choice, and lower maintenance. 

Buy Viking 3-ply copper cookware:

back to top

Review: Viking PerformanceTi

See Viking PerformanceTi at Sur la Table

See Viking PerformanceTi at Viking

12 piece set about $1500

10-inch skillet about $280

Features

PerformanceTi is a new line, released in July, 2023. We haven't tested it yet, but if it does what it says, it will revolutionize the nonstick cookware industry: It is supposedly a nonstick cooking surface that is free of chemicals and toxins, or at least, it's "nonstick" once it's seasoned, and this is real seasoning, as you would do to a cast iron pan, not "seasoning" recommended for nonstick coatings. 

It seems similar to Hestan NanoBond, but that is not marketed as nonstick. It's very expensive, so it should do what it says. Reviews are few and far between, and they've been at both ends of the spectrum: some say it's great, some say it's crap. User expectations probably have a lot to do with whether people like the cookware or not. 

Since these pans require seasoning, like cast iron and carbon steel, we suspect it's not actually a nonstick surface, but rather, a stick-resistant surface. Which can be quite excellent, but you can get that same excellence in a $30 cast iron pan. 

We like the design. The skillets have a lot of flat cooking surface and the set pieces are good-sized. There's just a 12-piece available, which has: 

• 8-inch skillet
• 10-inch skillet with lid
• 2-quart saucepan with lid
• 3-quart saucepan with lid
• 4.5-quart deep sauté pan with lid
• 5-quart Dutch oven with lid
• Steamer insert fits both saucepans.

Features:

Recommendation for Viking PerformanceTi Cookware

Since we haven't tested PerformanceTi cookware yet, we can't give a recommendation. It's expensive, and you can probably get a similar performance from seasoned cast iron.

buy viking performanceti cookware:

back to top

Viking Hybrid Plus Cookware 

See it on Amazon

See it at Sur la Table

See it at Viking

10-inch skillet about $110

12-inch skillet about $130

9.5-inch/11-inch skillet set about $200

Features

Viking is a master at good quality knockoffs. First they did tri-ply like All-Clad D3, then 5-ply like All-Clad D5, a 7-ply line that was made by Demeyere (but now made in China). This latest knockoff is meant to mimic Hexclad, which for some reason has become a popular brand, despite its many shortcomings (see our Hexclad review for more information). 

Features:

Recommendation

Not recommended. Hybrid Plus is an overpriced Hexclad knockoff (also an overpriced brand).

buy viking hybrid plus cookware:

Viking Cookware FAQs

Here are commonly asked questions about Viking cookware.

Is Viking Cookware Good Quality?

Yes, Viking cookware is good quality. Even the lines made in China are well made and durable, and their nonstick is as good as any on the market.

Where is Viking Cookware Made?

Viking's 5-ply Professional line is made in the USA; all other lines are now made in China.

Viking used to have a 3-ply line made in the US but that has been discontinued. Their 7-ply Titanium line was once made in Belgium by Demeyere but is now made in China.

Is Viking Cookware Oven Safe?

All of Viking's cookware lines (and lids) are oven safe, but the max temp varies from line to line, so be sure to check the maximum temp for the line you buy.

Is Viking Cookware Safe to Use?

Yes. Viking cookware is as safe as other brands of clad stainless, cast iron, carbon steel, and nonstick cookware on the market.

Is Viking's PFOA-Free Nonstick Safer than Other Brands?

Nonstick coatings are made by a few manufacturers and sold to cookware companies. There are hundreds of different brands, but they are all made in the same factories around the world. All cookware sold in the US today is PFOA-free, and most makers have replaced the PFOA with GenX, a similar chemical. So the short answer is no, Viking's PFOA-free nonstick is no safer than other brands; for humans or for the environment.

Where Can You Buy Viking Cookware?

Viking's clad stainless lines are widely available at kitchen stores, at big box stores, and on Amazon. Some of their other lines can be harder to find, but you see all of their lines at Vikingculinaryproducts.com.

Products can go in and out of stock frequently, so check all the buying options; prices can vary too.

What Is the Warranty on Viking Cookware?

All Viking cookware has a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

back to top

Final Thoughts Viking Cookware

Viking cookware is good quality, but it doesn't always deliver on its luxury brand reputation. When you think you're paying for premium quality cookware, in most cases you're getting average or slightly-better-than-average quality and performance. All Viking cookware except the Professional 5-ply line is now made in China. 

We recommend the 3-ply Contemporary line and the 2-ply and 5-ply hard stainless lines with aluminum exteriors. These lines provide the best heating at the best prices. The other Viking lines are overpriced for made-in-China cookware that doesn't provide superior heating.

Thanks for reading!

back to top

Help other people find the right cookware, too! please share this article: