Viking cookware is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of cookware products. However, many people are unsure about who makes Viking cookware. The answer to this question is not as straightforward as one might think.
According to the official Viking Culinary Products website, Viking cookware is manufactured by Clipper Corporation. This company is based in California and has been in business for over 70 years. It is a leading supplier of kitchenware products, including cookware, cutlery, and small appliances. Clipper Corporation has the exclusive rights to distribute Viking cookware in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
While Clipper Corporation distributes Viking cookware, the actual manufacturing of the products is done by different companies depending on the specific line of cookware. For example, the Viking 5-Ply Professional stainless line is still made in the USA, while other lines are made in China. Despite the varying manufacturing locations, Viking cookware is known for its high quality and durability, making it a popular choice among home cooks and professional chefs alike.
History of Viking Cookware
Founding of Viking Range Corporation
Viking Range Corporation was founded in 1984 by Fred Carl, Jr. in Greenwood, Mississippi. The company started by manufacturing commercial-grade ranges for home use, which was a first in the United States. The ranges were designed to meet the needs of professional chefs and serious home cooks. The company quickly gained popularity due to the quality and durability of their products.
Viking’s Expansion into Cookware
In addition to ranges, Viking expanded its product line to include cookware. Viking cookware is known for its high-quality construction and professional-grade features. The brand offers multiple collections, from hammered copper clad to blue carbon steel — each with distinct design features. The most popular collection is the Professional 5-Ply, which includes frying pans, saucepans, sauté pans, and stockpots.
Viking cookware is made with a combination of metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. The layers of metal are bonded together to create a durable and heat-efficient cooking surface. Viking cookware is also designed with features like stay-cool handles, tight-fitting lids, and flared edges for easy pouring.
Today, Viking is one of the most trusted world leaders in high-quality cooking lines. The company continues to innovate and expand its product line to meet the needs of professional chefs and home cooks alike.
Types of Viking Cookware
Viking Cookware is known for its high-quality and durability. The brand offers a wide range of cookware options to cater to the different needs of home chefs. Here are the three main types of Viking Cookware:
Stainless Steel Cookware
Viking’s stainless steel cookware is made of high-grade stainless steel material that ensures even heat distribution. The brand offers several collections of stainless steel cookware, including the 3-ply clad stainless, 5-ply clad stainless, and 7-ply clad stainless. The different collections vary in the number of layers of metal used, with the 7-ply being the most advanced. The stainless steel cookware is compatible with all stove tops, including induction.
Cast Iron Cookware
Viking’s cast iron cookware is made of heavy-duty cast iron material that is known for its durability and heat retention capabilities. The brand offers several collections of cast iron cookware, including the cast iron Dutch oven, cast iron skillet, and cast iron grill pan. The cast iron cookware is pre-seasoned with natural oils to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleaning.
Non-Stick Cookware
Viking’s non-stick cookware is made of hard-anodized aluminum with a non-stick cooking surface. The brand offers several collections of non-stick cookware, including the hard-anodized non-stick and the ceramic non-stick. The non-stick cookware is easy to clean and requires less oil for cooking, making it a healthier option. The hard-anodized non-stick cookware is compatible with all stove tops, including induction, while the ceramic non-stick cookware is not compatible with induction.
Quality of Viking Cookware
Materials and Construction
Viking Cookware is made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. The company uses a variety of construction methods, including 3-ply, 5-ply, and 7-ply, to create cookware that is both durable and efficient.
The 3-ply construction features a layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The 5-ply construction adds two more layers of stainless steel to the mix, while the 7-ply construction includes an additional layer of copper for even better heat distribution.
Viking also pays attention to the details of construction, including the handles and lids. The handles are designed for comfort and ease of use, while the lids are crafted to fit snugly and prevent heat from escaping.
Durability
Viking Cookware is known for its durability. The high-quality materials and construction methods used by the company ensure that the cookware will last for years, even with heavy use.
The stainless steel used in Viking Cookware is resistant to corrosion and staining, and the aluminum and copper layers provide extra strength and durability. The cookware is also dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Performance
Viking Cookware is designed with performance in mind. The cookware heats up quickly and evenly, thanks to the high-quality materials and construction methods used by the company.
The cookware is also versatile, suitable for use on a variety of cooking surfaces, including gas, electric, and induction. Whether you are cooking a simple meal or a complex dish, Viking Cookware is up to the task.
Where to Buy Viking Cookware?
When looking to purchase Viking cookware, there are a few options to consider. Viking has its own official website, but the brand can also be found at specialty kitchen stores and online retailers.
Viking’s Official Website
Viking’s official website is a great place to start when looking to purchase their cookware. The website offers a wide variety of cookware collections, including their popular Professional 5-Ply and Contemporary lines. Customers can also find information about the brand’s history, warranty, and customer service.
One advantage of purchasing directly from Viking’s website is that customers can take advantage of any promotions or discounts offered exclusively through the site. Additionally, Viking offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount, which can be a great perk for larger purchases.
Specialty Kitchen Stores
For customers who prefer to see and touch the cookware before making a purchase, specialty kitchen stores can be a great option. Stores like Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table carry Viking cookware and offer knowledgeable staff who can answer questions and provide recommendations.
In-store purchases also allow customers to take advantage of any sales or promotions happening at the time of purchase. However, it’s important to note that prices at specialty stores may be higher than those found online.
Online Retailers
Finally, online retailers like Amazon and Wayfair also carry Viking cookware. These retailers often offer a wider selection of products and competitive pricing.
When purchasing from an online retailer, it’s important to read reviews and check the seller’s reputation to ensure a positive experience. Customers should also be prepared to pay for shipping and wait for the product to arrive, which can take longer than purchasing in-store.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Viking Cookware is a reputable brand that offers a wide range of high-quality cookware products. While some of their products are made in China, their 5-ply Professional stainless line is still made in the USA. This line of cookware is known for its durability, even heating, and large cooking surface.
However, it is important to note that Viking Cookware does not offer nonstick coatings, which may be a drawback for some consumers who prefer easy-to-clean cookware. Additionally, the lack of heat retention in some of their products means that the user needs to pay closer attention and adjust the dial more often.
Overall, Viking Cookware is a solid choice for individuals looking for durable and high-quality cookware. It is important to consider the specific needs and preferences of the user before making a purchase, but Viking Cookware’s reputation for quality and durability make it a great option for many home chefs.
