Boy do I ever dissagree with some of the advice here. Let me start by saying I actually own a Viking. So many seem to have this strong opinion about them that have probably never used one. Mine us ten years old. Prior to that I was buying a new range every 5 years and with Kitchen Aid I needed to buy an extended service contract just to get through the five years. My 30" open burner self cleaning Viking was a little over 4k at the time. They are acutually a little less now. I have probably spent a total of $500 in repairs over the ten years and that includes one new spark module.
The electronic ignition is the weak point in any brand. If you keep it more than five years you will probably replace that part.
Viking probably has the largest dealer and service network for any commercial style range.
I put a Blue Star in a second home and had nothing but service head aches. Make sure you check for service availability before you buy no matter what the brand is. Viking and Wolf have gone to sealed burners only on the self cleaning models in the 30". I have no idea what size the OP was after but I thought I'd weigh in as an actual Viking owner with a positive experience.
I think we all know Viking dish machines and fridges are made by other companies with the Viking label. Viking makes all of their own ranges and cook tops and they now have a true professional line although it has sealed burners.  |