induction range choice

15 years ago

to spend or not

I've never been a fan of Viking. Heard so many awful reliability issues over the years. But...big but... it seems like Viking took a licking and kept at it to improve things. The pro line now offers a 3-year bumper to bumper warranty (read that here somewhere and the Viking website confirms it, plus 5-year surface/tube burnersplus a 10-year oven warranty - new as of May 1,2011).

So...when attempting to decide on kitchen appliances I don't really have room for a cooktop and an oven and a mw. I'd found and fallen in love with an Aga. Then came across induction. Now I think I'd lean towards induction. And the Viking offers so many pretty colors (not sure if DH or the pocketbook can handle pretty) plus it fits the need.

Electrolux also offers a range. Either way I would want an induction + range. And the size is only 30-inches.

Decisions. Granted I know so many GWs don't like Viking probably because of past issues...how are they doing now? Anyone currently own one? Recommendations? What about the elux. And yes I've done a google search and most of the Viking comments are from '07 or '08 and the Elux had oven temp issues a year ago. I do realize that there are a few other makers of the induction range, but for some reason or another they've been crossed off the list. And yes, theinductionsite does not recommend Viking. So why am I still thinking it? I'm not a big fan of stainless steel and this way I can avoid a full kitchen of ss. And the new warranty.

Viking Model VISC5304 or Elux EW 30IS65JS

Thoughts/comments/concerns on either? I just can't find any current reviews to see if things really have changed.

TIA

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

cabexbx
15 years ago
We ruled out both and were planning on doing a induction cooktop over a single wall oven. Our plans have changed since then, but we decided against both for the following reasons.

Viking - the large hob is only 8" so it wouldn't work with many of our larger pots and pans.

Electrolux - nothing terrible about the E'lux, but we felt like we could get a more custom look if we went with the separate cooktop and oven and spend about the same kind of money.

If I was choosing between the two, I'd go with the E'lux mainly due to price and perceived reliability.

I just wish there were more choices in induction ranges. I'm sure there will be over time, but that doesn't help us right now, does it? :-)

Good luck with your decision.
chac_mool
15 years ago
I'm happy with my Eluctrolux slide-in induction range (the model you mention, above). Getting a range was my second choice, but there wasn't enough room for an induction cooktop plus separate convection oven. I heard about the Viking, but never seriously considered it.

I really like cooking on induction hobs. The larger upper oven is fine, but my smaller Miele speed oven gets more frequent use. The tiny lower oven is fine, too, if you think of it as a warming oven. People who expected to actually bake cakes and stuff in their lower oven were disappointed. My expectations were lower, and haven't been dashed.

Overall, I've been very happy with this range for close to a year now -- although there are some peculiar installation issues you should read about. Given enough room, a cooktop and oven might be preferable since separate appliances give more options.
Related Professionals
Brunswick Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Alexandria Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Charleston Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Twin Falls Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Billings Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Macon Bathroom Remodelers · Cherry Hill Bathroom Remodelers · Oklahoma City Bathroom Remodelers · Chicago Bathroom Remodelers · Buffalo Bathroom Remodelers · Youngstown Bathroom Remodelers · Marinette Bathroom Remodelers · Vancouver Bathroom Remodelers · Palm Bay Kitchen Remodelers · Fergus Falls Kitchen Remodelers
cosmocat
Original Author
15 years ago
8-inch hob seems rather small...hmmm.

Like the elux.

Not a fan of stainless tho. hmmmm.

But I can save $5k going with the elux. No brainer I guess. AJ madison has good rating for it. Or most seem to like it with a few saying it didn't work, or suffered from uneven heating.

Why can't appliance makers make something that lasts?
chac_mool
15 years ago
Some problems with the Elux induction range had to do with the earliest version(s) of their control board, which was upgraded by June 2010 or so -- as I recall, the slide-in range came out around March 2010.

I'm not certain of this, but you might see if most of the reported problems (e.g., on AJ Madison's site) seem to concern the earlier models.