If you’re currently in the market to buy a new outdoor grill… you’ll quickly be surprised by the sheer amount of options available.
It’s not just Weber that’s in the game anymore.
As you’ve seen, even popular indoor appliance manufacturers are seeking to cash in on the ever-growing market of passionate grillers.
In your search, you’ve encountered both Viking outdoor grills and Wolf outdoor grills.
You know both brands have made a great name for themselves with indoor appliances… so it’s natural to assume their outdoor grills are just as good.
But you know what they say about assuming things. Can we really leave the decision down to trust?
At least for us, we don’t believe so. And you must not, either… otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this article!
In the following sections, we’ll be providing you with in-depth information on both grill brands… so by the time you’re through, you’ll have an idea if either option is best for your needs.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
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Brand Introduction: Who are Viking and Wolf?
Viking and Wolf hardly need any introduction… but for the uninitiated, both are well-known luxury gas range and indoor appliance brands.
Wolf ranges and Viking ranges are often pitted against each other… so it’s not surprising to see them have a grill showdown as well!
In addition to their rangetops/cooktops and grills, both brands also produce wall ovens, convection ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Wolf produces refrigerators under the name Sub Zero, and dishwashers under the name Cove.
Point is, these are both established brands that have expanded their product line in recent years. Does their luxury reputation extend to the outdoor space as well?
Let’s find out if these grills will turn you into a masterful home chef.
Outdoor Viking Grill Sizes
For Viking outdoor grills, you’ll find quite a few size options at your disposal.
Both freestanding and built-in versions are available in 30”, 36”, 42”, and 54” sizes.
In ascending order, each of these grills will include 2, 3, or 4 gas burners. (The 36” and 42” models will both include 3 burners.)
So whether you’re looking for a modest grill that can cook for 1-2 people, or a massive grill that can feed a crowd… Viking professional outdoor grills have plenty of options in this regard!
Viking Outdoor BBQ Grills Features
Now, let’s move onto the features. What do Viking outdoor barbecue grills pack under the hood?
Actually, let’s start with the hood.
Viking manufactures their grills with solid welds on the hood. Not only does this create a streamlined, professional finish… it also helps prevent rust and corrosion buildup from water exposure.
Another unique feature of Viking grills is the notching on the back of each grill hood. These notches help divert wind when you’re cooking, which helps prevent flame-outs.
All Viking grills will also come with spring assisted hoods, ceramic briquettes for better heat distribution, and solid brass burners.
Additionally, every Viking grill will come with a ProSear burner. These infrared burners are excellent for searing steaks… and can operate at temperatures ranging from 300°F – 1,000°F.
Features are looking good, but are the materials up to snuff too?
Viking Grill Outdoor Materials
Unfortunately, Viking outdoor gas grills aren’t cut and dry when it comes to materials.
We know that the burners are made from solid brass… and that the grills themselves are made from 16-gauge stainless steel.
But what kind of stainless steel is used?
After much searching and scouring… we’ve still come up dry.
This is important information to uncover! Stainless steel grades vary widely when it comes to longevity and durability.
For us, we consider 304 grade stainless steel to be the gold standard for outdoor grills. (304 grade provides superior resistance to rust and corrosion.)
If Viking does in fact use 304 for their grills, that’s fantastic! But you will need to separately verify this with Viking’s team.
Viking Grills Outdoor Warranty
As far as the warranty goes… Viking provides tiered coverage based on the parts.
The entire grill will be warranted for a period of 1 year.
Cosmetic parts, such as any decorated items, will be covered for 90 days.
Burners, pro sear burners, grill grates, and briquette trays are covered by a 5 year limited warranty.
Overall, we’d prefer to see a lifetime warranty to justify the cost. And speaking of cost…
Viking Outdoor Grill Prices
Although prices aren’t disclosed on Viking’s website… we are able to see rough price ranges from other retailers.
Depending on the model, you’ll see prices ranging from $6,000… all the way up to $15,000+.
These are pricey grills, indeed!
In our opinion, the cost to benefit ratio is a bit skewed, but we’ll address this with our closing thoughts.
For now, let’s turn our attention to Wolf outdoor grills.
Wolf Outdoor Grill Sizes
Color us surprised… but Wolf just so happens to have grills available in the exact same sizes as Viking.
Both freestanding and built-in versions are available in 30”, 36”, 42”, and 54” widths.
Burner distribution, however, is slightly different.
The 30”, 36”, and 42” models will all come with 2 burners… and the 54” version will come with 3.
The 36”, 42”, and 54” models will all come with an additional sear burner for high heat cooking, too.
Needless to say, Wolf can run the gamut on sizing needs as well! From small to large… you’ll have plenty of cooking surface to work with.
But what about the features?
Wolf Grills Outdoor Features
It might seem crazy… but the features between Viking and Wolf are nearly identical!
Right down to the hood, too.
Wolf grills are prized for their double-walled stainless steel hoods, welded together with the heli-arc method.
Just like Viking, this creates a seamless finish for a high-end look… and greatly reduces the risk of rust or corrosion issues in the future.
Wolf grills will also come with an easy-open hood, ceramic briquettes, and high-powered 25,000 BTU infrared sear burners. (Except for the 30” model, which only has standard burners.)
That’s all nearly the same as Viking outdoor grills, so… what’s different?
Well, for one, you can’t neglect those bright red knobs! Wolf’s classic red knobs are a defining feature of their indoor appliances… and you won’t miss them here, either.
Beyond mere aesthetics, Wolf advertises that their grills can cook with independent heat zones. So if you want to gently cook fish on one side, and deeply char a steak on the other… you can do so without the heat spilling over to your cooler side.
Now that we’ve got features out of the way… how does Wolf fare on materials?
Wolf Outdoor Grill Materials
Well, unsurprisingly enough, Wolf is also a bit ambiguous on their materials. Arguably, a bit more so with Viking.
With Viking, we know the burners are made with brass. But with Wolf, we can’t confirm the burner material or the grill itself!
Wolf claims to use heavy-duty stainless steel construction on their grills. This is good… so long as you can confirm the steel used is 304 grade.
So if you’re interested in a Wolf grill, make sure they use 304 grade stainless steel before you purchase!
With all this in mind, let’s take a quick peek at the warranty.
Wolf Outdoor Grill Warranty
When it comes to the warranty… overall, coverage for your Wolf grill outdoor is a bit more robust.
Just as with Viking, Wolf takes a tiered approach to the warranty.
For a period of 1 year, the entire appliance will be covered by warranty.
Stainless steel briquette trays, gas valves, drip pans, electronic control boards, and electric heating elements will be covered for a period of 5 years.
And lastly, all stainless steel components will be covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
While there are similarities in warranty, Wolf has better coverage on the structure. We generally look to see lifetime warranties on grill structures… and that’s exactly what wolf is providing here. (To us, this indicates that Wolf grills are likely 304 stainless steel!)
But there’s one last thing we have to contend with. What’s the price tag?
Wolf Outdoor Grill Prices
Wolf outdoor grills start at the same price range as Viking… but with a lower top-end cost.
Wolf outdoor gas grills start at $6,000, and cap out at around $11,000 for their 54” model.
Although the larger grills are less expensive, Wolf grills are still solidly in the luxury class.
Barring the question of stainless steel quality… Wolf grills are a bit of a better value over Viking.
You’ll get a better warranty and a lower price for the larger models! So in that regard, Wolf will slightly edge out.
But at the end of the day… which brand is the better pick for you?
Viking or Wolf: Which Brand is Better?
It’s great to know more details about each of these outdoor kitchen appliance brands… but there’s one thing you still need to know:
Is Viking or Wolf better?
Ultimately, both of these brands are nearly identical in most regards.
Viking has some unique hood ventilation features that may be preferred… and Wolf slightly beats out on price and the warranty.
Beyond this, you’re really deciding which brand you instinctively like better.
If you have Viking or Wolf Sub Zero appliances in your home… you’ll likely want your outdoor grill to match the same style.
It’s a good selling point, absolutely. But this also indicates that you’re paying a premium for the brand name only.
If you’re open to considering alternative options for your outdoor space… you may want to consider an alternative brand before making a final decision.
Viking... Wolf... How about a Coyote?
It’s quite possible that Viking or Wolf’s brand name is what drew you into the idea of getting an outdoor grill in the first place.
If that’s true, and you foresee grilling becoming a major hobby of yours… it makes sense to also consider other established grill brands, right?
Well, let’s take an opportunity to introduce you to one. Namely, Coyote Outdoor Living.
Coyote is a dedicated grill and outdoor appliance manufacturer that’s been in the game for nearly 15 years now.
Their full suite of premium appliances are designed for functionality and durability… with a reasonable price point in mind.
All of Coyote’s appliances are constructed with high-quality 304 stainless steel (there’s the magic grade!)… and offer a limited lifetime warranty throughout.
Plus, you’ll get far more variety in the world of cooking appliances. Coyote has BBQ grills, griddles, pellet grills, charcoal grills, rotisserie sets, side burners, and even power burners on offer. (Power burners in particular are great for wok cooking!)
And should you decide to go for the gusto with an outdoor kitchen… you’ll also get access to matching refrigerators, kegerators, sinks, storage, warming drawers, and the like.
Speaking of an outdoor kitchen, too… maybe it’s worth spinning up a quick design? Just to see what it would look like?
For that, you’ll want to check out our free online design tool.
You can create a custom outdoor kitchen design in mere minutes… and see the true potential of what could be in your backyard.
Have fun designing, and we’ll catch up with you soon!
