Viking vs. All-Clad: Who Wins in the Cookware Wars

The success of a dish lies not only in the ingredients and the cook’s skills but also in the tools and equipment used. In the world of cookware, two brands stand out. To know who deserves space in your kitchen, here is a comparison between Viking vs. All-Clad.

Getting to Know Viking Cookware

The History of Viking Cookware

In 1984, Viking, led by company founder Fred Carl, Jr., introduced professional-grade kitchen equipment to American home cooks for the first time. It manufactured the first commercial-grade range meant for home use.

Through the years, this Greenwood, Mississippi-based company has grown exponentially. It has been creating high-end kitchen appliances such as dishwashers, ranges, grills, and refrigerators both for commercial and residential use.

It has expanded its product line to premium cookware, including nonstick, stainless style, and cast iron designs. Viking’s high-quality kitchen equipment has earned prestigious awards and featured in cooking shows such as Master Chef and Iron Chef.

An Overview of Viking Cookware

Viking cookware ensures fast and even heat distribution because of the conductive metals and steel used in the process. This elegant cookware, made in the US, is known for its higher price point. Additionally, Viking offers less expensive sets manufactured in China.

Viking Cookware Sets

Viking offers a wide array of cookware sets to cater to a variety of culinary needs. Here are some of their collections and their features.

Viking 3-Ply Cookware Set

The Viking 3-Ply Cookware is made from three layers of bonded metal- an 18/10 stainless steel cooking surface, an aluminum alloy core, and an induction-compatible stainless steel exterior.

The Viking pots and pans in this collection have ergonomic handles for a safe and comfortable grip. You can use them on induction stovetops, in the oven, on a grill, or under a broiler with temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pros:

• No chemical reactions with food
• Faster cooking due to their conical designs
• Allows even heat distribution
• Works well with induction cookers
• Broiler, oven, and grill safe

Cons:

• Handles are pretty heavy and long
• Frying pans are small

Viking Hard Anodized Cookware Set

This cookware set is scratch and corrosion resistant due to the anodized aluminum layer on its surface. It’s also safe to use since it has no harmful chemicals such as PFOA.

Pros:

• You can use metal utensils when cooking
• Dishwasher safe
• Has measurement markings
• PFOA -free
• Nonstick
• Compatible with induction stoves

Cons:

• Non-vented lids

Getting to Know All-Clad Cookware

The History of All-Clad Cookware

Interestingly, John Ulam, the founder of All-Clad, initially worked in metallurgy, producing coins for the US government. John Ulam was a metallurgist who converted solid American coins to bonded metals during the late 1960s.

In 1971, Ulam used his expertise in bonding and layering metals to create entirely-clad cookware and named his company All-Clad. This innovation was the first one in the world.

An Overview of All-Clad Cookware

At present, All-Clad is the leading manufacturer of premium quality cookware, kitchen appliances, and culinary tools. It uses alternate layers of heat conductive metal such as copper and aluminum with durable stainless steel.

All-Clad is known globally for its impeccable craftsmanship. All pots and pans have consistent quality and exceptional durability. These qualities make them one of the most expensive cookware in the market today. It may be pricey, but you can use them for many years with careful usage and maintenance.

All-Clad Cookware Sets

All-clad also has an extensive collection of cookware. Here are two of the popular ones and their features.

All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Cookware Set

The three-ply bonding of this cookware set is composed of an induction-safe stainless steel outer layer, an aluminum core, and an 18/10 stainless steel cooking surface.

All pots and pans from this set can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. It means you can cook a steak on a stovetop and finish it off in the oven without changing pans.

Pros:

• Safe to use on the broiler and oven
• US-made
• Compatible on an induction stovetop
• Dishwasher safe
• Handles stay cool

Cons:

• Fewer pieces than other sets
• A bit on the expensive side

All-Clad Hard-Anodized Cookware Set

This set comes with two saucepans with lids, a covered stockpot, and two frying pans. Being hard-anodized makes them sturdy, corrosion-proof, and scratch-resistant. All pots and pans are nonstick without any toxic PFOA coating. All glass lids cover the cookware securely to keep moisture inside.

Pros:

• Handles are contoured
• Oven use up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
• The base does not warp
• Safe to use on induction stovetops

Cons:

• Lids are not included in the warranty.

Here’s a video on how to choose your All-Clad Cookware.

Comparing the Look of Viking vs All-Clad

These two world-famous cookware brands are known for their high quality and durability. Despite having similar attributes, there are also differences between the two. To give you an idea, here is a comparison of the features of these two brands.

Design

Viking and All-Clad pots and pans have the same elegant and classic look. They have smooth steel exteriors that are so beautiful they need a space in your kitchen where you could display them.

The frying pans of both brands are easy to turn, rotate, and flip because of their flare sides. They also feature ergonomic handles that are double-riveted for a safe cooking experience. The brand’s names are also prominently placed on the handle’s base.

Lids

Viking cookware has vented tempered glass and stainless steel lids. However, the features of Viking’s lids vary depending on the specific cookware collection. When a cover is made of tempered glass, it means it is safe to use in the oven.

On the other hand, All-Clad cookware has stainless steel lids, but they are not oven-safe.

Handles

Both brands feature stainless steel handles. However, while All-Clad pans have straight handles, Viking cookware has slightly curved ones.

All-Clad chef’s pans, stir-fry pans, saute pans, and saucepans have helper handles, while only Viking’s saute pans and casserole pans have these innovative handles.

Even the lid handles of these two brands have their distinct characteristics. Viking lids have rounded handles that have a space on either side of the metal. Meanwhile, All-Clad lid handles are angled and shaped like a trapezoid.

Sides and Rims

The rims of Viking stainless steel pans are either curved along with the top edge of straight cut and aligned with the pan. On the other hand, the rims of All-Clad stainless steel pans are ideal for turning out an omelet or pouring out pan juices.

It is also essential to mention that one of Viking’s Collections, the Contemporary, showcases volume markings on the interior part of the pots and pans. They show US and Metric measurements that can make meal prep easier.

Comparing the Use of Viking vs. All-Clad Cookware

Cooking Temperature

You can use the Viking stainless steel pots and pans on the grill, broiler, and oven for up to 600 degrees, stainless steel lids included. The tempered glass lids of this brand can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees.

All-Clad stainless steel cookware is broiler and oven safe until 600 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you cannot use lids in the oven.

Stovetop Compatibility

All cookware collections from both brands are compatible with electric, gas, or even halogen stovetops.

However, you cannot use all designs on the induction stovetop. Viking’s 3-Ply Hammered Copper collection, with its aluminum exterior, is not appropriate for induction stovetops. To be safe, you can check the underside of your pot or pan to see if it is induction stovetop safe.

Cleaning and Maintenance

All Viking stainless steel cookware collections are dishwasher-safe. You can also wash All-Clad stainless steel cookware in the dishwasher except for the Viking Master Chef and C4 Copper Collections.

Although dishwashing is quicker, hand washing is recommended to preserve the quality of this high-end cookware. Dishwashers can expose your pots and pans to harsh chemicals, hot water, and sharp utensils, which might all lead to damage in the long run.

3-Ply Viking vs. Tri-Ply All-Clad Comparative Chart

Here is a chart that compares one of the most popular collections of two brands, the 3-Layer Stainless Steel Collection.

Viking vs All-Clad: Who Wins?

Both Viking and All-Clad cookware are world-famous and pricey for a reason- they all have exceptional quality and longevity. If you’re planning to invest in any of their collections, think about how you will use them.

If you prefer convenience and fewer pan changes during cooking, then a Viking collection might be more suitable for you. However, if you want the consistency and quality of American-made products, then All-Clad is the best choice.

Whichever brand you choose, for sure, you’re investing in many years of great cooking experiences.