In today's dynamic world, technology has revolutionized various aspects of our lives, including how we cook. Luxury kitchen appliances have always been synonymous with craftsmanship and dependability, but they now offer features that were once exclusive to the affluent. These high-end features are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

For decades, luxury kitchen appliances were out of reach for most consumers due to their exorbitant prices. However, the landscape is changing. High-end appliances are now available at more competitive and budget-friendly prices, allowing people to upgrade their kitchens with high-quality, durable appliances.

Selecting the right kitchen appliances is a crucial decision, and it's essential not to rush into it. Comparing various brands and models can be a time-consuming and overwhelming task. To help you make an informed choice, we're here to compare two renowned luxury appliance brands: Viking and FORNO. We'll examine their features, specifications, and prices side by side, so you can make the best decision for your family. Let's dive into the world of Viking and FORNO.



An Introduction to Viking and FORNO

Viking: Viking is a well-established kitchen appliance company with nearly 40 years of experience. They have been pioneers in modern luxury kitchens, blending performance and design into appliances they are proud to put their name on. Viking draws inspiration from its roots in the Mississippi Delta, where the company originated. While Viking is committed to quality, innovation, and customer service, its products often come with premium price tags.

FORNO: FORNO is a Canadian company known for its emphasis on style, functionality, and quality. The name "FORNO" means "open stone oven" in Italian, reflecting the brand's deep inspiration from the tradition of Italian cooking. The art of preparing meals in an open stone oven is a European tradition that brings families together to create cherished memories over delicious food. FORNO aims to provide state-of-the-art cooking technology at affordable prices, allowing families to continue these time-honored culinary traditions. They are gaining a reputation for revolutionizing the market by offering durable and reliable products at accessible prices.

Now that you have some background on these two appliance companies, let's explore and compare their kitchen appliances by category to determine which of Viking's and FORNO's best-selling products excel in terms of performance and value

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Comparing Viking Ranges to FORNO Ranges

Electric Ranges:

For quality and reliability, both the Viking 30" self-cleaning electric range and the FORNO 36" electric range with a convection oven are excellent choices among luxury kitchen electric ranges. Both models feature five elements for cooking and a glass ceramic surface for even heating and easy cleaning. The Viking elements range from 1,200 watts to 3,200 watts, while the FORNO model ranges from 100 watts to 3,000 watts.

The Viking model boasts a 4.7 cu.ft. oven capacity, but FORNO takes the lead here with 5.36 cu.ft. The key difference, however, lies in the price. Choosing FORNO will save you nearly $3,000, making it a compelling choice.

Gas Ranges:

When it comes to gas ranges, both the Viking 5 Series gas range and the FORNO 36" Gas Range deliver high performance with added features. Both models offer six burners, with Viking's "power" burner producing 18,500 BTUs and FORNO's 20,000 BTU burner perfect for searing.

The FORNO range also wins in oven size, with a capacity of 5.36 cu.ft., slightly larger than Viking's 5.1 cu.ft. With strikingly similar features, the price difference is astounding, as choosing FORNO will save you nearly $8,000 compared to its competitor.

Dual Fuel Ranges:

For those who desire the quick heat of a gas range and the even baking of an electric oven, dual fuel ranges are an ideal choice. Both the Viking 48" Dual Fuel Range and the FORNO 48" Galiano Dual Fuel Gas Range & Electric Oven offer similar models for chefs and home cooks alike.

The Viking model features six burners with an electric griddle, while the FORNO model offers eight dual sealed brass burners. Both models have nearly identical oven capacities, but the FORNO range boasts a 20,000 BTU "power" burner compared to Viking's 18,500 BTU power burner. The striking difference here is the price, as opting for FORNO will save you over $17,000.

Rangetops:

Rangetops provide flexibility in your kitchen layout and cooking options. Both the Viking 36-inch sealed burner gas range and the FORNO 36-inch gas range top offer similar features. Viking provides six sealed burners with an 18,500 BTU "power" burner, while FORNO offers easy-to-clean self-sealed burners, a 20,000 BTU power burner, a concave wok ring, and a griddle as included accessories.

The most significant difference here is the price, with FORNO offering savings of over $5,000 compared to its competitor.



Viking and FORNO Refrigerators

Free-Standing Refrigerators:

The Viking 36" French-Door Bottom Freezer and the FORNO 36" Moena French Door Refrigerator Freezer are strikingly similar. Both feature French doors with a bottom freezer, an ice maker, LED lights, and Energy Star certification. Their capacity is nearly identical, with Viking's refrigerator at 13.3 cu.ft. and its freezer at 6.56 cu.ft., while FORNO's model has a 12.1 cu.ft. refrigerator and a 7.1 cu.ft. freezer.

FORNO distinguishes itself by offering two freezer drawers, providing better organization. Despite these similarities, the most significant difference is the price, with choosing FORNO resulting in over $2,800 in savings.

Built-In Refrigerators:

Built-in refrigerators provide a streamlined and professional look to your kitchen. Viking offers a 30-inch refrigerator paired with a 30-inch freezer, along with a 60-inch wide grill kit. Similarly, FORNO's 60-inch Rizzuto Prostyle Built-In Refrigerator Freezer combines two 28-inch units into one seamless appearance. Viking's refrigerator units are 18.4 cu.ft., and the freezer is 15.9 cu.ft. each, while FORNO's units are 13.8 cu.ft. each.

Both brands feature bright LED lights and door alarms, but FORNO's model also boasts Energy Star certification. The notable difference is the price, with choosing FORNO leading to savings of nearly $18,000. Considering their similarities, the significantly lower cost of the FORNO option is a compelling reason to choose it, especially given its Energy Star efficiency.

Range Hoods:

Range hoods are essential for keeping your kitchen odor-free. The FORNO 36-inch Wall Mount Range Hood offers a ventilation power of 1,200 CFM, significantly surpassing Viking's 460 CFM. FORNO's range hood also includes features like decorative stainless steel crown molding, four surface lights for superior illumination, energy efficiency, and noise reduction technology. Choosing FORNO not only offers superior performance but also saves you $900 compared to the Viking model.



Viking and FORNO Dishwashers:

Dishwashers are indispensable in modern kitchens. Both the Viking 24-inch dishwasher and the FORNO 24-inch Dishwasher offer multiple wash cycles and adjustable racks. Viking can hold up to 16 international place settings, while FORNO can accommodate 14. FORNO's dishwasher runs quietly at 49 dB, while Viking employs three layers of insulation for quiet operation.

These dishwashers are similar in size and performance, but the significant price difference favors FORNO, which saves you almost $1,400.



Microwave Drawers:

Microwave drawers offer a modern twist on traditional microwaves, providing easy access and space-saving benefits. Both the Viking 24-inch Microwave Drawer and the FORNO 24-inch Microwave Drawer feature a capacity of 1.2 cubic feet, multiple microwave modes, touch controls, 11 power levels, sensor cooking, and 1,000 watts of cooking power. However, FORNO offers a substantial price advantage, costing nearly $1,500 less than its competitor.

If you prefer a traditional microwave, FORNO also offers the Built-In 1.6 cu.ft. Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel with similar features and a competitive price.



Viking and FORNO Appliance Packages:

Purchasing appliances as part of a package can offer significant savings and a unified kitchen look. Both Viking and FORNO offer four-item packages that include essential kitchen appliances. By opting for the FORNO luxury appliance package, you can save nearly $17,000 compared to Viking, despite the striking similarities between the products.