Viking Appliances: From Greenwood Mississippi to Arizona Kitchens

Viking changed everything in 1987 when founder Fred Carl Jr. introduced the first commercial-style range designed for residential use. From a small factory in Greenwood, Mississippi, Viking launched an entirely new category of home appliance.

Before Viking, home cooks faced a hard ceiling on cooking power. Residential ranges topped out at around 9,500 BTUs per burner. Viking shattered that limit with 15,000 BTU burners that have since grown to today 23,000 BTU powerhouses.

The decision to use heavy-gauge stainless steel and commercial-grade internal components was deliberate. Carl believed home cooks deserved the same build quality as restaurant kitchens, and he was willing to charge accordingly.

Viking sealed burner technology was an industry first. By sealing the burner to the cooktop surface, Viking made high-BTU cooking safer and easier to clean while preventing food debris from reaching ignition components.

The VariSimmer system demonstrated Viking engineering ingenuity. Taking a 23,000 BTU burner and allowing it to simmer at 800 BTUs required precision gas valve design that remains a Viking hallmark.

Viking expanded from ranges to complete kitchen solutions: professional refrigerators, dishwashers with TurboFan drying, ventilation hoods matched to their high-BTU output, outdoor grills built for extreme conditions, and even wine storage.

The BlackChrome finish, introduced as an alternative to stainless steel, gave Viking a distinctive visual identity. This durable finish resists fingerprints and scratches while making a bold design statement.

Viking manufacturing philosophy centers on repairability. Unlike appliances designed for planned obsolescence, Viking builds machines meant to be serviced and maintained for decades. Parts availability spans the full production history.

In Arizona, Viking appliances find a natural home. The bold, no-nonsense design matches the direct spirit of the Southwest. The professional-grade construction handles the demands of Arizona entertaining, from backyard grilling at 115 degrees to holiday cooking for large gatherings.

Today, Viking continues innovating while honoring the original vision: professional power, accessible to home cooks who refuse to compromise.