re s name to ‘s It’s a battle of the giants in this Viking vs All-Clad cookware review as we put two of the world’s most high-end brands up against each other. As we review each company’s products feature for feature, you’ll not only be able to tell them apart, but also know which one suits you best.
At the end of the article will be a FAQ section you don’t want to skip as we clear the air of the internet’s most common questions.
What is Viking?
Founded by Fred Carl Jr. (not to be mistaken for Carl’s Jr. burgers), Viking was established in 1984 to provide upscale kitchen appliances to customers. The company has grown in popularity in Mississippi, and its quality has been recognized on famous cooking shows such as Iron Chef (1).
Initially focused on appliances, Viking has expanded its range to include stainless steel cookware, cast iron cookware, and non-stick surfaces with their pots and pans.
Related: Viking Cookware Review: Is Viking a good brand?
What is All-Clad?
All-Clad was founded in 1967 by a metallurgist named John Ulam, when the company was known as Clad Metals. However, in 1971, the company switched its focus toward stainless steel cookware, and changed its name to All-Clad.
All-Clad focused on stainless steel and nonstick cookware. They are known for their incredibly durable construction, superior heat distribution properties, and toxic-free non-stick surfaces.
Related: All Clad Cookware Review: Is it worth it?
How are they different?
One of the key differences between Viking and All-Clad cookware sets are where they are made. While All Clad’s products are made in America, Viking cookware sources its items from both America and China. As such, a standard 10-piece cookware set from Viking will typically cost less than a similar set from All Clad.
With that being said, All-Clad cookware has a significantly wider product line than Viking cookware, incorporating a greater variety of materials and designs. For example, while both brands offer 3-ply and 5-ply stainless steel cookware, All-Clad goes the extra mile also to include 2-ply and 4-ply options.
Viking and All-Clad offer cookware with an aluminum core, but All-Clad again goes the distance to copper cores.
Another major difference between these two cookware brands is the lids on their pots and pans. All-Clad cookware has always used stainless steel lids for their products which, while they look fantastic, don’t allow you to see the inside of the pot while closed.
On the other hand, Viking cookware uses both stainless steel and tempered glass lids, giving users more options to work with.
On the topic of lids, you should also know that All-Clad lids are not oven-safe under any circumstances. Viking lids, on the other hand, are oven safe for 600 degrees Fahrenheit, just like its cookware. Remember, this only applies to its stainless steel lids as their glass lids are only oven safe for a maximum of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
How are they similar?
In truth, All-Clad and Viking cookware are more similar to each other than they are different. Both brands offer aluminum and stainless steel cookware in 3-ply and 5-ply construction. Both offer excellent durability and heat distribution properties. In addition, they offer similar cookware collections, including stir fry pans, Dutch ovens, saucepans, and nonstick skillets.
Regarding the cookware (not including lids), both Viking and All-Clad cookware are oven safe for up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This gives them plenty of heat resistance. Each cookware brand also offer a hard anodized aluminum alloy core in their pots and pans, among other conductive metals. This can enhance heat performance and distribute heat evenly.
Viking and All-Clad pans also come with nonstick properties. In addition, they are all induction compatible with a magnetic stainless steel base (except the Viking 3-Ply Hammered Copper exterior collection).
Other similarities in their designs include their stainless steel cooking surface. They are resistant to scratching from metal utensils. As two top premium cookware brands, both are relatively expensive with a limited lifetime warranty.
This means you can enjoy the peace of mind of having your products repaired or replaced at little to no cost for any factory defects or lack of promised quality.
For the most part, both All-Clad and Viking cookware sets are high-end. They provide the best performance and durability through premium materials and bonded metals. In addition, all pots and pans for both brands are dishwasher safe, allowing you to save time and energy on exhausting clean-up duties.
Finally, All-Clad and Viking cookware provide helper handles that stay cool when exposed to the stove’s high heat. This promotes safety and eliminates the need for oven mitts.
Related: Ceramic vs Stainless Steel Cookware: Which is best for you?
What’s better about Viking?
Despite being an expensive brand of premium cookware like its competitor All-Clad, the fact remains that Viking cookware is still priced lower than its rival. Also, unlike All Clad’s lids, Viking’s lids are all oven safe, whether you’re looking at their stainless steel lids or glass lids.
On that note, Viking’s tempered glass lids provide transparency to monitor your cooking, whereas All-Clad does not offer such a feature.
When it comes to the cookware handles, the Viking frying pan comes with a slightly curved handle, whereas the All-Clad handle is relatively straight. A minor difference at first glance, but upon usage, you will find the Viking handle more ergonomically friendly. This reduces the strain on your hand during cooking.
Viking is a somewhat younger brand, so the company is not bound by long-standing traditions and is always willing to innovate.
What’s better about All-Clad?
The primary advantage of All-Clad over Viking cookware is its product offering and superior performance. For instance, their copper core cookware and 2-ply construction options promote faster heat transfer properties. In addition to 5, 7, and 10-piece sets, All-Clad tops Viking by including 14 and 21-piece cookware sets in their collections.
All-Clad cookware is also built with a higher grade of stainless steel, coming in at 18/10 stainless steel compared to Viking’s 18/8 steel. This means it has a higher nickel content which, in turn, results in higher durability and corrosion resistance (2).
On that note, All-Clad pots and pans are expected to last you longer than Viking. This is due to its higher quality of high-carbon steel sourced from the best steel manufacturers in the USA.
Who should get Viking and why?
I would recommend Viking pots for those (like myself) that must have an eye on their food at all times, even when the lid is closed. This is because Viking offers tempered glass lids with their collections in addition to stainless steel lids, a feature you won’t get with All-Clad cookware.
In addition, the handles on the Viking fry pans are more ergonomic. This is thanks to their curved design that encourages better control and maneuverability.
Viking is the more “budget-friendly” brand, despite being classified as a high-end brand. Thus, if you want the high-end experience but don’t want to pay something of the same magnitude as All-Clad, then Viking is your best bet.
Also, if you’re among the home cooks that place their pots in the oven for certain recipes, you’ll want to consider Viking for its oven-safe stainless steel and glass lids.
Who should get All-Clad and why?
All-Clad is the top of the range regarding durability, performance, product offerings, and lasting results. That being said, it’s no surprise they are among the most expensive cookware brands in the world.
All-Clad’s five-ply construction is second to none. So if you’re after a cookware set that will deliver the best cooking experience with a lifetime of results, then definitely go for All-Clad.
If you want more heat conductivity and faster heat-up times, then only All-Clad cookware can deliver on this front. Its range of copper core cookware sets and 2-ply stainless steel options allow its users to enjoy faster cooking. However, it comes at the cost of its durability.
Professional-grade chefs in the high-end restaurant industry enjoy All-Clad. It is one of the few global brands that can truly deliver the elite cooking experience to your home kitchen.
Features
Durability
All-Clad and Viking offer ultra-durable tri-ply cookware and five-ply construction cookware with hard anodized aluminum cores. However, All-Clad cookware uses 18/10 bonding steel, whereas Viking uses 18/8, making All-Clad superior in durability and sturdiness.
With all of its pots and pans sourced from the best steel suppliers in the USA, All-Clad cookware don’t cut any corners. This makes them the clear winner over Vikings when it comes to durability.
Winner: All-Clad
Performance
Viking and All-Clad are both top-performing brands with cookware that delivers exceptional, consistent quality and even heat distribution properties. However, All-Clad pans and pots are available in 2-ply. This gives customers the added option of fewer layers. However, it sacrifices some durability for faster heating performance.
This advantage is only amplified by All Clad’s inclusion of copper-core cookware. Again, a feature Viking does not offer.
Winner: All-Clad
Product offering
As you could probably guess from the previous point, All-Clad offers more products than Viking, though they are more expensive. Such products include copper core cookware, 2-ply cookware, and 4-ply cookware.
While Viking does offer a copper exterior for some of their cookware items, the core is always aluminum and stainless steel. This makes its collection more limited than All-Clad in that regard.
Winner: All-Clad
Ergonomics
Viking truly excels over All-Clad in ergonomics, offering a more thought-out handle on their fry pans featuring a curve for better control and less hand strain. All-Clad lid handles have a trapezoidal shape and do not offer as much space between Viking’s rounded and spacious helper handles.
This is true for the Viking Dutch oven, sauté pan, and skillet, making it the more ergonomic brand by a long shot.
Winner: Viking
Viking vs All Clad FAQ
What is the #1 rated cookware?
There is no official ranking of “the best cookware.” However, we can get a good idea of where cookware brands stand based on customer reviews and global reputation. Among the world’s top brands are All-Clad, Zwilling, and Wusthof.
Does Viking make good cookware?
Viking makes exceptionally good stainless steel cookware in both 3-ply and 5-ply construction, offering great durability and long-lasting strength. In addition, the Viking professional cookware range offers a 5-ply bonded construction with alternating layers of aluminum alloy and 18/10 stainless steel, a combination that can even rival the high-end cookware brand All Clad.
Is Viking cookware made in the USA?
While some of Viking cookware’s products are made in the USA, they also source many of their collections from China. As a result, at the cost of some of its quality, Viking can maintain lower prices for many of its collections, making them more appealing to the wider public.
Do professional kitchens use All-Clad?
All-Clad is used by professional chefs and home cooks alike, who attest to its premium-grade quality and long-lasting results. Priced significantly higher than most brands, All-Clad offers cookware that delivers the best cooking and longevity performance.
