Viking gas range has a performance problem

Consumer Reports has judged a $5,000 Viking gas range a Don't Buy: Performance Problem after wiring connectors melted on the two models we tested.

Update: Read an update on this Viking range.

We first noticed the wiring issue when we ran the self-cleaning cycle on Viking's 30-inch VGSC5304BSS gas range to break the unit in, something we always do for models with this feature before we begin our testing. Sometime during that cycle, the first Viking range tripped an electrical circuit breaker in our lab and stopped working. We contacted Viking as any consumer would. An authorized service technician the company sent found the melted wiring connector beneath the range and said it had caused an electrical short, making the range inoperable.

We chose the replacement unit at random from a local warehouse to be sure we were getting a representative sample. This one completed our self-cleaning break-in and several of our performance tests—until our baking test, when subpar results and an oven burner that cycled on and off frequently suggested we investigate further.

Once again, we called for service. This time, another technician informed us that the oven was functioning as intended. Yet he noticed another, different wiring connector that had partially melted but not shorted (see video, below). The technician wrapped the connector in electrical tape and told us not to use the self-cleaning feature until he had a chance to talk with the manufacturer.

When we contacted a service representative for Viking she told us that she had never heard of that problem. Because two separate samples of the Viking VGSC5304BSS experienced the same type of problem, we've given it our Don't Buy: Performance Problem judgment.

Even if this range didn't malfunction, our initial tests indicate that you'd be left with a pricey range that's just so-so at baking. If you already own one and experience the same problems we did, we recommend asking for a repair under the manufacturer's three-year warranty (one year if bought before May 1, 2011).

Want a pro-style range that did make our winner's list? While no 30-inch pro models earn that distinction in our latest range Ratings, we do recommend several 36-inch pro-style ranges, including dual-fuel models by KitchenAid and GE, and an all-gas model by Thermador.

—Daniel DiClerico