If you want to kill the recipe, you need the right tools to follow the book and experiment along the way. Cooking has evolved. From what used to be a simple act satisfying someone's hunger to a passionate activity, cooking has transformed even a profession. And so has transformed the cooking methods. To keep up with the constantly evolving needs and trends, the cookware has also been evolving.
Today in this review, we will be taking a look at the two renowned names in the field of cookware. They are All-Clad and Viking. It is worth noting that we are looking at the two brands based on their cookware range only. The Verdict we get from the following comparison may not apply to their products individually.
So All-Clad vs Viking Cookware: let's get started…
About All-Clad Cookware
Among the booming metal works of western Pennsylvania, a new historic foundation was about to be set-up. John Ulam, a renowned metallurgist, was an accomplished man in metals with several patents. However, he was also a passionate home cook. And thus, he combined his knowledge of metals and his passion for flavors, laying the groundwork for All-Clad.
His first experiments were an instant success. The food wasn't soiled, was evenly cooked, and the pan was easier to clean. After a few more twitching with the build of the pans and cookware design, he officially founded and launched All-Clad in 1971 on the land of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
The Best All-Clad cookware sets:
Image | Product Name | No.of | Material | Dishwasher | Oven | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall: All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set | 10 | Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes | |
 | Best Budget: All-Clad Essentials Nonstick Cookware set | 10 | Hard Anodized aluminum | Yes | Yes | |
 | Best Stainless Steel: All-Clad Brushed D5 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set | 10 | Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes | |
 | Best Non Stick: All-Clad E785SB64 HA1 Nonstick Cookware Set | 13 | Hard Anodized aluminum | Yes | Yes | |
 | Best Premium: All-Clad 600822 SS Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set | 10 |
Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
About Viking Range Corporation
Just like any other company, Viking was also founded out of a need for something more. Specializing in a wide range of "professional" kitchen appliances, founder Fred Carl Jr. let Viking took its first steps in the market in 1987.
Viking originally specialized in the professional-grade of appliances such as ovens, cooktops, refrigerators, etc. It has recently stepped foot in the commercial market, influencing the lives of all "professional" home cooks. Headquarters located in Greenwood, Mississippi; Viking is delivering quality to everyone passionate about their cooking.
Here's full review of Viking cookware!
The Best Viking cookware sets:
Image | Product Name | No.of | Material | Dishwasher | Oven | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Choice: Viking Culinary Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set | 10 |
Hard Anodized Aluminum | Yes | Yes | |
 | Best Budget: Viking Contemporary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set | 10 | Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes | |
 | Best Stainless Steel: Viking 5-Ply Hard Stainless Cookware Set | 10 | Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes | |
 | Best Copper: Viking Culinary Copper Stainless Steel Cookware Set | 13 | Copper Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes | |
 | Best Hard Anodize: Viking Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set | 14 | Hard Anodized Aluminum | Yes | Yes |
All-Clad vs Viking Cookware: Detailed Comparison
Both of these corporations deliver an array of products, mainly appliances and cookware. However, where one specializes in cookware, the other specializes in appliances. Comparing the two is no less a hassle. But thanks to Viking's recent commercial cookware range, our job has become a lot easier.
In the commercial market, All-Clad has been longer than Viking. And it's only natural that All-Clad will be more popular than Viking. All-Clad also invented the fully-cladded cookware, which has now become a standard for all cookware. Otherwise, the classic disk bottom left many heat spots, and no one likes charred food. However, the Viking slogan (on amazon) stating, "Professional performance for your kitchen," is very much justified when we look at their product quality.
Again we state that the comparison is based on the cookware range of the two brands. To be precise, we will be comparing the two brands based on their three-ply and five-ply constructed range of cookware.
1. 3 Ply Construction Cookware Sets
What is a 3-ply construction? Tri-ply or three-ply construction is where a conductive metal is sandwiched between 2 layers of stainless steel. They have aluminum as the central layer in both of these above cookware ranges, with stainless steel as the inner and outer layer.
All-Clad range of 3 ply cookware is durable. They have been tested by America Test Kitchen. The finishing and construction of this cookware are brilliant. The pouring of these pans has become easier, thanks to the rolled lips. However, this range's handle design is a bit on the disappointing side, consisting of the largest faction of complaints in the company feedback inbox.
Viking Contemporary 3 Ply is the introductory line of commercial cookware. Where the cladding is similar to that of All-Clad, the build is not at par with it. The design of the pans resembles the Windsor pan with a small base diameter. This was perhaps to save some metal during construction, which can amount to a large sum in the long run. The pans don't have rolled lips, so that is also a downside. They, however, don't have issues with the handle design. They also come with helper handles on the pot.
2. 5-Ply Construction Cookware Sets
What is a 5-ply construction? Like the three-ply construction, five-ply construction means a cookware construction with five layers of metal. This lets the pan (or cookware) to store more heat and distribute the same effectively. And in this case, both brands' cookware range is constructed from alternating layers of stainless steel and aluminum. This adds durability, thickness, even heating, and some weight to both of them.
All-Clad range of 5-ply cookware is the absolute all-rounder. They are durable, with a brushed exterior and sleek finish. It has rolled lips to facilitate easy to pour off the liquid, and the helper handles to facilitate the same transportation. Extra layers make the searing of food a pleasant experience. Their main handles are still on the disappointing side. But other features make up for this one downside.
- 10-piece cookware set includes 8” & 10” Fry Pans, 1.5 Qt. & 3 Qt. Sauce Pans with lids, 3 Qt. Saute Pan with lid, and an 8 Qt. Stockpot with lid
- 5-ply bonded construction with alternating layers of stainless steel and conductive aluminum for warp-free strength and even heating throughout
- Highly polished stainless-steel cooking surface with starburst finish offers superior stick resistance and easy maintenance, plus won’t react with food
- Capacity etched on base; heat-resistant stainless-steel handles with large bolster and permanently secured with stainless-steel rivets; flat stainless-steel lids; flared pouring rims
- Oven- and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees F; optimized for induction; dishwasher-safe; limited lifetime warranty
Viking's Professional 5 ply cookware range is a lot identical to the All-Clad's range. The pots are of the standard size, and the pot's exterior build is brushed and sleek. Naturally, they also have five layers that evenly distribute the heat at every corner of the pan and increase durability. However, this range does not have rolled lips, which is slightly disappointing, looking at the quality and performance.
All-Clad vs Viking Cookware: Which is Better?
Viking and All-Clad are both amazing brands. It almost feels unfair to compare both of them this way. Both of the companies offer a lot, but we could only cover so much. However, keeping an open mind, let's walk into the result of the above comparison.
According to me, both of these brands (cookware range to be precise) are identical. They both provide good quality products and deliver identical performance. It is as if the same pot has different brand tags. The price tag is a different story. Viking's price range is far more than that of All-Clad. That means you may end up paying more (or less) for (almost) the same product.
Thus, if you want performance, which is light on your pocket, go with the All-Clad range of cookware. However, if your wallet allows it, Viking's professional cookware range will bring you no harm. Personally, All-Clad is the clear winner here.