Last Updated on February 19, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
I’ve been cooking at home for over 12 years. In that time, I’ve gone through cheap pans that warped, nonstick coatings that flaked, and handles that felt like they were going to snap off any second.
So when I started seeing Viking cookware pop up on my radar, I was curious. Viking is a brand that serious home cooks talk about a lot. The name carries weight. But does the cookware actually deliver?
I decided to find out for myself.
Over the past few weeks, I tested three of the most popular Viking cookware sets. I cooked eggs, seared steaks, made pasta sauces, boiled big batches of soup, and even made a Sunday braise. I used each set on gas and induction cooktops. I washed them by hand and ran them through my dishwasher.
The result? This guide. I want to give you the most honest, detailed breakdown of each set so you can make the right call for your kitchen.
Let’s get into it.
Our Expertise
I am not a professional chef, and I think that is actually a good thing here. I am a home cook — just like most of you. I know what it feels like to cook dinner after a long day of work. I know what it’s like to clean up at 9 PM when you’re tired. And I know what it feels like when a pan lets you down at the worst moment.
I have tested dozens of cookware sets over the years. I’ve used brands like All-Clad, Cuisinart, Calphalon, and Tramontina. That background gives me a solid baseline to compare Viking against.
For this review, I used each Viking set as my daily cookware for at least five days each. I kept notes after every cook. I took photos. I used a thermometer to check heat distribution. I did not hold back.
Everything in this guide comes from real, hands-on use.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Before we dive deep, here is a quick look at my top picks:
- Best Overall: Viking 3-Ply 13-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Best Premium Pick: Viking PureGlide Pro 3-Ply Nonstick 10-Piece Set
- Best Budget Nonstick: Viking 10-Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set
Now let’s break each one down in full detail.
1. Viking 3-Ply 13-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set – Best Overall
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars | 106+ Reviews | Amazon’s Choice
My First Impression
When this set arrived, I was immediately impressed by how solid it felt. I picked up the 8-quart stock pot and it had real weight to it the kind that makes you feel like it will last. The stainless steel finish was clean and bright. It looked great on my stovetop right out of the box.
But looks mean nothing if the cooking performance isn’t there. So I got to work.
What’s in the Box
This 13-piece set includes:
- 8-inch frying pan
- 10-inch frying pan
- 2.25-quart saucepan with lid
- 3-quart saucepan with lid
- 4-quart small soup/stock pot with lid
- 5.2-quart sauté pan with helper handle and lid
- 8-quart stock pot with lid
- Stainless steel colander/strainer
That is a lot of cookware. I was able to handle almost every type of meal I cooked without needing anything extra from my cabinet.
Product Features
- 3-ply construction: Magnetic stainless steel exterior, aluminum core, 304 stainless steel interior
- Oven safe: Up to 600°F (315°C)
- Glass lids: Vented and safe up to 350°F (176°C)
- Induction compatible: Works on all cooktops
- Dishwasher safe: Yes, but hand washing is recommended
- Handles: Riveted ergonomic stainless steel
- Interior volume markings: Yes, on saucepans and stock pots
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
What I Like
- The heat distribution is really even. I did not notice any hotspots when I seared a chicken breast on medium heat.
- The interior volume markings are a small touch that makes a big difference. I used them every time I cooked rice or pasta.
- The colander/strainer that comes with the set is a bonus I didn’t expect to love so much. It fits perfectly over the sink and makes draining pasta so easy.
- The 5.2-quart sauté pan is massive and versatile. I used it more than any other piece in the set.
- The glass lids let you watch your food without lifting the lid. This helps with things like simmering soups or steaming vegetables.
Why It’s Better
Most 13-piece sets in this price range use thin stainless or have flimsy handles. Viking uses 3-ply construction all the way up the sides not just on the base. That means heat wraps around your food more evenly.
The colander that comes included is also a huge value add. Most sets do not include one. It’s a detail that shows Viking thought about what home cooks actually need.
How It Performed
I tested this set over a full week of cooking.
Egg test: Scrambled eggs in the 8-inch pan. Without a nonstick coating, stainless steel requires a bit of technique — preheat the pan, add butter, wait for it to foam. When I did this right, the eggs slid out cleanly. No sticking.
Sear test: I seared a 1-inch thick ribeye in the 10-inch frying pan. I got a beautiful crust in about 3 minutes per side. The pan held its heat well even when I put the cold steak in.
Sauce test: Made a tomato sauce in the 3-quart saucepan. No scorching at the bottom. The interior volume markings helped me add the right amount of crushed tomatoes without guessing.
Stock test: Filled the 8-quart pot with chicken stock. It heated evenly and held a steady simmer without me having to babysit the flame.
Heat distribution test: I placed the 10-inch pan on a gas burner and used an infrared thermometer to measure different points. The outer edges were within 15°F of the center. That is solid for stainless steel.
How I Clean It
After each cook, I let the pan cool down first. Hot stainless steel is more likely to warp or discolor if you hit it with cold water right away.
For everyday cleaning, a little dish soap and warm water with a soft sponge does the job. For stuck-on bits, I add a splash of water to the still-warm pan, bring it to a gentle boil, and the residue lifts right off.
For stubborn stains or discoloration, Bar Keepers Friend works like magic on stainless steel. A quick scrub and a rinse, and the pans look nearly new.
I did run a few pieces through the dishwasher. They came out fine, but I noticed the finish looked slightly less shiny over time. I now hand wash whenever I can.
Testing Results
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Heat distribution | Excellent — within 15°F across the surface |
| Searing performance | Excellent — deep, even crust |
| Sauce making | Excellent — no hot spots or scorching |
| Stick resistance (with technique) | Good — requires proper preheating |
| Lid fit | Excellent — snug with no rattling |
| Handle comfort | Excellent — ergonomic and balanced |
| Dishwasher durability | Good — slight dulling over repeated washes |
Final Verdict
If you want one cookware set that handles everything and you want it to last decades this is the one. The 13-piece Viking stainless set is my top pick. It performs like professional cookware but is priced for the home kitchen.
2. Viking PureGlide Pro 3-Ply Nonstick Cookware Set – Best Premium Pick
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars | Premium Tier | PFAS-Free
My First Impression
I’ll be real with you I was skeptical when I saw the price on this one. $799.95 is a lot of money for a 10-piece set. But after cooking with it for a week, I understand why it costs that much.
This set uses a titanium nonstick surface made without PFAS. If you’ve been worried about traditional nonstick coatings like PTFE or PFOA, this is Viking’s answer to that concern.
What’s in the Box
The 10-piece set includes pieces for everyday cooking frying pans, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stock pot. It’s a leaner lineup than the 13-piece, but each piece is built to a higher standard.
Product Features
- 3-ply construction: Stainless steel exterior, aluminum core, titanium nonstick interior
- Nonstick type: Titanium made without PFAS
- Oven safe: Up to 600°F
- Induction compatible: Yes works on all cooktops
- Metal utensil safe: Yes the titanium surface can handle metal without scratching
- Handles: Riveted stainless steel with ergonomic design
- Flared rims: Designed for drip-free pouring
- Dishwasher safe: Hand wash only
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
What I Like
- The nonstick surface is truly exceptional. Eggs slide off without any oil or butter. Fish fillets released cleanly. Pancakes? Flipped with zero effort.
- I used a metal spatula on this pan something you would never dare do with traditional nonstick and the surface stayed perfectly smooth.
- The flared rims are a thoughtful design choice. Pouring pan sauces into a bowl or plate was clean and mess-free every time.
- The PFAS-free construction gives me peace of mind. I cook for my family, and knowing there are no questionable chemicals involved matters to me.
- Oven safe up to 600°F is impressive for a nonstick pan. Most traditional nonstick coatings max out around 400–450°F.
Why It’s Better
Traditional nonstick pans have a reputation for wearing out fast. The coating starts to flake after a year or two, and then you have to replace the whole pan. That cycle gets expensive.
The PureGlide Pro is designed to break that cycle. The titanium surface is 3x harder than stainless steel according to Viking. That kind of durability is hard to find in any nonstick product.
Combined with metal utensil safety, this pan is built for real cooking not the gentle, careful kind where you only use silicone spatulas and treat the pan like it’s made of glass.
How It Performed
Egg test: This was the most impressive result of all three sets. I cracked two eggs into the cold pan, set it to low heat, and they cooked without a single drop of oil. They slid onto my plate like the pan was made of ice. No exaggeration.
Fish test: Pan-seared salmon with the skin on. This is the true test of any nonstick surface. The skin crisped up beautifully and released from the pan without sticking at all. This is something I struggle with even on good nonstick pans.
Sear test: The titanium surface handles higher heat well. I seared chicken thighs at medium-high and got a great golden crust.
Heat distribution test: I used my infrared thermometer again. The results were similar to the stainless set — even heat across the surface with no noticeable hotspots. The aluminum core does its job.
Metal utensil test: I deliberately used a metal fish spatula and a metal tongs on the surface throughout the week. After 7 days of cooking, I could not see any scratches or damage on the interior surface.
How I Clean It
Viking says to hand wash only, and I followed that instruction every single time. After cooking, I let the pan cool for 5 minutes. Then I add a drop of dish soap and wipe with a soft cloth. The surface is so slick that there is almost nothing to clean — food just doesn’t stick.
For the rare occasion when something does leave a mark, warm water and a gentle sponge handles it in seconds. Do not use abrasive scrubbers. Do not use the dishwasher. Stick to hand washing and this pan will last.
Testing Results
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Nonstick performance | Outstanding — best I’ve tested |
| Metal utensil durability | Excellent — no scratches after 7 days |
| Heat distribution | Excellent — even across full surface |
| Oven performance | Excellent — held up at 500°F |
| Fish/delicate food release | Outstanding — zero sticking |
| Cleanup ease | Outstanding — nearly effortless |
| PFAS-free verification | Yes — confirmed by Viking |
Final Verdict
If you want the absolute best nonstick performance and you’re willing to invest in a premium set, this is it. The PureGlide Pro is in a different class from most nonstick cookware on the market. For families concerned about chemical coatings, or for cooks who deal with delicate proteins like fish and eggs daily, this set is worth every dollar.
3. Viking 10-Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set – Best Budget Nonstick
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars | 321+ Reviews | Amazon’s Choice | Currently 40% Off
My First Impression
At its discounted price of $399.99 (marked down from $669.99), this set immediately caught my attention. It’s hard anodized aluminum with a triple-layer nonstick interior and it comes in a clean, sleek black finish that looks sharp in any kitchen.
This is the set I’d recommend to someone stepping up from cheap cookware for the first time, or someone who wants good nonstick performance without paying the premium price of the PureGlide Pro.
What’s in the Box
The 10-piece set includes:
- 10-inch frying pan
- 12-inch frying pan
- 2-quart saucepan with lid
- 3-quart saucepan with lid
- 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid
- 5-quart Dutch oven with lid
I love that this set includes a Dutch oven. That alone sets it apart from a lot of 10-piece sets in this price range.
Product Features
- Construction: 5-ply hard anodized aluminum exterior with triple-layer nonstick interior
- Oven safe: Up to 500°F (204°C)
- Glass lids: Tempered, safe up to 350°F
- Induction compatible: Yes works on gas, electric, induction, and grill
- Handles: Riveted, stainless steel and anodized metal
- Interior capacity markings: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes (hand washing recommended for best longevity)
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
What I Like
- The hard anodized exterior heats up very fast. I noticed this right away the pan reaches cooking temperature quicker than the stainless sets.
- The triple-layer nonstick interior is smooth and very effective. Not as impressive as the PureGlide Pro, but far better than the budget nonstick pans I’ve used in the past.
- The 5-quart Dutch oven is a standout piece. I used it to make a beef stew, and it handled everything from the initial browning of the meat to the long braise in the oven.
- The 12-inch frying pan is generous in size. It fits four eggs comfortably, or enough vegetables for a full stir-fry without crowding.
- The black finish stays looking clean and sleek, even after multiple uses.
Why It’s Better
The inclusion of the Dutch oven in this set is a game-changer. Most 10-piece nonstick sets at this price point give you a small stockpot instead. A Dutch oven is far more versatile you can use it on the stovetop, move it to the oven, and use it for everything from bread to braises.
The hard anodized exterior is also more durable than standard aluminum. It doesn’t scratch easily, it holds up well to high heat, and it resists corrosion better than untreated aluminum.
How It Performed
Egg test: I made an omelette in the 10-inch pan with just a tiny amount of butter. It slid out in one clean piece. The nonstick surface is reliable and consistent.
Stir-fry test: I used the 12-inch pan to make a chicken and vegetable stir-fry at high heat. The pan handled the high heat without any issues. The food cooked fast and evenly, and nothing stuck.
Dutch oven test: I made a beef stew. I seared the beef chunks in the Dutch oven on the stovetop, then added broth, vegetables, and herbs, and moved it to the oven at 325°F for 2.5 hours. The stew came out rich and tender. The Dutch oven performed beautifully for both the stovetop and oven portions.
Heat-up time: I timed how long it took each set to reach 350°F from cold. The hard anodized set was the fastest — it reached temp about 20% quicker than the stainless sets. Fast heat-up is a real plus on busy weeknight dinners.
Oven test: I put the sauté pan with a chicken dish into the oven at 450°F. It held up fine, no warping, no discoloration on the exterior.
How I Clean It
This set is technically dishwasher safe, and I did test it in the dishwasher a few times. It came out fine. However, I noticed the nonstick coating stays slicker and more responsive when I hand wash. So after my dishwasher test, I switched back to hand washing for the remainder of my review period.
The nonstick interior is very easy to clean by hand. A soft sponge, warm water, and a small drop of dish soap is all you need. The food simply doesn’t cling to the surface.
For the anodized exterior, a damp cloth removes any splatter or grease quickly.
Testing Results
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Nonstick performance | Very Good — reliable and smooth |
| Heat-up speed | Excellent — fastest of the three sets |
| Dutch oven performance | Excellent — stovetop and oven capable |
| Oven durability (500°F) | Excellent — no warping |
| Cleanup ease | Very Good — minimal effort required |
| Dishwasher durability | Good — slight nonstick degradation over time |
| Overall value | Outstanding — especially at 40% off |
Final Verdict
This is the set I’d recommend to most people. It balances performance, versatility, and price better than almost any 10-piece cookware set I’ve tested. The Dutch oven inclusion is a huge bonus, and the hard anodized construction gives it a long life expectancy. At 40% off, it’s honestly a steal.
How I Compared All Three Sets Side by Side
Here’s how the three Viking sets stack up across the most important categories:
| Feature | 3-Ply Stainless 13-Piece | PureGlide Pro 10-Piece | Hard Anodized 10-Piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $378.26 | $799.95 | $399.99 (was $669.99) |
| Pieces | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Nonstick | No (stainless) | Yes (titanium, PFAS-free) | Yes (triple-layer) |
| Oven Safe | 600°F | 600°F | 500°F |
| Induction Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | No (hand wash only) | Yes |
| Metal Utensil Safe | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dutch Oven Included | No | No | Yes |
| Colander Included | Yes | No | No |
| Best For | Versatile everyday cooking | Healthy nonstick cooking | Budget-friendly nonstick |
What to Look for When Buying Viking Cookware
Before you click “add to cart,” here are the key things I always consider when evaluating cookware:
Construction layers: More layers (3-ply, 5-ply) generally means better heat distribution. All three Viking sets use multi-ply construction, which is why they perform better than single-layer pans.
Nonstick type: Traditional nonstick pans use PTFE coatings. If you want to avoid chemicals like PFAS, look for titanium or ceramic-based nonstick surfaces. The PureGlide Pro is Viking’s PFAS-free option.
Oven safety temperature: If you cook a lot of dishes that start on the stovetop and finish in the oven, higher oven safety ratings matter. All three Viking sets handle at least 500°F.
Induction compatibility: Induction cooktops require magnetic cookware. All three sets are induction compatible, which is great if you ever upgrade your cooktop.
Included pieces: Think about how you actually cook. Do you need a Dutch oven? A colander? Big frying pans? Match the set to your habits, not just the piece count.
Warranty: All three Viking sets come with a limited lifetime warranty. That kind of backing tells you the brand stands behind their products.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Viking Cookware
After testing all three sets intensively, here are the habits that made the biggest difference in my cooking:
For stainless steel: Always preheat the pan before adding oil or food. A properly preheated stainless pan is much more nonstick than a cold one. The water droplet test is your friend add a few drops of water to the pan. If it beads up and rolls around, the pan is ready.
For nonstick pans: Use low to medium heat. High heat is rarely necessary with good nonstick cookware, and it can shorten the life of the coating.
For cleaning: Let pans cool before washing. Thermal shock (pouring cold water on a hot pan) can warp even high-quality cookware over time.
For storage: Use pan protectors or cloth between stacked pans to prevent scratches on nonstick surfaces.
For induction cooking: Use the right size burner for your pan. An oversized element can create uneven heat distribution even with great cookware.
FAQs About Viking Cookware
Is Viking cookware worth the money?
Yes, based on my testing. Viking cookware uses high-quality materials like 3-ply stainless and titanium nonstick surfaces. The construction is solid, the heat distribution is even, and the sets are backed by a lifetime warranty. Compared to budget brands, the performance difference is noticeable right away.
Can I use Viking cookware on an induction cooktop?
Yes. All three sets tested in this guide are fully induction compatible. They also work on gas, electric, and grill cooktops. You don’t need to change anything about your current setup to use Viking cookware.
Is the Viking PureGlide Pro really PFAS-free?
Yes. Viking specifically markets the PureGlide Pro as made without PFAS. It uses a patented titanium nonstick surface instead of traditional chemical coatings. I tested it over a full week and found the nonstick performance to be exceptional without any concern about chemical coatings.
How do I prevent Viking stainless steel from sticking?
The key is proper preheating. Heat the pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes before adding oil or butter. Wait for the oil to shimmer before adding food. With this technique, stainless steel performs much like a nonstick surface for most foods.
Can I put Viking cookware in the dishwasher?
The 3-ply stainless set and the hard anodized set are technically dishwasher safe, but Viking recommends hand washing for best longevity. The PureGlide Pro is hand wash only. In my testing, repeated dishwasher use caused minor dulling on the stainless finish and slight degradation of the nonstick surface over time. Hand washing is always the better choice.
Which Viking cookware set is best for a small household?
If you’re cooking for one or two people, the 10-piece hard anodized set gives you all the pieces you need without excess. The Dutch oven included in that set is perfect for smaller batch cooking, soups, and weekend meal prep.
How long does Viking cookware last?
With proper care hand washing, avoiding metal utensils on nonstick surfaces (except the PureGlide Pro), and avoiding thermal shock Viking cookware can last well over a decade. The limited lifetime warranty also provides additional peace of mind. I’ve tested many brands, and the build quality on these Viking sets suggests they’re built to last.
My Final Recommendation
After weeks of real-world testing, here’s my honest take:
If you want the most versatile set for everyday cooking and plan to use it for years, go with the Viking 3-Ply 13-Piece Stainless Steel Set. It handles everything, performs beautifully, and comes with the most pieces including a colander. View Price on Amazon
If you cook a lot of delicate proteins like fish and eggs, or you’re health-conscious about nonstick coatings, invest in the Viking PureGlide Pro. The titanium nonstick is unlike anything I’ve cooked on before. View Price on Amazon
If you want excellent nonstick performance and great value especially at the current 40% discount the Viking Hard Anodized 10-Piece Set is the smartest buy on this list right now. View Price on Amazon
No matter which set you choose, you’re getting cookware that is well above average. Viking earns its reputation. After testing all three, I understand why serious home cooks recommend this brand.
Happy cooking.