Viking grills are known for their high quality, durability, and performance. They are designed to withstand the elements and deliver delicious results every time. However, like any other appliance, they require proper care and maintenance to keep them in top shape. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to fix some of the most common issues that may affect your Viking grill, as well as how to prevent them from happening in the first place. We will also introduce you to some of the top models and product lines of Viking grills, and the parts and accessories that you may need to replace or upgrade your grill.
How to Fix Common Issues with Your Viking Grill
One of the most frustrating things that can happen when you are ready to grill is finding out that your grill won’t light up, produces low flame or heat, or has uneven heat distribution. These issues can be caused by various factors, such as faulty igniters, clogged burners, damaged hoses, or malfunctioning regulators. Here are some simple steps that you can take to troubleshoot and fix these problems:
- Grill won’t light up: If your grill has a battery ignition system, check if the battery needs to be replaced or if the wiring is loose or damaged. If your grill has a piezo igniter system, which generates a spark without a battery, check if the igniter is clogged with grease or debris. You can clean it with a soft brush or a toothpick. If the igniter is still not working, you may need to replace it with a new one. To do this, you will need to open the igniter box, disconnect the wires, and attach the new igniter kit. Make sure to follow the instructions that come with the kit and match the wires correctly. You can find the right igniter kit for your grill model on Viking’s website or on The BBQ Depot.
- Grill produces low flame or heat: If your grill has low flame or heat output, even when turned up, the issue may lie with the regulator, which controls the gas flow from the tank to the burners. Check if the regulator is properly connected to the tank and the hose, and if there are any leaks or cracks in the hose. You can test for leaks by applying a solution of soap and water on the hose connections and opening the gas valve. If you see bubbles forming, that means there is a leak. You will need to tighten the connections or replace the hose if necessary. You can also try resetting the regulator by turning off the gas valve, disconnecting the hose from the tank, and opening all the burner valves for a few minutes. Then reconnect the hose, turn on the gas valve slowly, and light up the burners.
- Grill has uneven heat distribution: If your grill has hot and cold spots, or flare-ups and excessive smoke, the issue may be caused by dirty or damaged heat distribution plates, also known as flavor grids or briquette trays. These plates are located above the burners and below the cooking grates, and they help distribute heat evenly and vaporize drippings to add flavor. Over time, these plates can accumulate grease and food particles, which can affect their performance and cause flare-ups. To clean them, you will need to remove them from the grill and scrape off any residue with a wire brush or a scraper tool. You can also soak them in warm water and vinegar for a few hours to loosen any stubborn dirt. If your plates are cracked, warped, or rusted, you will need to replace them with new ones. You can find compatible heat distribution plates for your grill model on Viking’s website or on The BBQ Depot.
How to Prevent Common Issues with Your Viking Grill
The best way to avoid common issues with your Viking grill is to keep it clean and well-maintained. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Clean your grill after each use: This will prevent grease and food residue from building up on your grill components and causing problems later on. To clean your grill, you will need to turn off the gas valve, let it cool down completely, and disconnect it from the gas source. Then remove the cooking grates and heat distribution plates and wash them with warm water and mild soap. You can also use a degreaser spray or a vinegar solution to remove any stubborn stains. Scrub them with a soft brush or a sponge and rinse them thoroughly. Dry them with a cloth or let them air dry before putting them back on the grill. Next, use a wire brush or a scraper tool to remove any debris from the burners and the inside of the grill. Wipe down any grease or dirt from the exterior of the grill with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. You can also polish the stainless steel parts with a stainless steel cleaner and a microfiber cloth to restore their shine. Finally, cover your grill with a grill cover to protect it from dust, moisture, and weather damage. You can find grill covers for your grill model on Viking’s website or on The BBQ Depot.
- Inspect your grill regularly: This will help you detect any signs of wear and tear or damage on your grill components and fix them before they become worse. Check the hoses, valves, regulators, igniters, burners, and heat distribution plates for any cracks, leaks, corrosion, or clogs. If you find any issues, replace the faulty parts with new ones as soon as possible. You can find replacement parts for your grill model on Viking’s website or on The BBQ Depot.
- Store your grill properly: If you are not going to use your grill for a long time, such as during the winter season, you will need to store it properly to prevent any damage or deterioration. First, clean your grill thoroughly as described above. Then disconnect it from the gas source and remove the propane tank if you have one. Store the tank in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Next, cover your grill with a grill cover and place it in a sheltered location away from moisture and extreme temperatures. You can also apply a thin layer of cooking oil on the burners and the cooking grates to prevent rusting.
Top Models and Product Lines of Viking Grills
Viking offers a wide range of grills to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a built-in or a freestanding grill, a gas or a charcoal grill, a large or a small grill, you can find the perfect one for you among Viking’s product lines. Here are some of the top models and product lines of Viking grills:
- Viking Professional 5 Series: This is the most popular and versatile product line of Viking grills. It features gas grills that come in various sizes and configurations, from 30-inch to 54-inch models, with options for side burners, rotisseries, smokers, and warming drawers. These grills have stainless steel construction, heavy-duty cast iron grates, ceramic briquette trays, electronic ignition systems, halogen lighting, temperature gauges, and removable smoker boxes. They also have exclusive features such as TruSear infrared burners that deliver intense heat for searing and EASYLIFT canopy assist system that makes opening and closing the hood effortless. Some of the best-selling models in this product line are:
- VQGFS5301NSS: This is a 30-inch freestanding gas grill with one TruSear infrared burner and one U-shaped burner that provide a total of 55,000 BTUs of power. It has 542 square inches of cooking area, plus an additional 216 square inches of warming rack area. It also has a rotisserie system with an infrared rear burner that delivers 14,000 BTUs of heat. It comes with a stainless steel cart that has two storage drawers and two foldable side shelves.
- VQGI5421LSS: This is a 42-inch built-in gas grill with one TruSear infrared burner and two U-shaped burners that provide a total of 73,000 BTUs of power. It has 706 square inches of cooking area, plus an additional 266 square inches of warming rack area. It also has a rotisserie system with an infrared rear burner that delivers 14,000 BTUs of heat.
- VQGI5541LSS: This is a 54-inch built-in gas grill with one TruSear infrared burner and three U-shaped burners that provide a total of 91,000 BTUs of power. It has 950 square inches of cooking area, plus an additional 336 square inches of warming rack area. It also has a rotisserie system with an infrared rear burner that delivers 14,000 BTUs of heat.
- Viking Professional Outdoor: This is another product line of Viking grills that features gas grills that come in various sizes and configurations, from 30-inch to 54-inch models, with options for side burners, rotisseries, smokers, and warming drawers. These grills have stainless steel construction, heavy-duty cast iron grates, ceramic briquette trays, electronic ignition systems, halogen lighting, temperature gauges, and removable smoker boxes. They also have exclusive features such as TruSear infrared burners that deliver intense heat for searing and EASYLIFT canopy assist system that makes opening and closing the hood effortless. Some of the best-selling models in this product line are:
- VQGFS5421LSS: This is a 42-inch freestanding gas grill with one TruSear infrared burner and two U-shaped burners that provide a total of 73,000 BTUs of power. It has 706 square inches of cooking area, plus an additional 266 square inches of warming rack area. It also has a rotisserie system with an infrared rear burner that delivers 14,000 BTUs of heat. It comes with a stainless steel cart that has two storage drawers and two foldable side shelves.
- VQGI5541NSS: This is a 54-inch built-in gas grill with one TruSear infrared burner and three U-shaped burners that provide a total of 91,000 BTUs of power. It has 950 square inches of cooking area, plus an additional 336 square inches of warming rack area. It also has a rotisserie system with an infrared rear burner that delivers 14,000 BTUs of heat.
- Viking Ultra-Premium T-Series/E-Series: This is a product line of Viking grills that features gas grills that come in various sizes and configurations, from 24-inch to 42-inch models, with options for side burners, rotisseries, smokers, and warming drawers. These grills have stainless steel construction, porcelain-coated cast iron grates, stainless steel flavor grids, electronic ignition systems, halogen lighting, temperature gauges, and removable smoker boxes. They also have exclusive features such as Gourmet-Glo infrared burners that deliver intense heat for searing and Rapid Ready preheat system that reduces the preheat time by half. Some of the best-selling models in this product line are:
- VGBQ54224NSS: This is a 42-inch built-in gas grill with one Gourmet-Glo infrared burner and two U-shaped burners that provide a total of 73,000 BTUs of power. It has 706 square inches of cooking area, plus an additional 266 square inches of warming rack area. It also has a rotisserie system with an infrared rear burner that delivers 14,000 BTUs of heat.
- VGBQ53024NSS: This is a 30-inch built-in gas grill with one Gourmet-Glo infrared burner and one U-shaped burner that provide a total of 55,000 BTUs of power. It has 542 square inches of cooking area, plus an additional 216 square inches of warming rack area. It also has a rotisserie system with an infrared rear burner that delivers 14,000 BTUs of heat.
- Viking Charcoal Grills: This is a product line of Viking grills that features charcoal grills that come in various sizes and configurations, from 30-inch to 41-inch models, with options for side burners and smokers. These grills have stainless steel construction, porcelain-coated cast iron grates, stainless steel flavor grids, adjustable charcoal trays, air vents, temperature gauges, and removable ash pans. They also have exclusive features such as Easy Access front doors that allow you to add charcoal or wood chips without lifting the hood and Smoker Box accessory that adds smoky flavor to your food. Some of the best-selling models in this product line are:
- VCCB5301RSS: This is a 30-inch built-in charcoal grill with an adjustable charcoal tray that provides up to 25,000 BTUs of power. It has 476 square inches of cooking area, plus an additional 216 square inches of warming rack area. It also has a Smoker Box accessory that delivers up to 13,000 BTUs of heat.
- VCCB4101RSS: This is a 41-inch built-in charcoal grill with an adjustable charcoal tray that provides up to 25,000 BTUs of power. It has 706 square inches of cooking area, plus an additional 266 square inches of warming rack area. It also has a Smoker Box accessory that delivers up to 13,000 BTUs of heat.
Most Common Parts List with Part Numbers
If you need to replace or upgrade any parts or accessories for your Viking grill, you can find them on Viking’s website or on The BBQ Depot. Here are some of the most common parts and their part numbers:
- Igniter Kit: This is the part that generates the spark to light up the burners. The part number varies depending on the model and type of ignition system. For example, the part number for the battery ignition kit for the Viking Professional 5 Series is PA020047, while the part number for the piezo igniter kit for the Viking Professional Outdoor is PB040288.
- Heat Distribution Plate: This is the part that distributes heat evenly and vaporizes drippings to add flavor. The part number varies depending on the model and size of the grill. For example, the part number for the heat distribution plate for the Viking Professional Outdoor VQGI5421LSS is 032381-000, while the part number for the heat distribution plate for the Viking Ultra-Premium T-Series/E-Series VGBQ54224NSS is 032181-000.
- Burner: This is the part that produces the flame and heat for cooking. The part number varies depending on the model and type of burner. For example, the part number for the U-shaped burner for the Viking Professional 5 Series is PB050012, while the part number for the Gourmet-Glo infrared burner for the Viking Ultra-Premium T-Series/E-Series is 008091-000.
- Regulator: This is the part that controls the gas flow from the tank to the burners. The part number varies depending on the model and type of gas. For example, the part number for the regulator for the Viking Professional 5 Series using natural gas is 008090-120, while the part number for the regulator for the Viking Professional Outdoor using liquid propane gas is 008090-000.
- Hose: This is the part that connects the regulator to the grill. The part number varies depending on the model and length of the hose. For example, the part number for the hose for the Viking Professional 5 Series with a 36-inch length is PA060037, while the part number for the hose for the Viking Professional Outdoor with a 48-inch length is PA060038.
Conclusion
Viking grills are among the best in the market, but they still need proper care and maintenance to keep them in top shape. By following these tips and tricks, you can fix some of the most common issues that may affect your grill, as well as prevent them from happening in the first place. You can also find out more about some of the top models and product lines of Viking grills, and the parts and accessories that you may need to replace or upgrade your grill. If you have any questions or need any assistance, you can contact Viking’s customer service at 1-888-845-4641 or visit their website at www.vikingrange.com.