© ilovebutter (Flickr) 17,200 BTUs of Love
© ilovebutter (Flickr)
The beginning
Overview
Electric stoves were plentiful, but his wife specified her previous stove which had been gas.
The only gas stoves on the market for residential use did not include a broiler option; the only gas stoves that did include a broiler were commercial stoves-too large and too hot to be practical for the home.
His solution: create a gas stove for his wife.
Thanks to this, the Viking Range Corporation was born. Carl, in an effort to please his wife, had discovered an untapped market for more modestly sized gas ranges.
The Viking Range Corporation began in 1981 when Fred Carl Jr drew some drawings for a gas stove that would be suited for the home yet have many features of the larger commercial stove.
Carl created a Viking logo in 1983, and incorporated the Viking Range Corporation in 1984. The company created its first prototype that was approved by the American Gas Association in 1986.
Production
Stove production
Production of the stoves began in California by a contract manufacturer.
Later that year, stove production moved to Tennessee, then to Greenwood, Mississippi in 1989, where the Viking ranges and all parts are manufactured today. The production company has since expanded to grow with the increased demand for its stoves and other Viking appliances.
Appliances
Appliances
Along with the Viking gas ranges, the company has added to its product line.
In 1994, the company added convection ovens to its line, as well as dual fuel ranges, Viking refrigerators, drop in cook tops in 1996; grills for outdoor use, range cook tops and electric ranges in 1997; thermal ovens, hoods, warming drawers, microwave chambers, bottom mounted freezers, and Viking cooking schools in 1999.
Final word
The company continued to grow, adding blenders and other appliances.
At its core, the gas stove his wife wanted for her new home: gas stoves that are suited for the home but offer the features of a commercial stove.
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