Good, but could be better

We took delivery of this stove in 3/03, and from the first day it didn't work right. The cook top was fine, as was the broiler, but it was the oven that was troublesome. Here's a list of the problems- the oven didn't always light, but the kitchen filled with the smell of gas; the oven had trouble reaching or keeping temperature. Viking, the company, keeps themselves out of the repair loop, preferring to delegate that to regional distributors. It's now 6 months later, and finally, the stove seems to be working, after 7 or so repair visits by 3 different Viking authorized repair companies. So, now we seem to be satisfied, but this really isn't how a costly product should perform.

**I was asked to comment on what's right or good about this stove. Well, I have a hard time getting worked up over a stove. The cooktop is excellent- the ability to adjust the heat just so seems great. Next, although the stove doesn't have sealed burners, it is very easy to clean and to keep clean. Broiler works great, but it would be nice if there was perhaps 2 broiler settings. Oven cavity is very well illuminated. Controls are easy to use and understand. Convection feature is very nice and seems to work as billed. Heavy duty construction, but please note this doesn't mean the product is reliable as a result.

I find this product a mixture of excellent design but somewhat flawed execution.