Viking barbecues are known for their high-quality performance, durability, and design. They offer a range of models and features to suit different outdoor cooking needs and preferences. However, like any appliance, they may occasionally encounter some problems that affect their functionality or safety. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common problems that Viking barbecue owners may face, how to troubleshoot them, and when to call a professional service for help.
Problem 1: Barbecue Won’t Start
One of the most frustrating problems that you may encounter with your Viking barbecue is when it won’t start or ignite. This could be due to several possible causes, such as:
- A faulty igniter or switch
- A clogged or damaged gas valve or regulator
- A low or empty propane tank
- A loose or broken wire or connection
- A dirty or wet burner or electrode
To troubleshoot this problem, you can try the following steps:
- Check the igniter or switch and make sure it is working properly. You should hear a clicking sound when you press it. If not, you may need to replace it or check the wiring.
- Check the gas valve or regulator and make sure it is open and not obstructed by dirt or debris. You can also try to reset it by turning it off and then on again.
- Check the propane tank and make sure it has enough gas. You can also try to disconnect and reconnect it to ensure a proper seal.
- Check the wires and connections and make sure they are not loose or broken. You can also inspect them for signs of corrosion or damage.
- Check the burner and electrode and make sure they are clean and dry. You can use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or grease. You can also use a match or lighter to manually light the burner if the igniter is not working.
If none of these steps solve the problem, you may need to call a professional service for assistance. Some of the parts that may need to be replaced are:
- Grill Ignitors and Switches
- Gas Supply Valves / Regulator / Manifold
- Grill Wiring
Problem 2: Burners Ignite Only Partially or Not at All
Another common problem that you may face with your Viking barbecue is when the burners ignite only partially or not at all. This could be due to several possible causes, such as:
- A clogged or dirty burner
- A faulty gas valve or regulator
- A low gas pressure
- A misaligned or damaged electrode
To troubleshoot this problem, you can try the following steps:
- Check the burner and make sure it is not clogged or dirty. You can use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or grease. You can also use a needle or wire to clear any blockages in the holes.
- Check the gas valve or regulator and make sure it is open and not obstructed by dirt or debris. You can also try to reset it by turning it off and then on again.
- Check the gas pressure and make sure it is sufficient for your barbecue model. You can use a pressure gauge to measure it. The recommended pressure for most Viking barbecues is 11 inches of water column (WC) for natural gas and 10 inches of WC for propane gas.
- Check the electrode and make sure it is aligned and not damaged. You can use a screwdriver to adjust it if needed. You can also inspect it for signs of corrosion or wear.
If none of these steps solve the problem, you may need to call a professional service for assistance. Some of the parts that may need to be replaced are:
- Grill Burners
- Electrode For U-Shaped Viking Burner
- Gas Supply Valves / Regulator / Manifold
Problem 3: Strange Smells or Odors Coming from Barbecue
Another common problem that you may encounter with your Viking barbecue is when you notice strange smells or odors coming from it. This could be due to several possible causes, such as:
- A gas leak
- A grease buildup
- A food residue
- A mold or mildew growth
To troubleshoot this problem, you can try the following steps:
- Check for gas leaks and make sure there are no cracks or holes in the hoses, fittings, valves, regulators, tanks, or burners. You can use a soap solution to detect any bubbles that indicate a leak. If you smell gas, turn off the gas supply immediately and call a professional service for repair.
- Check for grease buildup and make sure there are no excess amounts of grease in the drip tray, flavor grids, burners, grates, or other parts. You can use a scraper or spatula to remove any grease. You can also use a degreaser or a grill cleaner to clean the parts.
- Check for food residue and make sure there are no leftover food particles or drippings on the grates, burners, flavor grids, or other parts. You can use a grill brush or a scraper to remove any food residue. You can also use a grill cleaner or a mild detergent to clean the parts.
- Check for mold or mildew growth and make sure there are no signs of fungus or bacteria on the grates, burners, flavor grids, or other parts. You can use a bleach solution or a vinegar solution to kill any mold or mildew. You can also use a grill cleaner or a mild detergent to clean the parts.
If none of these steps solve the problem, you may need to call a professional service for assistance. Some of the parts that may need to be cleaned or replaced are:
- Grill Grates & Flavor Grids
- Grill Warming Racks
- Viking Grease Pan
Problem 4: Smoking Barbecue
Another common problem that you may face with your Viking barbecue is when it produces too much smoke or flames. This could be due to several possible causes, such as:
- A high temperature setting
- A dirty or wet barbecue
- A fatty or marinated food
- A windy or humid weather
To troubleshoot this problem, you can try the following steps:
- Check the temperature setting and make sure it is not too high for your food type. You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. The recommended temperature range for most Viking barbecues is 300°F to 550°F.
- Check the barbecue and make sure it is not dirty or wet. You can use a grill brush or a scraper to remove any dirt or grease. You can also use a grill cleaner or a mild detergent to clean the parts. You can also dry the parts with a cloth or paper towel before using them.
- Check the food and make sure it is not too fatty or marinated. You can trim any excess fat from the meat or poultry. You can also blot any excess marinade from the food with a paper towel before placing it on the grill.
- Check the weather and make sure it is not too windy or humid. You can use a windscreen or a cover to protect your barbecue from strong winds. You can also avoid using your barbecue in rainy or snowy conditions.
If none of these steps solve the problem, you may need to call a professional service for assistance. Some of the parts that may need to be adjusted or replaced are:
- Grill Thermostats
- Grill Covers
Top Sales Models with Common Problems
Some of the top sales models of Viking barbecues that may experience some of the common problems mentioned above are:
- Viking Professional 5 Series 42″ Built-In Gas Grill with ProSear Burner and Rotisserie (VQGI5421LSS)
- Viking Professional 5 Series 54″ Freestanding Gas Grill and Cart with ProSear Burner and Rotisserie (VQGFS5421LSS)
- Viking Professional 5 Series 30″ Freestanding Gas Grill and Cart with ProSear Burner and Rotisserie (VQGFS5301LSS)
These models offer premium features such as stainless steel construction, ceramic briquettes, halogen grill lighting, temperature gauge, smoker box, and more. However, they may also encounter some of the common problems such as:
- Barbecue won’t start due to a faulty igniter, switch, valve, regulator, tank, wire, connection, burner, or electrode
- Burners ignite only partially or not at all due to a clogged or dirty burner, valve, regulator, gas pressure, electrode
- Strange smells or odors coming from barbecue due to a gas leak, grease buildup, food residue, mold or mildew growth
- Smoking barbecue due to a high temperature setting, dirty or wet barbecue, fatty or marinated food, windy or humid weather
When to Call a Professional Service
While some of the common problems with your Viking barbecue can be easily fixed by following some simple troubleshooting steps, there are some situations where you may need to call a professional service for help. These include:
- When you smell gas and suspect a gas leak
- When you see sparks or flames coming from the wires or connections
- When you hear loud noises or vibrations coming from the barbecue
- When you notice cracks or holes in the hoses, fittings, valves, regulators, tanks, burners, grates, flavor grids, drip tray, cover, or other parts
- When you are unable to fix the problem by yourself after trying several troubleshooting steps
- When you are unsure about how to replace a part or adjust a setting
- When you want to perform a regular maintenance or inspection of your barbecue to ensure its optimal performance and safety
A professional service can provide you with expert advice, quality parts, and reliable service for your Viking barbecue. We can also help you with installation, warranty, and repair issues. To find a professional service near you, you can call us.
We hope this article has helped you troubleshoot some of the common problems with your Viking.