A Viking commercial refrigerator is a stainless steel, NSF/ANSI Standard 7 listed unit built for bars, restaurants and hospitality venues, and it costs noticeably more than most commercial refrigeration we carry. The Viking VC line on our site covers undercounter reach-ins, undercounter wine units, back bar coolers (including direct draw versions), draft and nitro cold brew dispensers, a clear cube ice machine and a 160 bottle dual zone wine cooler. This review walks through each series using only what the product listings state, then looks at the price gap honestly so you can decide whether it fits your bar.
Who makes Viking commercial refrigeration
Viking Range, LLC is based in Greenwood, Mississippi. According to Viking’s own story page, the company introduced the first commercial style range designed for residential use in 1987, and its website footer currently lists Viking as part of the Composition Brands luxury portfolio. Most of vikingrange.com is aimed at home kitchens. The VC models covered here are a separate commercial line, and their listings describe them for bars, restaurants, hotel lounges, tasting rooms, suites and event spaces.
You can browse every model we carry on our Viking brand page.
Viking commercial refrigerator lineup at a glance
Prices below are listed prices at the time of writing and change often. Capacities and temperature ranges come from our product descriptions.
| Series | Widths | Capacity | Listed range | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCRE undercounter reach-in | 15, 18, 24 in | 2.9, 3.7, 5.2 cu ft | 34°F to 70°F | $4,180 to $4,635 |
| VCWC undercounter wine | 15, 18, 24 in | 2.9, 3.7, 5.2 cu ft, five slide-out racks | 34°F to 70°F | $4,635 to $5,299 |
| VCBR back bar cooler | 32, 52, 72, 92 in | 6.25 to 28.5 cu ft | 33°F to 70°F | $6,659 to $10,893 |
| VCBR direct draw back bar | 52, 72, 92 in | 12.52 to 28.5 cu ft | 33°F to 70°F | $7,637 to $10,746 |
| VCDE draft beer cooler | 15, 24 in | 3.6 and 6.3 cu ft | 34°F to 60°F | $4,287 to $6,558 |
| VCDE nitro cold brew | 24 in | Coffee kegs plus nitrogen tank | 34°F to 60°F | $5,868 to $6,900 |
| VCCC clear cube ice | 15 in | Not listed | Not listed | $6,900 |
| VCWD630 dual zone wine | 30 in | 160 bottles | 43°F to 65°F per zone | $12,669 |
Viking undercounter refrigerator (VCRE) and wine units (VCWC)
The VCRE reach-ins come in 15, 18 and 24 inch widths with solid or glass doors. The Viking VCRE524-SG33A is typical: 33 11/16 in high, 23 5/8 in wide and 22 15/16 in deep, with a 5.2 cu ft interior, two slide-out metal shelves with 19 positions, a locking reversible door and white or blue LED lighting. The listings describe bottom mounted, self-contained refrigeration, a variable speed compressor, convection cooling and auto defrost, and they say the units can be built in or freestanding.
The 34°F to 70°F range is wider than many prep refrigerators, which is why the same cabinet shows up in a wine version. The Viking VCWC524-SS33A keeps the 5.2 cu ft interior but swaps shelves for five slide-out wine racks. The listing does not give a bottle count, so measure your bottles or call us before assuming a number.
Viking back bar coolers
The VCBR5 back bar coolers run from a 32 in one door unit up to a 92 in four door unit, in solid or glass. The Viking VCBR572-SS01A lists 19.74 cu ft, nine adjustable coated wire shelves and three locking, field reversible doors. The glass door Viking VCBR592-SG01A lists 28.5 cu ft and twelve shelves. Across the series the listings describe side mounted, self-contained refrigeration, front ventilation, convection cooling, automatic defrost, a 115V NEMA 5-15P plug on the models that state it, and NSF/ANSI Standard 7, UL and UL EPH Classified listings.
The 33°F to 70°F range stands out. A beer only cooler stays cold; a Viking back bar can also be set warmer for wine by the glass or mixers. For sizing, door count and clearance questions, use our back bar cooler buying guide rather than repeating it here.
Viking direct draw back bar coolers
The VCBR6 models are the same cabinets prepared for draft. The Viking VCBR652-SS01A includes a tap and drain hole, while the 72 and 92 in versions include two. Tap towers are sold separately on all three, so budget for the tower and draft hardware on top of the listed price.
Draft, nitro and specialty units
The VCDE cabinets are standalone dispensers. The Viking VCDE224-SSB3A is 24 in wide with a 6.3 cu ft interior that holds one 1/2 barrel or three 1/6 barrels, a dual tap tower and a 34°F to 60°F range, and its listing mentions use indoors or outdoors. The 15 in VCDE215 holds one 1/6 barrel and a 10 lb CO2 tank. Three nitro cold brew versions use JoeTap towers. Our direct draw vs long draw guide and nitro cold brew dispenser guide already compare these models in detail.
The VCCC115 ice machine makes clear cubes measuring 1 7/8 x 1 7/8 x 1 1/4 in, with a factory installed drain pump and a cleaning reminder. The Viking VCWD630-SG51A holds up to 160 full size bottles in two zones, each 43°F to 65°F, with maple faced shelves, a locking Low E glass door and front venting.
Our Viking commercial review: strengths and tradeoffs
We have not lab tested these units and we do not have verified owner reviews to share, so this is a reading of the published specs and prices.
Where the line looks strong:
- A consistent look across reach-ins, wine units, back bars and dispensers, all in stainless steel.
- Wide temperature ranges (33°F or 34°F up to 70°F) on the reach-ins and back bars.
- Narrow 15 and 18 in widths for tight bar and chef counter openings.
- Locking, reversible doors and white or blue LED lighting on most models.
Where it costs you:
- Price. The 72 in Viking VCBR572-SS01A lists at $9,030. The Hurakan 72 in 3 door back bar refrigerator lists at $1,841 for 18.5 cu ft, with a narrower 33°F to 40°F range.
- Undercounter cost per cubic foot. The 24 in Viking VCRE reach-ins list at $4,407 to $4,635 for 5.2 cu ft, while the Traulsen CLUC-27R-SD-R lists at $2,523 for 6.5 cu ft in a 27 in footprint.
- Add-ons. Direct draw models need towers purchased separately.
Lower priced units are not worse by default, and a Viking is not better by default. The difference is mostly in features you may or may not use: the warmer temperature settings, narrow widths, built-in installation and finish. Warranty terms are not stated on our listings, so ask us before you order.
Installation notes
Most of the reach-ins and back bars list a standard 115V NEMA 5-15P plug. Back bars use front ventilation and the undercounter units are rated for built-in use, but check the spec sheet clearances before you build cabinetry around them. Draft lines, drains and the ice machine’s drain pump connection should be handled by a licensed plumber or electrician, and local code has the final word.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Viking commercial refrigerator NSF listed?
The VCRE, VCWC and VCBR listings we checked state NSF/ANSI Standard 7 compliance along with UL and UL EPH Classified listings. The VCWD630 lists cULus. Confirm on the specific model page before you buy.
Does the Viking undercounter refrigerator work for wine?
The VCRE reach-ins list 34°F to 70°F, so they can hold wine temperatures, but the VCWC wine versions add five slide-out wine racks, which makes bottle storage easier.
Does a Viking direct draw back bar include the tap tower?
No. The VCBR652, VCBR672 and VCBR692 listings say the tap and drain holes are included and tap towers are sold separately.
Is Viking commercial refrigeration worth the price?
It can be if you will use what sets it apart: the 33°F or 34°F to 70°F range, narrow 15 and 18 in widths, built-in installation and a matching stainless look across the bar. If you only need cold beer storage, a lower priced back bar cooler does that job.
Questions about sizing, towers or lead times on a Viking unit? Call us at 866-777-2590, Mon to Fri 9AM to 6PM PST. Shipping is free freight on orders of $999 or more and $200 flat below that. For more equipment planning, see our commercial kitchen equipment guide.
