Craftsman's Notes

From our workshop

Thoughts, tips, and stories from the Lakefront Appliance Works team. Written by the people who do the work.

2025-12-157 min read

Craftsman's notes: typical Viking Professional Range problems

After years in the workshop, certain patterns emerge. Here are the most common Viking Professional Range issues we see -- and what causes them.

Read more
2025-11-285 min read

How to tell a genuine Viking part from a counterfeit

The parts market is full of imitations. We share our approach to sourcing and verifying authentic Viking replacement parts.

Read more
2025-11-106 min read

Why repair beats replacement: the Lakefront Appliance Works philosophy

In a throwaway culture, we believe in fixing what is worth fixing. Here is why thoughtful repair is better for your kitchen and your wallet.

Read more
2025-10-228 min read

Preparing your Viking grill for a Chicago winter: a step-by-step guide

Chicago winters are tough on outdoor grills. Our step-by-step guide helps you protect your Viking grill investment through the cold months.

Read more
2025-10-055 min read

Lincoln Park and its kitchens: what we see on service calls

Every home tells a story through its kitchen. After hundreds of service calls in Lincoln Park, we have seen remarkable spaces and fascinating setups.

Read more
2025-09-186 min read

The fine points of repairing Viking gas cooktops

Gas cooktop repair demands precision and respect for the appliance. We walk through the nuances of working with Viking gas burner systems.

Read more
2025-09-015 min read

Our approach to diagnostics: why we spend time finding the root cause

Quick fixes lead to repeat calls. Our diagnostic philosophy focuses on understanding the real problem before picking up a tool.

Read more
2025-08-157 min read

Before and after: five of our most memorable repairs this year

Some repairs stick with you. Here are five Viking appliance transformations that our team is especially proud of from this past year.

Read more
Call now