Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
A dual fuel range will boost the value of your kitchen and home. If you are considering one, make sure that your kitchen is capable of handling both electric and gas power sources.
Schedule a showroom appointment at Clarke to see a variety of dual fuel ranges in full-scale kitchens created by local experts. Features such as smooth glide ball bearing oven racks and StayPut Italian Hinges ensure a safe and easy baking experience.
Cooking Options
When it comes to choosing a range, it's important to choose one that is in line with the style of your kitchen and matches the other appliances in your kitchen. However, a range's purpose isn't just about appearances. You need a professional oven capable of handling your cooking and baking needs. Many home cooks opt for dual-fuel cookers to make the most of cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove incorporates the cooktop of a gas and an electric oven to provide the best of both worlds in terms temperature control and accuracy. Gas cooktops provide a flexible temperature control that lets cooks explore different cooking methods like searing or roasting. On the other hand, bakers prefer the consistent heating offered by an electric oven. Some models feature an advanced feature that releases steam at the beginning of the baking cycle to help bread rise for a smoother texture.
The cooktop of a dual fuel range usually has high-performance burners that operate on natural gas or liquid propane. These burners are capable of producing rapid heat for many tasks, such as searing and boiling. The convection oven on a professional dual-fuel range is typically powered by an electric fan. It circulates hot air to ensure uniform heating.
Dual fuel ranges can be expensive, but they're a great choice for cooks who want to improve their cooking abilities and entertain guests at home. This type of range can also be easy to maintain and add value to your home if you decide to sell in the future.
If you're thinking of purchasing a dual fuel professional range make sure you consult an expert in home appliance installation. This person will ensure that the range is connected to both gas and electric lines and that all safety precautions are taken. An experienced installer can solve any issues that could arise during the installation of your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range gives the versatility of a gas stovetop and an oven in one appliance. freestanding dual fuel range cooker are perfect for homeowners who enjoy trying new recipes and methods. These stoves come in various sizes, with oven capacities ranging from 4.5 to 6.8 cubic feet. Some models even feature two ovens side by side for larger capacity.
Combining a gas cooktop and an electric cooktop together offers the best of both. You'll get a responsive heat that is easy to adjust, and a precise heating system that allows you to set temperature precisely. This kind of precision is essential when you're simmering soup or warming leftovers. Similarly, the electric oven ensures a constant temperature which can be set precisely to keep the temperature low for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners opt for a dual fuel range for its design appeal, as well as its practicality. Many of these ranges come with premium finishes and accessories that can complement a wide variety of kitchen styles that range from traditional to modern. For example, some dual fuel ranges are available with stylish brass handles or brushed bronze trim that can add an element of luxury to a French-style kitchen.
A dual fuel range is a great option for any kitchen. However, it might not be the best choice for all. It typically requires a dedicated line of gas within the home, which could require you to upgrade your gas hookup or pay for the installation. Some homes don't have both an electrical and a gas outlet in the same area which makes it difficult to switch between power sources.
If you're looking for the flexibility of dual fuel ranges but aren't ready to install a brand new gas line, consider purchasing an electric and gas cooktop as well as a wall oven. This is a budget-friendly option that allows you to cook using either power source. You can also put them separately within the same space should you require. You can even combine an electric and gas model by selecting a dual-fuel slide-in stove with a separate gas cooktop and an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range is a combination of a gas stove and an electric oven. Professional cooks appreciate the versatility and value of this device. It has precise temperature control for the oven, as well as responsive temperature control on its cooktop for a variety of cooking techniques.
The cooktop section of the professional range with dual fuel is powered by natural gas or liquid propane. Gas cooktops offer quick, visual temperature adjustment and allows you to use more sophisticated cooking techniques such as charring and roasting. Electric ovens are a trusted and reliable kitchen appliance. They offer consistent heating. Many models have a downdraft that captures airborne particles, smoke and odors without the need for overhead ventilation systems.
The most dedicated cooks usually prefer gas cooktops because of their speedy and precise temperature control, which makes it simpler to cook onions or boil pasta. However, bakers are likely to prefer an electric oven since it creates a drier heating that allows bread to rise and then brown. Some cooks, however, prefer a hybrid combination of both heat sources. This option is available on certain dual-fuel ranges.
These appliances are not just flexible and efficient but also come with various useful features. Certain models have removable burner grates, and sealed burners for easier cleaning. Some models have self-cleaning automated ovens, which save you time and effort by taking off dirt after every meal.
A dual fuel range is more energy efficient than an all-electric model, or an all-gas model. This appliance can help you save money on your winter energy bills if your home is connected to gas lines.
Think about your kitchen layout and how often you will use the stove when shopping for a dual-fuel range. If you only cook once a week, for example then a dual-fuel stove may not be worth the cost. Additionally, these ranges require an installation and gas hookup cost that is typically not included in the purchase price.
Safety
If a dual fuel cooker range is properly used it provides the most secure cooking experience than other stoves. This is due to the fact that it combines the accuracy and even distribution of heat of an electric oven that is ideal for roasting and baking with the instant heat control of gas burners on a stove. This allows cooks to switch between the different styles of cooking effortlessly and quickly. A dual fuel range lets you choose between slow and low simmer or a high-heat sear giving cooks more flexibility to make their own favorite recipes.
In addition to their safety advantages Dual fuel ranges are also simple to clean due to their use of electric and gas components. The gas oven typically has sealed burners or enamel-coated cast iron grates that are easy to wipe down after meals, whereas the electric oven usually comes with a self-cleaning feature which uses high temperatures to burn away any food remnants. Certain electric models come with removable oven racks or trays that can be soaked in water or scrubbed for a thorough clean.
One of the drawbacks to purchasing a dual fuel stove is that you'll need to have both an electrical and gas connection to your home in order to use it. This can be expensive particularly if you already have a gas line installed in your kitchen and will require the services of a plumber to visit and install an electrical outlet. Also older homes may not be wired for electricity and gas, and will require an electrician to modify the voltage of the kitchen outlet in order to accommodate a dual fuel range.
Eva Bleyer is a reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. She has tested over 100 ranges, which include many dual fuel options in recent years. In addition to evaluating products she also regularly speaks with industry experts and visits showrooms of kitchen appliances to stay on top of the latest technologies that are being introduced to kitchens in homes. Set up an appointment with Clarke to see a dual fuel range in action. Speak to our experts to determine the best model for your kitchen.