Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
The investment in a dual fuel cooker range adds to the overall value of your home and kitchen. If you're thinking about it, make sure your kitchen is equipped with two power sources (gas and electric).
Clarke offers the opportunity to visit their showrooms to see the variety of dual-fuel ranges in fully-scaled kitchens that are designed locally. Features like smooth glide ball-bearing oven racks and StayPut Italian hinges ensure a safe and easy baking experience.
Cooking Options
It's crucial to choose the right range that complements the style of your kitchen, and also complements the other appliances you have. But a range's function isn't only about looks. You need a professional oven that can handle your cooking and baking needs. This is why a lot of home chefs look to dual fuel cookers to enhance their cooking skills.
A dual fuel stove incorporates a gas cooktop and an electric oven to provide the best of both worlds in terms of temperature control and precision. Gas cooktops provide a flexible temperature control that lets cooks explore different cooking methods such as roasting or searing. On the other hand, bakers appreciate the consistent heating offered by an electric oven. Certain models also come with the ability to release steam at the start of the baking process which makes the bread rise and gives it a smoother texture.
The cooktop of a dual fuel stove typically has high-performance burners that operate on natural gas or liquid propane. These burners can produce rapid heat to accomplish a wide range of tasks, like boiling and searing. The convection oven of a professional dual-fuel range is typically powered by an electric fan. This circulates hot air to ensure uniform heating.
Dual fuel ranges can be expensive however they are a great choice for cooks looking to improve their cooking skills or entertain guests at home. This type of stove is also easy to maintain, and add value to your home should you decide to sell in the future.
If you're considering purchasing a professional dual fuel range make sure you consult an expert in home appliance installation. This person will ensure that the range is connected properly to both gas and electric lines and that all safety precautions are followed. A certified installer will be able to resolve any issues that may arise during the process of installing your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range combines the flexibility of a gas cooktop with an electric oven into one unit. These stoves are great for homeowners who enjoy trying new recipes and techniques. These stoves are available in a variety of 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.
The combination of a gas and electric cooktop in one unit offers the best of both, with responsive heat that's quick to adjust, and a precise heat that lets you set the temperature accurately. This kind of precision is crucial when you're simmering soup or warming leftovers. The electric oven also provides the ability to maintain a constant temperature which can be precisely adjusted to maintain a low temperature for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners opt for dual fuel ranges for their aesthetic appeal and practicality. A lot of these ranges come with premium finishes and hardware that can go with a wide selection of kitchen designs from traditional to contemporary. Some dual fuel ranges are equipped with elegant brushed-bronze trim or handles that can provide a touch of luxury to French-style kitchens.
While a dual fuel stove can be a smart addition to any kitchen, it's not right for every home. It usually requires a dedicated gas line within the home to power it, which could require you to pay for the installation or upgrade your gas hookup. Certain homes don't have both an electrical and gas outlet in the same location, making it difficult to switch between power sources.
If you're looking for the flexibility of a dual fuel range, but do not have the option of installing an additional gas line, consider buying a separate gas and electric cooktop and wall oven instead. This is a less costly solution that will still give you the option to cook with either power source and you can install both in the same room if needed. You can also combine an electric and a gas model by choosing a dual-fuel slide-in stove with an additional gas cooktop as well as an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range is a combination of a gas stove and an electric oven. This appliance is highly regarded by professional cooks for its flexibility and value. It provides precise temperature control in the oven and responsive temperature control on its cooktop for a variety cooking techniques.
The cooktop in a dual-fuel professional range can be powered by natural gas or propane liquid. A gas cooktop gives you an instant, visible temperature adjustment and allows you to use more advanced cooking techniques, such as roasting and charring. On the other side an electric oven is a trusted and reliable kitchen appliance that can provide constant heating. Many models come with an air vent that collects smoke, odors, and other airborne particles without the necessity of an overhead ventilation system.
The most dedicated cooks usually prefer gas cooktops due to their rapid and precise temperature control, which makes it easier to cook onions or boil pasta. However bakers tend to prefer an electric oven because it produces a dryer heating that allows bread to rise and brown. Some cooks prefer a hybrid of both sources of heat. Fortunately it is possible to do this with the option of dual fuel ranges.
Apart from the multi-faceted, high-performance capabilities of a dual fuel range, these appliances also come with a variety of convenient features. Some models come with removable burner grates, as well as sealed burners that make it easier to clean. Some ovens are self-cleaning that will save you the time and hassle of scrubbing off grime after every meal.
Additionally, a dual fuel range is typically more energy-efficient than an all-electric or all-gas model. This appliance can help you save money on your winter energy bills if your home is connected to a gas line.
When shopping for a dual-fuel cooker range, think about the kitchen layout and how often you'll use the stove. For instance, if only cook for two nights per week, the extra cost of a dual fuel range might not be worth it for what you need. stainless steel range cooker dual fuel require gas hookups as well as installation costs, which are not usually included in the price.
Safety
When a dual fuel cooking range is used properly, it offers a safer cooking experience than other stoves. This is due to the fact that it combines the precision and even distribution of heat of an electric oven perfect for roasting and baking with the instant heat control of gas burners on a stove. This lets cooks switch between these different ways of cooking quickly and easily. A dual fuel range lets you choose between slow and low simmer or a high-heat sear giving cooks more freedom to cook their favorite dishes.
Apart from their safety advantages, dual fuel ranges are also simple to clean thanks to their use of electric and gas components. The gas oven typically has sealed burners or enamel-coated cast iron grates that can be easily wiped down after meals, whereas the electric oven typically comes with a self-cleaning feature that uses high temperatures to melt away any food residue. Some models with electric ovens have removable oven racks or trays that could be soaked in water or scrubbed for a thorough clean.
One of the disadvantages of purchasing a dual fuel range is that you'll require an electrical and gas connection in your home in order to use it. This can be expensive particularly when your kitchen already has a gas line. You'll need a plumber to set up an extra electrical outlet. In addition older homes may not be wired for gas and electricity and would require an electrician to modify the voltage of the kitchen outlet in order to accommodate a dual fuel range.
Eva Bleyer is the reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has rigorously tested almost 100 ranges in recent years, including many dual-fuel options. In addition to evaluating products she also regularly speaks with industry experts and visits showrooms of kitchen appliances to keep up-to-date with the latest technology coming to home kitchens. Schedule an appointment at Clarke to see the dual fuel range in action. Talk to our experts to determine the best model for your kitchen.