Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
A dual fuel range will boost the value of your home and kitchen. If you are considering one, ensure that your kitchen is capable of handling both gas and electric power sources.
Clarke offers the opportunity to visit their showrooms to see a wide range of dual-fuel stoves in fully-scaled kitchens 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 important that you choose a range that matches your kitchen style, and is also compatible with the other appliances in your kitchen. But a range's function isn't all about looks. You require a high-end oven capable of handling your baking and cooking needs. Many home chefs choose a dual-fuel cooker to maximize cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove combines the gas cooktop with an electric oven to deliver the best of both worlds in terms of heat control and precision. Gas cooktops are able to provide a precise temperature control that lets cooks play around with cooking techniques like searing or roasting. Bakers on the other hand prefer the constant heat provided by an electric oven. Some models come with a feature that releases steam at the beginning of the baking cycle to aid in the rise of bread for a more even texture.
A dual fuel range comes with high-performance burners, which are usually powered by natural gas or propane liquid. These burners can generate rapid heat to perform various tasks, like boiling and searing. The oven of the professional range with dual fuel typically features an electric fan-powered convection oven that circulates hot air to ensure uniform heating, eliminating the need for dish rotation and ensuring consistency in results.
Dual fuel ranges can be expensive however they're a great option for cooks who wish to expand their culinary skills and entertain guests at home. Furthermore, this type of range is easy to maintain and can add value to your home should you ever decide to sell it in the near future.
If you're considering purchasing a dual fuel professional range, be sure to consult an expert in home appliance installation. They can make sure that your range is properly connected to both the electric and gas lines and that all safety precautions are taken. An experienced installer will be able to resolve any issues that may arise when installing your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range provides the flexibility of both gas stovetops and an oven all in one. They offer a wide range of cooking options and are a good choice for homeowners who love to experiment with new recipes and techniques. They are available in different 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 and electric cooktop in one unit provides you with the best of both. You'll enjoy an incredibly responsive heat that's quick to adjust and a precise heating system that allows you to set temperature precisely. This level of precision is essential when you're simmering soup or reheating leftovers. The electric oven also provides a constant heat that can be precisely adjusted to maintain a low temperature when cooking delicate dishes.
Some homeowners choose a dual fuel range for its aesthetic appeal as well as practicality. Many of these ranges come with premium finishes and hardware that can be used to complement a broad range of kitchen designs, from traditional to contemporary. For instance, some dual fuel ranges come with stylish brushed bronze trim or handles that can add an element of elegance to a kitchen that is French-style.
While a dual-fuel range could be a wonderful addition to any kitchen, it's not right for every home. It usually requires a separate gas line to the home to power it. This might require you to pay for the installation or upgrade your gas hookup. Some homes don't have both an electrical and a gas outlet in the same space which makes it difficult to switch between power sources.
If you're looking for the versatility of a dual fuel stove but do not have the option of installing an additional gas line, think about buying a separate gas and electric cooktop and wall oven instead. This is an affordable solution that lets you cook with either power source. It is also possible to install them separately within the same room in the event that you need to. You can combine an electric and gas model by selecting a dual fuel slide-in range with an independent gas stovetop, as well as an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range is a combination of a gas cooktop with an electric oven. Professional cooks admire the versatility and value of this device. It provides precise temperature control for the oven, as well as responsive temperature control on its cooktop to allow for a variety of cooking techniques.
The cooktop in a dual-fuel professional range can be powered by liquid propane or natural gas. Gas cooktops offer an instant, visible temperature adjustment and allows you to utilize more advanced cooking techniques, such as roasting and charring. On the other side, an electric oven is a dependable and reliable kitchen appliance that delivers consistent heating. Many models feature a downdraft that captures airborne particles smoke, odors and smoke without the need for overhead ventilation systems.
Gas cooktops are preferred by many chefs because they can quickly and precisely regulate the temperature, making it much easier to sauté onions or boil pasta. Bakers may prefer an electric cooktop as it produces an even heat that helps bread rise and brown. Some cooks prefer a combination of both heat sources. This option is available on select dual-fuel ranges.
In addition to the plethora of high-performance capabilities of a dual fuel range they also come with a variety of convenient features. Some models have removable burner grates as well as sealed burners to make cleaning easier. Others have automatic self-cleaning ovens that save you the time and effort of scrubbing off grease after each meal.
In addition, a dual fuel range is typically more energy efficient than an all-electric or all-gas model. If your home is connected to natural gas lines, this appliance could help you save money on your winter energy costs.
Think about your kitchen layout and how often you will cook on the stove when looking for a dual-fuel range. For instance, if you only cook for two nights per week, the cost of a dual fuel range might not be worth it for your needs. They also require gas hookups and installation costs, which are not usually included in the cost.
Safety
A dual fuel cooker range offers an environment for cooking that is safer than other stove types if utilized correctly. It achieves this by combining the precision and even distribution of heat of an electric oven, perfect for baking and roasting as well as the instant control of gas burners. This allows cooks to switch between the different cooking styles quickly and effortlessly. Furthermore, a dual-fuel range can also provide the option of slow and low simmer, or high-heat searing. This gives cooks more freedom to prepare their own favorite dishes.
Dual fuel ranges mix gas and electricity and electricity, making them simple to clean. The gas oven typically has sealed burners or enamel-coated cast iron grates which can be easily cleaned down after meals, while the electric oven often has a self-cleaning function which uses high temperatures to burn away any food residue. Certain electric models also come with removable oven racks and tray that can be soaked or scrubbed for a deep clean.
One of the disadvantages of buying a dual fuel range is that you will likely need to have both a gas and electrical connection in your home in order to make use of it. This can be expensive, especially when your kitchen already has gas lines. You will need the help of a plumber in order to install an extra electrical outlet. In addition older homes may not be wired for electricity and gas and require an electrician to change the voltage of the kitchen outlet in order to accommodate a dual fuel range.
Eva Bleyer is the reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab which she has rigorously tested almost 100 ranges over the past few years, including many dual-fuel options. In addition to testing products she also regularly speaks with experts from the industry and visits showrooms for kitchen appliances to keep up-to-date with the latest technology being introduced to kitchens in homes. Set up duel fuel range cookers with Clarke to see the dual fuel range in action. Speak to our experts to determine if this model is right for your kitchen.