Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
A dual fuel range can enhance the value of your kitchen and home. If you are considering one, make sure that your kitchen is able to handle both gas and electric power sources.
Clarke offers the opportunity to visit their showrooms to see the wide variety of dual-fuel kitchens in fully-scaled kitchens designed locally. Features like smooth glide ball bearing oven racks and StayPut Italian hinges ensure a safe and simple baking experience.
Cooking Options
When you're deciding on a range, you need to find one that fits your kitchen's style and complements the other appliances you have. However, a range's functionality isn't just about appearance -- you need a high-end appliance that can meet the demands of your baking and cooking habits. Many home chefs opt for dual-fuel cookers to maximize cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove is a combination of a gas burner and an electric oven that provides the best of both temperature control and accuracy. Professional cooks appreciate the pliable temperature control of gas cooktops, which allows them to experiment with various cooking techniques such as roasting and searing. On the other hand, bakers appreciate the consistent heating offered by an electric oven. Some models come with a feature that releases steam at the beginning of the baking cycle to help the bread rise for a smoother texture.
A dual fuel range is equipped with high-performance burners that typically run on natural gas or propane liquid. They can produce rapid heat output, which can be used to accomplish many tasks, such as searing and boiling. The oven of a professional dual fuel range typically has an electric convection oven that circulates hot air for uniform heating, eliminating the need for rotating dishes and guaranteeing consistent results.
Dual fuel ranges can be costly, but they're a great option for cooks who wish to expand their culinary skills and entertain guests at home. Plus, this type of stove is simple to maintain and can add value to your home should you decide to sell it in the future.
If you're interested in purchasing a professional range that has dual fuel make sure to speak with an expert for installation of your home appliances. This person will ensure that the range is connected properly to both electric and gas lines and that all safety precautions are followed. A qualified installer can also resolve any issues that may arise during the installation of your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range gives the flexibility of a gas stovetop and an oven in one unit. These stoves are great for those who love trying new recipes and techniques. They are available in different sizes with oven capacities that range from 4.5 to 6.8 cubic feet. Some models even feature two ovens side by side for larger capacity.
Ovens & Hobs of a gas and electric cooktop in one unit gives you the best of both worlds with a responsive heat that's easy to adjust and a precise heat that lets you set the temperature accurately. This is crucial when simmering soups or reheating leftovers. The electric oven also provides a constant heat that can be precisely adjusted to maintain a low temperature for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners choose a dual fuel range for its design appeal as well as its functionality. A lot of these ranges come with premium finishes and hardware that can go with a wide variety of kitchen styles that range from traditional to contemporary. Some dual fuel ranges are equipped with a stylish brushed-bronze trim or handles that can bring a touch of elegance to French-style kitchens.
A dual fuel range is a great addition to any kitchen. However, it might not be the best choice for all. It usually requires a dedicated line of gas in the home, which could require you to upgrade your gas hookup or pay for the installation. Additionally, some homes may not have both a gas line and an electrical outlet in the same space and this can make switching between different sources of power a challenge.
If you're looking for the versatility of a dual fuel range, but don't have the option of installing a new gas line, think about buying a separate gas and electric cooktop and wall oven instead. This is a cost-effective solution that lets you cook using either power source. You can also install separate units within the same space in the event that you need to. You can even combine an electric and a gas model by choosing a dual-fuel slide-in stove with an additional gas cooktop and an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range consists of gas stoves and an electric oven. This model is highly regarded by professional cooks due to its versatility and value. It has precise temperature control in the oven and flexible temperature control on its cooktop for a variety cooking techniques.
The cooktop portion of the professional range with dual fuel is powered by propane or natural gas. A gas cooktop offers rapid, visual temperature adjustments and allows you to utilize more advanced cooking techniques, such as charring and roasting. On the other hand, an electric oven is a trusted and reliable kitchen appliance that can provide steady heating. A majority of models have a downdraft that captures airborne particles, smoke and odors without the need for overhead ventilation systems.
Dedicated cooks often prefer gas cooktops because of their rapid and precise temperature control, which makes it simpler to cook onions or boil pasta. In addition, bakers are likely to prefer an electric oven, since it creates a drier heat that encourages bread to rise and then brown. Some cooks prefer a hybrid combination of both sources of heat. This option is available on certain dual-fuel ranges.
These appliances are not only flexible and efficient but also come with many useful features. Certain models have removable burner grates and sealed burners for easier cleaning. Certain models come with self-cleaning ovens that save time and effort by cleaning dirt after every meal.
In addition that, a dual fuel range is generally more energy efficient than an all-electric or all-gas version. This appliance can help you save money on winter energy bills if your home is equipped with gas lines.
When looking for a dual fuel cooking range, take into consideration your kitchen's layout and how often you'll be using the stove. If you cook only twice every week, for instance then a dual-fuel range may not be worth the money. They also require gas hookups as well as installation costs that are not typically included in the price.
Safety
When a dual fuel cooking range is properly used it provides a safer cooking experience than other stoves. This is because it combines the precision and even distribution of heat from an electric oven ideal for roasting and baking, with the instant control of heat of gas burners in a hob. This lets cooks switch between these different ways of cooking effortlessly and quickly. A dual fuel range allows the choice of slow and low simmer or a high-heat sear giving cooks more flexibility to cook their favorite dishes.
Aside from their safety benefits Dual fuel ranges are also simple to clean due to their combination of gas and electric components. The gas range typically has sealed burners or enamel-coated cast iron grates which can be easily cleaned down after meals, whereas the electric oven usually has a self-cleaning function which uses high temperatures to eliminate any food residue. Some electric models have removable oven racks or trays that can either be submerged in water or scrubbed to give a thorough clean.
A dual fuel range could be costly to purchase as you'll require gas lines and an electrical outlet in your home to use it. This can be expensive especially if you already have a gas line installed in your kitchen. This will require the services of a plumber to visit and install an electrical outlet. Additionally, older homes may not be wired for both electricity and gas and 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 at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has rigorously tested almost 100 ranges in the last few years, including a variety of dual-fuel options. In addition to testing the products she regularly talks to industry experts and visits showrooms of kitchen appliances to stay on top of the latest technology making their way into kitchens at home. Visit Clarke to schedule an appointment to see a dual-fuel range in action and speak to our experts on whether this model is the best option for your kitchen.