Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
The investment in a dual fuel cooker can add to the overall value of your kitchen and home. If you're thinking of it, make sure your kitchen is equipped to handle two sources of power (gas and electric).
Schedule a showroom appointment at Clarke to view a range of dual fuel ranges in full-scale kitchens created by local experts. Features like 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, you need to find one that fits your kitchen's style and complements the other appliances you have. However, the utility of a range isn't only about looks -- you need a high-end appliance that is able to handle the demands of your baking and cooking habits. This is why a lot of home chefs look to dual fuel cookers to make the most of their cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove incorporates the gas cooktop with an electric oven to provide the best of both worlds in terms heat control and accuracy. Dedicated cooks appreciate the responsive temperature control offered by gas cooktops that lets them experiment with various cooking techniques, like searing and roasting. On the other hand, bakers love the consistent heating offered by an electric oven. Some models also have a feature that releases steam at the beginning of the baking process which helps the bread rise and gives it a more uniform texture.
A dual fuel range comes with high-performance burners. They are usually powered by natural gas or liquid propane. These burners are capable of producing rapid heat for many tasks, including boiling and searing. Convection ovens on dual-fuel professional range is usually powered by an electric fan. It circulates hot air to ensure uniform heating.
Dual fuel ranges are costly, but a great option for cooks looking to improve their culinary skills, or entertain guests in the home. This kind of range is also easy to maintain, and can add value to your house if you decide to sell in the future.
Ask a professional to install your home appliance If you're interested in purchasing a professional dual-fuel range. This person will ensure that the range is connected to both electric and gas lines and that all safety precautions are taken. An experienced installer will be able to solve any issues that may arise when installing your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range is able to combine the flexibility of a gas stove and an electric oven in one appliance. They offer a wide range of cooking options and are a good choice for homeowners who love to try new recipes and techniques. They are also available in a range of sizes, with oven capacities that vary from 4.5 to 6.6 cubic feet. Some models even feature two ovens side by side for larger capacity.
Combining a gas and an electric cooktop in one unit provides you with the best of both worlds. You'll enjoy an efficient heat that is easy to adjust and a precise heating system that permits you to set temperature precisely. This level of precision is crucial when simmering soup or warming leftovers. The electric oven can also provide an unbeatable heat that can be precisely adjusted to maintain a low temperature when cooking delicate dishes.
Some homeowners choose dual fuel ranges due to their aesthetic appeal and practicality. These ranges are available in a range of high-end finishes and hardware to complement any kitchen style, whether it's modern or traditional. Some dual fuel ranges come with elegant brushed-bronze trim or handles that can bring a touch of elegance to French-style kitchens.
While a dual fuel range can be a smart addition to any kitchen, it's not suitable for every home. It usually requires a separate gas line in the home to power it. This could require you to cover the cost of installation or upgrade your existing gas line. Some homes do not have both an electrical and gas outlet in the same space, making it difficult to switch between power sources.
If you're looking to have the versatility of a dual fuel range, but you don't have the option installing a new gas line, think about buying an electric and gas cooktop and wall oven instead. This is a less costly solution that gives you the option to cook using either source of power, and you can install both in the same room if needed. You can even combine an electric and a 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 cooktop with an electric oven. Professional cooks admire the potential and versatility of this appliance. It provides a responsive temperature control on the cooktop and precise heating in the oven to allow a variety of cooking methods.
The cooktop component of a dual fuel professional range is powered by liquid propane or natural gas. Gas cooktops offer an instant, visible temperature adjustment and lets you use more sophisticated cooking techniques such as charring and roasting. Electric ovens are a reliable and trusted kitchen appliance. They provide constant heating. A majority of models have an air vent that collects smoke, odors and other airborne particles, without the requirement for an overhead ventilation system.
Cooks who are dedicated will usually opt for gas cooktops because of their speedy and precise temperature control, making it easier to cook onions or boil pasta. Meanwhile, bakers are likely to prefer an electric oven, because it provides a dry heat that causes bread to rise and brown. Some cooks, however, prefer a combination of both heat sources. This option is available on certain dual-fuel ranges.
These appliances are not just highly efficient and versatile they also come with many useful features. Some models have removable burner grates and sealed burners that make cleaning easier. Certain models come with self-cleaning ovens, which can save you time and effort by removing grime after each meal.
A dual fuel range is also more efficient than an all-electric model, or one that is all-gas. If your home has a natural gas line, this appliance could aid in reducing your winter energy bills.
When shopping for a dual fuel cooking range, think about the kitchen layout and how often you'll be using the stove. If you only cook twice every week, for instance then a dual fuel range might not be worth the cost. They also require gas hookups and installation costs that aren't usually included in the cost.
Safety
A dual fuel cooker range offers an environment for cooking that is safer than other stoves when used correctly. It accomplishes this by combining the precise and even distribution of heat from an electric oven, which is ideal for baking and roasting and the immediate control of gas burners. This allows cooks to switch between the different cooking styles quickly and effortlessly. A dual fuel range allows the choice of a low and slow simmer or a sear with high heat, giving cooks greater flexibility to make their own favorite recipes.
Dual fuel ranges mix gas and electricity making them easy to clean. cheap dual fuel range cookers sealed burners or enamel-coated cast iron grates which can be easily cleaned down after meals, while the electric oven often features a self-cleaning feature that uses high temperatures to melt away any food remnants. Some models with electric ovens have removable oven racks or trays that can be soaked in water or scrubbed for a thorough clean.
A dual fuel range could be costly to purchase since you'll require a gas line and an electrical outlet in your home to use it. This can be costly, especially in the event that your kitchen already has gas lines. You'll need a plumber to install an additional electrical outlet. In addition older homes may not be wired for electricity and gas, and will require an electrician to alter 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, including a variety of dual fuel options, in recent years. She also speaks with experts from the industry, goes to showrooms of kitchen appliances and frequently tests new products. Make an appointment with Clarke to view the dual fuel range in action. Contact our experts to determine if this model is right for your kitchen.