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 considering one, ensure that your kitchen is capable of handling electric and gas power sources.
Clarke offers the opportunity to visit their showrooms to see the variety 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
When you're deciding on a range, it's important to find one that fits your kitchen's style and complements the other appliances in your kitchen. However, the utility of a range isn't just about aesthetics it's a professional-grade appliance that is able to handle the demands of your cooking and baking habits. Many home cooks opt for a dual-fuel cooker to make the most of cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove is made up of a gas burner and an electric oven, which offers the best of both heat control and accuracy. Professional cooks appreciate the pliable temperature control on gas cooktops that allows them to experiment with various cooking techniques such as roasting and searing. On the other hand, bakers prefer the constant heating provided by an electric oven. In addition, some models feature an advanced feature that releases steam in the beginning of the baking cycle to help bread rise for a more even texture.
The cooktop of a dual fuel range typically has high-performance burners that operate on natural gas or liquid propane. They can produce rapid heat output for various tasks, such as searing and boiling. The oven of the professional range with dual fuel typically features an electric convection oven that circulates hot air for uniform heating, reducing the need for rotating dishes and ensuring consistency in results.
Dual fuel ranges can be costly but they're an excellent choice for cooks who want to enhance their culinary abilities and entertain guests at home. This type of range is also easy to maintain and add value to your home should you decide to sell it in the future.
Consult a home appliance installer If you're interested in buying a dual-fuel professional range. They can make sure that your new range is connected to both the electric and gas lines and that all the necessary safety precautions are taken. A qualified installer can also address any issues that might arise during the installation process of your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range offers the flexibility of a gas stovetop and oven in one appliance. The stoves provide a range of cooking options, making them an ideal option for those who want to try new recipes and methods. They are available 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 and an electric cooktop in one unit gives you the best of both worlds. You'll get a responsive heat that is quick to adjust and an exact heating system that allows you to set the temperature precisely. This precision is essential when simmering soups, or reheating leftovers. Similarly, Ovens & Hobs offers a steady heat which can be set precisely to maintain low heat for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners opt for a dual fuel range due to its design appeal as well as its functionality. A lot of these ranges come with premium finishes and accessories that can go with a wide selection of kitchen designs that range from traditional to contemporary. Certain dual fuel ranges come with elegant brushed-bronze trim or handles that can provide a touch of luxury to French-style kitchens.
A dual fuel range is a great option for any kitchen. However, it may not be right for everyone. It typically requires a separate gas line within the home to power it, which may require you to pay for the installation or upgrade your gas hookup. Some homes do not have both an electrical and a gas outlet in the same area, making it difficult to switch between the two power sources.
If you're looking to have the versatility of a dual fuel stove but don't have the option of installing an entirely new gas line, think about buying an electric and gas cooktop and wall oven instead. This is a less costly solution that will still give you the option of cooking with either power source, and you can install both in the same space in the event of need. You can also combine an electric and gas model by choosing a dual-fuel slide-in range 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. This appliance is highly regarded by professional cooks for its versatility and value. It provides a responsive control of the temperature on the cooktop and precise heating in the oven for a variety of cooking methods.
The cooktop section of a professional range that is dual fuel is powered by liquid propane or natural gas. Gas cooktops allow you to adjust the temperature quickly and visually and you can use advanced cooking techniques such as charring or roasting. On the other side, an electric oven is a reliable and reliable kitchen appliance that delivers consistent heating. A majority of models have vents that downdraft to capture smoke, odors and other airborne particles without the requirement for an overhead ventilation system.
Dedicated cooks often prefer gas cooktops due to their rapid and precise temperature control, making it simpler to cook onions or boil pasta. Meanwhile bakers tend to prefer an electric oven because it provides a dry heat that causes 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.
These appliances are not only flexible and efficient but also come with various useful features. Some models have removable burner grates as well as sealed burners to simplify cleaning. Some models have automatic self-cleaning ovens that will save you the time and hassle of scrubbing off grime after each meal.
In addition that, a dual fuel range is generally more energy-efficient than an all-electric or all-gas model. If your home is connected to a natural gas line the appliance can help you save money on your winter energy bills.
When you're looking for a dual fuel cooker range, think about your kitchen's layout and the frequency you'll use the stove. If you only cook once a week, for example then a dual-fuel range may not be worth the cost. Additionally, these ranges require a gas hookup and installation cost, which is usually not included in the purchase price.
Safety
A dual fuel cooker can provide a safer cooking environment than other stoves when used correctly. This is because it combines the precise and even heat distribution of an electric oven that is ideal for baking and roasting with the instant control of heat of gas burners on a hob. This allows cooks to switch between different cooking styles quickly and easily. A dual fuel range also lets you choose between slow and low simmer or a high-heat sear giving cooks more freedom to cook their favorite dishes.
Aside from their safety benefits, dual fuel ranges are also easy to clean thanks to their use of gas and electric components. The gas hob typically features sealed burners or enamel-coated cast iron grates that are easy to wipe down after meals, while the electric oven usually comes with a self-cleaning feature that uses high temperatures to melt away any food remnants. Some electric models have removable oven racks or trays that can be submerged in water or scrubbed to get an efficient clean.
A dual fuel stove can be costly to purchase as you'll need gas lines and an electrical outlet in your home in order to use it. This can be costly especially if you already have a gas line installed in your kitchen. This will require a plumber to come out and install an electrical outlet. Also, 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 the dual fuel range.
Eva Bleyer is the reviews analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab which she has rigorously tested over 100 ranges in recent years, including a variety of dual-fuel options. In addition to testing products, she regularly interviews experts from the industry and visits showrooms for kitchen appliances to keep up-to-date with the latest technology making their way into kitchens at home. Visit Clarke to make an appointment to see the dual-fuel range in action and speak to our experts on whether this model is the ideal choice for your kitchen.