Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
A dual fuel cooker can add to the overall value of your home and kitchen. If you're thinking about it, make sure your kitchen is able to handle two sources of power (gas and electric).
Make an appointment to visit a showroom at Clarke to view a range of dual fuel ranges in full-scale kitchens designed by local experts. Features such as smooth glide ball bearing oven racks and StayPut Italian Hinges ensure a safe, easy baking experience.
Cooking Options
It's crucial to choose the right range that complements your kitchen style, and is also compatible with the other appliances in your kitchen. However, the utility of a range isn't just about appearance -- you need a professional-grade appliance that is able to handle the demands of your cooking and baking habits. This is the reason why many home chefs look to a dual fuel cooker to make the most of their cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove is a combination of the gas cooktop with an electric oven, delivering the best of both worlds in terms of temperature control and accuracy. Dedicated cooks appreciate the responsive temperature control offered by gas cooktops that lets them play around with different cooking techniques, like searing and roasting. On the other hand, bakers prefer the consistent heating that comes with an electric oven. Some models have a sophisticated feature that releases steam at the beginning of the baking process to help bread rise for a smoother texture.
The cooktop of a dual fuel range typically includes high-performance burners running on natural gas or liquid propane. These burners produce a rapid heat output, which can be used to accomplish a variety of tasks, such as searing and boiling. The oven of a dual fuel professional range typically has an electric fan-powered convection oven that circulates hot air to ensure uniform heating, reducing the need for dish rotation and ensuring consistency in results.
Dual fuel ranges are expensive, but a great option for those who want to improve their cooking skills or entertain guests in the kitchen. This kind of range is also simple to maintain, and add value to your house if you decide to sell it 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 can ensure that your appliance is connected to both the electrical and gas lines, and that all necessary safety precautions are taken. A certified installer will be able to solve any issues that may arise when installing your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range offers the flexibility of both gas stovetops and an oven in one unit. These stoves are ideal for those who love trying new recipes and techniques. These stoves are available in a variety of 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.
The combination of a gas and electric cooktop in one unit offers the best of both worlds with a responsive heat that's easy to adjust and a precise temperature that allows you to set the temperature accurately. This kind of precision is essential when you're simmering soup or reheating leftovers. The electric oven, too, ensures a constant temperature that can be adjusted precisely to keep the temperature low for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners choose dual fuel ranges due to its design appeal as well as its practicality. The ranges are available in a variety of premium finishes and accessories to match any kitchen design, regardless of whether it is traditional or modern. For instance, certain dual fuel ranges come with brushed bronze trim or handles that can add an element of luxury to a French-style kitchen.
While a dual-fuel range can be a smart addition to any kitchen, it's not the right choice for every home. It usually requires a separate gas line in the home, which might require you to upgrade your gas connection or pay for installation. Additionally, some homes may not have both a gas line and an electrical outlet in the same room making switching between different sources of power a challenge.
If you're looking for the versatility of dual fuel ranges, but don't want to put in a new gas line, you can consider buying a separate electric and gas cooktop and wall-oven. This is a cheaper solution that will still give you the possibility of cooking using either source of power, and you can even install both in the same room in the event of need. You can even combine an electric and gas model by selecting a dual-fuel slide-in stove with an additional gas cooktop as well as an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range consists of gas stoves and an electric oven. The appliance is highly regarded by professional cooks for its flexibility and value. It has a precise temperature control on the cooktop and precise heating in the oven for a wide range of cooking methods.
The cooktop of a dual fuel professional range can be powered by natural gas or propane liquid. Gas cooktops allow you to adjust the temperature quickly and visually, and you can also use advanced cooking techniques, such as charring or roasting. On the other side, an electric oven is a trusted and reliable kitchen appliance that delivers constant heating. A majority of models have an air vent that collects smoke, odors and other airborne particles without the need for an overhead ventilation system.
Gas cooktops are favored by many chefs because they can quickly and accurately control the temperature, making it easier to sauté onions or boil pasta. Bakers are likely to prefer an electric range, as it produces an even heat that helps bread rise and brown. Some cooks, however prefer a hybrid combination of both heat sources. Fortunately, this option is available with the option of dual fuel ranges.
These appliances aren't just highly efficient and versatile they also come with various useful features. Certain models have removable burner grates and sealed burners to make cleaning easier. Some ovens are self-cleaning that save you the time and effort of scrubbing off grime after every meal.
A dual fuel range is more efficient in energy use than an all electric model, or an all-gas model. This appliance can help you save money on your winter energy bills if you're home is equipped with a gas line.
Think about your kitchen layout and how often you make use of the stove when you shop for a dual-fuel cooker range. If you only cook once every week, for instance it's possible that a dual-fuel range may not be worth the cost. In addition, these ranges require the installation of a gas line and a cost that's usually not included in the price of purchase.
Safety
A dual fuel cooker range offers an environment for cooking that is safer than other stove types if used correctly. This is because it combines the precise and even distribution of heat of an electric oven perfect for baking and roasting with the instant heat control of gas burners in a hob. This combination allows cooks to switch between the different styles of cooking quickly and easily. Additionally, best dual range cookers may also offer the option of slow and low simmer, or high-heat searing - giving cooks more flexibility to create their own favorite dishes.
Apart from their safety advantages dual fuel ranges are also simple to clean due to their combination of gas and electric components. Gas hobs usually come with sealed burners, or cast iron grates with enamel coatings that can be cleaned easily after meals. The electric oven is on the other hand comes with a self-cleaning function that utilizes high temperatures to eliminate any food residue. Certain electric models also come with removable oven racks and traytrays that can be washed or scrubbed for a deep clean.
A dual fuel range could be expensive to purchase because you'll need gas lines and an electrical outlet in your home in order to use it. This can be costly particularly in the event that your kitchen already has gas lines. It will require the help of a plumber in order to install an additional electrical outlet. Additionally older homes might not be wired to both electricity and gas and require an electrician to alter the voltage of the kitchen outlet to accommodate a 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 over the past few years, including a variety of dual-fuel options. In addition to evaluating products she also regularly speaks with experts from the industry and visits showrooms for kitchen appliances to keep abreast of the latest technology being introduced to kitchens in homes. 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 ideal choice for your kitchen.