Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
Investing in a dual fuel cooker range adds 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).
Clarke offers showroom appointments to view the wide variety of dual-fuel ranges in fully-scaled kitchens that are designed locally. Features like smooth glide ball bearing oven racks and StayPut Italian Hinges ensure a safe and simple baking experience.
Cooking Options
It's important that you choose the right model that fits your kitchen style, and complements the other appliances you have. However, a range's purpose isn't all about looks. You need a professional oven capable of handling your cooking and baking needs. Many home chefs choose a dual-fuel cooker to increase the cooking capacity.
A dual fuel stove is a combination of the cooktop of a gas and an electric oven to deliver the best of both worlds in terms of heat control and accuracy. Gas cooktops are able to provide a precise temperature control that allows cooks to explore different cooking methods like searing or roasting. On the other hand, bakers appreciate the consistent heating that comes with an electric oven. Some models also have an option to release steam at the start of the baking process, which helps the bread rise and has a more uniform texture.
The cooktop of a dual fuel stove typically includes high-performance burners running on natural gas or liquid propane. These burners can produce rapid heat to accomplish various tasks, such as searing and boiling. The oven of a dual fuel professional range typically features an electric fan-powered convection oven which circulates hot air for uniform heating, reducing the need for rotating dishes and ensuring consistency in results.
Dual fuel ranges are costly, but a great option for those who want to improve their culinary skills or entertain guests in the kitchen. This type of stove can also be easy to maintain, and can add value to your house if you decide to sell it in the future.
Consult a home appliance installer if you are interested in buying a dual-fuel professional range. This person will ensure that the range is connected properly to both electric and gas lines and that all safety precautions are followed. An experienced installer will be able to address any issues that may arise when installing your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range is able to combine the versatility of a gas cooktop with an electric oven in one appliance. The stoves provide a range of cooking options, making them an ideal choice for homeowners who like to experiment with new recipes and methods. They also come in a variety of sizes, including oven capacities that range from 4.5 to 6.6 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 provides the best of both worlds with a responsive heat that's easy to adjust and a precise heat that allows you to set temperatures precisely. This kind of precision is essential when you're simmering soup or reheating leftovers. The electric oven can also provide a constant heat that can be precisely adjusted to keep a low temperature for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners opt for dual fuel ranges due to its design appeal as well as practicality. Many of these ranges come with premium finishes and hardware that can complement a wide range of kitchen designs, from traditional to contemporary. For instance, some dual fuel ranges are available with bronze handles or trim that can add an element of luxury to a French-style kitchen.
A dual fuel range is a wonderful addition to any kitchen. However, it might not be suitable for everyone. It typically requires a dedicated line of gas within the home, which could require you to upgrade your gas hookup or pay for the installation. Some homes do not have both an electrical as well as a gas outlet in the same area, making it difficult to switch between power sources.
If you're looking to have the flexibility of a dual fuel range but don't have the option of installing a new gas line, consider buying an electric and gas cooktop and wall oven instead. This is a cost-effective solution that lets you cook with either power source. You can also install them separately in the same room, if necessary. You can even combine an electric and a 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 combines cooking with gas and an electric oven. The appliance is highly regarded by professional cooks for its versatility and value. It has a precise control of the temperature on the cooktop and precise temperature control in the oven to allow to allow a variety of cooking methods.
The cooktop of a dual fuel professional range can be powered by natural gas or propane liquid. A gas cooktop gives you an instant, visible temperature adjustment and allows you to utilize more sophisticated cooking techniques such as roasting and charring. Electric ovens are an efficient and reliable kitchen appliance. They offer consistent heating. Many models have a downdraft vent that captures smoke, odors and other airborne particles, without the requirement for an overhead ventilation system.
The most dedicated cooks usually prefer gas cooktops because of their speedy and precise temperature control, making it easier to saute onions or boil pasta. Meanwhile, bakers are likely to prefer an electric oven since it creates a drier heat that causes bread to rise and brown. Some cooks, however, prefer a combination of both sources of heat. Fortunately this option is readily available with select dual fuel ranges.
These appliances aren't just versatile and high-performance but also come with many useful features. Some models have removable burner grates and sealed burners to make cleaning easier. Some models have automatic self-cleaning ovens that will save you the time and effort of cleaning off grease after every meal.
Additionally that, a dual fuel range is typically more energy efficient than an electric or all-gas model. This appliance can help you save money on your winter energy bills if you're home is connected to gas lines.
Think about duel fuel cookers and how often you make use of the stove when you shop for a dual fuel cooker range. If you only cook twice each week, for instance, the cost of a dual-fuel range may not be worth the cost. Additionally the ranges need a gas hookup and installation cost that is typically not included in the price of purchase.
Safety
A dual fuel cooker can provide an environment for cooking that is safer than other stove types when utilized correctly. This is because it blends the precision and even distribution of heat from an electric oven that is ideal for baking and roasting with the instant heat control of gas burners in a hob. This combination allows the cook to switch between different cooking styles quickly and easily. Furthermore, a dual-fuel range may also offer the option of slow and low simmer, or high-heat searing. This gives cooks more freedom to prepare their favorite dishes.
Dual fuel ranges combine electricity and gas making them easy to clean. Gas hobs typically have sealed burners, or cast iron grates that have an enamel coatings that can be cleaned quickly after meals. The electric oven however, has a self cleaning function that utilizes high temperatures to eliminate any food leftovers. Some models with electric ovens have removable oven racks or trays that could be submerged in water or scrubbed for a thorough clean.
One of the disadvantages of buying a dual fuel range is that you'll require both an electrical and gas connection in your home in order to use it. This can be expensive especially in the event that your kitchen already has gas lines. You will need a plumber to install an extra electrical outlet. Also, older homes may not be wired for both 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 where she has thoroughly tested almost 100 ranges in recent years -- including many dual-fuel options. In addition to testing the products she regularly talks to experts from the industry and visits showrooms for kitchen appliances to stay on top of the latest technology making their way into kitchens at home. Make an appointment with Clarke to see a dual fuel range in action. Talk to our experts to determine if this model is right for your kitchen.