Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
A dual fuel range of cookers adds to the overall value of your home and kitchen. If you're thinking about one, ensure that your kitchen is able to handle electric and gas power sources.
Clarke offers showroom appointments to view the wide variety of dual-fuel kitchens in fully-scaled kitchens created locally. Features like smooth glide ball bearing oven racks as well as StayPut Italian Hinges ensure a safe and easy baking experience.
Cooking Options
When it comes to selecting a range, you need to find one that fits your kitchen's style and complements the rest of your appliances. But, the functionality of a range isn't only about looks You need an appliance that is professional grade and can handle the demands of your baking and cooking routines. This is why many cooks and chefs opt for a dual fuel cooker range to maximize their cooking abilities.
A dual fuel stove combines a gas cooktop and an electric oven to deliver the best of both worlds in terms of heat control and precision. Dedicated cooks appreciate the responsive temperature control offered by a gas cooktop, which allows them to play around with different cooking techniques, like searing and roasting. Bakers, on the other hand, prefer the constant heating provided by an electric oven. Some models also have the ability to release steam at the beginning of the baking cycle, which aids in the rise of the bread and gives it 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 generate rapid heat to accomplish various tasks, like searing and boiling. The oven of the professional range with dual fuel typically has an electric convection oven which circulates hot air for uniform heating, reducing the need for dish rotation and ensuring consistency in results.
Dual fuel ranges are expensive but they're a great option for those looking to enhance their culinary skills, or entertain guests at home. Plus, this type of stove is simple to maintain and can add value to your home if you decide to sell it in the near future.
Consult a home appliance installer if you are interested in purchasing a professional range with dual fuel. This person will ensure that your new range is connected to both electrical and gas lines, and that all the necessary safety precautions are taken. An experienced installer can solve any issues that could arise during the installation process of your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range offers the versatility of a gas stovetop and oven in one unit. These stoves are great for those who love trying new recipes and techniques. They also come in a range 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 electric and gas cooktops in one unit offers the best of both, with responsive heat that's quick to adjust and a precise heat that allows you to set temperatures accurately. This level of precision is essential when simmering soup or warming leftovers. The electric oven, too, ensures a constant temperature that can be precisely adjusted to maintain a low temperature for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners choose dual fuel stoves due to their design appeal and functionality. Many of these ranges come with premium finishes and hardware that can be used to complement a broad range of kitchen designs that range from traditional to contemporary. Some dual fuel ranges are equipped with elegant brushed-bronze trims or handles that can bring a touch of elegance to French-style kitchens.
While a dual-fuel range could be a wonderful addition to any kitchen, it's not right for every home. It usually requires a separate gas line within the home to power it. This could require you to pay for the installation or upgrade your gas line. Some homes don't have both an electrical as well as a gas outlet in the same location which makes it difficult to switch between the two power sources.
If you're looking to enjoy the versatility of dual fuel ranges but do not want to install a new gas line, you can consider buying a separate electric and gas cooktop and wall oven. This is an affordable solution that allows you to cook using either power source. You can also put separate units within the same space in the event that you need to. You can also combine an electric and gas model by choosing an electric and gas slide-in range that has an additional gas cooktop and an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range blends the gas cooktop and an electric oven. Professional cooks admire the potential and versatility of this device. It has precise temperature control in the oven and responsive temperature control on its cooktop for a variety cooking techniques.
The cooktop in a dual-fuel professional range can be powered by liquid propane or natural gas. Gas cooktops offer rapid, visual temperature adjustments and allows you to use more advanced cooking techniques like roasting and charring. Electric ovens are a reliable and trusted kitchen appliance. They provide steady heating. Many models feature a downdraft that captures airborne particles as well as smoke and odors, without the necessity of overhead ventilation systems.
Cooks who are dedicated will usually opt for gas cooktops because of their rapid and precise temperature control, which makes it easier to cook onions or boil pasta. However bakers are more likely to prefer an electric oven, because it produces a dryer heat that encourages bread to rise and become brown. Some cooks, however, prefer a combination of both heat sources. Fortunately it is possible to do this with the option of dual fuel ranges.
These appliances are not just flexible and efficient they also come with a variety of convenient features. Some models come with removable burner grates, as well as 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 also more energy efficient than an all-electric model, or an all-gas model. If your home is connected to a natural gas line the appliance can help you save on your winter utility costs.
Take into consideration your kitchen layout and how often you will make use of the stove when you shop for a dual-fuel range. If dual range cooker cook once each week, for instance then a dual-fuel stove may not be worth your money. They also require gas hookups and installation costs that are not typically included in the price.
Safety
A dual fuel cooker range offers an environment for cooking that is safer than other stoves when used correctly. This is because it blends the accuracy and even distribution of heat of an electric oven that is ideal for baking and roasting with the instant heat control of gas burners in a hob. This allows cooks to switch between various cooking styles quickly and easily. Furthermore, a dual-fuel range can also provide the option of slow and low simmer, or high-heat searing, giving cooks more options to make their preferred dishes.
Apart from their safety advantages dual fuel ranges are also simple to clean, thanks to their electric and gas components. Gas hobs typically have sealed burners, or cast iron grates with an enamel coatings that can be cleaned easily after meals. Electric ovens however is equipped with a self-cleaning function that makes use of high temperatures to burn off any food residue. Some electric models also have removable oven racks and traytrays that can be washed or scrubbed for a thorough clean.
One of the disadvantages of purchasing a dual fuel range is that you will likely require both an electrical and gas connection to your home to use it. This can be expensive especially in the event that your kitchen already has a gas line. You'll need a plumber to install an extra electrical outlet. In older homes, the wiring might not support both electricity and gas. An electrician will need 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 where she has thoroughly tested more than 100 ranges over the past few years, including many dual-fuel options. In addition to testing products she also regularly speaks with experts from the industry and visits showrooms for kitchen appliances to keep up-to-date with the latest innovations coming to home kitchens. Visit Clarke to make an appointment to see a dual-fuel range in action and talk with our experts to determine if this model is the best choice for your kitchen.