Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
A dual fuel cooker can add to the overall value of your kitchen and home. If you are considering one, make sure that your kitchen can handle electric and gas power sources.
Clarke offers showroom appointments to see a wide range of dual-fuel kitchens in fully-scaled kitchens created locally. Features like smooth glide ball bearing oven racks and StayPut Italian hinges ensure a safe and simple baking experience.
Cooking Options
It's crucial to choose a range that matches the style of your kitchen, and also complements the rest of your appliances. But a range's function isn't just about appearances. You need a professional-grade oven that can handle your cooking and baking needs. This is the reason why many cooks and chefs opt for a dual fuel cooker range to make the most of their cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove consists of a gas stove and an electric oven, which offers the most efficient temperature control and accuracy. Gas cooktops offer a responsive temperature control that lets cooks experiment with different cooking techniques like searing or roasting. Bakers on the other hand prefer the constant heat provided by an electric oven. Some models feature an advanced feature that releases steam at the beginning of the baking process to help the bread rise to give a more uniform texture.
The cooktop of a dual fuel range usually features high-performance burners that run on natural gas or liquid propane. These burners can generate rapid heat to accomplish various tasks, including boiling and searing. The convection oven of a dual-fuel professional range is usually powered by an electric fan. This circulates hot air to ensure uniform heating.
Dual fuel ranges can be expensive however they're a great option for cooks who wish to expand their culinary skills and entertain guests at home. Furthermore, this type of kitchen appliance is easy to maintain and adds value to your home if you decide to sell it in the near future.
If you're considering purchasing a dual fuel professional range, be sure to consult an expert for installation of your home appliances. This person can ensure that your new range is connected to both electrical and gas lines, and that all necessary safety precautions are taken. A qualified installer can also solve any issues that could arise during the installation process of your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range offers the flexibility of gas stovetops and an oven all in one. These stoves are great for homeowners who enjoy trying new recipes and methods. They are also available in a variety of sizes, including oven capacities ranging from 4.5 to 6.6 cubic feet. Some models even feature two ovens side by side for larger capacity.
The combination of an electric and gas cooktop in one unit gives you the best of both worlds with responsive heat that's quick to adjust and a precise heat that lets you set temperatures accurately. This kind of precision is important when 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 stoves due to their design appeal and functionality. These ranges are available in a variety of premium finishes and accessories to match any kitchen design, whether it's contemporary or traditional. Some dual fuel ranges come with elegant brushed-bronze trims or handles that can provide a touch of luxury to French-style kitchens.
While a dual fuel range could be a wonderful addition to any kitchen, it's not suitable for every home. It usually requires a dedicated gas line within the home to power it. This could require you to pay for the installation or upgrade your existing gas hookup. Some homes do not have both an electrical and a gas outlet in the same area which makes it difficult to switch between power sources.
If you're looking for the versatility of a dual fuel range, but don't have the option of installing an additional gas line, you can consider purchasing a separate gas and electric cooktop and wall oven instead. This is a less expensive solution that gives you the option to cook with either power source and you can put separate units in the same room should you require. You can also combine an electric and gas model by choosing a dual-fuel slide-in stove with a separate gas cooktop and an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range consists of a gas stove and an electric oven. Professional cooks appreciate the versatility and value of this appliance. It has precise temperature control in the oven as well as an incredibly responsive temperature control on the cooktop for a variety of cooking techniques.
The cooktop portion of the professional range with dual fuel is powered by either propane or natural gas. Gas cooktops allow you to adjust the temperature quickly and visually, and they can be used with advanced cooking techniques, such as charring or roasting. Electric ovens are a trusted and reliable kitchen appliance. They provide steady heating. Many models have an air vent that collects smoke, odors, and other airborne particles without the necessity of an overhead ventilation system.
Cooks who are dedicated will usually opt for 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 heating that allows bread to rise and become brown. Some cooks, however, prefer a combination of both sources of heat. This option is available on select dual-fuel ranges.
These appliances are not just flexible and efficient, but also have a variety of convenient features. Some models come with removable burner grates and sealed burners for easier cleaning. Some models have self-cleaning automatic ovens, which save you time and effort by taking off grime after each meal.
Additionally that, a dual fuel range is typically more energy efficient than an all-electric or all-gas model. This appliance can help you save money on your winter energy bills if you're home is equipped with gas lines.
Take into range cookers dual fuel and how often you make use of the stove when you shop for a dual-fuel range. For instance, if only cook two nights a week, the extra cost of a dual fuel range may not be worth it for your needs. These ranges also require gas hookups and installation costs, which are not usually included in the cost.
Safety
If a dual fuel cooker range is properly used it provides a safer cooking experience than other stoves. It achieves this by combining the accuracy and even distribution of heat of an electric oven, which is ideal for roasting and baking as well as the instant control of gas burners. This combination lets cooks switch between the different styles of cooking effortlessly and quickly. A dual fuel range also allows for the option of slow and low simmer or a high-heat sear giving cooks more flexibility to create their favourite dishes.
Aside from their safety benefits Dual fuel ranges are also easy to clean thanks to their gas and electric components. The gas oven typically has sealed burners or enamel-coated cast iron grates that are easy to wipe down after meals, whereas the electric oven usually comes with a self-cleaning feature that uses high temperatures to burn away any food residue. Certain electric models come with removable oven racks or trays that can either be soaked in water or scrubbed for an effective 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 if you already have a gas line installed in your kitchen. This will require a plumber to come out and install an electrical outlet. In addition older homes may not be wired for electricity and gas, and will require an electrician to change the voltage of the kitchen outlet in order to accommodate a dual fuel range.
Eva Bleyer is the reviews analyst in 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. She also speaks with experts from the industry, goes to showrooms of kitchen appliances and frequently tests products. Visit Clarke to schedule an appointment to see a dual-fuel range at work and speak with our experts about whether this model is the best choice for your kitchen.