10 Dual Fuel Cooker Range Tips All Experts Recommend
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 about it, make sure your kitchen is able to handle two sources of power (gas and electric).
Schedule a showroom appointment at Clarke to experience a range of dual fuel ranges that are available in full-scale kitchens designed by local experts. Features like smooth glide ball bearing oven racks and StayPut Italian hinges ensure a safe and simple baking experience.
Cooking Options
When you're deciding on a range, you need to select one that matches your kitchen's style and complements the other appliances you have. But a range's function isn't all about looks. You need a professional oven capable of handling your baking and cooking habits. This is why many cooks and chefs opt for a dual fuel cooker to make the most of their cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove is made up of a gas stove and an electric oven, which offers the best of both temperature control and precision. Professional cooks appreciate the pliable temperature control of a gas cooktop, which allows them to experiment with various cooking techniques, like searing and roasting. Bakers on the other hand, prefer the constant heating offered by an electric oven. Some models also have an option to release steam at the start of the baking process which makes the bread rise and gives it a smoother texture.
A dual fuel range comes with high-performance burners. They are usually powered by natural gas or propane liquid. These burners can generate rapid heat for various tasks, including searing and boiling. The convection oven on a professional dual-fuel range is typically powered by an electric fan. This circulates hot air to ensure uniform heating.
Dual fuel ranges are costly, but a great option for cooks looking to improve their culinary skills, or entertain guests in the kitchen. Plus, this type of kitchen appliance is easy to maintain and adds value to your home should you ever decide to sell it in the near future.
If you're considering purchasing a dual fuel professional range make sure you consult an expert in home appliance installation. This person will ensure that your appliance is connected to both electrical and gas lines, and that all the 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 in one unit. The stoves provide a range of cooking options and are a good choice for homeowners who love to experiment with new recipes and techniques. 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 electric and gas cooktops in one unit gives you the best of both, with responsive heat that's quick to adjust and a precise temperature that allows you to set the temperature accurately. This level of precision is important when you're simmering soup or warming leftovers. Similarly, the electric oven ensures a constant temperature which can be set precisely to keep the temperature low for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners opt for dual fuel ranges for their design and function. Many of these ranges come with high-end finishes and hardware that can complement a wide variety of kitchen styles that range from traditional to contemporary. For instance, certain dual fuel ranges are available with stylish brushed bronze trim or handles, which can add a touch of elegance to a kitchen that is French-style.
While a dual fuel stove is a great addition to any kitchen, it's not suitable for every home. It typically requires a dedicated line of gas within the home, which could require you to upgrade your gas line or pay for installation. Some homes don't have both an electrical and a gas outlet in the same area which makes it difficult to switch between the two power sources.
If you're looking for the versatility of dual fuel ranges, but don't want to install a brand new gas line, consider purchasing a separate electric and gas cooktop, as well as a wall-oven. This is a less costly solution that gives you the possibility of cooking with either power source, and you can even install both in the same space should you require. You can also combine an electric and gas model by selecting a dual-fuel slide-in stove with an additional gas cooktop and an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range is a combination of gas stove and electric oven. The appliance is highly praised by professional cooks for its versatility and value. It provides a responsive temperature control on the cooktop and precise heat in the oven to allow a variety of cooking techniques.
The cooktop of a dual fuel professional range can be powered by natural gas or liquid propane. A gas cooktop gives you an instant, visible temperature adjustment and allows you to utilize more sophisticated cooking techniques such as roasting and charring. On the other hand an electric oven is a dependable and reliable kitchen appliance that provides constant heating. Many models feature an air downdraft that catches airborne particles smoke, odors and smoke without the necessity of overhead ventilation systems.
Gas cooktops are favored by many chefs because they can quickly and accurately control the temperature, making it easier to cook onions or boil pasta. In addition bakers tend to prefer an electric oven, because it produces a dryer heating that allows bread to rise and then brown. Some cooks prefer a combination of both heat sources. Fortunately this option is readily available with the dual fuel options available in certain ranges.
These appliances are not only highly efficient and versatile, but also have a variety of convenient features. Certain models come with removable burner grates and sealed burners that make cleaning easier. Some models have self-cleaning automated ovens that save time and effort by removing dirt after every meal.
In addition that, a dual fuel range is generally more energy-efficient than an all-electric or all-gas version. This appliance can help you save money on winter energy bills if your home is connected to gas lines.
When shopping for a dual fuel cooking range, think about the kitchen layout and the frequency you'll use the stove. If you only cook twice each week, for instance, the cost of a dual-fuel range may not be worth the cost. They also require gas hookups as well as installation costs that aren't usually included in the cost.
Safety
When a dual fuel cooking range is properly used it provides an unbeatable cooking experience compared to other stoves. It accomplishes this by combining the precise and even distribution of heat of an electric oven, ideal for baking and roasting as well as the instant control of gas burners. This allows cooks to switch between these different ways of cooking easily and quickly. Furthermore, a dual-fuel range will also give you the option of slow and low simmer, or high-heat searing. This gives cooks more freedom to prepare their own favorite dishes.
In addition to their safety advantages dual fuel ranges are also easy to clean due to their use of electric and gas components. Gas hobs usually have sealed burners, or cast iron grates with an enamel coatings that can be cleaned easily after meals. The electric oven, on the other hand is equipped with a self-cleaning function that uses high temperature to burn off any food leftovers. Some electric models have removable oven racks or trays that could be soaked in water or scrubbed to give a thorough clean.
One of the drawbacks to buying a dual fuel range is that you will likely need to have both an electrical and gas connection to your home to use it. This can be expensive particularly in the event that your kitchen already has gas lines. It will require a plumber to set up an extra electrical outlet. Also older homes might not be wired to both electricity and gas and require an electrician to alter the voltage of the kitchen outlet in order to accommodate the dual fuel range.
Eva Bleyer is a reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. She has tested more than 100 ranges, including many dual fuel options in recent years. In addition to testing the products she also regularly speaks with industry experts and visits kitchen appliance showrooms to keep up-to-date with the latest innovations being introduced to kitchens in homes. Visit Clarke to schedule an appointment to view a dual-fuel range in action and talk with our experts about whether this model is the best option for your kitchen.