Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
A dual fuel range can enhance the value of your kitchen and home. If you're thinking about it, make sure your kitchen is able to handle two power sources (gas and electric).
Clarke offers showroom appointments to see the wide variety of dual-fuel kitchens in fully-scaled kitchens that are designed locally. Features like smooth glide ball bearing oven racks and StayPut Italian Hinges ensure a safe and easy baking experience.
Cooking Options
When you're deciding on a range, you need to choose one that is in line with the style of your kitchen and matches the rest of your appliances. But a range's function isn't only about looks. You require a high-end oven capable of handling your baking and cooking needs. This is why a lot of homeowners turn to dual fuel cookers to enhance their cooking skills.
A dual fuel stove consists of a gas stove and an electric oven, which offers the most efficient temperature control and precision. Gas cooktops provide a flexible temperature control that allows cooks to explore different cooking methods like searing or roasting. Bakers prefer the constant heating offered by an electric oven. Certain models also come with an option to release steam at the beginning of the baking process, which helps the bread rise and has a more uniform texture.
The cooktop of a dual fuel stove typically has high-performance burners that operate on natural gas or liquid propane. These burners can generate rapid heat output, which can be used to accomplish many tasks, such as searing and boiling. The oven of the professional range with dual fuel typically comes with an electric convection oven which circulates hot air for uniform heating, reducing the need for rotating dishes and guaranteeing consistent results.
Dual fuel ranges can be expensive, but they're a great choice for cooks who want to expand their culinary abilities and entertain guests at home. Additionally, this kind of range is easy to maintain and can add 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 will ensure that your range is properly connected to both electric and gas lines and that all necessary safety precautions are taken. A trained installer can also resolve any issues that may arise during the installation process of your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range provides the versatility of a gas stovetop and an oven in one unit. ovensandhobs offer a variety of cooking options and are a good option for those who want to experiment with new recipes and techniques. They also come in a range of sizes, including oven capacities that vary from 4.5 to 6.6 cubic feet. Some models even feature two ovens side by side for larger capacity.
Combining a gas cooktop and an electric cooktop into one unit gives you the best of both worlds. You get an efficient heat that is easy to adjust and a precise heating system that permits you to set temperatures precisely. This is crucial when simmering soups, or reheating leftovers. The electric oven also provides an unbeatable heat that can be precisely controlled to maintain a low temperature when cooking delicate dishes.
Some homeowners prefer dual fuel ranges for their design appeal and functionality. These ranges are available in a range of high-end finishes and hardware to complement any kitchen design, regardless of whether it's contemporary or traditional. Certain dual fuel ranges come with elegant brushed-bronze trims or handles that can add a touch of luxury to French-style kitchens.
A dual fuel range is a great option for any kitchen. However, it might not be the best choice for everyone. It typically requires a dedicated gas line within the home to power it, which may require you to pay for the installation or upgrade your existing gas line. In addition, some homes might not have both a gas line and an electrical outlet in the same space making switching between different power sources a challenge.
If you want the versatility of a dual fuel range but do not 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 cheaper solution that will still give you the option of cooking using either source of power, and you can install separate units in the same space if needed. You can also combine an electric and gas model by choosing a dual-fuel slide-in stove with an additional gas cooktop and 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 due to its versatility and value. It offers precise temperature control in the oven as well as flexible temperature control on its cooktop to allow for 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 offers rapid, visual temperature adjustments and allows you to utilize more advanced cooking techniques, such as charring and roasting. Electric ovens are a reliable and trusted kitchen appliance. They provide constant heating. Many models come with an air vent that collects smoke, odors and other airborne particles, without the requirement for an overhead ventilation system.
Gas cooktops are favored by many chefs because they can quickly and accurately control the temperature, making it simpler to sauté onions or boil pasta. However bakers tend to prefer an electric oven because it provides a dry heating that allows bread to rise and become brown. Some cooks prefer a combination of both heat sources. Fortunately it is possible to do this with the dual fuel options available in certain ranges.
Aside from the versatile, high-performance capabilities of a dual fuel range, these appliances also come with a variety of features that are convenient. Certain models come with removable burner grates as well as sealed burners that make cleaning easier. Some models have self-cleaning automatic ovens that save time and effort by taking off the food debris after each meal.
In addition the dual fuel range is generally more energy efficient than an all-electric or all-gas version. This appliance can help you save money on your winter energy bills if your home is equipped with a gas line.
Think about your kitchen layout and how often you cook on the stove when looking for a dual-fuel range. If you cook only twice a week, for example, the cost of a dual-fuel range may not be worth the cost. In addition the ranges need an installation and gas hookup cost that is typically not included in the price of purchase.
Safety
When a dual fuel cooker range is used properly it provides the most secure cooking experience than other stoves. This is because it blends the precise and even heat distribution of an electric oven ideal for roasting and baking with the instant control of heat of gas burners on a hob. This lets cooks switch between these different styles of cooking effortlessly and quickly. A dual fuel range also allows for the option of a low and slow simmer or a sear with high heat, giving cooks greater flexibility to create their favourite dishes.
Aside from their safety benefits dual fuel ranges are also easy to clean thanks to their use of gas and electric components. Gas hobs usually come with sealed burners, or cast iron grates that have an enamel coatings that can be cleaned easily after meals. Electric ovens is on the other hand is equipped 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 thorough clean.
One of the drawbacks to purchasing a dual fuel range is that you will likely need to have both an electrical and gas connection to your home to make use of it. This can be costly particularly if you already have a gas line installed in your kitchen. This will require an electrician to come in and install a new electrical outlet. In older homes, the wiring might not be able to support both electricity as well as gas. An electrician would need to alter the voltage at the kitchen outlet to accommodate a dual fuel range.
Eva Bleyer is a reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. She has tested over 100 ranges, including a variety of dual fuel options, in recent years. She also interviews experts from the industry, visits showrooms of kitchen appliances and frequently tests new products. Visit Clarke to make an appointment to see a dual-fuel range at work and talk with our experts on whether this model is the best option for your kitchen.