Dual Fuel Range Style Cookers - Are They Right For Your Home?
A dual-fuel range provides responsive temperature control for the cooktop as well as consistent heating in the oven. Find out if this high-end appliance is right for your home.
At Good Housekeeping, we test over 100 ranges every year, including a number of dual-fuel models. We also talk to experts from the industry and visit showrooms of kitchen appliances.
Versatility
Dual fuel ranges include a gas cooktop with an electric oven which allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Professional chefs appreciate the quick burner heat that is ideal for sautéing on the cooktop, whereas electric ovens offer the best temperature control to ensure even baking. These powerful appliances are very popular in kitchens where flexibility and top-quality performance are required.
Aside from a premium price, what else distinguishes these models? A dual fuel range could be a great investment for home cooks who have the hookups available to install one. They are also less expensive than other options, such as gas slide-in ranges that come with an electric oven or a gas stove that has a wall mounted electric oven.
Some people are worried about the expense of a dual-fuel stove. A trained kitchen appliance installer can make the process simple and hassle-free. They will assist you in choosing the right product for your home and will ensure that your new range is installed safely and correctly.
The versatility of a dual fuel range lets chefs experiment with different cooking techniques. Gas cooktops are perfect for creating the perfect sear on meat or a pepper for a taco night. Electric ovens can roast vegetables and keep meats moist due to their constant temperature cycling.
Consider how often you will be cooking and what type of food you prepare. Do you usually bake desserts to feed a large crowd? Do you enjoy grilling and are looking to try new recipes? A dual fuel range is a fantastic way to improve your cooking skills and take your kitchen to a new level. However, if you're still not sure whether a dual fuel range is the right choice for your kitchen, it's worth looking into the alternatives available.
Energy Efficiency
The most ardent cooks love gas stovetops due to their superior temperature control and the ability to quickly and easily perform techniques like roasting and charring. Electric ovens are the preferred choice of bakers due to their even heat distribution. Thankfully, dual fuel range cookers allow home chefs to enjoy the best of both worlds. A dual-fuel stove is equipped with a gas stove and an electric oven. You may need to have a plumber alter the voltage of your electric outlet to accommodate a dual fuel range however, the gas line will remain the same.
If you're thinking about purchasing a dual-fuel professional range, consider evaluating your preferences for cooking and kitchen needs. If you bake frequently, choose an electric range with an ample capacity and think about the even heating that comes with an electric oven. If you don't bake much or don't cook much, a gas range might be a better choice since it gives you the convenience and capability of a stovetop as well as an oven without the need for a separate appliance.
Dual-fuel ranges that are designed for professionals have high-quality materials with a sleek design and a commercial-inspired look. They will delight your guests. They come with sophisticated cooking controls, and a range of programmable features for the most delicious dining experience. reconditioned dual fuel range cookers have an oven with a large capacity that can accommodate large roasts and baking trays.
The kind of range you choose to purchase will ultimately be based on your personal preference and the overall appearance and feel of your kitchen. You can pick between a traditional style that comes in an easy-to clean stainless steel finish, or a contemporary black glass design with chrome highlights.
When selecting a range, the main factor to consider is whether you can access natural gas or electricity. Dual-fuel ranges require a gas connection and an electric outlet, so be sure your home is equipped with both before you invest in this top-quality appliance. If not, you'll have to hire an electrician to install the required connections prior to installing your new dual-fuel range.
Convenience
When dual fuel ranges cook it makes use of gas and electric heating to make cooking and baking more effortless than ever before. The range's versatility gives you the ability to master new cooking techniques, with a flexible temperature control on the cooktop and even, consistent heating in the oven.
Some people feel that the combination of electric and gas gives the best of both. For instance, a gas cooktop can char the peppers or cook the steak to perfection for tacos, while an electric oven provides drier heat for roasting cakes and vegetables.
Using a dual fuel range can also save you time because your food will be ready to serve in less time. The gas cooktop delivers quick and immediate responses to the temperature setting, so you can turn up the burners to create a fast boil or reduce the heat to slow simmer. The electric range will take longer to warm up and cooks slower. But, it's perfect for dishes that need low temperatures.
The versatility of dual fuel ranges makes it a wise investment for a lot of households. The appliances are more expensive and require separate power sources. You'll also require an outlet with a high voltage that can accommodate both wiring types. It isn't easy to connect older homes. An electrician could be required to ensure that the wiring is done properly.
If you're shopping for a dual fuel range, take into consideration the amount of meals you will cook at home every week and if it's worth the extra cost. You should also consider the space you have in your kitchen to determine if a dual fuel model will be practical.
Miele offers dual-fuel models with different sizes, which range from 30 to 60 inch wide. The stainless steel finish is resistant to fingerprints and easy to clean. Most models come with four stove burners, and an oven that has a capacity ranging from 4.5 cubic feet up to 6.6 cubic feet. Some models come with a selection of colored accent doors for an individualized appearance, and also a variety of intelligent controls, including integrated thermometers, Wi-Fi connectivity and preprogrammed setting.
Value
A dual-fuel range gives you the best of both gas and electric. The gas cooktop allows you to control an open flame with precision, while electric convection is a reliable choice for baking, roasting and even quasi-air-frying. And if you want to add some flair to your kitchen, select models that let you choose a colored accent oven door.
However dual-fuel ranges tend be more expensive than all-gas ranges and they require hookups to both natural gas and 220-volt electric power. They are also more difficult to repair since they are equipped with more parts. You'll likely require a specialist to install your equipment.
If you love the look of gas, but are looking for something more flexible, then the Cosmo 100cm Classic Dual Fuel Range Cooker in black with chrome trim is a fantastic choice. The stove might not be as well-known as our other options, but it is still an incredible value for less than half the cost. It has six burners including two dual-ring 19,000 Btu powerburners that are able to handle large pots and pans. There's also a five burner hob with griddle. It also comes with two large capacity microwaves, as well as an induction stovetop.
An excellent choice is the GE Monogram Professional stainless steel range. It comes with a smart home feature that allows you to synchronize recipes with operating settings on your phone, or voice commands using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This model is a top-of-the-line model with an enormous oven that maintains constant temperatures which makes it a top pick for bakers. It's more expensive than other picks and you have to connect it with electricity to use its advanced features.
A Wolf dual-fuel stainless steel range is another option. It comes with excellent cooking specifications and the knobs are able to be adapted to your preferences. It's more stylish than our other picks but it has a disadvantage: its oven isn't large enough for serious bakers.