Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
Investing in a dual fuel cooker range adds to the overall value of your home and kitchen. If you're thinking of it ensure that your kitchen is able to handle two sources of power (gas and electric).
Clarke offers showroom appointments to view a wide range 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 simple baking experience.
Cooking Options
It is essential to select a range that matches your kitchen style, and complements the other appliances you have. But the purpose of a range isn't all about looks. You need a professional oven capable of handling your baking and cooking habits. Many home cooks opt for dual-fuel cookers to maximize cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove is a combination of a gas stove and an electric oven that provides the most efficient temperature control and accuracy. Gas cooktops are able to provide a precise temperature control that allows cooks to explore different cooking methods such as roasting or searing. Bakers on the other hand prefer the constant heat provided by an electric oven. Certain models also come with the ability to release steam at the beginning of the baking process which makes the bread rise and provides a smoother texture.
The cooktop of a dual fuel stove typically features high-performance burners that run on natural gas or liquid propane. These burners can generate rapid heat output for a variety of 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 they're a great option for cooks looking to improve their culinary skills or entertain guests at home. Plus, this type of kitchen appliance is easy to maintain and adds value to your home if you ever decide to sell it in the near future.
Ask a professional to install your home appliance If you are considering purchasing a professional dual-fuel range. This person will ensure that the range is connected to both electric and gas lines and that all safety precautions are in place. A qualified installer can also solve any issues that could arise during the installation of your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range combines the versatility of a gas stove and an electric oven into one unit. These stoves are ideal for homeowners who enjoy trying new recipes and techniques. They are also available in a range of sizes, with 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 electric and gas cooktops in one unit provides the best of both worlds with responsive heat that's quick to adjust and a precise temperature that allows you to set temperatures precisely. This kind of precision is essential when simmering soup, or warming leftovers. The electric oven also offers the ability to maintain a constant temperature that can be precisely adjusted to maintain a low temperature for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners opt for dual fuel ranges for their aesthetic appeal and practicality. A lot of these ranges come with premium finishes and hardware that can complement a wide variety of kitchen styles from traditional to modern. For instance, some dual fuel ranges come with elegant brushed bronze trim or handles, which can add an element of luxury to the French-style kitchen.
While a dual fuel range can be a smart addition to any kitchen, it's not the right choice for every home. It typically requires a dedicated line of gas within the home, which may require you to upgrade your gas connection or pay for the installation. In addition, some homes might not have both a gas line and an electrical outlet in the same room making switching between various power sources difficult.
If you're looking to enjoy the versatility of dual fuel ranges but don't want to put in a new gas line, you can consider buying a separate electric and gas cooktop, as well as a wall oven. This is an affordable solution that allows you to cook with either power source. It is also possible to install separate units within the same space, if necessary. Read Home can also combine an electric and a gas model by choosing a dual-fuel slide-in stove with an additional gas cooktop as well as an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range combines the gas cooktop and an electric oven. This model is highly regarded by professional cooks for its flexibility and value. It offers responsive cooking temperature control and precise heating in the oven for a variety of cooking methods.
The cooktop of a dual-fuel professional range can be powered by natural gas or liquid propane. Gas cooktops offer rapid, visual temperature adjustments and lets you use more advanced cooking techniques like charring and roasting. Electric ovens are an efficient and reliable 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 due to their rapid and precise temperature control, making it simpler to cook onions or boil pasta. Bakers may prefer an electric cooktop because it creates an even heat that helps bread rise and brown. Some cooks, however prefer a mix of both heat sources. This option is available on certain dual-fuel ranges.
These appliances are not only highly efficient and versatile but also come with various useful features. Certain models have removable burner grates and sealed burners for easier cleaning. Some models have automatic self-cleaning ovens that save you the time and hassle of scrubbing off grime after every meal.
A dual fuel range is more energy efficient than an all-electric, or all-gas model. This appliance can help you save money on winter energy bills if your home has a gas line.
When shopping for a dual fuel cooking range, take into consideration the kitchen layout and how often you'll use the stove. If you only cook twice a week, for example then a dual-fuel range may not be worth the cost. In addition they require an installation and gas hookup cost that's usually not included in the price of purchase.
Safety
A dual fuel cooker can provide an environment for cooking that is safer than other stoves when used correctly. This is due to the fact that it combines the precise and even distribution of heat from an electric oven that is ideal for roasting and baking with the instant heat control of gas burners on a hob. This combination allows cooks to 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 freedom to create their favourite dishes.
Apart from their safety advantages Dual fuel ranges are also simple to clean thanks to their combination of electric and gas components. Gas hobs usually have sealed burners, or cast iron grates that have an enamel coating which can be cleaned easily after meals. Electric ovens is on the other hand, has a self cleaning function that utilizes high temperatures to burn off any food residue. Some models with electric ovens have removable oven racks or trays that could be submerged in water or scrubbed for a thorough clean.
A dual fuel range could be costly to purchase as you'll require a gas line and an electrical outlet within your home to use it. This can be expensive especially when you already have a gas line in your kitchen. It will require the services of a plumber to visit and install an electrical outlet. In older homes, the wiring might not support both electricity and gas. An electrician would need to alter the voltage of 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, which include many dual fuel options, in recent years. She also speaks with experts from the industry, goes to showrooms of kitchen appliances and frequently tests products. Visit Clarke to make an appointment to view a dual-fuel range in action and speak to our experts about whether this model is the best option for your kitchen.