Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
A dual fuel range can enhance the value of your kitchen and home. If you are considering one, make sure that your kitchen is able to handle both gas and electric power sources.
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 easy baking experience.
Cooking Options
It is essential to select a range that matches your kitchen's style and also complements the other appliances you have. But a range's function isn't just about appearances. You need a professional oven capable of handling your baking and cooking needs. This is why a lot of homeowners turn to dual fuel cookers to make the most of their cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove combines a gas cooktop and an electric oven to deliver the best of both worlds in terms of heat control and accuracy. range cookers are able to provide a precise temperature control that allows cooks to play around with cooking techniques such as roasting or searing. Bakers on the other hand, prefer the constant heat provided by an electric oven. Additionally, certain models come with a feature that releases steam at the beginning of the baking cycle to help bread rise for a smoother texture.
The cooktop of a dual fuel stove typically includes high-performance burners running on natural gas or liquid propane. These burners can generate rapid heat for many tasks, including searing and boiling. The oven of a professional dual fuel range typically has an electric fan-powered convection oven that circulates hot air for uniform heating, eliminating the need to rotate dishes and ensuring consistent results.
Dual fuel ranges are expensive but they're a great option for those looking to enhance their culinary skills or entertain guests in the kitchen. Furthermore, this type of kitchen appliance is easy to maintain and adds value to your home should you ever decide to sell it in the future.
If you're considering purchasing a professional dual fuel range make sure you consult a home appliance installation specialist. This person can ensure that your range is properly connected to both gas and electrical lines, and that all necessary safety precautions are taken. A certified installer will be able to address any issues that may arise during the process of installing your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range provides the versatility of gas stovetops and oven in one appliance. They offer a wide range of cooking options and are a good option for those who want to try new recipes and techniques. They are also available 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.
The combination of a gas and electric cooktop in one unit gives you the best of both worlds with a responsive heat that's easy to adjust and a precise temperature that lets you set temperatures accurately. This kind of precision is essential when simmering soup or warming leftovers. The electric oven also offers a constant heat which can be precisely adjusted to maintain a low temperature for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners choose a dual fuel range for its design appeal as well as its functionality. These ranges are available in a wide range of premium finishes and hardware to complement any kitchen design, whether it's contemporary or traditional. For example, some dual fuel ranges come with stylish brushed bronze trim or handles, which can add an element of elegance to a kitchen that is French-style.
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 line of gas within the home, which may require you to upgrade your gas connection or pay for installation. Some homes do not have both an electrical and gas outlet in the same area, making it difficult to switch between the two power sources.
If you're looking for the flexibility of a dual fuel range, but do not have the option of installing an entirely new gas line, consider buying an electric and gas cooktop and wall oven instead. This is an affordable solution that allows you to cook using either power source. You can also install them separately in the same room in the event that you need to. You can combine gas and electric models by selecting a dual fuel slide-in range, which has an independent gas stovetop, as well as an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range blends cooking with gas and an electric oven. Professional cooks appreciate the flexibility and value of this device. It offers responsive cooking temperature control and precise temperature control in the oven to allow for a wide range of cooking techniques.
The cooktop section of a dual fuel professional range is powered by propane or natural gas. Gas cooktops allow you to adjust the temperature quickly and visually and you can also use advanced cooking techniques like roasting or charring. Electric ovens are a trusted and reliable kitchen appliance. They offer consistent heating. A majority of models have a downdraft vent that captures smoke, odors and other airborne particles, without the need for an overhead ventilation system.
The most dedicated cooks usually prefer gas cooktops because of their speedy and precise temperature control, making it easier to cook onions or boil pasta. In addition bakers are more likely to prefer an electric oven, since it creates a drier heat that causes bread to rise and brown. Some cooks prefer a combination of both sources of heat. This option is available on certain dual-fuel ranges.
These appliances aren't just versatile and high-performance, but also have many useful features. Certain models come with removable burner grates and sealed burners to make cleaning easier. Some ovens are self-cleaning which save you time and hassle of scrubbing off grime after every meal.
Additionally, a dual fuel range is generally more energy efficient than an all-electric or all-gas model. If your home is connected to a natural gas line it could aid in reducing your winter energy costs.
When looking for a dual fuel cooking range, take into consideration your kitchen setup and the frequency you'll use the stove. For instance, if only cook twice a week, the additional cost of a dual fuel range might not be worthwhile for your needs. In addition, these ranges require a gas hookup and installation cost that is typically not included in the price of purchase.
Safety
When a dual fuel cooker range is used properly, it offers the most secure cooking experience than other stove models. This is because it combines the accuracy and even heat distribution of an electric oven perfect for roasting and baking, with the instant control of heat of gas burners on a hob. This combination lets cooks switch between the different styles of cooking quickly and easily. A dual fuel range also lets you choose between slow and low simmer or a high-heat sear giving cooks more flexibility to create their favourite recipes.
Apart from their safety advantages Dual fuel ranges are also easy to clean thanks to their combination of 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. Likewise, the electric oven usually has a self-cleaning function that uses high temperatures to burn away any food residue. Some models with electric ovens have removable oven racks or trays that can either be soaked in water or scrubbed to get an effective clean.
One of the drawbacks to buying a dual fuel range is that you will likely require an electrical and gas connection in your home in order to use it. This can be costly, especially in the event that your kitchen already has a gas line. You'll need the help of a plumber in order to install an extra electrical outlet. In older homes, the wiring might not support both electricity and gas. An electrician would need to change the voltage in 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 many dual fuel options, in recent years. She also speaks with industry experts, visits showrooms of kitchen appliances and frequently tests products. Visit Clarke to set up an appointment to view a dual-fuel range at work and speak to our experts on whether this model is the ideal option for your kitchen.