Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
The investment in a dual fuel cooker range adds to the overall value of your home and kitchen. If you're considering one, make sure your kitchen is equipped to handle two power sources (gas and electric).
Schedule a showroom appointment at Clarke to see a variety 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
It's important that you choose the right model that fits your kitchen style, and complements the other appliances you have. However, the utility of a range isn't only about looks -- you need an appliance that is professional grade and can handle the demands of your baking and cooking habits. Many home chefs opt for a dual-fuel cooker range to maximize cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove consists of a gas stove and an electric oven that provides the best of both temperature control and precision. Professional cooks appreciate the pliable temperature control on a gas cooktop, which allows them to experiment with various cooking techniques such as roasting and searing. Bakers, on the other hand, prefer the constant heat provided by an electric oven. In addition, some models feature an advanced feature that releases steam in the beginning of the baking process to aid in the rise of bread for a more even texture.
The cooktop of a dual fuel range usually has high-performance burners that operate on natural gas or liquid propane. They can produce rapid heat output for many tasks, such as searing and boiling. The convection oven on a professional dual-fuel range is typically powered by an electric fan. It circulates hot air to ensure uniform heating.
Dual fuel ranges can be expensive but they're an excellent option for cooks who wish to expand their culinary skills and entertain guests at home. This kind of range is also easy to maintain, and add value to your home should you decide to sell it in the future.
If you're interested in purchasing a professional range that has dual fuel, be sure to consult an expert for installation of your home appliances. This person will ensure that the range is connected properly to both gas and electric lines and that all safety precautions are followed. An experienced installer will be able to solve any issues that may arise during the process of installing your new range.
range cookers Ovens & Hobs offers the flexibility of gas stovetops and oven in one unit. They offer a wide range of cooking options which makes them a great choice for homeowners who like to try new recipes and methods. These stoves are available in different sizes with oven capacities ranging from 4.5 to 6.8 cubic feet. Some models even feature two ovens side by side for larger capacity.
Combining a gas and electric cooktop in one unit gives you the best of both worlds. You get a responsive heat that is easy to adjust and a precise heating system that allows you to set temperature precisely. This is crucial when simmering soups, or reheating leftovers. Similarly, the electric oven offers a steady heat which can be set precisely to keep the temperature low for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners prefer dual fuel ranges for their design appeal and functionality. These ranges are available in a variety of premium finishes and accessories to match any kitchen design, regardless of whether it's modern or traditional. Certain dual fuel ranges come with elegant brushed-bronze trim or handles that can add a touch of luxury to French-style kitchens.
A dual fuel range is a wonderful addition to any kitchen. However, it may not be the best choice for all. It typically requires a dedicated line of gas in the home, which may require you to upgrade your gas line or pay for installation. Some homes do not have both an electrical and a gas outlet in the same space, making it difficult to switch between power sources.
If you're looking to enjoy the flexibility of dual fuel ranges, but do not want to install a brand new gas line consider buying a separate electric and gas cooktop and wall oven. This is an affordable solution that lets you cook with either power source. You can also put them separately in the same space should you require. You can mix the gas and electric models by choosing a dual fuel slide-in range that has an additional gas stovetop as well as an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range consists of gas stove and electric oven. This model is highly praised by professional cooks due to its versatility and value. It offers responsive cooking temperature control and precise temperature control in the oven to allow for a variety of cooking techniques.
The cooktop in a dual-fuel professional range can be powered by natural gas or propane liquid. Gas cooktops let you adjust the temperature quickly and visually and they can be used with advanced cooking techniques like roasting or charring. Electric ovens are a reliable and trusted kitchen appliance. They offer steady heating. Many models have vents that downdraft to capture smoke, odors and other airborne particles, without the requirement for an overhead ventilation system.
Cooks who are dedicated will usually opt for gas cooktops because of their rapid and precise temperature control, which makes it easier to saute onions or boil pasta. Bakers will likely prefer an electric range, because it creates dry heat that can help bread rise and brown. Some cooks prefer a hybrid of both heat sources. Fortunately this option is readily available with the dual fuel options available in certain ranges.
Aside from the versatile, high-performance capabilities of dual fuel ranges, these appliances also come with an array of convenient features. Certain models have removable burner grates, as well as sealed burners to make cleaning easier. Certain models come with self-cleaning ovens, which save you time and effort by taking off the food debris after each meal.
A dual fuel range is more energy efficient than an all-electric model, or an all-gas model. If your home is connected to a natural gas line the appliance can help you save money on your winter energy bills.
When looking for a dual fuel cooker range, take into consideration the kitchen layout and how often you'll be using the stove. If you only cook twice every week, for instance then a dual-fuel range may not be worth the money. These ranges also require gas hookups and installation costs that are not typically included in the price.
Safety
A dual fuel cooker range offers the safety of cooking in comparison to other stoves when properly used. This is because it combines the precise and even heat distribution of an electric oven perfect for baking and roasting with the instant control of heat of gas burners on a hob. This lets cooks switch between the different styles of cooking quickly and easily. A dual fuel range allows for the option of slow and low simmer or a high-heat sear giving cooks more freedom to create their favourite recipes.
Apart from their safety advantages dual fuel ranges are also simple to clean thanks to their electric and gas components. Gas hobs typically come with sealed burners, or cast iron grates with an enamel coating that can be wiped down quickly after meals. The electric oven however comes with a self-cleaning function that makes use of high temperatures to eliminate any food leftovers. Some electric models have removable oven racks or trays that can be submerged in water or scrubbed for an efficient clean.
One of the disadvantages of buying a dual fuel range is that you will likely need to have both a gas and electrical connection to your home in order to make use of it. This can be costly especially when your kitchen already has a gas line. You will need a plumber to set up an additional electrical outlet. In older homes, the wiring may not be able to support both electricity as well as gas. An electrician will 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 more than 100 ranges, which include many dual fuel options in recent years. In addition to testing the products, she regularly interviews experts from the industry and visits showrooms of kitchen appliances to keep up-to-date with the latest innovations being introduced to kitchens in homes. Visit Clarke to set up an appointment to view a dual-fuel range at work and talk with our experts on whether this model is the best choice for your kitchen.