Dual Fuel Range Style Cookers - Are They Right For Your Home?
A dual-fuel range provides an incredibly responsive temperature control for the cooktop and constant heating in the oven. Find out if this high-end product is the right one for you.
At Good Housekeeping, we test more than 100 ranges every year, including many dual fuel models. We also speak with experts in the field and visit kitchen appliance showrooms.
Versatility
A dual fuel range incorporates gas cooktops and an electric oven to provide the best of both. Electric ovens provide superior temperature control for even baking, while chefs appreciate the fast burner heat. These powerful appliances are a hit in kitchens where versatility and high-quality performance is required.
Apart from the premium price, what else makes these models different? A dual fuel range could be a worthwhile investment for home cooks with the necessary hookups to put in one. They are also more affordable than other options, such as a slide-in gas range with an electric oven or a freestanding gas stove with a wall-mounted electric oven.
Some people are worried about the cost of a dual fuel range. A trained kitchen appliance installer can make the process simple and stress-free. They'll help you find the right product for your home, and then they'll ensure your new range is properly installed and safe to use.
Creative curators appreciate the versatility of a dual fuel range, since it gives them the chance to explore different culinary techniques. The quick adjustments of gas cooktops are perfect for getting just the right sear on a steak, or making the perfect char on peppers for taco night. Meanwhile, the consistent temperature cycling of an electric oven could be perfect for roasting vegetables and keeping meats moist.
Think about how often you will be cooking and the type of meals you prepare. For example, do you typically bake desserts for a crowd? Do you enjoy grilling and want to experiment with new recipes? A dual fuel range could assist you in improving your cooking skills and bring your kitchen to the next level. If you are not sure whether a dual-fuel stove is the right choice for your kitchen, then it's worth considering other options.
Energy Efficiency
Gas stovetops are preferred by cooks who love to experiment with cooking techniques such as roasting and charring. Electric ovens are favored by bakers due to their uniform heat distribution. Dual fuel range cookers allow home cooks to take advantage of both. A dual-fuel range is equipped with a gas cooktop as well as an electric oven. You may need to have a plumber change the voltage of your outlet to accommodate dual fuel ranges, but the gas line will stay the same.
If you're considering buying a professional dual-fuel range, consider evaluating your cooking preferences and kitchen needs. If you bake a lot, consider the even heating of an electric oven and choose one with a big capacity. If you rarely bake or cook infrequently it is possible that a gas range would be more suitable because it offers the convenience and capability of a stovetop as well as an oven without the necessity of a separate appliance.
Dual-fuel ranges that are designed for professionals feature high-quality materials, a sleek design and a look that is inspired by commercial. They will impress your guests. They offer advanced cooking controls as well as a range of features that can be programmed to provide the most delicious dining experience. Additionally, they offer the capacity of an oven that can handle large roasts and baking tray.
The type of range that you select will ultimately be based on your personal preferences and the overall appearance and feel of your kitchen. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for a traditional style that features an easy-to-clean stainless-steel finish or a more contemporary black glass design with chrome accents.
When selecting a kitchen appliance the most important aspect to consider is if you can access natural gas or electricity. Dual-fuel ranges require a gas connection and an electric outlet, so make sure your home is equipped with both before investing in this top-quality appliance. If not, you'll have to hire an electrician to install the necessary connections before installing your new dual-fuel range.
Convenience
When dual fuel ranges cook it makes use of electric and gas heating to make baking and cooking more effortless than ever before. The appliance's versatility permits you to experiment with new culinary techniques. It comes with a receptive temperature control for the cooktop and an even, consistent heating in the oven.
Some people feel that the combination of electric and gas provides the best of both worlds. For instance the gas cooktop is able to grill peppers and get just the right sear on steaks for taco night while the electric oven provides dry heat that is ideal for roasting cakes and vegetables.
A dual fuel range can help you save time since the food can be served in a shorter amount of time. The gas cooktop offers quick and immediate responses to the temperature setting, so you can increase the burners to bring your food to a rapid boil or lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Electric ovens take more time to heat up and cook slower than a gas stove but it's perfect for dishes that require lower temperatures.
The flexibility of a dual fuel range makes it a wise investment for a wide range of households. However, best value dual fuel range cooker require separate power sources and are more expensive than gas models of all types. You will also require an outlet with high voltage that can accommodate both kinds. It isn't easy to wire older homes. An electrician may be needed to ensure everything is done correctly.
Consider the amount of meals you prepare at home each week when shopping for a dual fuel range. This will help you decide if the extra cost is worth it. You should also think about the space you have in your kitchen to determine whether a dual fuel model is feasible.
Miele offers dual-fuel ranges in a variety of sizes, ranging from 30 to 60 inches wide. The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints and easy to clean. Most models come with four burners for stoves, and an oven with capacities ranging from 4.5 cubic feet up to 6.6 cubic feet. Some models offer a variety of colored oven doors to give a personalized appearance and a range of smart controls, including Wi-Fi capability as well as integrated thermometers and preprogrammed settings.
Value
When a dual-fuel range combines gas and electric ovens, it gives you the best of both worlds. The gas cooktop lets you control an open flame with precision, whereas the electric convection is a dependable option for baking, roasting and even quasi-air-frying. If you're looking to add some style to your kitchen, select models that permit you to select an accent color for the door of your oven.
Dual-fuel ranges are more expensive than those that only use natural gas, and they have to be hooked up for both 220-volt electricity and natural gas. They may also be more prone to repair because they have more parts. Installing your range will likely require a professional.
If you love the look of gas but require a more flexible cooker, check out the Cosmo 100cm Classic dual fuel range cooker in black with chrome trim. Although it doesn't have the same brand recognition as some of our picks, this stove is an excellent value for less than half the cost. It has six burners including two dual-ring 19,000 Btu powerburners that can take on large pans and pots. It also has a five burner hob with grid. It also has two large capacity microwaves, as well as an induction stovetop.
An excellent option is the GE Monogram Professional stainless steel range. It has a smart home feature that synchronizes recipes with the operating settings on your phone, or voice commands via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This high-end model boasts a massive oven that holds steady temperatures which makes it an ideal choice for bakers. But it's a little more expensive than some of our other choices and you'll require an electrical connection to get the advanced features.
A Wolf dual-fuel stainless steel range is a different option. It has excellent cooking specifications and the knobs can be adapted to your preferences. It's more professional looking than the other options, but its one oven is too small for serious bakers.