Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
The investment in a dual fuel cooker can add to the overall value of your home and kitchen. If you're considering one, make sure that your kitchen is capable of handling both gas and electric power sources.
Clarke offers showroom appointments to see the variety 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
When you're deciding on the right range, it's crucial to choose one that is in line with the style of your kitchen and matches the rest of your appliances. But, the functionality of a range isn't only about looks it's a high-end appliance that can meet the demands of your cooking and baking habits. Many home cooks opt for a dual-fuel cooker to maximize cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove incorporates the gas cooktop with an electric oven, delivering the best of both worlds in terms temperature control and accuracy. Dedicated cooks appreciate the responsive temperature control offered by gas cooktops, which allows them to play around with different cooking techniques, like searing and roasting. Bakers prefer the constant heating provided by an electric oven. Some models also have an option to release steam at the start of the baking process which aids in the rise of the bread and has a more uniform texture.
The cooktop of a dual fuel stove typically includes high-performance burners running on natural gas or liquid propane. They can produce rapid heat output for various tasks, including searing and boiling. Convection ovens on professional dual-fuel range is typically powered by an electric fan. It circulates hot air to ensure uniform heating.
Dual fuel ranges are expensive but they're a great option for those who want to improve their culinary skills, or entertain guests in the home. This type of range is also easy to maintain, and can add value to your home if you decide to sell in the future.
If you're considering purchasing a dual fuel professional range, be sure to consult an expert in home appliance installation. They can make sure that your range is properly connected to both the gas and electrical lines, and that all necessary safety precautions are taken. A qualified installer will also be able to solve any issues that may arise during the process of installing your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range gives the flexibility of both a gas stovetop and an oven in one appliance. These stoves are perfect for those who love trying new recipes and techniques. They are also available in a variety of sizes, with oven capacities that vary from 4.5 to 6.6 cubic feet. Some models even feature two ovens side by side for larger capacity.
Combining a gas and electric cooktop in one unit provides you with the best of both worlds. You get an efficient heat that is easy to adjust, and an exact heating system that allows you to set temperatures precisely. This is crucial when simmering soups, or reheating leftovers. Similarly, the electric oven offers a steady heat that can be adjusted precisely to maintain low heat for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners opt for dual fuel stoves due to their design and function. A majority of these ranges are equipped with high-end finishes and hardware that can be used to complement a broad selection of kitchen designs, from traditional to modern. For instance, certain dual fuel ranges come with stylish bronze handles or trim, which can add a touch of elegance to a kitchen that is French-style.
A dual fuel range is a great option for any kitchen. However, it might not be right for all. It usually requires a separate gas line to the home to power it. reconditioned dual fuel range cookers might require you to cover the cost of installation or upgrade your gas hookup. Certain homes don't have both an electrical as well as a gas outlet in the same location which makes it difficult to switch between the two power sources.
If you're looking for the flexibility of a dual fuel stove but don't have the option of installing an entirely new gas line, you can consider purchasing a separate gas and electric cooktop and wall oven instead. This is a budget-friendly option that allows you to cook using either power source. You can also install them separately in the same space should you require. You can combine gas and electric models by selecting a dual fuel slide-in range, which has an additional gas stovetop as well as an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range blends a gas cooktop with an electric oven. The appliance is highly regarded by professional cooks due to its flexibility and value. It has a precise control of the temperature on the cooktop and precise heating in the oven to allow a variety of cooking techniques.
The cooktop portion of a dual fuel professional range is powered by either liquid propane or natural gas. Gas cooktops offer quick, visual temperature adjustment and lets you use more advanced cooking techniques like charring and roasting. Electric ovens are a trusted and reliable kitchen appliance. They offer steady heating. A majority of models have an air vent that collects smoke, odors and other airborne particles, without the need for an overhead ventilation system.
The most dedicated cooks usually prefer gas cooktops due to their quick and precise temperature control, making it easier to cook onions or boil pasta. However, bakers are likely to prefer an electric oven because it provides a dry heat that causes bread to rise and become brown. Some cooks, however prefer a combination of both sources of heat. This option is available on certain dual-fuel ranges.
In addition to the plethora of high-performance capabilities of a dual fuel range they are also equipped with a range of useful features. Some models come with removable burner grates, and sealed burners to make cleaning easier. Some models have self-cleaning automatic ovens, which save you time and effort by taking off the food debris after each meal.
A dual fuel range is also more energy efficient than an all-electric model, or one that is all-gas. This appliance can help you save money on your winter energy bills if you're home is connected to a gas line.
When shopping for a dual-fuel cooker range, take into consideration your kitchen's layout and the frequency you'll use the stove. For instance, if only cook two nights a week, the cost of a dual fuel stove might not be worthwhile for your needs. Additionally the ranges need 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 an unbeatable cooking experience compared to other stoves. This is due to the fact that it combines the accuracy and even distribution of heat from an electric oven that is ideal for baking and roasting with the instant heat control of gas burners on a stove. This combination allows the cook to switch between different cooking styles quickly and easily. A dual fuel range also allows for the option of a low and slow simmer or a sear with high heat, giving cooks more freedom to cook their favorite dishes.
In addition to their safety advantages, dual fuel ranges are also simple to clean due to their combination of electric and gas components. Gas hobs typically have sealed burners, or cast iron grates with enamel coatings that can be cleaned easily after meals. The electric oven is on the other hand, has a self cleaning function that uses high temperature to burn off any food residue. Some electric models have removable oven racks or trays that can be soaked in water or scrubbed for an efficient clean.
One of the disadvantages of purchasing a dual fuel stove is that you'll require both an electrical and gas connection in your home in order to utilize it. This can be costly particularly if you already have a gas line in your kitchen and will require a plumber to come out and install an additional electrical outlet. In older homes, the wiring might not be able to handle both electricity and gas. An electrician would need to alter the voltage at the kitchen outlet to accommodate a dual-fuel range.
Eva Bleyer is the reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab where she has thoroughly tested almost 100 ranges in the last few years, including a variety of dual-fuel options. In addition to testing products, she regularly interviews experts from the industry and visits showrooms for kitchen appliances to keep up-to-date with the latest technology 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 right choice for your kitchen.