Dual Fuel Range Style Cookers - Are They Right For Your Home?
Dual-fuel ranges provide a responsive temperature control in the oven as well as a consistent heat on the cooktop. Find out if this top 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 interview experts from the industry and visit showrooms of kitchen appliances.
Versatility
A dual fuel range incorporates gas cooktops and an electric oven to deliver the best of both. Electric ovens are superior in temperature control to ensure even baking, and chefs appreciate the responsive burner heat. These powerful appliances are a hit in kitchens where versatility and high-quality performance is essential.
In addition to a higher price tag, what else makes these models different? A dual fuel range can be a good investment for home cooks with the hookups available to install one. They are also cheaper than other options, such as a slide-in gas range with an all-electric oven or a freestanding gas stove with an electric wall oven.
While there are plenty of benefits to choosing dual fuel stoves, some people may be worried about the price. A qualified kitchen appliance installer can make the process simple and enjoyable. They can help you select the right appliance for your home, and then ensure that the new appliance is properly and safely installed.
Creative curators are enthralled by the flexibility of a dual fuel range, since it allows them to explore different culinary techniques. The rapid adjustments of a gas cooktop are perfect for getting just the right sear on a steak, or creating the perfect char peppers for taco night. Electric ovens can roast vegetables and keep meats juicy due to their constant temperature cycling.
Consider how often you will be cooking and the type of food you prepare. For instance, do typically bake desserts for a crowd? Do you like to grill and would like to try new recipes? A dual fuel range is a fantastic method to enhance your cooking skills and elevate your kitchen to a new level. If you're not sure whether a dual-fuel stove is right for your kitchen, you should consider other options.
Energy Efficiency
Gas stovetops are preferred by cooks who like to experiment with cooking techniques like roasting and grilling. Electric ovens are favored by bakers because of their uniform heat distribution. Fortunately dual fuel range cookers allow home cooks to enjoy the best of both worlds. A dual-fuel stove is equipped with both a gas burner and an electric oven. A plumber might be required to modify the voltage of your electrical outlet to accommodate dual fuel ranges however the gas will remain the same.
If you are thinking of purchasing a dual professional range with a fuel source, it is important to take the time to evaluate your cooking requirements and preferences. If you bake frequently, consider the even heating of an electric oven and choose one with a big capacity. If you rarely bake or don't cook much, a gas range might be a better choice since it provides the convenience and the power of a stovetop and an oven without the necessity of an additional appliance.
Professional-grade dual fuel ranges are made of top-quality materials and a sleek, modern design that will impress your guests. They feature sophisticated cooking controls, and a range of features that can be programmed to provide the most delicious dining experience. They also have a huge oven that can be used to cook large roasts or baking tray.
The kind of range you purchase will ultimately be based on your personal preference and the overall appearance and feel of your kitchen. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for traditional designs that feature an easy-to-clean stainless steel finish or a more contemporary black glass style with chrome accents.
The main factor to consider when selecting a kitchen appliance is whether you have access to natural gas or electrical power. If you're planning to purchase a dual-fuel range your home must have both gas outlets and an electrical outlet. If not, you'll need to have an electrician install the necessary connections prior to installing your new dual-fuel range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range uses both electric and gas heating to make baking and cooking more effortless than ever before. The appliance's versatility allows you to try out new culinary techniques. It comes with a receptive temperature control for the cooktop, and a consistent, even heat in the oven.
Some people believe that the combination of electric and gas gives the best of both worlds. For example the gas cooktop can cook the peppers and grill the steak to perfection for tacos while an electric oven offers dry heat for roasting vegetables and cakes.
A dual fuel range will also save you time because your food will be ready to serve in less time. The gas cooktop delivers an immediate and rapid response to the heat setting, meaning you can turn up the burners to create a fast boil or lower the heat to slow simmer. The electric range takes longer to heat up and cooks slower. But, it's perfect for dishes that need low temperatures.
The versatility of dual fuel ranges makes it a wise investment for many households. However, the appliances require separate power sources and are more expensive than gas models of all types. You will also need an outlet with a high voltage that can handle both kinds of wiring. It can be a challenge to connect older homes. An electrician could be required to ensure that everything is done properly.
If you're considering a dual fuel range, take into consideration the number of meals you will cook at home every week and whether or not it will be worth the extra cost. You should also think about the amount of space you have in your kitchen to determine whether a dual fuel model is feasible.
Miele has dual-fuel options in a variety of sizes, ranging from 30 to 60 inch wide. The ranges have an elegant stainless steel finish that resists fingerprints and wipes clean. Most models come with four stove burners as well as an oven with capacities that range from 4.5 to 6.6 cubic feet. Certain models include a selection of colored accent oven door for a customized appearance and a variety intelligent controls, including integrated thermometers, Wi-Fi connectivity and a preprogrammed setting.
Value
A dual-fuel range provides the best of both electric and gas. The gas cooktop offers the precise control of an open flame and the electric convection oven is a reliable option for roasting, baking or even quasi-air frying. And if you want to add some flair to your kitchen, select models that allow you to choose an attractive colored oven door.
However dual-fuel ranges tend to be more expensive than all-gas ranges, and they require hookups for both natural gas and 220-volt electric power. They could also be more susceptible to repairs because they have more parts. You'll likely need a professional to install your range.
If you like the look of gas but need something more versatile, then the Cosmo 100cm Classic Dual Fuel Range Cooker in black with chrome trim is a fantastic choice. It may not be as well-known as our other picks, but it is still an excellent value at less than half the cost. It has six burners, including two dual-ring 19,000 Btu powerburners that are able to handle large pots and pans. There's also a five burner hob with griddle. It also comes with two large capacity microwaves as well as an induction stovetop.
An excellent option is the GE Monogram Professional stainless steel range. It comes with a smart home feature that syncs recipes with operating settings on your smartphone or voice commands using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This top-of-the-line model comes with an enormous oven that can maintain consistent temperatures. It's a great choice for bakers. It's more expensive than our other picks and you have to install an electric connection to access its advanced features.
Another option is an Wolf dual-fuel range made of stainless steel, which has excellent cooking specs and can be customized by using different knob colors. It looks more professional than our other options however, its oven isn't big enough for serious bakers.