Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
The investment in a dual fuel cooker can add to the overall value of your kitchen and home. If you're considering one, make sure that your kitchen is capable of handling electric and gas power sources.
Make an appointment to visit a showroom at Clarke to view a range of dual fuel stoves 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
When it comes to choosing the right range, it's crucial to choose one that is in line with your kitchen style and matches the other appliances in your kitchen. But a range's function isn't just about appearances. You need a professional-grade oven that can handle your baking and cooking habits. This is the reason why many homeowners turn to a dual fuel cooker to enhance their cooking skills.
A dual fuel stove is made up of a gas burner and an electric oven that provides the best of both temperature control and precision. Professional cooks appreciate the pliable temperature control of gas cooktops that lets them play around with different cooking techniques, like searing and roasting. Bakers, prefer the constant heating provided by an electric oven. Some models come with a feature that releases steam in the beginning of the baking process to help bread rise for a more even texture.
A dual fuel range comes with high-performance burners, which are usually powered by natural gas or propane liquid. They can produce rapid heat output to perform many tasks, such as searing and boiling. The oven of the professional range with dual fuel typically has an electric fan-powered convection oven that circulates hot air for uniform heating, eliminating the need for rotating dishes and ensuring consistent results.
Dual fuel ranges can be costly but they're an excellent option for cooks who wish to enhance their culinary abilities and entertain guests at home. This type of range is also simple to maintain, and can add value to your home if you decide to sell it in the future.
Ask a professional to install your home appliance If you are considering buying a dual-fuel professional range. This person will ensure that the range is connected properly to both electric and gas lines and that all safety precautions are in place. An experienced installer can resolve any issues that may arise during the installation of your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range is able to combine the versatility of a gas cooktop and an electric oven into one appliance. These stoves are ideal for homeowners who enjoy trying new recipes and methods. They also come in a range of sizes, with oven capacities ranging 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 responsive heat that's quick to adjust and a precise temperature that allows you to set temperatures precisely. This kind of precision is essential when simmering soup, or reheating leftovers. The electric oven, too, ensures a constant temperature that can be adjusted precisely to maintain a low temperature for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners opt for dual fuel stoves due to their design and function. A majority of these ranges are equipped with premium finishes and accessories that can complement a wide variety of kitchen styles that range from traditional to contemporary. For example, some dual fuel ranges are available with bronze handles or trim that can add a touch of luxury to the French-style kitchen.
A dual fuel range is a wonderful option for any kitchen. However, it might not be suitable for everyone. It typically requires a dedicated gas line to the home to power it, which might require you to cover the cost of installation or upgrade your gas line. Additionally, some homes may not have both a gas line and an electrical outlet in the same space, which can make switching between different power sources an issue.
If you're looking for the flexibility of a dual fuel range but do not have the option of installing a new gas line, think about buying a separate gas and electric cooktop and wall oven instead. This is a less expensive solution that will still give you the possibility of cooking with either power source and you can put them separately in the same room if needed. You can even combine an electric and gas model by choosing an electric and gas slide-in range that has an additional gas cooktop as well as an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range combines a gas cooktop with an electric oven. This appliance is highly praised by professional cooks for its flexibility and value. It has precise temperature control in the oven and an incredibly responsive temperature control on the cooktop for a variety of cooking techniques.
The cooktop of a dual fuel professional range can be powered by liquid propane or natural gas. Gas cooktops permit you to adjust the temperature quickly and visually and you can also use advanced cooking techniques like roasting or charring. Electric ovens are an efficient and reliable kitchen appliance. They provide constant heating. Many models feature a downdraft that captures airborne particles, smoke and odors without the need for overhead ventilation systems.
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 more likely to prefer an electric oven since it creates a drier heat that encourages bread to rise and become brown. Some cooks, however prefer a combination of both heat sources. This option is available on certain dual-fuel ranges.
In addition to the plethora of high-performance capabilities of a dual fuel range, these appliances also come with an array of features that are convenient. Some models have removable burner grates and sealed burners to simplify cleaning. Certain models come with self-cleaning ovens that save time and effort by taking off grime after each meal.
In addition the dual fuel range is typically more energy efficient than an electric or all-gas model. If your home has natural gas lines it could aid in reducing your winter utility costs.
Take into consideration your kitchen layout and how often you use the stove when shopping for a dual fuel cooker range. If commercial dual fuel range cookers cook twice each week, for instance it's possible that a dual-fuel range may not be worth the money. These ranges also require gas hookups as well as installation costs that are not usually included in the cost.
Safety
A dual fuel cooker can provide the safety of cooking in comparison to other stoves when utilized correctly. It accomplishes this by combining the accuracy and uniform distribution of heat that comes from an electric oven, ideal for roasting and baking, with the instant control of gas burners. This lets cooks switch between these different ways of cooking quickly and easily. A dual fuel range allows for the option of a low and slow simmer or a high-heat sear giving cooks more flexibility to make their own favorite dishes.
In addition to their safety advantages, dual fuel ranges are also simple to clean thanks to their use of electric and gas components. Gas hobs typically have sealed burners, or cast iron grates that have an enamel coating that can be wiped down quickly after meals. Electric ovens, on the other hand is equipped with a self-cleaning function that uses high temperature to eliminate any food residue. Certain electric models also come with removable oven racks and tray that can be soaked or scrubbed for a deep clean.
One of the drawbacks to purchasing a dual fuel stove is that you will likely require both a gas and electrical connection to your home to use it. This can be expensive particularly if you already have a gas line in your kitchen and will require a plumber to come out and install a new electrical outlet. In addition, older homes may not be wired for electricity and gas, and will require an electrician to change the voltage of the kitchen outlet to accommodate a dual fuel range.
Eva Bleyer is the reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has rigorously tested over 100 ranges in recent years -- including many dual-fuel options. In addition to testing products she also regularly speaks with industry experts and visits showrooms for kitchen appliances to keep up-to-date with the latest technology making their way into kitchens at home. Make an appointment with Clarke to see the dual fuel range in action. Speak to our experts to determine the best model for your kitchen.