Dual Fuel Range Cooker
If you're looking to get a quick temperature control on your cooktop or consistent baking in the oven, a dual fuel cooker delivers both. To find out more, schedule an appointment in the showroom with Clarke to view these high-quality ranges in full-scale kitchens.
Eva Bleyer, reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has tested several dual fuel models over the years. She suggests that you look at the number of burners (some cooktops come with only four burners, whereas others have more) and also how they are laid out.
Rangetop
Dual fuel range cookers mix a gas cooktop and an electric oven to give you the most efficient cooking experience of both. Gas stovetops are preferred by chefs due to their temperature control. This is perfect for techniques such as grilling peppers and getting the perfect searing on steak. Additionally, bakers enjoy the precise control of heat in electric ovens that allow them to achieve even results from baking cakes and tasty casseroles.
The cooktops of the best dual fuel ranges come with between four and six burners. The more burners you have, the more versatile you are to accommodate larger pans or pots. It is also important to think about the layout of the burners. Five cramped burners are less efficient than four well-spaced ones that can accommodate a variety of smaller pots and pans.
A lot of models have an oven and microwave built in, so you can get two appliances for the price of one. This is a great way to save space in kitchens that are small and is useful when entertaining.
Some ranges have an elegant stainless steel finish that looks great in modern kitchens. The shiny surface is resistant to fingerprints and easily cleaned so it will always look new. There are also models in black or gray to match the decor of your home. Many brands allow you to mix and match knobs and bezels, making it possible to make your own unique style. For instance, you could choose a gray or brushed brass bezel with black knobs.
Upgrade your range to include smart technology, which lets you control and monitor your oven with an app on your smartphone or voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. These options can make your kitchen more efficient but they also increase the cost of an appliance.
If you're considering dual fuel ranges, we recommend visiting Clarke, New England's Official Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove Showroom and Test Kitchen to see a couple of models in person. Our knowledgeable staff will be able to answer your questions and help you decide which model is the best fit for your kitchen and home skills.
Oven
A dual fuel range blends the best of electric and gas cooking into one powerful appliance. This kind of range is popular with both professional chefs as well as home cooks. It lets them explore a variety of cooking techniques, from slow simmering and low heat to high-heat searing.
The oven of a dual fuel range is a versatile space that can be used for baking, roasting, and even broiling, making it an ideal option for kitchens of all sizes. The ovens of these kinds of ranges have a mix of heating elements that provide more consistent, efficient heating experience than traditional electrical ovens. This is thanks to the fact that gas ranges preheat much faster than their electric counterparts and provide more precise temperature control.
A lot of these ranges are available in a variety of configurations, with up to six burners. Some can even accommodate two ovens, which can be beneficial in larger kitchens that require more capacity to cook large meals or entertaining. If you're looking to improve their workflow, a dual-fuel range is also available in an integrated design that hides the oven behind the cooktop, creating an elegant, harmonious look.
Dual fuel ranges feature ovens that aren't just versatile, but they are also built with the latest technology to improve their performance. Some models, for instance those with dual-stacked sealed gas burners, deliver heat levels that are consistent from low to high, allowing for delicate simmers, melts and powerful sears. A lot of these ranges come with features such as preheated ovens, which ensure that the oven is at a suitable temperature prior to cooking.
You will need an expert in appliances for home use to help choose the best model for your needs if you want to upgrade your kitchen with dual fuel ranges. Following this, you'll need to find a licensed electrician to install the required gas and electrical connections.
A dual fuel range could be a substantial investment, but if you plan to sell your house in the near future it will increase value. If you're not planning on making a move any time soon, however, it may be better to go with an electric range.
Controls
Dual fuel range cookers are an excellent choice when you have both electric and gas hookups in your home. Gas cooking on your stove provides a more flexible heat control, which will help you master new cooking techniques such as charring peppers and searing filets. An electric oven provides the most consistent and even result when baking. Find the best dual fuel ranges for your home by browsing our options below.
To get the most enjoyment from your new range, select a model that offers customizable knob colors and bezels. For instance, the famous knobs in red on Wolf ranges can be replaced with gray, black or brushed stainless to complement your kitchen's style. The knobs also have an innovative feature called the Halo light that shines on the bezel when a burner is on, making it easy to know which knob you're using.
Another thing to think about is whether you would prefer a freestanding or a slide-in. Both ranges have modern and sleek designs which can easily fit into your kitchen space and complement other appliances. For a more personal touch, you can also add additional accents, such as a handle trim or color doorways to the oven.
Harmony between the aesthetics is an essential aspect of any kitchen, so be sure to check out our range of dual fuel stoves in finishes that match your kitchen's decor. For instance, you can choose a range that is sleek stainless steel that pairs well with other stainless steel appliances and dark wood cabinetry. Some models feature a customizable front bezel, which means you can design your own style to match your kitchen's style.
Installing your range professionally is the best method to ensure its security and correct operation. A qualified professional will make sure that the electrical and gas connections are installed correctly and will follow local regulations for installation. If you're considering DIY installation, you should refer to the owner's manual for detailed safety instructions and be aware of the potential dangers of fire or injury caused by inadequate installation.
Installation
A dual fuel range cook is an excellent investment for any kitchen looking to improve its cooking skills. The combination of responsive gas cooking on the cooktop with consistent and even electric power in the oven permits for many cooking methods such as baking delicious pastries, to charring peppers, and searing filets. The chefs prefer these appliances since they can choose the best power source for each dish. Like all kitchen appliances, it's important to consider both the cost and installation requirements of a dual-fuel range before purchasing.
The most important thing to consider when installing dual fuel ranges is the availability of a gas line to the home. You'll need to upgrade the existing piping, whether your home is connected to propane or natural gas, or is being converted. This can be a costly and time-consuming project however, it can add significant value to your home should you decide to sell it in the future.
Before connecting your dual fuel range, you should be sure to have an Gas Safe Engineer or an electrician examine your existing pipes. The process is easy enough, but a professional is necessary to ensure that all safety precautions are taken.
When connecting the gas line to your new stove, you'll have to get rid of any venting and clean the area around the vent opening. Connect the gas line using Teflon and tighten all connections using an adjustable wrench. Depending on your model you may also have to install a pressure regulator to limit the flow of gas from the pipe that enters the house.
It is crucial to keep in mind that you should never attempt to install a DIY installation of dual fuel range cookers. The flammability of both electric and gas makes these appliances unsafe to operate if you do not have the right education and experience. To ensure you and your family's safety, it's important to speak with a certified professional for your installation.