Gas or electric ranges are mostly what people have in their kitchens. Both a gas and an electric range have their pros and cons and people definitely have their own preferences for ranges. If you are looking to replace your old gas or electric range, you might be considering a dual fuel range but are not really sure what it is.
A dual fuel range is a cooking appliance that has a gas-powered cooktop and an electric oven. The gas cooktop will give you precise adjustment of the temperature, making it ideal for searing or stir-frying. An electric oven, on the other hand, will give you a more consistent temperature for baking.
If you are on the fence about dual fuel gas ranges, this article will talk about what a dual fuel range is, its pros and cons, and what factors you should consider before buying one.
What Is A Dual Fuel Range?
A dual fuel range is a cooking appliance with the benefits of a gas cooktop and an electric oven. The cooktop of a dual fuel range is gas-powered and has multiple burners while the oven runs on electricity.
A dual fuel range allows for a more responsive and precise temperature control with its gas cooktops which is ideal for cooking with pans and pots. The gas cooktop makes it ideal for searing, frying, grilling, and stir-frying as you can adjust the heat precisely according to what you are cooking. Aside from that, gas cooktops also heat up faster than electric cooktops.
Since it is combined with an electric oven, people who also bake or roast a lot can benefit from a dual fuel range. An electric oven has a more consistent and even heating which makes it ideal for baking. Since the coils of an electric oven heat slowly, it also gives a steadier heat which bakes the food evenly.
An electric oven also gives off residual heat after it is turned off so it can keep your food warm for a couple more minutes. You just have to be careful not to leave the food in the oven for too long as the residual heat will continue the cooking process which can result in over-baked or burnt food.
A dual fuel range is perfect for those who like the efficiency of gas cooktops but also like to use the oven a lot for baking.
Gas vs Dual Fuel Ranges
As we said earlier, dual fuel ranges combine both a gas cooktop and an electric oven. A purely gas-powered oven has both a gas cooktop and the oven is also powered with gas. If you are going to be using your range solely for cooking and less for baking, a gas-powered oven will be enough for you.
Gas cooktops are also more efficient in sautéing or searing food than electric cooktops. This is why most chefs prefer gas ranges in their kitchen, commercial or otherwise. But, if you cook a lot and are a hardcore baker, a duel fuel range will give you the best of both worlds.
In terms of cost, gas ranges are less expensive than dual fuel ranges as dual fuel ranges have two sources of heat instead of one. Since dual fuel stoves both have a gas cooktop and an electric oven, it allows you to have more control over your cooking environment whether you are cooking or baking.
Advantages Of A Dual Fuel Range
Choosing a dual fuel range can provide benefits instead of just choosing a gas range or an electric range. With dual fuel ranges, you can get precise temperature control and gas burners also provide instant heat. This makes cooking more accurate as the temperature of gas cooktops can be adjusted quickly.
Having a dual fuel range also has the benefit of having an electric oven. Electric ovens often provide drier heat than a gas oven so using an electric oven can give crispiness and browning to your baked foods.
Electric ovens also have heating elements or heating coils. These are usually located at the top, bottom, and back walls of the oven. This gives a consistent temperature and reduces the need for rotating the dishes while baking, unlike in gas ovens.
With dual fuel ranges, you can have the flexibility to cook on a gas cooktop and bake using an electric oven without having to buy two separate cooking appliances.
Disadvantages Of A Dual Fuel Range
While dual fuel ranges offer many advantages, there are also disadvantages in getting this type of range for your kitchen.
If you currently own an electric range, you may not have a gas line installed, especially if you did not own a gas range before. If you are wanting to change your electric range to a dual fuel range, you will need to have a dedicated gas line installed if you do not have one. This can add to the cost as gas lines need to be installed by a professional otherwise, it can lead to health and fire hazards if not installed properly.
If you’ve only owned a gas range and want to switch to a dual fuel range, you will also need dedicated wiring for the electric oven. A dual fuel range needs a 240/208-volt power supply source to operate. Like in gas-powered ranges, you need to have a professional electrician install new wiring if you don’t already have one.
One disadvantage of buying a dual fuel range is its cost. These types of ranges are more expensive than a gas range and may not be a good buy if you are on a tight budget.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dual Fuel Range
Before you purchase a dual fuel range, there are several factors you should look out for when choosing a dual fuel range for your kitchen.
Before you buy a dual fuel range, make sure you have a dedicated gas line and proper electrical wiring. If not, seek a professional and ask if a gas line and wiring can be installed in your home. You need to have the proper gas lines and wiring for the dual fuel range to work.
Another thing to consider is the size of the range you want to buy. If you are replacing an old range, it is best to get a new range that is the same size as your old one so it can fit in your kitchen. If you are remodeling your kitchen, you can choose a dual fuel range that fits your needs.
Most dual fuel ranges have a freestanding and slide-in model range, so choose accordingly. If budget is no problem, a dual fuel range may work for you. Dual fuel ranges are expensive but, if you cook and bake a lot, they can be worth your money.
Wrap Up
Dual fuel ranges offer the benefits of both a gas stove and an electric oven. If you like to cook a lot and are an avid baker, a dual fuel range can make cooking and baking efficient.
Gas cooktops are ideal for sautéing and stir-frying as you can adjust the heat precisely while an electric oven offers a more consistent temperature for baking. A dual fuel range can definitely give you the best of both worlds.
If you have thought about getting a dual fuel range but are still on the fence about it, we hope this article gave you more information to help you in your buying decision!
