Dual Fuel Range Buying Guide – 7 Key Considerations to know

Most professional and avid cooks prefer to cook on gas cooktops. This has to do with their extremely-responsive temperature control, along with allowing you to engage in different cooking methods, such as charring peppers or roasting. In contrast, people that enjoy baking prefer the electric ovens due to their even, dry heat.

But what about those that are fanatical about both? That is when a dual fuel range comes in. This is a combination appliance that will assist you in enjoying the advantages of both electric and gas ranges in one. Here is an overview to help you find out more about these appliances, their pros, and cons, and to decide if this is the right type of cooking appliance for your kitchen.

What Are Dual Fuel Ranges?

The dual fuel range includes an electric oven and a gas cooktop, providing the benefits of two styles of cooking. The gas cooktop provides enhanced temperature control and instant heat compared to conventional electric cooktops. The electric oven provides even heat distribution, making this part of the appliance perfect for baking.

The Components Of A Range

A range, also known as a stove includes an oven and a cooktop. The traditional ranges include a single fuel source, which means the stove is either all-electric or all-gas. With a gas range, the fuel source is gas and it powers the oven and the cooktops. With an electric range, electricity provides power to the oven and the stovetop.

Dual Fuel Range Vs Gas

Over the last few years, the gas cooktop ranges have increased in popularity. When compared to electric cooktops that do not provide a way to see how cold or hot the setting is, the gas cooktops give you a visual indication using a flame that you can adjust in heat and size.

Gas also reacts a lot faster. The instant you change the gas setting, your pan or pot also instantly reacts by changing its temperature. Electric ranges, in contrast, take more time to either cool down or heat up when you change the temperature setting. While some of the manufacturers of electric continue to work on trying to resolve these issues, at this stage the gas cooktops seem to be the most efficient and effective, even for average users.

The Dual Fuel Range Uses Electricity To Power The Oven

The dual-fuel kitchen ranges provide the benefits of both gas and electric cooking. The oven is powered by electricity, while the stovetop is powered by gas. Since most electric ovens are known for providing consistent and even heat, the electric oven is typically a preferred choice, especially when it comes to baking. In contrast, if you had to set the temperature to 350-degrees in one of the gas-powered ovens, you would see some fluctuations in temperature, and an uneven or less consistent temperature. With the electric ovens, you are assured that the food in your oven will bake at a consistent temperature of 350-degrees.

Other than baking, the gas ovens typically operate efficiently for other methods of cooking, such as grilling or roasting. In fact, anecdotal evidence has suggested that a gas range typically preheats faster when compared to the dual-fuel range (this excludes the models that come with a fast-preheat function). So if you are not someone that bakes a lot and you prefer an oven that heats up quickly, then the gas range models, may offer an advantage over the dual fuel ranges.

Dual Fuel Range Pros

The dual-fuel ranges feature advanced designs, using both electric and gas power sources to accommodate different types of cooking methods. When compared to electric stovetops, the gas range cooktops provide superior heat when it comes to boiling, sautéing, and frying, many types of dishes. More importantly, you can quickly adjust the open-flame, providing versatility when preparing restaurant-quality meals.

Dual fuel ranges also provide excellent oven features. By combining an oven powered by electricity into the overall design, this type of range offers more precise and accurate heat controls compared to those featured in standard gas ranges. This allows you to select the exact temperature that you need for broiling or baking, and you can rely on the unit’s heating system when it comes to evenly cooking your baked goods or other meals.

Before you choose a new stove or range, it is important to keep in mind that the dual-fuel ranges are regarded as premium appliances. For this reason, most of the models provide a modern and professional style to just about any type of kitchen. Most units include enhanced aesthetics that convert your kitchen space into a modern living space that will impress your guests, family, and friends.

Dual Fuel Range Cons

There may be many benefits linked to investing in one of the best dual fuel ranges. Yet, this doesn’t always mean that this type of range is the ideal choice for all homes. The dual fuel range may offer the benefit of more than one power source, but this could also be a setback, depending on how your kitchen is designed. To install a dual fuel range, you will need a gas-line for your cooktop, along with enough voltage for the electric oven. This could be a limitation in an older home or a simplified cooking space, that may not provide the power sources needed to install one of these units.

Perhaps the largest drawback of the dual fuel ranges has to do with the price. These advanced appliances may come with premium functions, but these features are also attached to higher price tags. Dual fuel ranges cost a lot more when compared to traditional electric or gas ranges. If you are looking for a cost-effective appliance, then a dual-range is probably not the best option for you.

Is A Dual Fuel Range The Right Choice For My Home?

The typical dual-fuel range requires an installed gas line along with a 208/240-volt power line, with a minimum of 30 amps. It is also important that you have checked on specifications from the manufacturer to make sure there is enough power that runs to your electric circuit.

If you are replacing your existing gas range with a dual-fuel range, a new circuit will need to be added to the electrical box, along with a line that needs to run to the new range. On average, hiring an electrician to perform this work will cost you from $300 to $500 depending on the conditions of the home.

Similar to other appliances, deciding to purchase a dual-fuel stove, generally comes down to what you need and personal preferences. If you already have electric and gas hook-ups available, and you are interested in buying a dual-fuel appliance, this is the type of appliance that will allow you to enhance your cooking methods and skills. The dual-fuel ranges can also help you to save time on more efficient and faster cooking techniques.

If you would like to enjoy the benefits that the dual fuel ranges offer, but you are unsure if your kitchen will accommodate one of these appliances, there are other options. You may want to consider installing an electric wall oven and a gas-cooktop. With this option, you get to enjoy all the benefits that a dual-range has to offer.