What Is a Dual Fuel Range?

When purchasing a new range, you have to make a choice: do you want a gas range or an electric range? It used to be an all or nothing choice. If you chose gas, then your stove and your oven are fueled by the gas. And, if you chose electric, then the burners on your stove and your oven would be fueled by electricity.

For those who cook, bake, or are aspiring chefs, choosing the best option is always a struggle. Everyone has a preference between gas and electric, but that doesn’t always mean you want the same fuel for the two different sides of a range.

So, what if you walked into your own kitchen and had the opportunity to cook dinner tonight using two types of fuel? Some of you may get incredibly excited at this choice.

With a dual fuel range, it is now a real possibility.

What is a dual fuel range?

Let’s start with this—what in the world is a dual fuel range?

A dual fuel range is a range that uses two types of fuel to heat. The most common choices are those that consist of the ability to use both gas and electric. As for the gas, they are often designed to use either propane or natural gas.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you will be able to hit a button and your stove top will automatically switch between gas or electric. Instead, a dual fuel range means that you can have a combination of a gas stove and an electric oven, or vice versa.

Gas vs. Electric

Each cook or baker is going to have a preference between the two types of fuel. Though there are pros and cons to each, though you will be able to clearly see the winner for both categories. To help guide you, we’ve listed some of them below.

Ovens

When it comes to ovens, electric heating tends to take the cake when it comes to baking or roasting. The heat provided tends to be drier and more evenly distributed throughout the space. This allows for everything to cook the same throughout the oven. The downfall is that when the power is out, so is your ability to use your oven.

Hot air rises and when it comes to gas ovens, this tends to be the case. The higher racks will cook faster than lower racks. This is because the top of the oven is hotter when fueled by gas. When baking or cooking using a gas oven, you will need to rotate your food manually. The benefit to a gas oven is that they heat quickly and are more cost effective.

Stoves

Many people prefer gas for their range’s stove. Gas heats up instantly and offers a very precise heat. You can increase or decrease easily – and the temperature will change immediately. When you turn it off, the heat goes off. You can even leave your pan on the same burner and not worry that your food will overcook or continue cooking. On the negative side, however, gas stoves are often more difficult to clean.

Electric stoves are a whole different story. Many today are smooth top which is incredibly easy to clean. They also only require the twist of a knob to turn the burner on or off. Turning the burner off is where you will find the downfall of an electric stove. The coils heat up and, when turned off, they require time to cool down. If you leave food sitting on the burner, it will continue to heat. And, of course, if the power goes out, you will not be able to use your stove.

Popular features of a dual fuel range

There are many sizes and features that come with a dual fuel range. The ones you choose – or will see as more important – will depend on your needs. Here are the most popular features:

• Multiple burners on the gas stove (these wrought-iron grates can vary from 2 to 6 or more burners)
• Extra-low simmer function
• Stovetop griddle with thermostat controls
• Electronically controlled oven
• Convection fan in the oven for optimal baking

The features, design, and metal finish you find on a dual fuel range will vary, depending on what you are looking for to match your kitchen.

So, who are they designed for?

Dual fuel ranges are designed for anyone who knows more than a thing or two about cooking and baking – or for those who want to have the best of both worlds.

Cooking in an electric oven can ensure even, quality heating. And using a gas stove means that the burner is precise when following a recipe, and in increasing or reducing heat. So, this appliance was designed to give you the capability to use both types of heat at the same time, which ultimately can give you the best meal and baked goods imaginable.

Should you have a dual fuel range in your Kitchen?

Yes! You should have a dual fuel range in your kitchen. You don’t have to be a fantastic chef to appreciate all that this range can do for you. In fact, a novice cook may benefit from using one, as it is much easier to cook a meal or bake a dessert with a stove and oven that work well to evenly and precisely heat and cook food.

They are also very durable and professional grade appliances. They are built for those who are serious about their cooking. Choosing a dual fuel range means that your range will hold up over time, no matter how much you use it.

Conclusion

Sometimes it takes more than one method to provide a spectacular service. When it comes to your kitchen, this holds true too. A dual fuel range offers you the best of both worlds. Two types of heat – both electric and gas – can work together to create a magnificent product.

Don’t you think it is time you start letting your range work for you, to cook your food in the proper manner it was intended? Get yourself a dual fuel range.