What Is a Dual Fuel Range?
by Pete Lader April 29, 2022
Source: Andrew Bassett/Shutterstock.com
When choosing a cooking range, it can be tough to decide between electric or gas. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but it is generally accepted that cooking with a gas stove is better, while baking in an electric oven is preferred. Both allow for better temperature control and more precision in cooking. Thanks to modern technology, it is no longer necessary to weigh the pros and cons and choose one over another. Dual fuel ranges allow you to have the precision of an electric oven with the temperature control and heat of a gas stove.
Discover the Perfect Dual Fuel Range for Your Kitchen
The Best Cooking Range for Your Kitchen
Cooking ranges come in various sizes, and it is essential to choose the range that is best suited to your culinary style and what you want to prepare. An oven with precision temperature control is crucial for bakers. An oven that doesn’t hold the correct temperature can ruin cakes, pastries and loaves of bread. Electric ovens are particularly good at this because they have electric coils that heat and maintain precise temperatures. In contrast, gas ovens must pulse on and off to hold a temperature, causing constant fluctuations.
Your stovetop needs to handle all types of cooking, and both gas and electricity can cook food well. However, gas is much more versatile, and its top gives you the freedom to try recipes that would be impossible using any other stove. You can char-roast foods directly using the burner and get caramelization from the Maillard Reaction when stirfrying. When choosing a new range, consider what you will be cooking and how essential the different functions are. Browsing the kitchen appliance packages at Premium Home Source can help you see what options are available and help you choose which is suitable for your cooking style.
The Benefits of Cooking with a Gas Stove
Gas stoves are considered gold-standard stovetops. They are preferred by the top professionals and in almost all restaurants. The benefits of using a gas stove include:
- They heat pans quickly and allow for precise temperature control.
- If you lower the heat, the pan or pot will quickly cool down, unlike electric stoves, which cannot cool quickly.
- There is a visual indication from the strength and heat of the flame.
- Burning natural gas is far more efficient than electric heat.
- They are capable of working with any cookware material and shape.
- They are more durable and easier to maintain.
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The Benefits of Baking with an Electric Oven
It is often said that cooking is an art and baking is a science and, as with any science, precision is key. The best ovens for baking give the baker maximum control over the cooking process. Electric ovens are better for baking because:
- They accurately preheat to the desired temperature.
- Electric coil heating allows for stable temperatures and uniform heat throughout the oven.
- They are extremely energy efficient.
- They are more predictable and easier to learn how to use.
- Gas produces water vapor when burned. Electric ovens are much drier, allowing for better browning and crisping.
- They provide smokeless and odorless heat.
- They do not require ventilation and cannot cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Downsides of a Dual Fuel Range
Dual fuel ranges offer the best of both worlds, but they are not without their downsides. Installing a dual fuel range can be costly. The range needs both an electrical and a gas hookup to function properly. It also requires proper insulation and ventilation. A dual fuel range has both gas and electric lines, so maintenance might require two specialists or a technician who is experienced working with these ranges, which could cost more than a standard repairman.
Source: Andrew Bassett/Shutterstock
Why You Should Buy a Dual Fuel Range
The downsides of owning a Dual Fuel Range are few, and the advantages are numerous. Some of the latest models from Thor Appliances and ZLine appliances give the home chef the ability to cook almost any dish.
Some of the advantages the ranges have are:
- Advanced design
- Precise temperature control on the stove and in the oven
- Up to 30% more energy efficiency
- Both the stovetop and oven are easier to maintain
- Greater cooking flexibility and precision
If you decide to buy a dual fuel range, it must be correctly installed with proper ventilation for the gas stovetop. Understanding the CFM of your range hood can help you find the ideal model to complement your dual fuel range and preserve your home’s air quality.
The Dual Fuel Range That Is Right for You
Premium Home Source has a wide range of dual fuel ranges from trusted, industry-leading brands, including Thor Kitchen, ZLINE, Fourno and Kucht. Contact us today to learn more about the different makes and models available and get assistance choosing the perfect model for your kitchen.
