With all the different types and brands of dual fuel ranges out there, knowing which one to choose can be a daunting process. Don’t worry - we’re breaking it all down for you here, in our 2023 Complete Guide on How to Choose a Dual Fuel Range.
After reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for, so you can be confident you’re choosing the best dual fuel range for your kitchen and space.
What is a Dual Fuel Range?
The most basic dual fuel range definition is that it's simply a stove that uses two types of fuel to heat. A combination gas and electric stove will feature a gas cooktop stove with an electric oven. There are advantages to cooking with both gas and electric, and with these cooktop and ovens, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. The gas stovetop offers fast heating and a more controllable temperature range, while electric ovens are great for managing controlled, consistent oven temperatures that are useful when baking.
While the electric oven gas cooktop combination has been around for many years, dual fuel ranges were originally only offered by luxury brands. Today, these stoves are available at accessible prices and are produced by many top manufacturers.
Does a gas stove need electricity? What's a range vs stove vs cooktop? You may have a lot of questions about dual fuel ranges, but we have the answers you need. Read on to learn more.
How Do Dual Fuel Ranges Work?
With a dual fuel stove, the cooktop burner is powered by propane or natural gas. However, the oven uses electric heat, which is evenly distributed throughout the oven by a fan. They're designed to provide users with an optimal cooking experience whether they're using the oven or the cooktop.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Dual Fuel Range?
Whether you're looking at a dual fuel vs gas range or simply trying to find the best solution for your kitchen, it's important to look at the pros and cons of investing in a dual fuel range. These gas and electric combination cooktops offer some pretty distinct and major advantages, but there are also drawbacks you should consider before making an investment.
Pros
- Responsive cooktop: Gas cooktops are highly responsive and easy to control.
- Dry and even oven heat: Electric ovens produce dry, even heat that cooks food perfectly.
- Premium features: You'll have access to useful oven features that aren't available for gas ranges.
Cons
- High costs: While costs can vary, purchase and installation costs tend to be higher for dual fuel ranges. If you don't have a gas line in the kitchen, you'll need to have one installed.
- Long preheat times: Gas ovens preheat much more quickly than electric ovens, which means you'll have to start preheating your oven sooner.
- Unused features: These ranges are loaded with bells and whistles, but if you don't cook regularly, you could wind up paying for features that you won't use.
Key Features of Dual Fuel Ranges
Dual fuel ranges are premium stoves equipped with a wide assortment of impressive features. Read on to learn more about some of the most popular and commonly offered features.
- Convection: Ovens are equipped with a fan and exhaust system that spreads heat around the oven. Since the oven will be heated evenly, you can spend less time turning dishes as they cook.
- Self-Cleaning: When this feature is activated, it heats the oven to incredibly high temperatures. Debris in the oven will be incinerated, allowing you to easily wipe the mess away.
- Warming Zone: This feature allows you to keep cooked foods warm until they're ready to serve.
- Warming Drawer: Warming drawers serve a similar purpose to warming zones. They're a separate drawer that you can use to keep food at the ideal temperature, even when the oven is being used.
- Child Lock: Ovens can be dangerous for young children. With a child lock, you can ensure that your kiddos won't be able to open the oven while it's on.
- WiFi Connectivity: Ranges with WiFi connectivity can be connected to a smart device, allowing you to operate your oven remotely. For example, you could start preheating your oven while on your way home, so you can put food in as soon as you walk through the door.
What Size of Dual Fuel Range Should You Choose?
In addition to looking at the features of a dual fuel range, you'll need to consider the size of your new stove. If you're replacing your current stove, you should measure it carefully to ensure your new range will be the right size.
If you're remodeling your kitchen, you'll have more flexibility, which means you'll have to take other factors into consideration when making your choice. Most wall ovens are available in 24-inch, 27-in., and 30-in. width. It can take longer to preheat a bigger oven, but that extra space can make it easier to prepare large meals. Ultimately, it comes down to space and personal preference.
What are the Best Dual Fuel Range Brands?
If you're looking for a stove oven combo, we have an impressive selection of products from some of the highest performing manufacturers on the market. KitchenAid, Bosch, and Wolf all make excellent, reliable dual fuel ranges equipped with exciting, cutting-edge features.
Dual fuel range ratings are consistently high, making any of these options an amazing choice for any kitchen. If you're thinking about investing in a combination cooktop, make sure you browse our full selection of dual fuel ranges.
Dual Fuel Range FAQs
Are dual fuel ranges better than gas ranges?
Which stove is better: gas or electric? Electric stoves take longer to heat up, but they provide drier and more even heat than gas stoves. Best of all, with a dual fuel range, you'll still have access to a gas cooktop.
Are dual fuel ranges worth the money?
Dual fuel ranges can be a big investment, but they're a worthwhile purchase if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Even if you don't cook much at home, these exceptional appliances might change the way you feel about cooking!
Does a dual fuel range need 220?
Yes, a dual fuel stove needs a 208/240-volt power source with a minimum of 30 amps, in addition to a gas line. If you only have a standard 120-volt power supply, it will have to be upgraded before your new oven can be installed.
Who makes a downdraft dual fuel range?
Ranges with downdraft ventilation are efficient and easy to clean. Downdraft dual fuel ranges are offered by top brands like JennAir.
What is the most reliable dual fuel range?
Since stoves are used regularly, reliability is key! Wolf's redesigned dual fuel range offers professional-level performance and is one of the most dependable stoves on the market.
What are tips on how to maintain a dual fuel range?
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners; use gentle soap and water to clean your oven instead
- Check your burners regularly
- Wash your burner grates by hand
- Don't place aluminum pans on the bottom of the oven
