Most of us are familiar with traditional range options. You either have a gas range or an electric range, right? Well, there’s another option available that offers the best of both worlds – a dual fuel range. What is a dual fuel range, you ask? Aaah, cooking heaven.
Mid America Service Appliance Repair is often asked about the different types of ranges available and how they function and hold up over time. Here’s what our range repair experts have to say about the dual fuel range.
Appliance FAQ: What is a Dual Fuel Range?
Dual Fuel vs Gas Range
Gas cooktops are preferred for their power and precision cooking. Gas burners heat food quickly and efficiently. However, gas ovens are not as efficient as their gas range partners. In the oven, electric takes the win for cooking more evenly than gas.
What is a dual fuel range then? The difference between dual fuel range and gas range is that a gas range is a gas cooktop with a gas oven. But the dual fuel range marries the gas range burners with an electric oven.
So how does a dual fuel range work? While gas powers the burner on the cooktop, the oven has an electric heating element with a fan to distribute the heat evenly throughout the oven. This team of gas with convection is highly efficient and allows for optimal cooking performance.
Pros and Cons of Dual Fuel Ranges
What is a dual fuel range used for? We can probably answer that best by explaining the benefits of each cooking method compared to the downsides. Preference for any type of range and oven depends, in part, on what you like to cook.
As with every range choice, there are pros and cons to each one. We will highlight the pros and cons of dual fuel ranges to help you determine which range is the right one for you.
Pros:
- Precision of a gas cooktop
- Immediate heat from gas burners – no need to warm up
- Efficiency of an electric convection oven
- Shorter cooking times
Cons:
- Significantly more expensive
- Most recipes are written for conventional ovens
- Baking that requires rise time is better without convection
How Do I Choose?
Ultimately, there are several factors that weigh in when choosing an oven. Your choice depends largely on your cooking habits. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I use my oven frequently for roasting and baking?
- Do I like precise control over my range cooking?
- Can I afford a higher-end appliance?
If you answered yes, then a dual fuel range may be a great fit.
Alternatively, ask yourself the following:
- Do I bake a lot of breads and cakes that need to rise?
- Are my cooking needs and preferences pretty simple?
- Do I have a tight budget?
If these questions speak to you, then perhaps a traditional range is more your style.
What Brands Make These Ranges?
Many popular brands make quality dual fuel ranges. Some of the best models are made by high-end appliance manufacturers that are notorious for quality craftsmanship and innovative technology. A few stand-outs include:
- Wolf
- Viking
- Thermador
- Dacor
What is a dual fuel range to you? An unnecessary expense or the answer to your cooking dreams? Whatever range and oven you choose, let it be a pathway to your own culinary adventure!
