Upgrade Your Kitchen With Cheap Dual Fuel Range Cookers
Upgrade your kitchen with a dual fuel range cooker, which combines the power of the gas stove with the efficiency of the electric oven. Choose from a variety of sizes and finishes that will meet your cooking needs and space.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has been testing a number of ranges in recent times, including dual-fuel models. Eva Bleyer is a reviews analyst with the lab and an experienced cook.
Size
Dual fuel range cookers are available in various widths. Some are as small as 30 inches and perfect for apartment kitchens or smaller spaces. Others are as wide as 60 or 48 inches, which is ideal for large kitchens in households and for larger dinner parties. These larger models usually come with more burners and larger oven capacities, making them ideal for family meals or entertaining.
Dual fuel ranges are a hit among professional chefs as well as home cooks. They offer the best of two worlds. They combine quick, precise gas heat with electric ovens that manage temperatures precisely, which is ideal for baking and roasting. The burners also produce high heat, perfect for searing steaks or frying vegetables.
Many ranges go over the basic four burners and one oven. Some models have five or six burners each with a distinct power level and size. This allows you to cook multiple dishes at the same time. Some models also have an oven with a wok burner for cooking using extreme heat, like stir-fries. Some models have a double oven that allows you to cook two different dishes simultaneously, while others include smart controls that connect to your Wi-Fi or home automation systems.
There are options in various colors, but stainless steel is the most popular choice for a reason. It's modern and sleek, is resistant to scratches and stains and wipes clean with ease. It's an excellent option for families who are busy since it hides fingerprints smudges and other smudges. Many brands offer custom-designed handles and doors with a variety of colors for a more personal style.
Certain appliances are neutral and can be used in any kitchen, while others are designed to attract attention. Smeg Fabbrica appliances, for example, have bold colors such as orange and yellow which make a statement in any kind of kitchen. There are also models with unique finishes, like matte stainless or textured stainless. Some even have a glossy finish that gives an updated look and also reflects light. However, it's important to keep in mind that you could be faced with buyer's remorse should you choose an attractive color and then become bored with it later.
Functions
The top-rated range cookers are made to last and feature various features. Certain features are essential, while others are more frivolous but add to the functionality of the appliance. For instance a dual fuel cooktop with a fan-assisted oven ensures your cakes are evenly baked each time. Some models have wok burners, which are ideal for making super hot stir-fries. Some models feature griddle plates made of stainless steel for an elegant look.
You can also pick different colors based on the size of your kitchen. Traditionally, range cookers come in stainless steel, but they are also available in striking black or warm cream. Some even come in olive green or cranberry red to match your decor.
A dual fuel range is generally going to be cheaper than a gas or electric model. This is due to the fact that a dual fuel stove is a compromise between the two types of cooktops and ovens, so you get the best of both worlds.
Eva Bleyer, a senior analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, suggests that a dual-fuel stove is a great choice for those who enjoy entertaining. "A gas oven can cook a steak or roast to perfection, while the electric oven can bake desserts and cookies," she says. "It is the best of both."
A high-end, dual-fuel range that is of good quality will cost more than a gas or electric stove, but it is still less expensive than professional chef-grade ranges. Certain models also require professional installation because they need to be connected to both the natural gas line, and to a high-voltage electrical outlet.
The most effective dual fuel range cookers are ones that combine the efficiency of a gas stove with the reliability of an electric oven. You can even choose a range cooker with double ovens to provide more versatility. The Viking VSEG4808U for example has eight burners and features two ovens. One is an 4.3-cubic feet convection oven, while the other is 2.4-cubic feet. Its double ovens also feature the SureSpark ignition system that can reactivate the flame in case it is out, and the VariSimmer setting to distribute evenly heat distribution.
Design
Range cookers are available in many sizes and styles. You can find models that are 30 to 60 inches wide and have oven capacities that range from 4.5 and 6.6 cubic feet. A larger model has more burners as well as a larger oven space which is ideal when cooking for large families or groups.
The most important thing is to select the right model to match your kitchen's style, whether you prefer sleek, modern style or something more traditional. For example, the NEXUS range from Rangemaster is available in a variety of finishes and colours from a classic slate to black and a contemporary high gloss that is ideal for open-plan kitchens. It comes with a variety of extras that will help you cook like an expert, like bakeries that are fan-powered, cast iron pan holders and wok burners with dedicated cooking space.
Think about the type and quantity of burners in your dual fuel range. The majority come with four or six gas burners, although there are models that have up to eight induction or gas burners (like the one on this page from Fisher and Paykel). Certain models come with powerful power burners of 20,000 BTU which are ideal for quick boiling and high-heat cookware. Some have simmer burners that are lower-powered that allow for gentle heating at low temperatures. You might also consider a model with a dedicated griddle for crisping up meat, chicken and other vegetables.
While you're looking at your options, consider the number of electric and gas ovens you need. Most come with two ovens, but you can find models with three or more ovens. You should also think about how many watts you're comfortable with, since the watts vary from appliance to appliance.
Dual fuel range cookers blend gas cooking with electric oven accuracy for precision performance and flexibility. The dual-stacked burners with sealed flame system and patented dual-stacked burners provide precise temperature control from low to high. And in the electric oven, the exclusive dual VertiFlow convection system helps reduce hot and cold spots to ensure constant results. Plus, ten modes created by chefs will take the guesswork out of everyday cooking.
Maintenance
A range cooker is an essential kitchen appliance that every homeowner should own. It combines a cooktop and oven, making it ideal for large dinner parties or even cooking for your family. There are a variety of range cooks available, each with its own pros and cons. One of the most well-known is the dual fuel range, that combines electric and gas sources of power. This is not just an investment in itself but also comes with numerous benefits.
It is crucial to select the correct type of range to suit your needs and cooking style. A dual fuel range is a fantastic option for those who want the best of both worlds, but it may not be a good option for all homes. It is expensive to set up and requires electricity and gas hookups.
A dual fuel range is more to operate than a conventional electric or gas range. It is also more difficult to repair than other types of ranges. For these reasons, it is important to think about all the factors before investing in dual fuel ranges.
Many issues with ranges are easily fixed. A majority of ranges come with warranties that cover the parts and labor for one year or more. If your range is experiencing issues, call the manufacturer or store for assistance. If the problem is not covered under warranty then you can look online for forums or social media groups of owners who have experienced similar issues. Many manufacturers offer free or at a low cost out-of-warranty repair for common issues.
If your stove is a bit old is it time to get new one. A new stove will make your life easier and also save you money over the course of time. Find features that simplify cleaning. For instance, you can choose Smeg's dual fuel range cooker that has catalytic liner that burns away dirt and grease which eliminates the need for scrubbing. Other helpful features include easy-clean enamel coatings and concealed oven elements.