Buying guide for Best dual fuel ranges

Good cooks know that an oven or stovetop isn’t what makes a meal or baked dessert delicious, but having a quality range can make preparing meals easier. Uniform heating and responsive temperature controls allow for a headache-free cooking experience.

A dual fuel range, with a stovetop powered by gas and an oven powered by electricity, offers the best of both worlds for amateur home chefs and bakers.

In this shopping guide, you’ll find answers to your questions and discover the benefits of owning a dual fuel appliance. We also outline the features you’re most likely to see in ranges on the market and discuss pricing for this type of appliance. When you’re finished perusing the guide, check out our favorite dual fuel ranges.

Look for a range hood with built-in lighting – a convenient feature when cooking in low-light conditions.

Dual fuel range features to consider

Dual fuel ranges offer a combination of the best features of gas and electric ranges.

• Oven: The ovens in gas ranges can experience unpredictable temperature fluctuations. An electric oven is more efficient and allows for more precise temperature control. Electric is the better option for baking, which requires accurate, uniform oven temperatures.

• Burners: The burners on electric stovetops are difficult to control precisely. However, a gas stovetop gives you the temperature accuracy you need. The visible flame makes it easy to see that the burner is working and easy to control the setting. Gas is also more efficient than electricity. It can bring a pot of water to a boil much more quickly.

Other than a higher price tag and potential extra installation costs, there’s little downside to choosing a dual fuel range.

Size

Consider the size of your kitchen before setting out to buy a dual fuel range. A six-burner unit isn’t a likely choice for a compact kitchen space.

• Freestanding: The standard size range that fits most kitchen spaces is 30 inches wide.

• Slide-in: These models are usually wider, at 36 inches.

• Wide: Some dual fuel ranges can be as wide as 48 or 60 inches. These are best for very large or professional kitchens.

WiFi

Some dual fuel ranges feature wireless connectivity so you can control your oven from the comfort of your living room.

Style

Most dual fuel ranges are available in a stainless steel finish, but the look of the unit you choose will depend on your kitchen’s style. Some companies offer ranges in myriad colors to match specific décor.

Unit type

Buyers must also decide between a slide-in or freestanding model.

• Slide-in dual fuel ranges have the controls at the front. These ranges are slightly wider on top for a built-in look that’s flush with the counter. Because these are wider, there is no annoying space for wayward crumbs and food between the stovetop and counter. Slide-in models look great with a backsplash. These dual fuel ranges are pricier than freestanding models.

• Freestanding dual fuel ranges have controls at the back, which may obscure your kitchen backsplash. These models are easier to fit into an existing space, but the look may not be as streamlined as that of a slide-in range. Freestanding dual fuel ranges are less common and less expensive than slide-in models.

Ventilation

You will likely need to install a venting mechanism for your dual fuel range. While it isn’t required by law for home kitchens (commercial spaces are another story), it is recommended. You have several options.

• Install a range hood above your cooktop that vents to the outdoors. If there is no existing ductwork, that must also be installed for an additional cost.

• Install a microwave over your range that has a built-in ventilation mechanism underneath.

• Choose a dual fuel range that has built-in downdraft ventilation to keep smoke at bay and reduce lingering cooking odors in the home.

Hookups

A dual fuel range requires a gas line and an electrical outlet. If your kitchen does not have both of these connections, you will need to have them installed.

Controls

Most dual fuel ranges have controls in front and within easy reach. This means there’s no need to lean over a boiling pot of water to adjust the temperature of the stovetop or oven. Freestanding dual fuel ranges with rear controls are also available but less common. As with any appliance, make sure you’re comfortable using the controls on your selected range. Are the knobs easy to turn? Are the touch controls responsive?

All dual fuel ranges feature the basic cooking, baking, and broiling options you’d expect in a stove. Many dual fuel models also have special functions for baking bread or steaming foods, which add to the cost.

Oven

• Self-cleaning: The electric ovens in most dual fuel ranges are self-cleaning.

• Two or more ovens: Some dual fuel ranges come with two ovens that are capable of heating food at different temperatures simultaneously. If you like to entertain regularly, having two ovens is a convenient luxury. Some larger ranges are available with three ovens, but keep in mind that the ovens on many of these models are smaller than those on single-oven models.

• Convection: The convection oven that comes with a dual fuel range is an excellent feature for bakers. It has a fan that circulates air around the food to ensure quick, precise, and even heating. If you’re a frequent baker of cookies and cakes, a convection function is a must.

• Dual convection: Some dual fuel models come a with dual convection oven, which has two fans instead of one for even better air circulation. You will only find this feature on more expensive models.

Burners

• Number: For most home cooks a standard four-burner stovetop should suffice. However, some double-oven dual fuel ranges have as many as six. Some models have five burners with a central oval for larger cookware.

• BTU: Most premium dual fuel ranges have a much higher maximum BTU output for their gas stovetops than gas-only models. While there’s usually one burner that’s more powerful than the rest for quickly bringing water to a boil, some dual fuel ranges have multiple high-intensity burners.  Expect a maximum output of at least 15,000 BTUs, though most models offer a maximum output of 20,000 BTUs.

• Sealed: Some dual fuel ranges advertise sealed burners. While these make it easier to clean the stovetop, the seal reduces the heat output.

In our search for the best dual fuel ranges, we consider basic freestanding models in addition to slide-in ranges that are streamlined but need a little custom work to finish.

In our research, we look closely at which dual fuel ranges offer the highest capacity and the most effective burners.

We strive to find and recommend dual fuel ranges with fast-heating, reliable burners and dependable thermostats.

Helpful functions like self-cleaning, steam cooking, and high-temperature broiling are some of the important and powerful features we look for in our search for the top dual fuel ranges.

When determining which dual fuel ranges are the most effective, we consider models in various finishes that match a variety of styles.

Straightforward and precise front-mounted controls are among the most important features we look for when fine-tuning our list of the best dual fuel ranges.

For home cooks who need to feed an army, we include in our search some dual fuel ranges with double ovens and flat-top burners.

A finish that resists fingerprints and knobs that are easy to use (even when greasy) are several subtle features we consider when looking at dual fuel ranges.

When evaluating the best dual fuel ranges, we look for top-performing gas burners, including power burners that heat pans and boil water quickly.

Bonus points go to quality dual fuel ranges with precise and fast-acting European-style convection, which uses a third element near the fan to maintain consistent temperatures.

Dual fuel range prices

A dual fuel range is a premium appliance, so you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $8,000 and more for one. Also, add the cost of installing an electrical outlet or gas line if this is required.

Generally, a larger range with more burners will cost more. Specialized features like double ovens or wireless connectivity also add to the cost.

Dual fuel ranges with double ovens cost at least $3,000.

Larger side-by-side oven units can cost $8,000 and up.

Opening the oven door to check on your food causes the temperature to fluctuate. A large oven window makes it easy to check those cakes or casseroles without opening the door.

FAQ

Q. How long should I expect my dual fuel range to last?

A. A quality range should last at least 15 years. Look for a range that comes with a warranty and is made by a company with a good customer service track record.

Q. Should I worry about carbon monoxide poisoning with a dual fuel range?

A. Any appliance that burns gas produces carbon monoxide. The danger occurs when the ventilation is inadequate. If you have gas-powered appliances in your home, buy a carbon monoxide detector. It’s the only way to detect the presence of this toxic substance. When cooking on a gas stovetop, make sure the kitchen is well ventilated by opening a window.

Q. The dual fuel range I’m eyeing doesn’t have a self-cleaning feature. Is this a deal breaker?

A. It shouldn’t be. Self-cleaning sounds like an attractive feature, but there is some concern that the high heat used for this oven mode can damage the appliance’s electronic components. It is also less efficient than it sounds because you don’t magically end up with a sparkling clean oven when all is said and done. You will still likely need to wipe the interior down and do some scrubbing. If you still want the convenience of a self-cleaning oven, opt for a dual fuel range with steam cleaning. Otherwise, the lack of this feature shouldn’t keep you from purchasing your dream range. Take care of your range and wipe up spills as soon as they occur and you won’t miss the self-cleaning function that much.