Buying guide for best dual fuel ranges
Good cooks know that there are more elements to making a delicious meal than just high-quality ingredients. Of course, quality cookware and utensils can make a huge difference in food preparation, but how you get to the end result is critical: an excellent stove.
You have a few options for outfitting your kitchen, but the uniform heating and responsive temperature controls of a dual fuel range are unmatched. A dual fuel range offers the best of both worlds for amateur home chefs and bakers, as it uses a gas-fueled stovetop and an electricity-powered oven.
However, even if you’ve settled on a dual fuel range, there are some things to consider. For example, how many burners do you need and what capacity should the oven be? From Wi-Fi-connected models to the amount of knobs and buttons, there is a lot to think about. Our top pick is the ZLine 48-inch Dual Fuel Range, which offers loads of excellent features and a classic vintage-inspired design.
Expert tip
Keep your oven window clean with regular baking soda washes. Open the oven door flat and lay a warm wet towel over the window in the oven door to soak, while you make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda (enough to generously cover the window). Remove the towel and smear the paste over the window, then let sit for about 30 minutes. Wipe clean, then scrub any small bits left behind.
Andrea Boudewijn
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Which dual fuel range is best?
Best range for large meals
Product specifications
Dimensions: 48” W x 28” D x 36” H | Capacity: 6 cu. ft. | Number of Burners: 7 | BTU: 18,000 | Self Clean: No | Convection: Yes
If you are looking for an excellent range and just want to get the best from the start, we think this 48-inch fingerprint-resistant model is where your money should go. The striking DuraSnow color will be an immediate focal point in any kitchen, but there are also other colors like blue, red and black.
On the top, there are seven burners with electronic spark ignition and the surface is coated with easy-to-clean porcelain. Having different sizes, each burner is best suited for a specific purpose. For example, it has a dedicated fish burner and a rapid-heat burner.
The oven part is divided into two, perfect for dishes that require different cooking times. Heat is guaranteed to stay inside with the triple-glass window, aluminum mesh seal and Italian-made hinges. All the functions are controlled through chrome knobs on the front.
Best single-oven range
Product specifications
Dimensions: 35.5” W x 23.6” D x 37” H | Capacity: 3.8 cu. ft. | Number of Burners: 5 | BTUs: 18,400 | Self Clean: No | Convection: Yes
This beautiful range has a single oven with a black porcelain interior, giving class and elegance to any kitchen. It uses the European style of convection, giving you an even bake at a lower temperature. It has eight functions, which include traditional bake, high broil, low broil, pizza and a defrost setting.
The top surface of the range is the true business end of things, as it has five burners of varying sizes for different cooking and preparation methods. The largest burner is 18,400 BTU and the smallest burner is 5,000 BTU.
The stovetop doesn’t have a continuous cast-iron grate for sliding pots across, but instead has three large grates next to each other. The range is made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel that’s been treated with a smudge-resistant coating.
Best compact range
Product specifications
Dimensions: 31.5” W x 28” D x 36.5” H | Capacity: 4.6 cu. ft. | Number of Burners: 5 | BTU: 18,000 | Self Clean: Yes | Convection: Yes
If you have limited space in your kitchen, then this compact dual fuel range is an excellent choice. It’s only 31.5 inches wide, and the slide-in installation process is incredibly easy. We like that it has five burners with a continuous cast-iron grate, so you can move heavy pots and pans across the burners without damaging it.
It might be smaller than other ranges, but it has all the functions you’ll need to cook amazing dishes. And there shouldn’t be any stress in cleaning up later, as the large-capacity oven has a self-cleaning feature that only takes two hours. For bigger jobs, you can let it self-clean for up to three hours.
The oven has a convection bake and multi-rack mode, but that’s only one part. If your dish requires it, you simply turn the knobs on the front to select broil, the pizza setting or the warming drawer.
Best mid-size range
Product specifications
Dimensions: 36” W x 25” D x 37” H | Capacity: 4 cu. ft. | Number of Burners: 5 | BTU: 52,000 | Self Clean: No | Convection: Yes
Elegant in stainless steel, this freestanding dual fuel range features an electronic igniter for the five burners and a convection oven with chrome knobs. The company claims the range is made in Venice, Italy, so this is the perfect appliance to bring some European cooking into your kitchen.
The convection oven isn’t self-cleaning, but it is coated with porcelain to make the clean-up process easier. Other features include a storage drawer, digital clock and timer, heavy-duty racks in the oven and a corrosion-resistant finish.
Best Wi-Fi-connected range
Product specifications
Dimensions: 30” W x 29” D x 37” H | Capacity: 6.3 cu. ft. | Number of Burners: 5 | BTU: 23,000 | Self Clean: Yes | Convection: Yes
Samsung is famous for its mobile phones and TVs, but the company also produces excellent kitchen appliances that include dual fuel ranges. And as one would expect from a technology giant, it includes a Wi-Fi connection that pairs with your mobile phone so you can start preheating your oven via the app before you get home.
We like that the range has a large 6.3-cubic-foot convection oven that also doubles as an air fryer for healthy cooking. However, you don’t need to use all the space in the oven. When you are baking or cooking smaller portions, you can easily split the oven into two separate sections.
The range’s oven is controlled with a single smart dial that learns how you cook and adjusts the settings accordingly. On the top, the large burners are controlled through illuminated knobs, letting you quickly see if the burners are on or off.
Best range with a griddle
Product specifications
Dimensions: 48” W x 27.2” D x 36” H | Capacity: 4.6 cubic feet (larger oven) and 2.2 cubic feet (smaller oven) | Number of Burners: 6 | BTU: 18,000 | Self Clean: No | Convection: Yes
Waking up to the smell of bacon and eggs sizzling on the griddle is the perfect way to start your day, and this dual fuel range will have the smells floating through your home in no time. The 15,000 BTU griddle is on the center-left side of the range, with the primary cooking area taken up by four burners to the right of the griddle and two burners to the left.
A feature we think busy bakers will find useful is the dual oven. The large oven on the right has a 4.6-cubic-foot capacity, while the smaller oven has a capacity of 2.2 cubic feet. This makes it easier to cook and bake multiple dishes at the same time. The range also features a storage tray for utensils, baking sheets and a convection fan for controlled heat distribution.
On the inside, the oven is lined with gray porcelain that’s easy to clean and comes with a porcelain spill tray. The functions of the range are controlled through durable ABS knobs.
Dual fuel range features to consider
Dual fuel ranges offer a combination of the best features of gas and electric ranges. However, not all of them are manufactured in the same way, as some have more features than others — often at a steep price increase. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider how often you’ll use the range, what you are most likely to make on it, how much space you have and whether you have any specific feature needs.
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 faster.
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 BTU, though most models offer a maximum output of 20,000 BTU.
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. While there aren’t industry-mandated measurements, the most common sizes of ranges are:
- Standard: The most common size for a range in an everyday kitchen is about 30 inches wide and about 36 inches tall.
- Standard Wide: These ranges have similar functions but are usually 36 inches wide and about 36 inches tall. They usually have an extra burner or oven.
- Wide: Professional or commercial kitchens usually do all the cooking on a wide range, and as the name suggests, they are about 40 inches wide. These have up to seven burners and two side-by-side ovens.
Design
The size of your desired range is one thing, but the design should also appeal to your tastes while being compatible with your kitchen layout.
- Slide-in dual fuel ranges have 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. However, 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 a slide-in range. Freestanding dual fuel ranges are less common and less expensive than slide-in models.
Additional features
Beyond the basics of stovetop burners and an oven, most dual fuel ranges come with appealing extra features to make your life easier.
Some ranges include the latest technology, like wireless connectivity. This lets you control the range from your mobile phone and keep an eye on the cooking process. The exact functions depend on the manufacturer, but when pairing the range with your mobile phone, you can usually remotely start and stop the oven, set timers and check on the range’s status. It’s also common to find that these are compatible with virtual assistants.
However, if you want to take that a step further, look for a dual fuel range with scan-to-cook technology. By simply scanning the barcode on ready-made meals, the oven automatically starts up on the correct temperature, mode and timers.
If saving time is high on your to-do list, look for a range that has self-cleaning features. This is exactly what it sounds like, and it takes the chore out of scrubbing the oven when you’ve cooked up a storm. Through a combination of hot water and steam, the oven effectively rinses the inside and drains the water, ready for its next meal.
Other features to consider include:
- 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 with a 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.
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 different colors to match specific decor.
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 with built-in downdraft ventilation to keep smoke at bay and reduce lingering cooking odors in the home.
expert tip
Wipe down your stove every two weeks, even if you’re not using it. Dust likes to settle on burners, creating sanitation challenges and potentially odd smells during cooking.
Andrea Boudewijn
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Dual fuel range prices
A dual fuel range is a premium appliance, so you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $8,000. Also, add the cost of installing an electrical outlet or gas line if 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.
How did we choose the best dual fuel ranges?
If cooking is a science, then the appliances you use are the equipment you use for your experiments — and the result will only be as good as the application thereof. There is no doubt that if you want to produce the most scrumptious meals and flawless baked goods, you’ll need an excellent quality range.
With that in mind, BestReviews reporter Charlie Fripp, who has been covering consumer goods for more than a decade, chose the best ranges using criteria to improve the cooking experience and enhance the flavor. This included the number of burners and the variety of BTU, the type and design of the grate, the capacity and number of ovens, and any additional features such as convection cooking and self-cleaning.
Expert tip
You don’t have to keep all the racks and accessories that come with the oven inside of it. Remove any shelves or gadgets that you’re not using regularly to make cooking and baking a breeze.
Andrea Boudewijn
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
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, ensure 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 attractive, but there is 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. 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.
