The dual fuel range has become a popular culinary weapon for many home chefs. As more models become available, enthusiastic cooks have become interested in developing their skills and want more versatility in their stoves.
Manufacturers provide an almost bewildering array of appliances. While this is great news in terms of options, deciphering the jargon and finding real value can be challenging. This article simplifies the technical aspects and suggests the best dual fuel range for a variety of kitchen sizes and cooking preferences.
- BEST OVERALL: GE Profile 5.7 cu. ft. Slide-In Dual Fuel Range
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Cosmo F965 36-in. Dual Fuel Range with 5 Gas Burners
- BEST DOUBLE OVEN: Cafe 7.0 cu. ft. Smart Slide-In Double Oven
- BEST SMART: LG Signature 7.3 cu. ft. Smart Slide-In Double Oven
- BEST 36-INCH: Thermador Pro Harmony 36 Inch Dual Fuel Smart Range
- MOST VERSATILE: Samsung 30 in. 6.3 cu. ft. Flex Duo Slide-in Range
- BEST 48-INCH: Viking 7 Series 48 Inch Freestanding Dual Fuel Range
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Dual Fuel Range
While the best electric ranges and gas ranges have much to offer, dual fuel ranges combine the advantages of both. A gas hob offers the immediate response that adventurous cooks need, while electric ovens offer the precision and predictability favored by bakers. Keep reading to learn about the size, design, and cooking power offered by a dual fuel range.
Size
Size impacts choice, depending on whether a slot already exists for a new dual fuel cooker or if a complete kitchen renovation (in which dimensions can be more fluid) is occurring. Like all stoves, dual fuel ranges are categorized by width, including 30-inch, 36-inch, and 48-inch models, though 60-inch models are available. Most dual ranges have similar depth and height. Some dual ranges feature raised back panels, which may not suit every person’s design aesthetic.
The number of burners and ovens also impacts the unit’s size. Some compromises may have to be made to accommodate a specific space, though most modern dual fuel ranges offer different configurations.
Design
Unlike some appliance combinations, such as a drop-in gas cooktop with an electric range, dual fuel ranges are one-piece units in either a freestanding or slide-in style. Visual appeal is a matter of personal taste. While many dual fuel ranges follow contemporary styles with an abundance of stainless steel and glass, industrial styles and units with enameled fronts in a variety of colors with traditional brass fittings also are available.
Cooking Power and Temperature Controls
The gas burners that make up the cooktop receive a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating. The higher the BTUs, the more heat is generated. On basic cooktops, the heat produced is sometimes the same across all burners. On higher-quality models and those with more burners, each burner may offer a different output. Moreover, these models often include a grill and griddle area. Some units may have a burner capable of maintaining very low heat for simmering.
Ovens are usually rated by their capacity in cubic feet (cu. ft.). Temperature ranges usually fall between 125 degrees Fahrenheit and 450 degrees Fahrenheit, though some have the ability to reach 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Convection systems provide even cooking, and many have specific broiler functions.
Controls may be manual or digital. Avid bakers often prefer the latter on an oven because it maintains an even temperature with greater precision.
Additional Features
While most features vary from one model to the next, some dual ranges may offer the following user-friendly features:
- Edge-to-edge burner grates
- Griddles and wok rings
- Rapid infrared elements
- Easy-glide oven racks
- Fingerprint-resistant finishes
- Pre-programmed or customizable cooking functions
- Self-cleaning (including steam cleaning)
- LED lights for knobs and oven interiors
- A “Sabbath mode” to allow for religious observance
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Integration with smart home hubs like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Dual fuel ranges may also be certified or compliant with the following:
- CSA and/or UL listed: Meets the appropriate U.S. and international safety standards
- ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
- Star-K: Kosher certification
Installation Hookups and Power
Since a dual range requires two different hookups, it’s more complex to install than either a stand-alone gas or an electric stove. Unless the person installing the dual range has expertise with gas and electrical installation, we recommend calling a suitably qualified professional. Some retailers offer installation services; however, these services usually come at an extra cost.
Those who live in an area where natural gas isn’t available can choose propane instead. Many dual fuel ranges can be converted, though this often adds to the price.
Ovens have quite high power demands, and electrical supply invariably requires a separate circuit, which is usually 220/240V, rated for 30A or 40A.
Our Top Picks
Let’s look at some practical examples that illustrate all these points and more. The following list details the best dual fuel ranges in a variety of categories.
Photo: homedepot.com
The GE Profile dual fuel range is one of a number of matching appliances from the brand. The cooktop features a five-burner layout, with a tri-ring burner that offers 21,000-BTU performance as well as a reversible grill/griddle. The self-cleaning oven, which is a relatively spacious 5.7 cu. ft., offers air frying as well as convection heat. A useful storage drawer appears below.
The GE Profile has relatively basic cooking modes, but they’re enhanced by Wi-Fi connectivity and a smartphone app, which provides the ability to control and monitor the range from any location. It also allows the GE Profile to connect with smart-home hubs such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and others.
Product Specs
- Burners: Five, from 5,000 to 21,000 BTUs
- Oven capacity: 5.7 cu. ft.
- Compliance: CSA, ADA, Star-K
Pros
- Steam self-clean
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Propane conversion kit included
Cons
- Fewer cooking modes than some
- Occasional control panel faults reported
Get the GE Dual Fuel Range at The Home Depot, Wayfair or AJ Madison.
Photo: amazon.com
The 36-inch Cosmo F965 dual fuel range is among the least expensive models on the market, which is surprising given its width. Although it lacks some of the options available on the top models, it still has many attractive features.
The freestanding design combines smudge-resistant stainless steel with hard-wearing cast-iron burners. Its five burners offer a range sufficient for all cooking styles with a focus on a central wok ring. At 3.8 cu. ft., the oven is a modest size. It has twin fans for rapid air circulation and eight presets, including traditional or convection baking, broiling, and defrost. Owners must clean it themselves, though the porcelain interior makes cleanup easier.
Product Specs
- Burners: Five, from 5,000 to 18,400 BTUs
- Oven capacity: 3.8 cu. ft.
- Compliance: None stated
Pros
- Dual fan oven
- Wok ring
- Propane conversion available (extra cost)
Cons
- Modest oven capacity
- Manual cleaning
Get the Cosmo Dual Fuel Range at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Photo: homedepot.com
This double oven, part of the high-end Cafe lineup by GE Appliances, is flexible. Using the smaller of the two ovens when appropriate can provide energy savings. The high-quality GE Cafe dual fuel range is sometimes incorrectly described as a 7 cu. ft. model, but it actually measures 6.7 cu. ft. Nevertheless, this dual range offers plenty of space within a compact 30-inch slide-in frame. Both ovens are self-cleaning.
The cooktop not only provides six burners but also includes a powerful 21,000-BTU triple ring and a removable grill/griddle. Wi-Fi compatibility with its smartphone app gives wide-ranging control options and smart-home hub integration. Purchasers can choose their own finish color as well as handle and knob accents, allowing the Cafe dual fuel range to integrate with the kitchen’s decor.
Product Specs
- Burners: Six, from 5,000 to 21,000 BTUs
- Oven capacity: Top: 2.4 cu. ft.; lower: 4.3 cu. ft.
- Compliance: CSA, UL, ADA, Star-K
Pros
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Several finish/accent options
- Propane conversion kit included
Cons
- Premium price
- Must slide in as sides are unfinished
Get the Cafe Smart Oven at The Home Depot or at AJ Madison.
Photo: homedepot.com
The LG Signature adopts a somewhat industrial style with a beaten-metal fascia and metal touch controls. It’s durable and easy to keep clean. The five-burner cooktop setup is fairly standard, while the double ovens offer a class-leading 7.3 cu. ft. of space with infrared heating in the top portion for broiling and crisping. Although LG claims it takes less than 10 minutes to clean the oven, the owner must wipe down the surfaces.
A number of WiFi-enabled dual fuel ranges are available, and the LG Signature offers a particularly extensive feature set. Users can control, monitor, and integrate the oven to smart- home devices. Moreover, the app provides recipe storage and the ability to sync the oven with the recipe instructions to set temperatures automatically.
Product Specs
- Burners: Five, from 5,000 to 18,500 BTUs
- Oven capacity: 7.3 cu. ft.
- Compliance: CSA, UL
Pros
- Wi-Fi with comprehensive alerts
- Rapid infrared top oven
- Wok grate
Cons
- Not fully self cleaning
- No grill/griddle
Get the LG Smart Double Oven at The Home Depot, Best Buy or Costco.
Photo: ajmadison.com
Thermador produces a variety of dual fuel ranges recognized for their build quality and the comprehensive levels of control demanded by serious cooks. While all the burners on this 36-inch model have a maximum of 18,000 BTUs, they also can run as low as 3,000 BTUs if required. Four of the burners can maintain just 375 BTUs to simmer stews and soups. The continuous cast-iron surface makes it easy to move pans around.
The 4.9-cu. ft. oven claims to offer the fastest self-cleaning function in the industry. It offers Wi-Fi connectivity for a variety of remote control options, including voice control, but smart-home hub integration is currently available only via Amazon Alexa.
Product Specs
- Burners: Six, 18,000 BTUs each
- Oven capacity: 4.9 cu. ft.
- Compliance: Star-K
Pros
- Exceptional burner control
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Propane conversion available
Cons
- Home control via Alexa only
- Requires 50A supply
Get the Thermador Dual Fuel Range at AJ Madison.
Photo: homedepot.com
Despite its compact 30-inch width, the Samsung dual fuel range packs a host of valuable features. The cooktop has five burners, including one that heats to 23,000 BTUs, the most powerful in its class. A reversible griddle and wok ring are included, and the dials are brightly lit by LEDs.
The self-cleaning oven can be used as either a single large cavity or split into two using a ceramic insert. Each has fully independent control. It has a smart control dial that “learns” your preferences and simplifies settings. It’s also Wi-Fi and voice capable via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Product Specs
- Burners: Five, from 5,000 to 23,000 BTUs
- Oven capacity: Top: 6.3 cu. ft. or 2.7 cu. ft.; lower: 3.4 cu. ft.
- Compliance: CSA, ADA
Pros
- Unique single- or double-oven layout
- Air=fry mode
- Wi-Fi enabled
Cons
- Propane kit costs extra
- LED dials are not to everyone’s taste
Get the Samsung Range at The Home Depot, Best Buy or AppliancesConnection.
Photo: appliancesconnection.com
Those who cook for large families or numerous guests know there’s no substitute for a large cooking area. However, the Viking 48-inch freestanding double oven range doesn’t just offer an expansive cooktop; it also has three different-size burners, providing accurate heat for all pan sizes. While each burner is capable of high output, it can also be set to a gentle simmer.
The two self-cleaning ovens have a combined capacity of 7.3 cu. ft. The Viking has a “rapid-ready” preheat system and a fast infrared broiler for searing meat and fish. Twelve preset cooking modes are available for easier baking, roasting, and broiling.
While it’s a considerable investment and lacks smart control, the Viking dual fuel range provides highly versatile cooking on a large scale.
Product Specs
- Burners: Eight, from 8,000 to 23,000 BTUs
- Oven capacity: Left: 2.6 cu. ft.; right: 4.7 cu. ft.
- Compliance: CSA, Star-K
Pros
- Multiple size burners accommodate all pan sizes
- Infrared broiler
- Choice of six finishes
Cons
- No grill/griddle for burners
- Expensive
Get the Viking Dual Fuel Range at AppliancesConnection or at AJ Madison.
Our Verdict
The GE Profile 5.7 cu. ft. Slide-In Dual Fuel Range is our best dual fuel range for its combination of good all-around cooking performance, large oven, and compact overall dimensions.
The Cosmo F965 36-inch Dual Fuel Range with 5 Gas Burners offers terrific value, with a decent burner setup but a rather small oven.
How We Chose the Best Dual Fuel Ranges
Given the many different configurations possible with dual fuel ranges, we set out to offer the widest possible choice. We applied the following criteria:
- Burners and BTUs: We not only looked at the number of burners or the stove’s maximum power output but also the versatility that the range offers.
- Ovens: Capacity is always important, but a 48-inch dual fuel range doesn’t always have much more interior space than a 30-inch model. We looked at functionality and cleaning as well as at overall capacity.
- Features: Anything that makes the cook’s life easier is a valuable bonus, so we looked for user-friendly feature sets.
- Brand and value: Some brands are known for their value-for-money, and cost is always an important factor. However, we also included premium brands that focus first on performance.
FAQs
Consumers have extensive options in dual fuel ranges. During our research, we came across several questions not fully covered within these sections, so answers to those questions appear below.
Q: What is a dual fuel range?
A dual fuel range, also known as a dual fuel stove, combines gas burners with one or more electric ovens.
Q: Do chefs use dual fuel ranges?
Yes. Many cooks like gas’s ability to respond immediately for frying and making soups, sauces, etc., but they prefer an electric oven’s ability to provide precise control for baking.
Q: How long will a dual fuel range last?
The industry expectation is for the best dual fuel ranges to last around 15 years, though it’s not unusual for them to last longer.
Q: How much does a dual fuel range cost?
Prices vary enormously in line with the range of sizes and specifications available. Few are under $2,000, and most of our top picks are in the $3,000 to $4,000 range. Large high-end models can top $15,000.
Q: What are BTUs, and what do they mean for cooking?
BTUs are British Thermal Units. On a stove, BTUs are used to measure the heat produced by the burners. A higher BTU means more heat, but the best dual fuel ranges also offer a wide BTU range, which allows greater control at low temperatures without extinguishing the gas flame.
