Tag: cooking appliance

What are the Pros and Cons of a Dual Fuel Range?

The range is one of the most used kitchen appliances in many homes because it combines a cooktop and oven. Many cooking ranges on the market host various valuable functions and features. The dual fuel range is one of the most popular appliances in recent years. This combines a gas cooktop with an electric oven to deliver both advantages. However, a dual-fuel range represents a considerable investment that can deter some people from taking the plunge. This article will examine the pros and cons of dual fuel ranges to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

A Brief Dual Fuel Range Primer

We’ve covered the basics in the introduction, but it’s worth exploring a dual fuel range and why professional chefs and other cooking experts highly regard it.

A dual-fuel range combines a gas cooktop with an electric oven. The purpose is to get the best of both worlds to improve precision and efficiency in the kitchen. Dedicated cooks admire gas cooktops that run on natural gas and liquid propane. Gas is versatile for cooking; it’s much easier to control and comparatively cheap as an energy source. This superior temperature control is essential to make delicious meals evenly cooked throughout. An electric oven delivers heat through coils; they are trusted, reliable, and consistent appliances. A gas oven can work well in some kitchens but can be harder to use and clean.

Dual Fuel Range Advantages

Seven key advantages may influence your decision to purchase a dual fuel range. They are:

  • Improved Heat Control: A gas cooktop allows you to cook at higher temperatures and still has greater heat control than a gas stovetop.
  • Faster Preheating: A gas cooktop typically preheats much faster than an electric alternative.
  • Consistent Heating: Every gas burner delivers consistent heating if they are cleaned regularly. This is far superior to other heating elements that can provide sporadic heating when needed.
  • Designed for Chefs: If you want to improve your cooking and try out some advanced techniques, you will eventually need a gas cooktop.
  • Electric Heating Elements: Placing the electric heating elements in a dual-fuel range oven improves the heat distribution throughout the cavity. This delivers consistent cooking results and is essential for baking, roasting, and more.
  • Lack of Power: If you’re living off the grid or are concerned about a lack of access to consistent electrical power, you should consider a gas cooktop. This will allow you to cook meals that don’t require an oven even if the power has failed.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: A dual-fuel range is a premium-grade kitchen appliance, and the best examples add considerable aesthetic appeal to the space.

Dual Fuel Range Disadvantages

Four disadvantages may affect your decision to buy a dual fuel range. They are:

  • Higher Purchasing Costs: A dual-fuel range will be more expensive than an alternative all-gas or all-electric appliance. However, for many people, the added precision, functionality, and versatility are well worth the additional investment.
  • Slower Preheating Times: An electric oven tends to have a slower preheating time than a gas oven.
  • A gas line must be connected to the home to power a gas or dual fuel range. If no gas line is present, one will need to be installed, which will add to the final cost of the appliance.
  • The Urge to Remodel: If your kitchen needs an update, you could find yourself pulling the trigger sooner rather than later if you purchase a dual-fuel range. This premium-grade appliance may outshine the rest of the kitchen and persuade you to upgrade to a luxurious, aesthetically appealing style to impress visitors. If you have a great deal of self-control, this will be less of an issue, but it could be a factor.

Dual Fuel Range Infrastructure Limitations

Although a dual-fuel range does offer some considerable advantages, it may not be the ideal choice for every home. These appliances rely on two distinct power sources to operate, and if you don’t have access to one of them, you’re wasting your time. Some homes don’t have access to a gas line unless the homeowner can install a propane or natural gas tank for the property.

Another key problem is that the location of the gas line could limit the range’s placement in the kitchen. If you want to position the dual-fuel range in a specific location, it may be necessary to move the gas line. This can add a lot to the cost of the installation, and it should be carefully considered before you go ahead. There needs to be adequate voltage to run the oven, which may be an issue for an older home that has a simplified kitchen.

Installing a Dual Fuel Range

Once you’ve checked that you have a connected gas line to power the burners, take some time to evaluate the electrical power requirements. You will need a 240v power supply for the range; a standard 120v power supply and plug will not be sufficient. Before you make a final commitment, it’s a great idea to consult an appliance installation expert to ensure the installation is possible and install the range for you. If you choose to attempt a DIY installation, there are ten essential steps to complete the process safely. They are:

  1. Check the Circuit Voltage: It’s essential to find out if the electric oven has a 240v power supply.
  2. Understand the Power Cords: A dual fuel range cannot be powered with a standard 120v plug, power supply, or extension cord.
  3. Check the Range Connections: The electric range connections should be checked to determine that they are secure and properly insulated.
  4. The Gas Valve: Find the valve and turn it off to stay safe throughout the installation.
  5. The Gas Connector: It’s time to attach the gas connector to the gas cooktop unit.
  6. Electric Power: When ready, connect the proper power cord to the electric oven unit.
  7. The Duel Range: For most dual fuel range appliances, this is when you will be ready to slide the range into place.
  8. The Mounting Plate: If you have a mounting place, it’s time to secure it.
  9. Restore the Gas Supply: Turn the gas back on and check for any leaks.
  10. Explore the Functions: Once you’re confident that everything is connected correctly, try all the functions to ensure everything works as intended. If there is a problem, check the owner’s manual for your appliance. There should be a troubleshooting guide that can be useful when you’re using the dual fuel range for the first time.

FAQs

Is a Dual Fuel Range Worth the Price?

This is a tricky question; everyone has different expectations and budgets to consider. Many people who switch to this kitchen appliance love it and would never consider switching back to an all-electric or all-gas model. If you have the available hookups, the installation costs are lessened, which can soften the financial blow somewhat.

A dual-fuel range will offer cooks who aspire to a higher level of cooking an opportunity to truly excel. The best advice for budget-conscious people may be to pair a gas cooktop with a separate wall-mounted electric oven. This combination can work well in smaller kitchens and is likely to be a cheaper way to go.

How Does a Downdraft Dual Fuel Range Work?

A downdraft model has a clever internal ventilation system that eliminates the need for an overhead venting hood. The vent may be located on the cooktop surface, where it captures unwanted odors and particles from the air surrounding the cooking surface. The air is then filtered and recirculated in a duct-free vent or vented into the ductwork.

Another option is a downdraft hood installed behind the dual fuel range. This hood can be extended or retracted as required, and it is relatively easy to install into your existing kitchen.

Is a Dual Fuel Range Installation a Valid DIY Project?

This can vary depending on your skill and experience with both gas and electrical installations. Most people should not consider a DIY installation at all, there’s a very real risk of electrocution and gas inhalation or explosions to consider. It may seem like a good idea to save some money, but it may be costly. There may be unforeseen problems to overcome, and a kitchen appliance installation specialist can get the job done quickly.

 

 

 

You can discover the perfect dual fuel range for your home with this online collection of cooking ranges. For more information, be sure to contact a professional home appliance expert.

Integrating a Microwave into Your New Kitchen Design

Microwaves are considered vital in today’s busy lives, but it is hard to deny that they can take up a great deal of counter space. This can be problematic in even the most generous of kitchen layouts, but it is possible to reclaim some of this precious space by integrating your microwave into a new kitchen design.

Choosing the Right Microwave

Before you can even consider integrating your microwave, you need to choose the right model. Countertop models can be tucked into a shelf, or you could opt for a wall mounted unit. If you have limited space, you may prefer a drawer style unit that can be placed at any height. Over the range microwaves can be directly placed above your oven, sharing light and ventilation with the range below. Your choice of microwave model will have a direct impact on how it can be integrated into your kitchen design, so you will need to give it some serious thought before you make a purchase decision.

Stack Your Cooking Appliances Vertically

A floor to ceiling unit can be a fantastic, space saving way to stack your cooking appliances on top of each other. This configuration not only looks sleek and attractive, but helps to maximize space. A single unit tower allows you to have lots of serving and prep space alongside your oven or microwave.

Group Horizontally

A horizontal grouping can also save space and still offer great functionality. Placing a drawer microwave alongside your oven makes it easy to move food from one appliance to the other. For example, you can quickly transfer baked potatoes from your microwave to your oven to finish them off. This creates a visual aesthetic of a professional kitchen with a sleek look that complements any style of kitchen design.

Conceal it in a Larder

Modern kitchens are harking back to the past with larder units coming back into fashion. Not only is a larder an excellent storage option for your canned goods, but it can also hide your microwave and free up counter space. If you want a minimalist feel to your kitchen, you could even store all your other small appliances in the larder. Just be sure to keep the larder doors open when your microwave is in use.

Place it High

This isn’t an option for people with children interested in independent cooking or those who are vertically challenged, but placing your microwave at eye level can save counter space and also add interest to a run of wall units. If you don’t like the idea of your microwave compromising the sleek aesthetics of your wall cabinets, you could always conceal it within a unit. You will need to ensure there’s sufficient ventilation and you will be restricted to use only when the door is open.

Recess It

If you have wall space available from a closet or garage, it could be possible to recess your microwave into the wall. This provides a convenient solution without it looking unsightly protruding out into the kitchen. Ideally, your recess would be created near your range for complete ease of use.

Consider Additional Microwave Features

If you are still struggling to incorporate a microwave into your kitchen, you may wish to consider a model with additional features. There are models available with grilling elements. This eliminates the need to have both a microwave and toaster oven in your kitchen. You can not only use the appliance as a standard microwave, but you can also toast, brown and crisp your food.

A microwave is an essential appliance in the modern kitchen. Fortunately, there are a myriad of choices to find the ideal model for your kitchen layout. If you’re looking for a new microwave, you can explore your options with this online collection of microwaves or speak to a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.

Does Your Kitchen Need A Steam Oven?

No kitchen is complete without an oven, and while the kitchens of the past featured traditional wall ovens, today’s cooking appliance options bring a bevy of advanced capabilities to your home. If healthy and convenient cooking are your top priorities, you may want to add a steam oven to your kitchen design.

Steam ovens push steam from a heated water tank into the oven in order to cook food, forgoing the traditional hot air used in common convection ovens. This makes them ideal for cooking vegetables and fish as well as desserts like soufflés, puddings and crème brulee, allowing you to prepare such items quickly and efficiently. But does your kitchen actually need a steam oven? To help you decide, we’re providing a helpful overview of these advanced modern ovens.

Different Types Of Steam Ovens

There are three primary types of steam ovens, each bringing a set of unique features to your kitchen. First, there are steam-only ovens. These “pure” steam ovens exclusively offer steam-cooking functionality, which is great for a host of dishes though ill suited for browning meat.

The second common type of steam oven is the combination steam oven, also known as the combi-steam oven. These units offer steam cooking features as well as traditional convection oven capabilities, offering the powerful heat required for standard baking and broiling in addition to steam functions.

The third option is a convection oven with added steam moisture features. When reviewing appliance options, you may see this feature referred to as “steam assist.” The steam-cooking features in these units are minimal compared to other options, and typically include an injection of steam into the oven at regular intervals during the oven cycle to promote optimal cooking. This can help certain dishes remain moist while in the oven, though it will not be suitable to fully cook ingredients.

Benefits of a Steam Oven

There are a host of benefits to owning a steam oven. The biggest advantage to these ovens is their healthy cooking techniques. Overall, cooking with steam is a healthier alternative than baking or frying. Moreover, steam cooking brings out the natural colors, flavors and textures of a dish without reducing nutritional value. This means you won’t have to drown your dishes in expensive spices or unhealthy oil in order to make them taste great.

Best of all, steam ovens ensure that your dishes do not dry out while in the oven. This ensures that chicken stays juicy, veggies remain succulent and pastries come out flaky. You can even cook rice in a steam oven — something you would never consider in a traditional convection oven.

Find The Best Steam Oven For Your Kitchen Today

Today’s kitchens deserve modern appliances, and you certainly don’t have to limit yourself to the old convection ovens of the past. Steam ovens offer unique steam-cooking capabilities to the kitchen, allowing you to prepare a host of delicious dishes in a healthy fashion. With a variety of designs available on the market, there’s little doubt that you’ll find the perfect steam oven for your home.

You can explore a wealth of great choices using this online collection of steam ovens. For additional assistance, be sure to contact a kitchen appliance professional.

4 Types Of Cooktops For Your Kitchen

The modern kitchen is more than just a place for cooking. It’s a gathering place for friends, family and loved ones, serving as one of the home’s central locations. Your kitchen deserves nothing but the best in cooking appliances, and a powerful, stylish cooktop is the perfect centerpiece to any kitchen.

Cooktops provide the surface you need to craft a variety of classic dishes and enticing contemporary cuisines. But with so many options on today’s market, it’s tough to know which type of cooktop is right for your home. To help you make an informed decision, we’re providing an overview on the four common types of cooktops.

Gas Cooktops

For superior heat and cooking power, you should consider a gas cooktop.

Gas cooktops are the preferred design for serious home chefs, as they offer the high temperatures and easily adjustable controls required for fast and efficient cooking. These units use an open flame as a heat source and as a result are able to reach high heat fast. While gas cooktop designs vary, many units feature a power burner designed to reach maximum temperatures quickly as well as a simmer burner for more delicate, controlled heat. Moreover, many of the best premium gas cooktops feature commercial-grade components, allowing you to cook restaurant quality meals from the comfort of your own home.

A gas cooktop is a great addition to almost any kitchen, though these appliances do come with a few minor disadvantages. First, due to their knob controls, it can be difficult to achieve the same exact cooking temperature every time the appliance is used. It’s also vital to note that gas cooktops require a proper gas connection for power. If your kitchen does not have a suitable gas line, you may need to consider another model.

Electric Cooktops

If consistent temperature control is your top concern, an electric cooktop is a good choice

The burners on these units are heated with electricity, and the unit does not require a gas connection. As a result, electric cooktops are generally easier to install than their gas counterparts. Traditional electric cooktops feature coil burners, though more modern appliances offer a smoothtop design. Regardless of the style, you can expect the burners to provide precise temperatures each and every time it’s used, as electric settings ensure consistency.

Many homeowners enjoy the comforts of an electric cooktop, though these units are known to be slightly less responsive than gas models. You’ll need to wait a little as your electric cooktop heats up or cools down, which can be frustrating to some homeowners.

Induction Cooktops

For premium cooking power, exceptional heat control and added safety, you may want to select an induction cooktop.

Induction cooktops are a type of electric cooktop that utilize electromagnetic energy to cook food. An element below the appliance’s flat ceramic surface creates a magnetic field that reacts to cookware with steel, iron, or magnetic stainless steel bottoms. The reaction creates a vibration that results in the heat you need to cook. Thanks to this unique design, there are a number of benefits to owning an induction cooktop. These models heat up much faster than traditional electric cooktops, while still offering superior temperature control. Moreover, they significantly reduce the risk of burning or kitchen fires, as they only produce heat when compatible cookware touches the surface — even when the appliance is turned on.

There are a host of advantages to having an induction cooktop, though it’s important to know that these units are typically considered to be premium, luxury appliances. That means that induction cooktops often come at a high cost, and they may not be the best choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

Rangetops

Most gas, electric and induction cooktops are “drop-in” units, designed for installation inside a cutout in your countertop. For an alternative to that design, consider a rangetop.

Rangetops offer the same functionality as cooktops, though they are installed by sliding into your countertop, extending from the rear of the counter to the front of the counter. While cooktops feature control knobs on the top of your counter, rangetops feature knobs on front of the appliance on the edge of the counter. This mimics the top design found in a common cooking range.

Most rangetops feature gas burners, though electric rangetops are also available. Much like induction cooktops, rangetops are premium appliances, and can come at a relatively high price.

Find The Perfect Cooktop For Your Kitchen

You can’t effectively cook in the kitchen without a cooktop, and thanks to a plethora of excellent choices, there’s little doubt that the perfect cooktop is out there waiting for you. Armed with some basic knowledge on the various types of cooktops, you’ll be perfectly prepared to find the ideal model for your kitchen.

Are you eager to begin your appliance search? You can explore this comprehensive online collection of cooktops or contact a home appliance professional for additional assistance.

5 Types Of Range Hoods For Your Kitchen

Cooking appliances like ranges and cooktops allow you to craft exciting meals for friends and family, but along the way help contribute to some of the worst messes in your kitchen. When you cook, you’re constantly creating smoke and steam, while also letting grease and other substances fill the air surrounding your cooking space. To combat these airborne pollutants, you’ll definitely want to invest in a powerful range hood.

Range hoods promote proper ventilation around your cooking space, removing steam, smoke, grease and more from the air to make your kitchen comfortable and clean. Finding the right range hood for your home can be tough, especially if you don’t know about the different types of range hoods available on today’s market. To help you get informed, we’ve compiled some useful information on the five common types of range hoods for your kitchen.

1. Under Cabinet Range Hoods

Under cabinet range hoods are found in many homes, and are probably the most common type of hood available. These hoods are installed under the kitchen cabinets above your cooktop or cooking range, offering an attractive design that’s adapted to your cabinetry.

Under cabinet hoods are manufactured in two standard varieties — ducted and ductless. A ducted under cabinet hood features a duct that transports smoke and airborne pollutants outside, while ductless hoods simply filter and recirculate dirty air. A ducted under cabinet range hood is a great choice because the duct system can typically be hidden within your cabinets, offering peak style to your home. That said, ductless hoods are often just as effective. These units come in a wide range of styles, sizes and designs, allowing you to select the perfect choice for your home.

2. Wall Mount Range Hoods

If there are no kitchen cabinets in the area above your cooking space, you may want to invest in a wall mount range hood.

Wall mount range hoods are installed directly in your wall and are aligned with your kitchen’s pre-existing duct system for ventilation. These hoods are sometimes called wall-mounted chimneys, as their design is similar in shape to a traditional chimney. Compared to under cabinet hoods, wall mount hoods are typically wider on the bottom, offering more coverage of your cooking space.

3. Island Hoods 

You can rely on an island hood to provide suitable ventilation for a cooktop or cooking range that is not installed alongside a wall.

These hoods are similar in design to wall mount hoods, but do not have to be installed alongside a wall. An island hood features a vent that connects to a duct in your ceiling, pulling dirty air up and out of your cooking space. These hoods tend to be more expensive than their counterparts, but that cost generally comes with added style. Island hoods often feature sleek, contemporary designs that make them an ideal choice for an elegant, refined kitchen.

4. Cabinet Insert Hoods

For greater customization, you may want to consider investing in a cabinet insert hood.

These units, sometimes referred to as power packs, are designed for installation within an existing cabinet or range hood. Cabinet inserts feature blowers as well as speed controls and lights, but do not feature the complete ventilation system that comes with other types of hoods. An insert hood is best used as the base for a custom designed range hood, providing the core features you need while allowing you to design a ventilation system to match your kitchen’s layout.

5. Downdraft Range Hoods

Most range hoods are designed to pull fumes up towards the ceiling, but downdraft range hoods work in the opposite direction, pulling air in a downward direction out of your cooking space.

These hoods are installed behind your cooktop and reverse the direction of rising air by pulling it down and pushing it out through ducts beneath the floor. Downdraft hoods are good additions to kitchens with drop-in cooktops, and are typically used when the cooktop is built-in to an island. If your kitchen has the proper ducting system, a downdraft range hood can be a suitable addition to the space, offering the ventilation capabilities you need in a unique, eye-catching design.

Powerful Range Hoods For Your Kitchen Ventilation Needs

Your kitchen should be a comfortable and clean location, and a powerful range hood is sure to help make that a reality. Choosing the right range hood can be a challenge, but with some basic information on the common types of range hoods, you’ll be in the perfect position to find the right unit for your home.

You can start your search for the perfect appliance with this online collection of range hoods. For extra assistance, be sure to contact a home appliance expert.

The Benefits Of An Induction Cooktop

The modern kitchen is not complete without an exceptional cooktop, providing the steady heat you need for preparing a vast variety of home-cooked favorites and delicious new recipes. Gas cooktops and electric cooktops are common in many homes, but for advanced functionality and a truly contemporary style, you should consider an induction cooktop.

Induction cooktops are a type of electric cooktop that utilizes heat from electromagnetic energy to cook food. An element below the cooktop’s flat ceramic surface creates a magnetic field that reacts to cookware with iron, steel, or magnetic stainless steel bottoms. This reaction creates a vibration that converts to heat for cooking. These cooktops may use a non-traditional method of creating heat, but ultimately there are many benefits to investing in an induction cooktop.

Induction Cooktops Heat & Cool Fast

Electric cooktops are notorious for the long periods they take to heat up and cool down. Gas cooktops offer fast temperature adjustments, but that comes through the use of potentially dangerous flames. For the ideal alternative, you can use an induction cooktop.

The biggest benefit to an induction cooktop is the fact that it can heat and cool very quickly. The electromagnetic vibration that produces heat helps your pots and pans reach full heat almost as soon as you set the temperature. This saves time while cooking, reducing stress in the kitchen and allowing you to enjoy freshly cooked dishes even if you’re pressed for time.

 Exceptional Temperature Control

Along with fast heating and cooling, induction cooktops also offer exceptional temperature control. Most of these appliances feature a wider range of temperature settings than gas or electric counterparts, allowing you to find the ideal choice for all your cooking needs. Whether you need a low heat to simmer boiling water or high heat to create the perfect sear on a piece of chicken, you’ll be able to find the proper temperature for any dish.

Promotes Safety & Reduces Risk of Burns

Induction cooktops are extremely safe to use. These burners only produce heat when the proper cookware is touching the cooking surface, so if you accidentally turn on a burner without cookware on it, you won’t have to worry about getting burned. Even during proper use, only places where cookware touches the surface will generate heat, with the rest of the cooktop remaining cool. This greatly reduces the chance of burning yourself while cooking.

It’s also very uncommon for induction cooktops to cause kitchen fires. The open flame of a gas cooktop is always a fire risk, and the electric coils of an electric cooktop can also potentially cause fires. Thanks to their electromagnetic heat source, induction cooktops will not spark flames in your kitchen.

Induction Cooktops Are Easy To Clean

The flat ceramic surface of an induction cooktop makes it exceptionally easy to clean. All you need to do is wipe down the top with standard kitchen cleaner once you’re done cooking. Moreover, because heat is only created in the cookware itself, the surface of the cooktop remains cool, preventing spilled food from getting baked on the surface.

 Modern & Luxurious Style

The contemporary kitchen requires exceptional style. You can find attractive gas and electric cooktops, but for a truly integrated kitchen design, you’ll want to consider an induction cooktop.

Induction cooktops provide a clean and uncluttered cooking surface with a modern aesthetic that is ideal for today’s homes. This style of cooktop will bring a minimalist feel to your kitchen, providing all the cooking power you need with a sleek, luxurious, and unobtrusive design.

Bring Power & Style To Your Kitchen With An Induction Cooktop

The modern home requires modern cooking solutions, and an induction cooktop is sure to provide all the power you need. Thanks to advanced features, superior temperature control, and elegant designs, investing in an induction cooktop is an excellent choice.

For innovative solutions to your induction cooktop needs, consider browsing this extensive collection of induction cooktops.