Dual Fuel vs. Gas vs. Electric vs. Induction Ranges

Your range is the heart of your kitchen. You use the cooktop to simmer herbaceous sauce to pour over homemade pasta and the oven to bake delicate pastries and roast succulent chicken. When choosing a new range for your kitchen, understanding the differences between gas, electric, induction and dual fuel options can help you find the option that complements the way you create. 

Use this guide to learn more about dual fuel ranges and how they compare to other options to help you decide which model will work best for your kitchen.

WHAT IS A DUAL FUEL RANGE?

A dual fuel range pairs a gas cooktop with an electric oven, offering the advantages of both in a single appliance. Gas cooktops provide more responsive temperature control than their electric counterparts, while electric ovens create a dry heat compared to gas ovens. 

The heating elements in some electric ovens sometimes cover more area inside the cavity, so you may not need to rotate your baking dishes as often. A dual fuel range provides your kitchen with the responsiveness of a gas cooktop with the optimized heat distribution of an electric oven.

Combining the power of a gas flame cooktop and the dry heat of an electric oven, a dual fuel range from KitchenAid brand offers you the best of both worlds. Discover more about the different types of KitchenAid^® ranges to find the best option for you.

HOW DOES A DUAL FUEL RANGE WORK?

Dual fuel ranges require a gas line hookup for the cooktop and an electric hookup for the oven. The stovetop uses gas to provide an open flame that is ideal for sautéing and searing and allows you to utilize other cooking techniques like charring.

The oven uses electric heating elements that create the proper environment for browning and crisping.

WHY CHOOSE A DUAL FUEL RANGE?

Dual fuel ranges are designed to deliver responsive temperature control on their cooktops and consistent heating in their oven. If you love both cooking and baking, a dual fuel range provides you with the heating options you need to explore new recipes.

With the gas cooktop, you can char peppers on the open flame, cook fresh tortillas and get just the right sear on a delicious piece of steak for your next taco night. The dry heat in an electric oven is just what you need to get golden brown and crispy results when roasting vegetables.

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF DUAL FUEL RANGES?

While dual fuel ranges can provide the best of both worlds, there are some advantages and disadvantages to consider as you shop for your range upgrade.

SHOP KITCHENAID® DUAL FUEL RANGES

With a KitchenAid^® dual fuel range, you can enjoy excellent temperature control when creating your favorite recipes. Explore select models with features like Even-Heat™ True Convection, which provides optimal temperatures and airflow for crisp, flaky baked goods, or a Steam Rack that offers the ability to provide extra moisture for recipes that need it.

DUAL FUEL VS. GAS RANGES

Dual fuel ranges give you versatility in your kitchen, as you can reap the same benefits of a gas cooktop with the added bonus of an electric-powered oven. When using a gas oven, you may experience more temperature variation. 

The heating element does not cycle on and off as rapidly as electric ovens and can cause slight fluctuations throughout the baking process. Heating elements in electric ovens are often designed to be cycled more frequently to help maintain the cavity temperature, so you may not need to rotate dishes as often. Learn more about gas vs. electric stoves.

SHOP KITCHENAID® GAS RANGES

No matter the recipe, KitchenAid^® gas ranges will help you craft your favorite culinary creations, with features on select models like Even-Heat™ True Convection, EasyConvect™ Conversion System, baking drawers and more.

DUAL FUEL VS. ELECTRIC RANGES

The main difference between an electric range and dual fuel can be found on the cooktop. Gas cooktops on dual fuel ranges have responsive temperature control that provides nearly immediate heat to pots and pans, helping reduce your wait time before you can begin preparing your meal.

Electric cooktops can take longer to heat up and cool down, making the change from boil to simmer a more time-consuming task.

SHOP KITCHENAID® ELECTRIC RANGES

KitchenAid^® electric ranges give you the power you need to create your next masterpiece. Explore ranges with features on select models like steam racks, baking drawers and Triple Ring Elements, which can match your cooking surface to your cookware size.

DUAL FUEL VS. INDUCTION RANGES

The primary difference between dual fuel and induction ranges is the cooktop heating mechanism. Induction ranges use electromagnetism to transfer heat to compatible cookware to cook your food. Like a gas cooktop on a dual fuel range, induction heating elements respond quickly to temperature changes.

SHOP KITCHENAID® INDUCTION RANGES

KitchenAid^® induction ranges offer you the precise temperature control you need when experimenting with new dishes and creating old favorites. The induction cooktop heats quickly, allowing you to reduce prep time when cooking.

IS A DUAL FUEL RANGE RIGHT FOR MY KITCHEN?

With the versatility of a KitchenAid^® dual fuel range, you can discover new recipes and cooking techniques. Take advantage of the gas cooktop to flambé the perfect coq au vin and utilize the dry, consistent heat of the electric oven to turn your kitchen into your own French pâtisserie.  

For more information to help you decide, explore the range buying guide and browse all ranges from KitchenAid brand, including gas, electric and commercial ranges.