What’s the Difference Between Gas Ranges and Dual-Fuel Ranges?

If you're shopping for a new kitchen range, you've probably seen the terms "dual-fuel range" and "gas range." What's the difference between the two? That's what we'll cover in this article. We'll also outline the benefits of each, from cooking performance to installation requirements, so you can make the right decision for your kitchen.

What is a gas range?

A gas range is a kitchen range that uses only gas to fuel both the oven and the cooktop. It can be powered through a natural gas line coming into the house, or through liquid propane gas (which comes in tanks).

What is a dual-fuel range?

A dual-fuel range is a kitchen range that uses gas to power the cooktop burners and electricity to power the oven. This means it requires both electric power (typically 220V in the U.S.) and gas power (in the form of natural gas or LPG canisters).

Both gas ranges and dual-fuel ranges have their pros and cons, which is why we offer both options in all HausPro ranges. Keep reading to determine which style is right for you.

Cooking Performance: Gas ranges vs. dual-fuel ranges

Let's begin with what matters most to passionate home chefs: cooking performance. Most chefs prefer gas-powered burners on their cooktops because they offer tremendous control. When it comes to oven heat, however, the fuel source becomes a matter of preference.

Gas ovens tend to preheat faster and provide an intense broiler heat that is ideal for roasting. They also produce a more moist heat. Electric ovens, on the other hand, tend to produce a dry, more even heat. It provides the consistent temperature necessary for baking foods like cookies, cakes, breads, and pastries.

Cost Differences: Gas ranges vs. dual-fuel ranges

Usually, dual-fuel ranges cost more than gas-only ranges. But here at Hauslane, we don't charge extra for a dual-fuel range. Just select "dual-fuel" when you place your order, if that's your preference.

Now, it's important to note that gas is cheaper than electric power in most places, which means an electric oven may cost twice as much as a gas oven to run (calculated by unit of energy). How much is that at the end of the day?

A typical electric oven costs about 30–40 cents per hour of cooking in the U.S., so if you're using the oven for an hour each day, it could cost you over $100 per year to run. Over the lifetime of the unit, a gas oven could trim those costs by up to 50%.

Installation requirements for gas and dual-fuel ranges

We've written an in-depth guide to kitchen range installation requirements, but here's a quick primer to outline the different ones for each type of range.

Gas ranges generally demand:

• 110V outlet for electronics and ignition
• Gas supply line with a natural gas line or propane tanks

Dual-fuel ranges (gas cooktop with electric oven) require:

• 220V outlet
• 40-50 amp circuit
• Incoming natural gas line or propane tanks

Both units require the following, since they use gas:

• Accessible gas shut-off valve
• Compatible fuel type (natural gas or propane)
• Flexible gas connector
• Pressure regulator

Should you choose a gas or dual-fuel range?

Aaah, the million-dollar question! The biggest factor, beyond cooking preference, is your kitchen's setup. If you already have 220V wiring in the kitchen, you can get the best of both worlds by going with dual-fuel. However, if you only have 110V wiring, you'll want to stick with gas-only—unless you're already doing the wiring.

Additional range features to consider

Once you've decided between a dual-fuel range and a gas range, take some time to consider additional features that will improve your cooking experience and ensure you've made a solid investment.

Some features worth looking for in a gas or dual-fuel range include:

• Convection oven for even, consistent cooking
• Telescopic racks that glide out smoothly
• Triple-layered insulated oven glass to protect kids and pets from burns
• Heat-locking design for consistent baking and roasting
• Gas burners with a variety of heating capabilities, from a 6,000 BTU simmer to a powerful sear at 20,000 BTUs (industry standard is 12,000 max BTUs)
• Precision knob control on burners, to dial in the perfect temperature
• Auto-reignition for gas ovens
• 5-year warranty on parts and labor (industry standard is 2 years)

Hauslane's HausPro ranges come with all these cutting-edge features, including that 5-year warranty and 20,000 BTUs of heating power.

They also come in three sizes (30-inch, 36-inch, and 48-inch), with the option of 5 different color schemes (from stainless steel to satin brass). Plus, you can buy any range we sell as a gas range or a dual-fuel range. Each comes with a conversion kit as well, so you can run it on natural gas or liquid propane gas as you see fit.