What Is a Dual Fuel Cooker and Is It Worth It?
Dual fuel cookers — sometimes called dual fuel freestanding ovens — combine a gas cooktop with an electric oven in a single freestanding appliance. They’re popular with serious home cooks who want the control of gas for stovetop cooking and the precise, even heat of an electric oven for baking. Here’s what you need to know before buying one.
What Makes a Dual Fuel Cooker Different?
A standard freestanding cooker uses either gas for everything (cooktop and oven) or electric for everything. A dual fuel model splits the functions:
- Cooktop: Gas burners (typically 4–6 depending on 60cm or 90cm model)
- Oven: Electric element, usually fan-forced (convection)
This combination gives you the best of both worlds from a cooking perspective, but requires both a natural gas (or LPG) connection and a dedicated 240V power supply.
Benefits of Dual Fuel
Gas Cooktop Control
Gas burners respond instantly to heat changes. High heat for wok cooking, rapid boiling and searing; instant low for simmering delicate sauces without risk of scorching. Many cooks strongly prefer gas over electric or induction for this responsive control.
Superior Electric Oven Baking
Electric ovens produce drier heat than gas ovens, which is better for baking cakes, pastries, bread and roasting. Electric fan-forced ovens also heat more evenly across all rack positions. If baking quality matters to you, electric oven outperforms gas oven.
Industry Standard for Serious Home Cooks
Many culinary schools and professional chefs prefer dual fuel setups for home kitchens. If cooking is a passion, dual fuel is the professional choice.
Drawbacks of Dual Fuel
Installation Requirements
Dual fuel requires both a licensed gasfitter (for gas connection) and a licensed electrician (for the 20-amp or 32-amp dedicated power outlet). This adds to installation cost — typically $400–$800 for both trades in Sydney.
Higher Price
Dual fuel cookers cost 15–25% more than equivalent all-gas or all-electric models. A good 90cm dual fuel from Smeg or Bertazzoni costs $3,000–$6,000.
Requires Gas Supply
Not available as an option for homes not connected to natural gas (or not wanting to use LPG). Homes transitioning away from gas cannot use dual fuel.
Top Dual Fuel Brands We Stock
- Smeg: Beautiful Italian design. Victoria and Portofino ranges in 60cm and 90cm.
- Bertazzoni: Italian professional cooking heritage. Heritage, Master and Professional series.
- Ilve: High-end Italian. Nostalgie and Majestic series with cast-iron grates.
- Westinghouse: Entry-level dual fuel at accessible prices.
- Chef: Australian heritage dual fuel. Practical and reliable.
Visit Our Showroom
See dual fuel cookers on display at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.
Call: (02) 9999 9999 | support@oceaniaappliances.com.au