Gas Ranges vs. Dual Fuel Ranges: Which Is Right for You?

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Upgrading to a professional range is an exciting step for any homeowner.

One of the key decisions you'll face is choosing between a gas range and a dual fuel range.

But how do ZLINE’s all-gas and dual fuel models compare?

In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences in performance, cost, energy usage, installation needs, and cooking style of ZLINE gas and dual fuel ranges.
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Gas vs. Dual Fuel: What’s the Difference?

Before diving into comparisons, let’s clarify the basics. Both range types have gas cooktops, meaning you get the instant heat and precise flame control of gas burners in either case. 

The difference lies in the oven:
  • ZLINE Gas Ranges: Use gas for both the cooktop and the oven. The oven is heated by a gas flame.
  • ZLINE Dual Fuel Ranges: Use gas for the cooktop, but the oven is electric (hence “dual” fuel). The oven has electric heating elements.
ZLINE offers both types across our range lines and in popular sizes, including 30", 36", and 48" models.
Externally, the two types look nearly identical, and you’ll get the same professional look, heavy-duty grates, and high-BTU burners on the cooktop.

The real differences are under the hood and affect how the oven performs and what hookups are required.
Let’s explore those differences in detail.
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Performance and Cooking Quality

Cooking style is where gas and dual fuel ranges start to diverge. Since the cooktop is gas, either way, you can count on strong performance for boiling, sautéing, or searing with any ZLINE range.

The real distinction comes from the oven’s fuel source, which affects baking, roasting, and broiling results:
  • Gas Oven Performance: Gas ovens provide a moister heat due to small amounts of water vapor released by the gas flame. This creates an environment that is excellent for roasting meats and vegetables, often yielding a great sear and rich browning. Many cooks find roasting in a gas oven keeps foods juicy. Modern gas ovens are much improved over those from decades past. However, gas ovens may still have slightly less even heat compared to electric ovens.
  • Electric Oven Performance: Electric heating elements create a drier heat in the oven, which tends to be very stable and evenly distributed, especially when using convection. This makes dual fuel ranges popular with avid bakers. An electric oven excels at precise baking for pastries, breads, and cakes that benefit from the consistent, even heat. The dry heat also promotes better browning and crisping for baked goods.
  • Broiling: In all-gas ranges, the broiler is a gas burner, whereas dual fuel ranges use an electric broiler element. Both work well, but serious broilers might prefer the intense direct flame of a gas broiler for charring steaks, etc. On the other hand, electric broilers in dual fuel ovens provide very even top-down heat. Consider what you cook most: if you broil or roast often, some home cooks say a gas oven’s moist heat and open flame can give superior results, whereas dedicated bakers often lean toward electric for stability.
  • Preheat Times: There is a bit of debate on which fuel preheats faster. Gas flames produce immediate heat, so gas ovens tend to preheat quickly. Electric ovens may take a few minutes longer to come to temp (heating elements ramping up).

Overall, cooking quality on both ZLINE gas and dual fuel ranges is excellent; these are professional ranges built to perform.
For everyday cooking, you may not notice a drastic difference.

However, if you’re a passionate baker, you might appreciate the electric oven’s precision. Conversely, if you love roasting, the gas oven may serve you well. 
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Installation Requirements

When planning your kitchen renovation, be sure to factor in the installation needs for gas vs. dual fuel, as this is a critical practical difference between the two.
  • Gas Supply: Both types of ranges require a gas line for the cooktop. If you already have a gas range, you’re set. If not (for instance, if you’re switching from an electric range and there’s no gas stub in place), you’ll need a gas line run to your kitchen. This involves hiring a contractor and can add to the project cost. For homes without natural gas, ZLINE ranges can be straightforwardly converted for propane (LP) with the included conversion kits. So, rural or off-grid homeowners can still use these ranges with a propane tank hookup.
  • Electrical Connection: Here’s the big difference. All-Gas ZLINE ranges only need a standard 120V outlet. In contrast, ZLINE Dual Fuel ranges require a 240V electrical supply to power the electric oven. If you’re replacing an old electric range, you may already have the correct outlet. But if you’re replacing a gas range with dual fuel, you’ll likely need an electrician to install a 240V circuit/outlet.
To summarize installation: if you have an existing gas line and a 240V outlet in place, you’re set for dual fuel. If you only have a gas line (or only a 120V outlet), then adding whichever connection is missing will be an extra step. Many homeowners decide based on this practical matter.

Always consult with licensed professionals to get accurate installation estimates before deciding on the appliance.
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Making the Choice: Which Range Suits Your Needs?

Choosing between a ZLINE gas range and a ZLINE dual fuel range comes down to your cooking habits, kitchen setup, and personal priorities:

No matter which type you go with, ZLINE’s ranges bring professional quality into home kitchens.

Both gas and dual fuel models feature stunning finishes, smooth glide racks, and a professional look and feel that elevates your kitchen style.

Homeowners have found that ZLINE offers a sweet spot: a range that looks and cooks professionally at a more palatable price point.

In conclusion, both ZLINE gas and dual fuel ranges are excellent choices for a kitchen upgrade.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer–it truly depends on your needs.

The good news is that whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a centerpiece appliance that will transform your kitchen and cooking experience.
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