If you're in the market for a new range cooker, chances are you've come across the term "dual fuel" and wondered what it actually means. In this guide we break down exactly what a dual fuel range cooker is, how it differs from other types, and whether it's the right choice for your home.
What is a Dual Fuel Range Cooker?
A dual fuel range cooker combines a gas hob with one or more electric ovens in a single unit. The name comes from the fact that it uses two different fuel sources — gas for the hob burners, and electricity for the oven cavity.
This combination has become the most popular configuration in the UK range cooker market, and for good reason: it gives you the best of both worlds.
Why Gas Hob + Electric Oven?
The pairing isn't arbitrary. Gas and electric each excel at different cooking tasks:
Gas hobs are ideal for:
- Instant, responsive heat that you can see and adjust immediately
- High-heat cooking like stir-frying, searing and flambéing
- Using a wok or any round-bottomed cookware
- Simmering at very low temperatures without a diffuser
- Cooking with any type of pan — including cast iron and copper
Electric ovens are ideal for:
- Even consistent heat distribution throughout the cavity
- Fan-assisted cooking that maintains accurate temperatures
- Baking, roasting and anything that needs steady, controlled heat
- Multiple cooking zones and programs (grill, fan, conventional)
- Self-cleaning functions
Put the two together and you get a cooker that handles everything — from a quick weeknight stir-fry to a slow-roasted Sunday joint — without compromise.
Dual Fuel vs Gas Range Cooker
A gas range cooker uses gas for both the hob and the oven. The advantage is that you only need one fuel connection. The trade-off is that gas ovens can be harder to control precisely, tend to have hot spots, and don't distribute heat as evenly as electric ovens. For serious baking, most cooks prefer electric.
Dual Fuel vs Electric/Induction Range Cooker
A fully electric range cooker uses either a ceramic, vitroceramic or induction hob alongside an electric oven. Induction in particular is extremely energy-efficient and very safe, but requires compatible (magnetic) cookware. Some cooks also prefer the visual feedback of a gas flame, especially when working at high heat.
Do I Need Gas Supply for a Dual Fuel Range Cooker?
Yes — since the hob is gas-powered, your kitchen will need a gas supply. If you don't have mains gas, dual fuel won't work for you. In that case, a full induction or electric range cooker is the better route.
You'll also need a standard 13-amp or 32-amp electrical connection for the oven, depending on the model.
What Sizes Do Dual Fuel Range Cookers Come In?
- 60cm — compact, ideal for smaller kitchens (see the Dolcevita 60cm and Maxima 60cm)
- 70cm — offers more hob space and often a double oven (see the Dolcevita 70cm)
- 80cm — a mid-size option popular in family kitchens
- 90cm — the most popular size (see the Dolcevita 90cm and Professional 90cm)
- 100cm–120cm — wider configurations (see the Dolcevita 100cm and Professional 120cm)
- 150cm — flagship statement pieces (see the Dolcevita 150cm)
How Many Burners?
60cm models typically have 4 burners; 70–80cm usually 5; 90cm models 5 or 6; 100cm+ can have 6, 7 or a mix of gas and induction zones. Many 90cm+ models include a triple crown burner — a high-output wok burner.
How Many Ovens?
Compact models have a single oven plus grill. Wider models offer double ovens (two independent cavities) or triple ovens — usually on 90cm+ models.
Are Dual Fuel Range Cookers Energy Efficient?
Reasonably so. If energy efficiency is your top priority, a full induction range cooker will outperform dual fuel — induction transfers around 85–90% of energy directly to the pan versus 40–55% for gas.
Key Things to Check Before Buying
Clearance height — range cookers are typically 90cm tall and need clearance above for an extractor hood. Width and depth — standard range cookers are 60cm deep. Fuel type — confirm you have a gas supply. Trim customisation — look for interchangeable trims (brass, bronze, chrome). Warranty — look for at least 2 years.
Summary
A dual fuel range cooker is the go-to choice for cooks who want the responsive control of a gas hob with the consistent, even heat of an electric oven. If you have gas supply and want one cooker that does everything well, dual fuel is almost certainly the right choice.
Explore Our Dual Fuel Range Cookers
- Dolcevita Range Cookers — iconic retro Italian design, 60cm to 150cm, multiple colours
- Maxima Range Cookers — stainless steel, 60–90cm, great value dual fuel
- Professional Range Cookers — serious performance, 60–120cm
- Rainbow Range Cookers — bold colours, 60–90cm
- Curva Range Cookers — curved stainless steel, 60–120cm
- Venezia Range Cookers — retro-modern design, 90cm
- View all range cookers
