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Thor Kitchen Gas vs Dual Fuel vs Electric Ranges: Hookups and Trade-offs
Gas, dual fuel or electric is usually decided by what is already behind the range: a gas line, a 240V circuit, or both. Changing that is the expensive part of any range upgrade, so start with your hookups and then look at how you like to cook. This guide uses the electrical and gas requirements printed on the spec sheets of the Thor Kitchen ranges we carry.
What each type needs behind it
| Type | Thor models | Gas line | Electrical (per spec sheet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | ARG30, ARG36, HRG3618U, HRG4808U, TRG3001, TRG3601 | Yes (natural gas, or the LP version for propane) | 120V outlet (most list a 15A circuit; check the spec sheet) |
| Dual fuel | HRD4803ULP | Yes (this is the propane version) | 240V, 4-prong 14-50R outlet |
| Electric | ARE30, ARE36, TRE3001, TRE3601, HRE2401 | No | 240V; 50A on the ARE30, ARE36, TRE3601 and HRE2401 |
Two things surprise people here. First, a gas range still plugs into a regular 120V outlet, because the igniters, oven light and convection fan run on electricity. Second, the dual fuel ranges need both a gas line and a heavy 240V circuit, so they cost the most to hook up if your kitchen has only one of the two.
Gas: fast, visible heat on top
Gas burners respond the moment you turn the knob, and you can see the flame. Thor's gas ranges span a wide output range on a single cooktop. The HRG3618U, for example, has an 18,000 BTU burner for searing and boiling and two dual burners that simmer down to 650 BTU.
The trade-off is the oven. A gas oven heats with a burner (the ARG30 and ARG36 list an 18,500 BTU bake burner and a 13,500 BTU broil burner), and many bakers prefer an electric oven for even baking. Convection fans on models like the ARG30 and ARG36 help close that gap.
Dual fuel: gas burners, electric oven
Dual fuel puts gas burners on top of an electric oven, which is why serious cooks who also bake often choose it. The 48-inch HRD4803ULP has 90,000 BTU of burners, a 15,000 BTU griddle and electric double ovens totaling 6.7 cu. ft. You pay for it in installation: both a gas supply and a 240V circuit.
Electric: easy install where there is no gas
If your kitchen has a 240V range circuit and no gas line, an electric range is the simplest upgrade. The ARE30 and ARE36 have convection ovens of 4.8 and 6.0 cu. ft. The TRE3001 and TRE3601 add self-cleaning ovens, air fry and a tilt control panel. Electric ovens are known for even baking; the cooktop is slower to respond than gas when you change the heat.
What about induction?
Induction heats the pan directly through a magnetic field, so it responds almost as fast as gas while running on electricity. We do not currently list a Thor induction range or cooktop. If induction is what you want, call us and we will tell you what Thor has available. Induction needs magnetic cookware: if a magnet sticks to the bottom of your pan, it will work. Our cooktop buying guide compares induction, gas and electric cooktops in more detail.
How to decide
- You have gas and a 120V outlet: choose a gas range. No electrical work needed.
- You have a 240V range circuit and no gas: choose an electric range, or an induction cooktop with a wall oven.
- You have both and you bake seriously: dual fuel gives you gas burners and an electric oven.
- You run on propane: order the LP version of the model. Do not convert a natural gas unit yourself.
Not sure what your kitchen has? Look at the existing outlet behind your range, or call us at 917-540-6070 and we will help you check before you order.