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Should I Buy a Gas Stove or an Electric Stove?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Buying a stove for your home is an important decision, and one you will have to live with for a long time. For most shoppers, the choice comes down to whether you want a gas stove or electric stove. As modern versions of both varieties each have advantages, your choice should be based on your preferences and needs as a cook.

Electric stoves use a heating coil or heated surface for burners. In newer models, the cooking surface is a flat plane with no openings, allowing for easy cleaning. Since there is no open flame, most electric stoves have a warning light to tell you when the surface is hot, and some also turn red when lit. In terms of the oven in an electric stove, it produces a drier heat than its gas counterpart. Some cooks prefer this, but experts seem divided on whether it is better for baking.

In some places, natural gas is considerably cheaper than electric rates.
In some places, natural gas is considerably cheaper than electric rates.

There are several downsides to electric stoves. They can take a long time to heat up and cool down, which can be irritating if you want to do something simple like boil water. The heating process on some electric burners can be imprecise, with the burner turning on and shutting off repeatedly to maintain a temperature. With coil models, cleaning under the coils can be difficult. For those concerned with environmentally friendly, electric stoves are also less energy efficient than gas ranges, up to 50% less efficient with some models.

When buying a gas range, a carbon monoxide detector should be installed as a safety precaution.
When buying a gas range, a carbon monoxide detector should be installed as a safety precaution.

A gas stove is traditional for restaurants and bakeries. The ability to use a live flame allows for greater precise cooking, as well as the ability to cook things in the fire itself. Gas burners are removable for easy cleaning and heat up instantly. Modern gas stoves usually have an electric ignition, which does not require you to light the burner yourself. The wet heat of a gas stove is considered by some to be better for cooking, allowing baking items a longer rising time.

Gas stoves are more energy efficient than electric stoves.
Gas stoves are more energy efficient than electric stoves.

Some people may be afraid of a gas-powered appliance or may not like the idea of a pilot light burning constantly. If you do not already have a gas hookup in your home, installing one can be expensive. Experts also recommend that you install a carbon monoxide detector in your home if you have a gas stove, to detect any natural gas leaks. Some models of gas stoves may also be a little more expensive than electric versions with the same features, but only with some brands.

Advantages of gas stoves include the ability to rapidly control temperatures, but the stoves can pose fire risks because of their open flames.
Advantages of gas stoves include the ability to rapidly control temperatures, but the stoves can pose fire risks because of their open flames.

There are several other factors to consider when purchasing a stove. A Gas stove does have live flames, which may pose a danger to children. You may also want to consider the utility costs in your area; some places have considerably cheaper natural gas rates than electric rates. In these areas, a gas stove can actually save you a lot of money. Unlike with gas stoves where the size of the flame is an indicator, you have no way of judging the heat level and making small adjustments on an electric stove. While this may not matter if all you use the burners for is heating up soup, but if you make custards or tricky sauces, it can cause a huge problem.

Electric ranges do not allow as much heat to escape as gas stoves.
Electric ranges do not allow as much heat to escape as gas stoves.

Purchasing gas stoves versus electric stoves is really a personal choice. If you are terrified of gas leaks, fire, and carbon monoxide, electric stoves may be the best variety for you. For people who cook a lot and make complicated dishes, or those in areas with inexpensive natural resources, gas stoves will probably be your best choice.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a DelightedCooking writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a DelightedCooking writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Glasshouse

I love gas stove tops. I used to be a chef and I still cook regularly. A gas stove is almost a make or break deal when I am renting a home, and if I were ever to buy a home, having a gas hook-up would be important. They are much more efficient, and they cook food much better than an electric range. Gas is also much cheaper than the equivalent energy use in electricity, and the stove works during power outages.

Living in Phoenix, there is nothing worse than a monsoon power outage in the middle of cooking a meal on an electric cook top. You can't simply take your food out to the grill and finish it outdoors.

istria

@anon27653- it is normal for a gas oven to stay a little warm. The oven is usually well insulated and the pilot light does emit a little heat. If say, the temperature in your house is 75 degrees and the pilot light warms your oven to 85 or 90 degrees, your pans will dry well and feel warm to the touch.

If you think that your pilot light is giving off too much heat, it may be too high and need adjustment. You could look up how to do this yourself or you could call a gas stove repair shop to have them do it for you.

anon27653

i have a gas stove in my apartment - i can put a wet pan in the oven and it will be dried in an hour or less and is warm to the touch - is this normal for a gas stove to be able to stay warm all night? even when the oven and stove range is off?

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    • In some places, natural gas is considerably cheaper than electric rates.
      By: Ingo Bartussek
      In some places, natural gas is considerably cheaper than electric rates.
    • When buying a gas range, a carbon monoxide detector should be installed as a safety precaution.
      By: Ray Kasprzak
      When buying a gas range, a carbon monoxide detector should be installed as a safety precaution.
    • Gas stoves are more energy efficient than electric stoves.
      By: Wollwerth Imagery
      Gas stoves are more energy efficient than electric stoves.
    • Advantages of gas stoves include the ability to rapidly control temperatures, but the stoves can pose fire risks because of their open flames.
      By: corepics
      Advantages of gas stoves include the ability to rapidly control temperatures, but the stoves can pose fire risks because of their open flames.
    • Electric ranges do not allow as much heat to escape as gas stoves.
      By: jokerpro
      Electric ranges do not allow as much heat to escape as gas stoves.
    • Gas stoves offer better heat control than electric stoves and in some instances are easier to clean.
      By: creativenature.nl
      Gas stoves offer better heat control than electric stoves and in some instances are easier to clean.
    • Most electric stoves feature heating coils as the cooking surface.
      By: ArenaCreative
      Most electric stoves feature heating coils as the cooking surface.