Happy Home Insider
We’ve all seen those home hunting shows when the couple sits down with their list of must-haves. More often than not, you’ll see “gas stove” popping up on that list, somewhere after wood floors and walk-in closets and right above a backyard pool.
But it begs the question—is gas really better? Is that the only thing standing in between you and the perfect sous vide? Or is electric actually the way to go?
Before we get too “heated” on the matter, let’s make a simple pros and cons list to get to the bottom of it all.
Electric Ranges
The Pros:
Unlike gas ovens that need to connect to a gas line, you can simply plug in your electric oven and let the cooking begin. They’re generally easier to clean too, considering most models now come with a flat glass or ceramic surface. (Gone are the days of exposed coil burners and rusty drip pans.) This also leads to a more sleek and modern look if that’s what you prefer.
Electric stoves are safer as well, when compared to the open flame of its gas counterpart. This reduces the risk of you—or anyone else—coming into contact with the heat and getting burned.
And if speed is a factor, electric ranges typically get the win here. Most of the heat from electric goes directly to the pan, while gas heat can disperse into the air. So generally, food will cook faster and water will boil quicker on electric—and this is especially true with induction range options.
The Cons:
As the name might imply, electric ranges will use more electricity. The heat comes from coils beneath the stovetop, which start warming when you turn on the stove. This takes about three times as much energy to get the heat going over gas.
Furthermore—and this is often the deal breaker for the chef crowd—the level of heat is not as precise. The electric coils simply don’t adapt as quickly when turning the heat up and down. And because the coils hold heat longer, if you keep the pot on the stovetop after turning the range off, your food could still keep cooking and burn.
Also, cookware is prone to slight warping over time, especially on the bottom. When this happens, it won’t heat evenly on an electric range, while the open flames of a gas range will always provide even cooking temperatures.
Gas Ranges
The Pros:
First off, gas stoves are not as expensive as you might think. While electric models start at $650, you can find gas stoves starting at $800. You may even get rebates from your electric company for making the switch.
And it gets even better, because one huge pro of gas ranges is that they’ll save you money in the long run. They typically cost about 10 to 30 percent less to operate, making it the cheaper (and greener) option. Oh, and if you happen to lose power, a gas stove will continue to work, provided it runs on a pilot and not an electric ignition switch.
Of course, you can’t mention the pros of gas without talking about the food itself. A huge perk of gas ranges is the temperature control, leading to a superior cooking experience. Plus, there are some things an electric stove just cannot do without the flame, including charring, toasting, and flambéing food. And once the stove is off, it’s off, meaning you can keep the pot or pan on top without worry.
The Cons:
Naturally, a gas stove requires a gas line, and you may not have access depending on where you live. This makes a setup a little more complicated, and possibly more expensive.
If safety is a big factor in your decision, this will also be something to consider. The open flames of the gas may lead to more burn risk. Additionally, as with any gas appliance, the possibility of gas leaks is always there. This can be minimized with a carbon monoxide detector, so be sure to install one should you go this route.
Also, gas ranges tend to make the air very warm—so if you can’t handle the heat, keep the gas stove out of the kitchen. Or, just make sure you have proper ventilation, as this will also help with the odor that gas stoves tend to give off.
The Verdict:
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Both gas and electric ranges have clear pros and cons, and it all comes down to your specific needs. If you’re an avid foodie, then you’ll probably want to go for the cooking perks of gas. However, if safety is a big concern, you may want to opt for the gas and flame-free choice of electric.
The good news is that you can’t really go wrong with either choice, especially with the wide range of oven options on the market today. And with that, all that’s left to say is bon appétit!
