Gas vs. Electric Stoves: Which One is Right For You?
Posted on: 2019-04-15
If you’re looking to upgrade your stove, there are two main choices: electric or gas. Electric stoves run off your home’s electricity, while gas stoves require a supply of propane or natural gas. The cost is actually quite similar when you compare similar models, but there are a number of differences that can affect your choice. It may seem silly, but you’ll actually want to consider what type of stove you want in the early stages of your kitchen renovation. This is because you might need to get a natural gas or propane hookup plumbed in if you’re going the gas stove route. Join Parabola Developments as we discuss a few of the pros and cons of each stove type.
Electric Stoves
When you turn on an electric stove, electricity runs to a wire inside the coils on the cooktop. In smooth top stoves, these coils sit right underneath the cooking surface. The more you turn the dial, the more electricity flows to the burner and the hotter it gets.
Pros
- Easy to clean. Smooth top stoves can be easily wiped down after use.
- Versatile. Electric stoves come in all shapes and sizes and can be installed virtually anywhere there is an electrical outlet.
- Low installation costs. No need to worry about the costs associated with plumbing in, and hooking up a gas stove.
- Extra storage space. Electric stoves often come with additional storage space under the oven, making them ideal for smaller kitchens.
Cons
- Lower efficiency. The electricity used in powering an electric stove is almost always more expensive than natural gas. If you use your stove often, you might be paying more in the long run in terms of energy costs.
- Less reliable and not as durable. A power outage will render your stove useless, and a glass top is much less durable than its cast iron gas counterpart.
- Slower to heat. The lack of open, even heat makes electric stoves slower than gas stoves when it comes to cooking food.
Gas Stoves
When you use a gas stove, natural gas or propane is carried to the burner, where it is combined with air. The gas/air mixture is released through little holes in the burner, and is lit by the ignition system. As you turn the dial, you control how much gas reaches the burner. The higher you turn it, the more gas is released and the bigger the flame gets.
There are two types of ignition systems on gas stoves: a pilot light, or an electronic ignition system. A pilot light system means that a small flame is always burning near the burner. Electronic systems create a spark when you turn the burner on (you’ll hear a clicking noise). Because pilot lights are constantly on, they use more gas than stoves with an electronic ignition system.
Pros
- Faster, more even cooking. The flames from a gas stove spread themselves evenly across the bottom and sides of a pot or pan, cooking food quicker and more evenly.
- More cooking options. With a gas stove, you can char and toast food as well.
- Lower operating costs. If you already have the proper hookups for a gas stove, you’ll save money long term as the amount of natural gas you’ll use will almost always cost less than the equivalent amount of electricity.
Cons
- Open flames. Gas stoves can be more dangerous and more likely to cause fires due to their open flames. Leaks or other issues with the gas component can have toxic and costly effects.
- Costly hookups. Having the proper hookups put in place can be a costly renovation and can affect more areas of your kitchen than just the stove.
Parabola Developments is your Edmonton kitchen renovation specialists. Give us a call today to schedule your free onsite consultation.
Photo by Mike Marquez on Unsplash
