Should I Get a Gas or Electric Stove?

Should I Get a Gas or Electric Stove?


Many people debate which is better: gas or electric stoves. The truth is that there is no right answer; there are pros and cons to both. In the end, it's all about your needs, so we've broken down the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision.

Electric Cooktops

Pros
Cheaper to purchase
Electric cooktops are cheaper to purchase, but they can be more expensive to operate. Gas cooktops tend to cost more upfront, but they're generally less expensive to operate in the long run.

Easy to clean
Electric stoves are easier to clean than gas stoves because there is no open flame or heating element to scrub away stains and spills. This convenience makes them more popular with busy families, especially those with small children.

Cons
Remains hot long after cooking
Electric cooktops remain hot long after cooking is done, which means that if you forget about the pot of water or food on the stovetop, it could boil over or burn.

Slower control
Electric cooktops have slower control compared to gas stoves. The heat elements on electric stoves can take up to five minutes to reach their set temperatures, while gas stovetops only take a few seconds.

Uneven cooking
Electric cooktops provide uneven cooking. The heating element is located in a single spot, so the food in that area is cooked more quickly than it would be on a gas stovetop. As a result, you have to monitor the food closely to make sure it doesn't burn or dry out.

Spills & stains can be baked on
Gas stoves are easier to clean than electric ones because spills and food stains tend to burn off on the surface of an electric cooktop. This cuts down on cleanup time.

Energy efficiency
Electric stoves use a lot of electricity to function, which means they're expensive to operate. This can be especially significant for those who pay for their power. In addition, electric stoves require a constant supply of electricity, which means that if you lose power, your food will go cold quickly.

Gas Cooktops

Pros
Easy to control
On a gas stove, turning down the heat is as simple as adjusting a knob. On an electric stovetop, you have to wait for the coils to cool down before you can adjust the settings, which could take several minutes.

No loss of power
When you lose power, an electric stove is of no use to you. A gas stove will still work even without power because it runs on natural gas.

High efficiency
Electric stoves may be more convenient, but they're not as energy efficient as gas. A typical gas stove uses about 50% less energy than an electric stove. So, if you're trying to cut down on your carbon footprint and save money on heating costs, then you should consider switching from electric to gas.

Cools quickly
Gas stoves cool off much quicker than electric stoves. This is very important in busy kitchens where there is no time for long cool down periods.

Cons
Expensive purchase cost
Gas stoves are more expensive to purchase compared to electric stoves. This is because there is a lot of work that goes into designing, building and installing gas stoves.

Difficult to clean
If you cook on a gas stove, you need to clean it regularly. The top of your stove will get dirty with grease and food residue over time, so you'll need to wipe it down with a rag or sponge every few weeks. You should also wipe down the burners after every use because they can get gunky over time.

Fire risk
Gas stoves can be a fire hazard, especially if they are not installed correctly or maintained properly. Gas stoves must be installed at least 18 inches away from combustible material (such as curtains, furniture, walls and ceilings) to ensure that there is enough airflow to help prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide gas in the kitchen.

Conclusion
The choice that you make will ultimately be up to you and your preferences as a cook. Whichever type of stove you choose to pursue, it's important to think about every aspect of them so that you can decide which one will work best for your style, preferences, and routine. In other words, consider all the pros and cons of each type before settling on a single choice. Finally, remember that if you choose to go with gas, then you should rely on a qualified gas fitter for your gas stove installation.