If you’re a homeowner, you generally have two choices when it comes to what you want to cook on – gas vs electric stove. Most of the time, the kind of stove that you choose is going to come down to what you learned to use when you were younger. However, after doing some research, you might notice your allegiance start to turn and you may go for the option that you’re not as used to.
For example, a home cook may go with a gas stove if they’re concerned about accuracy and versatility. However, a new parent might go with the electric stove because it’s generally safer. It’s also generally easier to clean an electric stove.
Ultimately, one’s budget also tends to be a major factor when it comes to picking a new stove.
If you find that your current stove just isn’t doing it, it’s probably time to get a new one. But which one is the right pick for you? Continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know!
You Need a Gas Line for a Gas Stove
While butane and propane gas can be used to power a stove, the majority of gas stoves use natural gas. And this means that you’ll need a gas line to your house.
Depending on where you live, this factor might be a deal-breaker in and of itself. In the majority of suburbs and cities, the infrastructure gives you the option to choose between an electric and a gas stove. However, if you live in more rural areas, you might not have access to a gas line.
However, you’ll likely have electricity no matter where you are. And as long as your home gets electrical power, you can have an electric stove. You simply need to plug it in.
Electric Stoves Tend to Be More Expensive
Whenever you buy an appliance for your house, you have to think about the upfront costs as well as the more long-term costs. With an electric stove, it’s likely going to cost more to purchase. Although the price differences between electric and gas stoves are narrowing.
However, operating costs do tend to differ more significantly. In most places, natural gas is going to cost you less than electricity. And it’s usually significantly cheaper.
Electric Ranges Are More Energy-Efficient
Although it might cost you less to buy and operate a gas range, you’re going to end up using more energy with gas. Most of the energy that’s produced from an electric stove is transferred to the food. The same can’t be said for a gas stove.
Gas Ranges Are More Precise Than Electric Ones
Perhaps the biggest difference between electric and gas ranges has to do with how they respond when you change the temperature settings. Gas ranges will respond pretty much instantly and you can even watch the flame move as you adjust it. Because you can change the size of the flame, you’ll have greater control over how you cook your food.
An electric stove won’t respond as quickly. This is especially true when you’re trying to lower the temperature or turn the heat off completely.
Also, there are some things that an electric stove simply can’t do. This includes flambéing, toasting, and charring.
If you’re someone who is really looking to work on their cooking skills, then a high-quality gas range might be just what you need. Just make sure to check out gas range reviews before you go ahead and buy one.
Safety
Electric stoves are generally considered to be safer than gas ones. Even though gas stoves have metal grates, the burners still use an open flame. And whenever you’re working with an open flame, there’s always the possibility that something flammable can get too close and catch on fire.
While electric stoves aren’t totally free of danger, it’s much less likely that you’ll accidentally set your paper towels on fire with one.
Also, if your stove isn’t properly connected to a gas line, or you end up only releasing gas but not igniting the burner, you can end up with a dangerous gas leak. If you have a gas stove, it’s very important for you to also have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
However, because an electric stove doesn’t have open flames, it might be easier to accidentally set an item – or even your hand – on the burner while it’s hot.
No matter what kind of stove you use, always make sure that it’s completely off when you’re not using it.
Cleaning
Cleaning stoves with electric coils is just as easy as cleaning a gas stove that has grates and burners. However, newer electric stoves now come with ceramic or smooth glass cooktops.
When these tops are cooled, you simply have to wipe them down with a damp towel and soap. This makes them much easier to clean than gas stoves.
The Importance of Knowing the Difference Between Gas vs Electric Stoves
As we can see, when it comes to gas vs electric stoves, there are several key differences worth knowing about. When you factor in cost, safety, and versatility, you should come away with a pretty good idea of which kind of stove is best going to suit your needs. And you can then make smarter and more confident purchasing decisions.
Are you looking for other helpful lifestyle articles like this one? If so, then make sure to check out the rest of our blog today for more!
