When choosing what type of stove you want to install in your kitchen, one question should be asked before all else: Gas or electric? Each has its own pros and cons and suits different styles and cooking methods. So choosing your ideal stove may not be as simple as picking out your favourite colour.
In this post, we will look at the characteristics of both kinds of ranges, as well as the differences between gas and electric stoves. So that you will be well-equipped to decide which is better for you.
Gas Stove Characteristics
A gas stove has a number of characteristics that set it apart from its electric counterpart. Before discussing the particulars, it is important to note that gas stoves are generally more expensive than electric ones. However, they are often cheaper to use long term, as gas is often cheaper than electricity. At the same time, gas stoves waste more energy than electric stoves when heating up your food. So if you are looking for a cost-effective stove, eclectic may be the choice. If you want cost savings, gas is the clearer option.
Beyond the subject of cost, there are a number of pros and cons to consider:
Pros of a Gas Stove
- Heats up quickly
- Cools down much faster than eclectic
- Can be used during a power outage
- May be less expensive to use
Cons of Gas Stoves
- Harder to clean than eclectic
- Harder to control low heats
- Risk of gas leaks and explosions
Electric Stove Characteristics
Electric stoves, which include induction stoves, are also a great option for any cook. While they may take a little longer to heat up, and it is not quite as easy to adjust temperatures, they have their own range of pros.
Eclectic stoves are also cheaper to purchase than their gas counterparts and do not require setting up a gas line. They can simply be plugged into the socket and will do the job. This also means that you will not require a space for the gas canister.
Here are some more pros and cons to consider:
Pros of an electric stove
- Easier to clean
- Easier to control low heat
- May have more cooking options
- Safer than a gas stove, without the risk of a gas leak
Cons of an electric stove
- Takes longer to heat up
- Cannot be used during a power outage
- Can be more expensive to use
- Not as durable as gas stoves
Choosing Between Electric vs Gas Stove
Now that we know what the differences are between a gas stove vs electric stove, we can consider which is best for your home. After all, a stove is an investment that should last a number of years, and will likely be used very often in that time, so the choice should be made carefully.
You may consider buying a range cooker, as this appliance has both an oven and a stovetop in one, making it more efficient if you require both.
Professional chefs and avid cooks generally prefer to use a gas cooker, as this allows for greater control of temperature. In addition to this, gas stoves are cheaper to run, as there is no wastage while waiting for the top to heat up. Therefore, if you cook regularly, a gas stove may be the right choice for you.
However, if your kitchen isn’t wired for a gas stove, this option will be substantially more expensive than installing an electric stove. Electric stoves are also often preferred for not requiring the cook to deal with an open flame, which may be considered intimidating. In addition to this, electric stoves can be cheaper to purchase, and low heat can be controlled more. So if you like slow-cooked dishes, an electric stove is a great option.
