When comparing the many different stove tops and ovens available, it can be difficult to narrow down your choices. The ultimate decision comes down to what you use your cooking appliances for. This article will go through the pros and cons of each as well as the many factors you should consider when purchasing a new kitchen range, such as its lifetime running costs, risks and energy efficiency.
Gas Pros
- Flames produced by a natural gas stove cooks food more quickly and evenly, because the flames spread themselves along the bottom and sides of the pan
- Gives you a constant flame that you can visually adjust
- When you turn the flame off, the food can stay on the range without overcooking as the elements cool quickly
- Gas ranges operate on either propane or natural gas, which aren’t very expensive and clean burning
Gas Cons
- Baking in the oven requires constant rotation and placement to be further away from the heating source because oven temperatures are hotter at the top of the gas oven
- Can’t keep a window open near a flame as it may cause the flame to diminish
- More difficult to clean – heavy cast-iron burner grates need to be moved in order to clean the stovetop
- If the burner’s moving parts are accidentally knocked out of place, you may have uneven flames next time you cook
Electric Pros
- A smooth-top electric stove is easier to clean than a gas stovetop. Coil-element styles are also quite easy to clean – lift the element and clean the stovetop without moving other parts
- Even surfaces (smooth-top electric ranges) means a more stable surface for pots and pans
- Electric coil-elements are also still more stable than grates on a stove
- No oil pooling on one side of the pan as a result of a slightly tilted element
- Easy ignition means you simply twist the knob and the element begins heating without having to ignite your burner
- Electric ovens heat up faster than a gas oven
- Electric ranges come with more optional features (conventional, fans, grillers), compared to gas ranges
- Electric ovens distribute heat more evenly compared to a gas oven, which makes them better for baking and roasting
Electric Cons
- Electric ranges obviously use electricity as a power source so if the power goes out, you can’t cook
- An electric cook top can shatter if you drop anything heavy on it
- You can also scratch the top with a cast-iron pot and ruin the shiny finish
Safest to Run
When comparing the safety of a gas stove to an electric stove, remember that both have inherent risks. Although this is unlikely, gas stoves can provide the risk of a gas leak. The open flame of a gas stovetop can also easily burn something or a young child. However, an open flame is more obvious to the naked eye than a hot electric stovetop, and therefore can be easier to avoid burns.
Least Expensive to Run
There are two major factors to consider when weighing up the cost of an electric or gas system. These are the upfront costs and how much money you will spend over the lifetime usage of an appliance. The initial purchase price alone won’t tell you how much you'll end up paying in the long run.
- The upfront costs of the system
Gas and electric stoves are generally on the same price range depending on the brand and model. According to Consumer Reports, electric stoves are usually between $650 and $2800 and gas stoves can cost between $800 and $2300. If you choose to buy a cheaper, lower-end electric range system, you may save money upfront, but your bills will start to add up from operating it.
Unlike electricity, gas is not always available, but it can be connected at a cost (depending on what is needed for your home). Depending on your area, you can find out more about your connection options for electricity or gas networks from your distributor. There is also a convenient list if you go to energymadeeasy.gov.au .
With electricity you also have the possibility to go off the grid by producing your own solar or wind energy. Setting up these options can be more expensive, but will save or even earn you more money in the long run if you feed back into the grid.
- The lifetime running costs
Gas prices are slowly rising alongside electricity, so the debate over gas being cheaper to run has become questionable. With the growth of ‘smart’ electric appliances, electricity is becoming cheaper to use.
Depending on your lifestyle and how much you run whatever system you are using, electricity and gas prices can vary. Nowadays, new appliances with ‘smart’ technology are becoming more popular because of their ability to use less energy. Generally, it’s cheaper to heat a room using reverse cycle air-conditioning than to use a gas or electric radiator. So, even though updating appliances like your fridge, freezer and washing machine may put a whole in the pocket now, you can save money in the long run.
Winner in Energy Efficiency
Most home appliances are rated on their energy efficiency by the government’s Energy Star program, except for gas and electricity ranges. However, you can still monitor and save money on these bills by using energy-saving tips and evidently, a gas range (with an electronic ignition). Your energy bills depend on how much time you spend cooking on your stove, but according to energy company MGE, you will pay nearly twice as much to run an electric range, as it takes about three times as much energy to produce electricity. According to some local councils, “heating water using gas is at least three times more efficient and produces as much as five times less carbon emissions that using electric means.”
However, as governments are investing more money into green energy sources like solar and wind, electricity is actually becoming greener to use than gas. The electricity market and power companies are gradually becoming better for the environment with their growing market of options for self-produced and renewable energy. So, while gas is said to be a cleaner energy source for many years, electricity may take over in becoming the more greener option.
