Gas vs Electric Stove – How to Choose Your Stove?

Having the right appliances in the kitchen can make cooking a breeze. Every kitchen needs a proper stove on which the family’s meals can be prepared. Whether you are upgrading or setting up your kitchen for the first time, it is important to buy the right kind of stove for your home.

You have the option of purchasing a stove with multiple burners or a single-burner stove. This depends on how much you plan to cook on it and for how many people. There are different types of gas and electric stoves that you can choose from. But before you start shopping, there are a few things that you need to consider.

1. Space: Measure the space where you want to set up your stove. This will help you pick the right-sized stove that fits perfectly in your kitchen.

2. Cooking requirement: Electric ranges are ideal for slow cooking and baking, while gas stoves have a higher flame. So choose a stove that supports your cooking style.

3. Price: The prices of gas stoves and electric stoves depend on a variety of factors, including size, number of burners and other features. It is a good idea to zero in on a budget before you start shopping.

4. Durability: It is a good idea to consider a stove as an investment, as you will use it for many years. Choose a good-quality appliance that will last you a long time.

5. Energy efficiency: You should also calculate how much energy the stove will need to reduce your bills. Compare the cost of gas vs. electricity to make an informed decision while buying your stove.

6. Maintenance: Buying low-maintenance kitchen appliances is a great idea as it helps reduce chores. Choose glass or ceramic stove tops as they can be easily cleaned.

7. The number of burners: You should decide how many burners you need on your stove before setting out to shop. You should decide how many burners you need on your stove before setting out to shop. Usually, a 2- or 4-burner stove is ideal for a small family.

Which is better: a gas stove or an electric stove?

After understanding your requirements and settling on a budget, you can start shopping for a stove of your choice to grace your modular kitchen design. There are now many different models of gas and electric stoves on the market. To buy the right one, you need to understand the features and weigh the pros and cons of gas and electric stoves.

Gas Stoves

Many people prefer gas stoves to electric stoves as they are easier to operate and cook on. You can find different models of gas stoves with features like a ceramic stovetop, an oven and different-sized burners. Features that you can see in a typical gas stove are:

• Aluminium burners are enclosed within metal grates

• Knobs for igniting and controlling the flames

You can use different types of cooking utensils on a gas stove. Cooking in large pots and pans is also easy as the flame can be adjusted for even heat distribution. You also use your gas stove to cook tortillas and chillies over a flame. You can also buy a gas range that features a stovetop for cooking and an oven for baking. But be forewarned that your cakes and cookies will not come out tasting the best. This is because the oven temperature in a gas range is not ideal for baking.

Pros

• Visible flames help you control the heat better to avoid burning the dish.

• The direct flames help to maintain a high temperature, which is needed for some dishes.

• The stove can be used for cooking even during an electric outage.

• The open flames on the stove can be used for grilling and roasting peppers, tortillas, and chillies.

• You can use different types of cooking utensils on the stove without any problem. Cast iron pans, non-stick utensils, and large pots can all be used for whipping up different dishes.

Cons

• These stoves are a risk to children as they emit open flames.

• The burners and grates retain heat and can cause burns even after the stove is off.

• Gas stoves need to be attached to a dedicated and secure gas line. The stoves cannot be used if the gas supply is stopped.

• It is difficult to clean the metal grates and burners on the stove.

• Gas ovens do not give the same results as electric ovens because of their poor heating.

• There is always a risk of gas leakage due to faulty connections or improper ignition.

Electric Stoves

Electric stoves are now replacing traditional gas stoves in many homes. This is because these stoves are considered to be safer and easier to use than gas stoves. Some electric stove features that contribute to its rising popularity are:

• These stoves offer a flameless cooking experience to the user.

• They are easy to clean as the stovetop is a flat surface.

• These stoves operate on electricity and do not need a gas connection.

Using an electric stove is simple, as you just need to plug it into an electrical outlet in your wardrobe design kitchen countertop to start using it. The heating system in an electric stove is also different as it does not give off visible flames. The newer models feature different types of heating elements that are intended to reduce energy consumption. You need to use thick-bottomed, flat utensils for cooking as the heating surface is flat on electric stoves. The ovens in the electric ranges have better temperature control, which is essential for baking. You can make perfect cakes and cookies in the oven.

Pros

• There are no visible flames, which helps to reduce accidental burns.

• The controlled heat on the stove is ideal for slow cooking and simmering.

• The stovetop is simple to clean because it is a flat surface with no burners or grates.

• There is no risk of gas leakage as these stoves work with electricity.

Cons

• The stove cannot be used for cooking during a power outage.

• The low heat emitted by the stove increases the cooking time and drives up the power bill.

• The controlled heating makes it unsuitable for cooking recipes that need a high temperature.

• Utensils with a flat, thick base can only be used on the electric stove. Cast iron utensils and big pots are not recommended as they can damage the stovetop.

Conclusion

Gas stoves have been in use for a long time and are preferred for quick cooking. But people are now preferring electric stoves as they want to reduce their dependence on cooking gas.

A few tips that you should keep in mind when you are shopping for your stove are:

• Choose a model that is ideal for your cooking needs.

• Do not get tempted to go over your budget and buy an expensive stove with fancy features.

• Buy stoves that have smooth stovetops or are made of ceramic so that you don’t need to strain yourself to keep the stove clean.

• Understand your cooking needs and buy a stove that has the exact number of burners you want.

• Consider buying a stove as an investment for your home. Do not buy a cheap, poor-quality stove, as it will pose a risk to your family.

As a buyer, you should compare the features, pros, and cons of both stoves to make an informed decision. Visit the HomeLane website for more information about gas and electric stoves to make a better choice.

FAQs

1. Which is the best electric stove to buy?

The GE JB735 is one of the best electric stoves on the market. This freestanding electric stove has a large 5.3-cubic-foot oven with convection and air-fry modes. This oven also features two self-cleaning modes: high heat and steam and wipe. This stove is priced at around $798 and is considered to be the best in its range.

2. Are electric stoves better than gas ones?

Yes. Electric stoves are better than gas stoves because

• There is no risk of injury due to open flames or gas leakage.

• Easy installation, as you just need to plug it into a power outlet to start using the stove.

• A controlled temperature allows simmering without burning the food.

• Baking gives good results as long as the oven temperature is well maintained.

3. Do electric stoves burn a lot of electricity?

No. You will notice a spike in your electricity bill when you are cooking more and a reduction when the stove usage is less. If you want to reduce your energy consumption, then you should invest in a good-quality electric stove. There are many energy-efficient electric models available on the market. You can check the energy rating of the stove before buying it. This will ensure that your electricity consumption remains in a lower range.

4. What are the cons of electric stoves?

Some disadvantages that electric stove users report are

• Low cooking temperatures on the stove result in longer cooking times, which increase electricity consumption.

• The stove cannot be used for cooking if there is a power outage.

• Only flat, heavy-bottomed utensils are recommended to be used for cooking.