Pros and Cons of Using Gas Stoves versus Electric Stoves

24 October 2016

It is the stove that is the most important part of a kitchen, not only does it provide a means to cook everyday food and full-course delicious dishes on special occasions, but it also defines the space aesthetically. However, with so many different types and models of stoves available in the market, it can become difficult to choose the right one that meets your needs.

Apart from the old wood burning stoves, today’s traditional choices include gas stoves and electric stoves. Which raises the question, which one should you invest in? To help guide you in your decision, here are the pros and cons of gas stoves versus electric stoves.

Operating Cost Comparison

Electric stoves are typically cheaper than gas stoves, but costlier to use. After the initial purchase price, continuously operating electric stoves gets expensive, compared to gas stoves that costs 20-30% less to use, which is a major deciding factor for commercial kitchens that need to use stoves all day long.

So, if a higher long-term cost is an absolute deal breaker for you, then it is best to choose gas over electric.

Safety

It should be evident that an open flame can be dangerous, especially in home kitchens where children and pets roam, but accidents can be avoided with proper use of gas ovens. Electric stoves may seem much safer in that an electric plate is used to heat cooking pots and pans. Although, electric stoves do have more cases of accidents than gas stoves because heat pads and electric coils remain hot for many minutes after they are used. And, people accidentally touch these and get burned.

Ease of cleaning

With a flat heat pad surface and the absence of heating coils, electric ovens are easier to clean, as all that is needed is to take a damp cloth and wipe the surface clean. Gas stoves are typically more durable than electric stoves, but can be difficult to clean because any grill plate, wok stand, and metal stands need to be removed and cleaned separately.

Performance

When comparing the pros and cons of gas stoves versus electric stoves, performance should be the most crucial factor. How quickly can the stove heat utensils? Is heat generate consistently, and does it cook well? Questions like these will help you decide what is best for you.

Gas stoves do provide instant heat, more consistently, and respond quickly to heat changes, while electric hot plates and coils take time to heat and cool down. However, once theses are hot, heat distribution is better with electric stoves, which makes them a better choice for roasting or baking. Gas stoves are better at toasting, charring and flambéing, which is why chefs prefer gas stoves and free standing ovens to cook.

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