Gas Stove vs Electric Stove: Which Cook Better, Saves Energy & Safer?
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This is a side-by-side comparison between gas stoves vs electric stoves.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cooking accounts for about 5% of total home energy use in every household.
And as a conscious consumer, you might be thinking:
Does a gas or electric stove save more energy?
So one of the main issues we will discuss today is which stove helps reduce energy consumption at home.
We will also share which stove cooks food better so you (and your family) can enjoy delicious meals, which is more budget-friendly, which stove is safer to use, and more.
Let’s dive right in.
Gas Stove vs Electric Stove Main Differences
| Gas Stove | Electric Stove | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Requires a gas line | Just plug in power outlet |
| Temperature Control | Quick and precise | Inferior temperature control |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | Can be time consuming | Quick and easy |
| Stove Cost | Comparable | Comparable |
| Monthly Cost | Gas is cheaper than electricity but also depends on where you live | More expensive than gas but depends on where you live |
| Cooking Performance | Great for food requiring delicate temperature control | Great for boiling and simmering |
| Energy Efficiency | 40% energy efficiency | Up to 74% energy efficiency |
| Health Risks | Emits toxic fumes and gases | Better for indoor air quality |
| Fire Hazard | Yes | Moderate |
| Overall Environmental Impacts | Comparable | Comparable |
Gas Stove vs Electric Stove: Ease of Use
Stove Installation
Most gas stoves run on natural gas so before buying one, make sure that the area you live in has access to a natural gas line.
Meanwhile, electric stoves only require to be plugged into an electrical outlet (most electric stoves require a 240-volt power outlet), making them easy to install in most kitchens.
Although, some gas stoves can also be powered using butane, LPG, and propane.
Maintenance and Cleaning
In general, electric stoves are easier to clean and maintain after cooking, especially the newer models of smooth glass or ceramic cooktops.
Just let them cool, get your damp rag, water, and soap, and you’ll be done in a few minutes.
Temperature Control
One of the main differences between gas and electric stoves is the overall control you get on temperature setting changes.
Gas stoves, in general, offer a quick and precise flame and temperature control which is crucial in certain dishes.
Electric stoves are inferior to gas stoves, particularly when adjusting the temperature or turning the heat off.
Furthermore, gas stoves will let you be able to do toasting, charring, flambéing, and other advanced cooking techniques, making them more suitable for chefs and passionate home cooks.
Gas Stove vs Electric Stove: Costs
Cost is one of the main deciding factors one has to consider when shopping for a new stove.
So, how much does a gas stove cost? How about an electric stove?
Below are the upfront purchase cost and the long-term operating cost of a gas stove vs an electric stove.
Initial Investment
There’s not a huge price margin between gas and electric cooking appliances, granted you’re comparing units with the same size, wattage, and functionality.
However, extra features and styles will significantly affect any cooking appliance price.
The brand of the stove you choose will also impact its cost.
Today, you can find tons of quality gas and electric stoves below $1,000, the same way you can find them available at $5,000 and up.
Gas Stove vs Electric Stove Operating Cost
Since there is not much price difference between brand new gas and electric stove, let’s find out which is cheaper to use in the long run.
According to HowStuffWorks, a gas stove will cost you less than half as much to operate compared to an electric stove.
Why? It requires thrice as much energy to deliver electricity to your stove than gas, so choosing to buy a gas stove could save you money in the long run.
That being said, this could easily change because utility rates change from time to time and depending on the area you live in.
Not to mention your final monthly cost when using a gas or electric stove will also depend on how much time you spend cooking.
However, natural gas costs less than electricity (in general).
Gas Stove vs Electric Stove: Energy Efficiency
While using a gas stove can help you save money, it turns out that using an electric stove can save more energy!
A study by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) concluded that up to 74% of the energy consumed during cooking using electricity is transferred to the food – only 40% when cooking with gas.
That’s a 34% energy efficiency difference.
Which Cooks Better Between Gas Stove vs Electric Stove?
One of the primary concerns among consumers is whether a gas stove or electric stove is better for cooking?
The truth is, it really depends on what you are cooking.
For instance, which boils water faster?
According to Consumer Reports, electric stoves boil water faster than gas stoves. They also come on top of gas stoves when it comes to maintaining a low, steady simmer.
However, according to Designer Appliances, a gas cooktop is better for preparing something with a very short cooking time, like an omelet.
This is because gas stoves heat up more quickly than electric stoves.
Most chefs also love using gas stoves because they are very responsive to temperature control.
As soon as you switch to a lower setting, the heat level of gas stoves instantly reduces, which is crucial to prevent scorching or when preparing sauces.
Health Risks of Gas Stove vs Electric Stove
Are gas stoves safer to use than electric stoves?
In general, it’s the other way around.
According to the California Air Resource Board, natural gas stoves can release carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other harmful pollutants into the air; electric stoves are much better for indoor air quality.
Hence, using a gas stove can be an issue for people who have asthma and respiratory illnesses.
To be on the safe side, make sure to check with the manufacturer and authorities regarding the safety of your chosen gas stove.
You should also install proper ventilation in your kitchen to let air pollutants out when cooking and get a quality carbon monoxide detector.
Another risk of using a gas stove is that kids might touch the burners that are still hot, whereas newer models of electric stoves have hot surface indicators that light up when they are still hot.
And finally, gas stoves use an adjustable open flame which endangers curtains, dish towels, and pot holders from catching fire.
Of course, electric stoves do not eliminate the risks of burns or fires, but we can agree that they are generally the safer choice between the two.
Would you agree?
But regardless of whether you decide to use a gas or electric stove, you should always be vigilant and think of safety when using these cooking appliances.
Gas Stove vs Electric Stove: Environmental Impacts
Natural gas stoves emit harmful gas that pollutes the air and can be toxic to humans and pets.
Worse, the gas line on your stove is connected to a production and supply system that leaks methane, a powerful greenhouse gas responsible for climate change.
So does this mean that electric stoves are better for the environment?
Well, not really. It depends on where your electricity is coming from.
If you live in an area where electricity is generated using clean and renewable sources, then using an electric stove is a more eco-friendly option than a gas stove.
But as of 2021, the source of the majority of global electricity still comes from fossil fuels and natural gas.
Crucial Factors to Consider between a Gas Stove vs Electric Stove
If, at this point, you’re still on the fence about whether you should get a gas stove or an electric one, here are some things that might help you decide.
Do you want to save energy?
If you want to save energy while cooking, an electric stove is the better option.
Regardless of how your electricity is generated, reducing your energy consumption, even in the simplest ways, can play a vital role in preserving our planet for the next generations.
But on a practical note, you should also consider the stability of your electricity.
Many areas recently (especially in less developed countries) are experiencing massive blackouts for days, making cooking a challenge if you have an electric stove.
Do you want to cut back on monthly bills?
In most cases, natural gas costs less than electricity.
So if cutting back on monthly expenses is a big deal for you, then a gas stove is the way to go.
Do you have access to a gas line?
Not having access to a natural gas line limits your options considerably when it comes to stoves – unless you’re willing (and able) to install a gas line yourself.
And if that’s the direction you’re going to take, you’ll need to weigh the cost of installing a gas line to use a gas stove in your kitchen.
Is precise heat control when cooking a must for you?
If you’re a chef or someone who likes to make meals that require attention to detail, then a gas stove is perfect for you.
As discussed above, a gas stove will give you precise control over your flame level and even allow you to toast, braise, and more.
Do you have kids or pets?
Electric stoves are generally safer to use in households with children and pets.
Unlike gas stoves that create an open flame, electric stoves are less of a fire hazard.
Newer models of electric stoves also have indicators that warn people when the stove is still hot, which is very helpful when you have children in the house.
Finally, when used, electric stoves don’t emit harmful and toxic gas in your kitchen.
Verdict
Both gas and electric stoves have pros and cons, and at the end of the day, the choice is yours which one to buy.
Between a gas and electric stove, you just have to find one that suits your needs.
For starters, gas stoves are more economical in the long run, but electric stoves are more energy efficient.
And while gas stoves will give you utter control of cooking temperature, electric stoves are better when it comes to boiling and simmering.
Using gas stoves might not also be advisable for people with respiratory illnesses or those with little children.
So we hope that this article on gas stove vs electric stove has given you enough information to make an informed and wise decision on which stove to buy.
And if you want to weigh in and share your thoughts on this matter, feel free to leave a comment below.
Gas vs. Electric Stove FAQs
Is gas or electric stove better for the environment?
If you live in area where electricity is generated by renewable sources, then an electric stove is more eco-friendly. Otherwise, both gas stoves and electric stoves both have comparable negative impacts on our environment.
Is a gas stove cheaper to run than electric?
Depending where you live. But in most cases, gas is cheaper than electricity so a gas stove can potentially help you cut back on expenses.
Do chefs prefer gas or electric stove?
It is understandable why many chefs favors using a gas stove because of the the versatility and accuracy it offers when it comes to temperature control.
What are the disadvantages of a gas stove?
Gas stoves emits toxic fumes and gases when used. They are also fire hazards as they create open flames and can be a hassle to clean and maintain. You also need to have access to a natural gas line if you want to use a gas stove in your kitchen. Finally, gas stoves are less energy efficient than electric stoves.
What are the disadvantages of an electric stove?
Using an electric stove can be more expensive than a gas stove. They are also not as excellent when it comes to temperature control compared to gas stoves.
