Cooking with gas? You may have considered switching from gas-powered cooking appliances to electric. Especially if you’re building a new home or renovating your kitchen, choosing between a gas or electric oven and stove is an important decision. So should you stick with the more traditional gas option, or opt for electric powered cooking?
Households SavingsSwitching to electric offers the advantage of saving you money on the appliance purchase. Generally speaking, electric stoves are cheaper than gas and simpler to install. This is especially true if your property doesn’t have an existing gas line and you need to consider having one installed.
However, over the long run gas-powered cooking is cheaper. Electricity costs are higher than gas, so electric appliances do cost more to operate. However, it’s worth considering that the costs of energy types can vary with a lot of different factors, so this may not always be the case.
Efficiency And ConvenienceElectric appliances are known for their even heat. If you’re a keen baker, an electric oven is preferable, with heating elements at the top and bottom providing a dry heat that is perfect for baking and roasting. Gas ovens distribute heat less accurately and are generally more humid. A fan-assisted electric oven circulates airflow and can significantly speed up cooking time as well.
For stovetop, cooking with gas offers you more control in the kitchen. On the stove, you can quickly and easily change the temperature, whereas electric appliances are slower to respond. When you switch off the flame, the heat is instantly gone, unlike an electric surface which remains hot for a long time and can be a hazard for young children.
For cleanliness, electric stoves can be wiped down and cleaned in a moment. Gas stoves are much trickier to keep clean and pick up more cooking mess.
Environmental BenefitsSwitching to electric can have environmental benefits if your energy supplier uses renewables, or if you’re using household solar to power your appliances. Gas is a fossil fuel and will never be an environmentally friendly choice. If you’re using electricity generated through non-renewables, then your greenhouse gas emissions won’t be greatly affected by switching to gas.
However, it is worth considering that while you may not be using predominantly renewable energy for your electricity now, that could change in the future as more energy suppliers turn towards sustainable options for energy production.
Choosing BothIf you’re confused about which energy type is best for your cooking appliances, don’t worry – it is possible to choose both. Many major appliance brands offer hybrid models, which can be a great option if you’re hoping to harness the advantages of both gas and electricity for optimal cost efficiency, cooking control, and environmental benefits.
For example, you may choose to have an electric oven for greater cooking control, and a stove top that combines both gas powered and electric zones. This way, you have the greatest amount of choice when cooking, and can even use the gas stove in the event of a power outage or if your electricity bills are looking particularly high.