Electric Vs Gas Ovens: Pros & Cons

As long as you have a gas supply to your home, you have the option of putting in either an electric or gas range. At last count, electric models were slightly more popular, accounting for about 60 percent of all stoves sold. But there is more to the story than sales receipts. Let us take a moment to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both options.

Gas Ovens

If you watch a lot of cooking shows, you probably know that professional chefs rarely, if ever, use electric stoves. Here’s why.

Pros

– Uniform heating ensures proper cooking

– Visual flames make monitoring cooking temperatures much easier

– Compatible with all types of cookware

– Flames still work when the power goes off

– Lower operating costs (in most cases)

– Greater heating capacity

With all that said, there are several reasons most home cooks own electric stoves.

Cons

– Tend to be more expensive, especially the higher end models

– Could be more dangerous-open flames, leaks, etc.

– You need a natural gas line in your kitchen

Electric Ovens

Easy to operate and a cinch to install, these models are commonly found in apartments, condos, and older homes. Cookware is placed directly on the elements, which are coil-shaped devices that produce heat without a visible flame. Here are a few reasons why some people prefer them to gas ovens.

Pros

– Considered safer because they do not produce an open flame

– Tend to be less expensive

– Much easier to install

– Contain more standard features, on average

– Superior heat distribution in the oven

– Absolutely no risk of a leak

As we mentioned, there are several reasons professional cooks are not big fans of electric stoves. Here’s why.

Cons

– Much slower to heat up and cool down

– Heating elements can be difficult to clean

– Coil cooktops may distribute heat unevenly

– Often more expensive to operate

– Fewer color and style options

– Can produce heat long after turned off, making them a potential hazard for small children

The Verdict?

As we have seen, both ovens have their fair share of pros and cons. As such, it is impossible to say with any degree of certainty which is superior; however, there are at least two factors you should consider before buying.

Cooking Preferences

If you are a serious home chef, chances are gas models are your best bet. Not only will they save you time and energy on operation and cleanup, these ranges also provide better, more even cooking on the stovetop. We should note, however, that some users believe that electric versions are slightly superior when it comes to baking. That notwithstanding, it is clear that professionals eschew electric ovens because of their numerous shortcomings.

Budget

While it is true that coil-top ranges are slightly less expensive, they typically cost more to operate. In other words, if you are planning on cooking a lot, you’re probably better off browsing for gas ovens. As long as you can get the stove installed for a reasonable price, you should save money in the long run.

For these reasons and many others, gas ovens have grown increasingly popular of late.

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