Gas Vs. Electric: How To Shop For A Cooking Range

Which cooking range is right for you? Kerrie Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab breaks it down the pro and cons of all the options available to consumers. Read the rest of her tips in her article Cook's Tips: How to Shop for a Cooking Range here. 

Electric stovetops provide a surface that's slightly easier to clean versus a gas range, especially smooth-tops. Electric stovetops typically have a lower price tag, too.

Pros:

·         Popular

·         Budget-friendly

·         Even heat distribution

·         Easy to clean

Cons:

·         Can take a while to reach full heat capacity

·         Moderate temperature control that might not be as precise

Induction stovetops are a step up from electric stovetops in both price and quality. Utilizing similar technology to a microwave, this stovetop is a great option for those with curious kids as there is never any touchable heat on the surface. A pot of water can be boiled within minutes, but specialized cookware will need to be purchased.

Pros:

·         Safe for families that have pets or kids

·         Reaches high temperatures quickly

·         Easy to clean

Cons:

·         Medium-high price tags

·         Specialized cookware needed

Gas stovetops are the top choice for both amateur and professional chefs. With a quick boiling temperature and varying degrees of heat, gas is versatile and easier on your energy bill.

Pros:

·         Heats quickly

·         Variable heat

Cons:

·         Harder to clean

·         Flames can be disrupted by air flow, open windows, etc.

If you love to bake, you may want to consider an electric oven. Electric ovens are praised for their precision with temperature and distribution of heat.

Pros:

·         Even and precise distribution of heat

Cons:

·         If the power goes out, you can't cook!

Like gas stovetops, gas ovens tend to preheat more rapidly than their electric counterparts. If you're the family member who prepares holiday dinners, however, you may want to take a look at electric ovens. Gas ovens tend to range in temperature and give off excess humidity, making them less efficient for roasting.

Pros:

·         Rapid preheating

·         Easy to install

·         Inexpensive to heat if gas line already exists

Cons:

·         Uneven heat that requires rotating

·         Unreliable temperature precision

During your search you may have come across "dual ranges." Dual ranges are dubbed 'the best' by industry professionals, combining the precision of electric ovens with rapid heating power of gas burners. This does come at a price, as you will need to make sure you have both gas and electrical hookups available.