Posted on: 07. 31. 23
Cooking is an essential part of our everyday lives. When it comes to choosing between a gas or electric stove and oven, there are several factors to consider.
While we at Pro-Gas Services, LLC are a little biased when it comes to where we land on the gas vs. electric battle, we understand there are some pros and cons that need addressing.
After all, we mainly work with the natural gas facilities that produce the final product. So, providing an in-depth look at energy costs, safety, indoor air quality, and cooking performance can give the average consumer a little more clarity into why we love our industry!
Let’s dive in and get into the differences between cooking with natural gas and electricity.
Energy Costs
One of the biggest deciding factors between gas and electricity is energy costs over time. Natural gas tends to be cheaper than electricity for equivalent amounts of energy consumed. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average household typically pays more money for electricity over natural gas consumption.
Gas stoves and ovens are powered by burning natural gas, which provides direct heat energy to cook food. Electric stoves convert electricity to heat, which involves some energy loss in the process. This makes natural gas a slightly more efficient energy source for cooking.
However, energy prices can vary significantly by location. Regional costs for each fuel source and special rates from local utility providers play a role.
Safety Considerations
Safety is a priority for any home appliance, especially in the kitchen. Both natural gas and electric stoves carry risks if not used properly.
Gas stoves and ovens produce carbon monoxide, which is odorless and toxic. Faulty or damaged gas appliances can leak and endanger your home’s indoor air quality. Ensuring proper gas safety and ventilation with a range hood is critical when cooking with gas.
Electric stoves and ovens don’t produce carbon monoxide or combustion byproducts, but they carry electrical hazards. Faulty wiring can cause electric shocks or fire risks. Burns are also a potential danger with exposed electric coils on cooktops.
Overall, using either fuel source safely comes down to proper installation, maintenance, and ventilation. But many argue gas stoves present slightly higher safety risks if not addressed.
Indoor Air Quality
How natural gas and electric stoves impact indoor air quality is another comparison point.
Gas stoves naturally produce air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde when in use. Long-term exposure to these gases has been linked to increased risks of asthma, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.
While there’s no getting around it, there are ways like ventilation and air purification systems to help mitigate the risks of natural gas air pollutants in the home.
Electric stoves avoid direct emissions within the home, although they still produce some ultrafine particles from cooking.
Cooking Performance
Many home chefs have strong opinions on whether gas or electric offers better cooking performance. Much of it comes down to personal preference.
Gas stove tops provide instant, precise heat control. The open flame can reach a hotter maximum temperature for tasks like searing meat.
Electric cooktops take slightly longer to heat up but can allow for more even distribution of heat across pans. Newer induction cooktops also allow for precise temperature control.
For gas stove enthusiasts, the responsive open flame is hard to beat, and despite advancements in electric technology, perfecting the art of cooking over a flame is a great way to show off your cooking skills.
Cost of Upgrading Infrastructure
Converting a home from electric to gas or vice versa requires upgrading the existing infrastructure. This may influence which type of stove you can or want to install.
Adding natural gas to a home costs between $360 and $740 on average if the main utility line reaches the property, but costs can easily go above $1,000 for gas installation.
Swapping an electric stove for gas also means adjusting cooking techniques. Familiarizing yourself with the open flame can take time.
Meanwhile, upgrading from gas to electric requires no special infrastructure changes. But you’ll still have costs for permits, disposal of the old unit, and buying a new stove.
At Pro-Gas, We Believe the Right Choice Depends on Your Needs
When deciding between natural gas and electric stoves, the main choice is really up to you.
Natural gas offers lower energy costs in many regions and the responsive control of an open flame. But electric stoves can bring a cleaner cooking experience without combustion byproducts.
At Pro-Gas Services, LLC, we are always eager to share the latest news, tips, and tricks surrounding our industry. Whether you’re a facility looking for gas conditioning equipment or a consumer concerned about the state of the industry, our team always has your back.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.