Electric vs gas stove? This has got to be the perennial question (among kitchen enthusiasts) conceived following the invention of the electric stove in 1892, 72 years after the discovery of gas stove.  Avid gas stove users maintain their stance that the older stove is better; while electric stove fans believe that electricity-heated stoves should be the staple in a modern kitchen.

The debate on electric vs gas stove rages on (at least in the minds) of first time buyers of stoves or ranges, or those who want to buy a new stove.  Which one is better?  Better can mean several things, including which stove cooks faster, which is energy-efficient, which one costs less in retail, and which among the two is more versatile.

When shopping for a new stove, and you cannot decide on an electric vs gas stove, provided below are tips in choosing between electric vs gas stove.

Compare electric vs gas stove

Comparing the two appliances is mostly likely the first thought that will come into your mind especially when you’re in the midst of a number of models for each kind.  In order to come up with a sound decision without much effort, the best thing to do is to decide on an electric vs gas stove.

Benefits of electric gas stoves

People choose an electric vs gas stove due to these main reasons: electricity is a widely available and reliable power source; and it offers versatility, ease of use, and even-heating and consistency.  If you are convinced with these reasons, you still have to decide between two main types off cooktops: electric coil cooktops and electric smooth top cooktops.

Electric coil cooktops feature traditional coil burners that lie above the cooktop surface.  This makes cleaning and coil replacement easier.  However, you’d definitely prefer one with coil burners that are comfortable to clean and with drip pans that remove or replace easily.  The elevated feature of the coils makes way for cooking versatility by allowing you to use a variety of cookware on them.

If the idea of cleaning under coils is not your cup of tea, the smooth cooktop is probably what you need.  Underneath the ceramic glass smooth-top are unique heating elements that disperse heat throughout the surface using electricity.

The electric stoves of today have undergone better construction, currently producing heat faster and more accurately.  However, do bear in mind that these stoves consume between 1200 watts and up to 2600 watts, so you can expect a surge in electricity bills next month once you’ve began using your electric stove.

Benefits of Gas stoves

Quick-cooking, temperature control, and accuracy are what defines gas stoves.  Once you turn on the knob to a flame level you’re already cooking and it stops instantaneously after the knob is turned off.  Some high-output gas stoves produce heat up to 15000 BTU/hr (British Thermal Units per hour).  This means quick boiling in a matter of a few minutes. 

Where cleaning is concerned, the latest gas stove models have their gas burners sealed to make after-cooking cleaning easier, plus, you don’t need to worry about spills getting trapped underneath the burners.  Gas stoves don’t induct on the cooking surface so you’re safe from accidental burns.  This also means a cooler kitchen because they don’t create as much overall heat as electric stoves.

The last most obvious advantage of gas over electric stoves is that the former is not subject to power outages, but you’ll need to constantly replace empty tanks, though.  Be ready for a back-up stove when power outage hits your area if you’re using an electric stove.

Still can’t decide?

Don’t worry.  You’re not the only one.  That’s why the debate on electric vs gas stove rages on.  But it is obviously for the benefit of the consumers as manufacturers are adding more unique features.  So is it electric or gas stove?  The decision is up to your preference.