Stoves and cooktops are appliances that have been the centerpiece of every kitchen for hundreds of years. It’s also an appliance that in the past couple of decades, has seen quite a bit of divergence, especially in terms of power, efficiency, and innovative new features.
Today, stoves can be categorized into two distinct types: electrical stoves and gas stoves. Both of these forms of stove power are absolutely effective in their main goal of providing powerful, efficient heat for cooking. However, they do each have their own unique set of pros and cons. Below, we’ll be taking a look at the advantages and drawbacks of electric vs. gas stove, to help you determine which one is right for your kitchen!
The Benefits Of Gas Stoves
- Better Cooktop Control – Using a gas stove will allow you to control the heat of your stovetop nearly instantaneously.
- Cost-Effectiveness – Generally speaking, gas is usually cheaper than electricity. As such, operating a gas stove will usually run you a smaller monthly bill than you’d get when using an electric stove.
- Emergency Ready – With most gas stovetops, when the power goes out, you can still operate the stoves top, as long as you have a lighter or matches on hand. Therefore, gas stoves are ideal for anyone who lives in an area where power outages are a fairly common occurrence.
- Durability – The metal grates that you’ll see on gas cooktops are usually made from cast iron, making them one of the most durable items in your kitchen. These cooktops can usually take a beating from regular use, and still remain completely intact. In turn, this makes a gas stove a great investment for the long haul.
The Drawbacks Of Gas Stoves
- Won’t Operate During Outages – As mentioned, electric stoves tend to be a hassle in emergency situations where the power has gone out. Without power, an electric stove can’t operate.
- Slower Heat – Electric cooktops usually don’t typically put out as much heat as a gas stove, which means that cooking on an electric stove often takes a bit longer than cooking on a gas stove.
- Prone To Damage – Electric cooktops, especially those with glass surfaces, are more prone to damage from things like falling objects, or scratches. Gas stovetops, however, are generally much tougher and are far more durable.
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The Benefits Of Electric Stoves
- More Efficient Heating – Electic stoves tend to heat more efficiently than gas stoves, which means that an electric stove won’t heat up your kitchen as much as gas stove would. This can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you happen to leave in a region with a warmer, year-round climate.
- Easy Cleaning – Cleaning an electric stovetop is an incredibly simple task requiring only a basic wipe down. Many modern electric stovetops are made of glass, which means they’re completely flat, making cleaning a breeze.
- Easy installation – Compared to gas stoves, electric stoves are relatively easy to install since you’ll pretty much only need to plug it in, and it’ll be ready to go!
The Drawbacks Of Electric Stoves
- Won’t Operate During Outages – As mentioned, electric stoves tend to be a hassle in emergency situations where the power has gone out. Without power, an electric stove can’t operate.
- Slower Heat – Electric cooktops usually don’t typically put out as much heat as a gas stove, which means that cooking on an electric stove often takes a bit longer than cooking on a gas stove.
- Prone To Damage – Electric cooktops, especially those with glass surfaces, are more prone to damage from things like falling objects, or scratches. Gas stovetops, however, are generally much tougher and are far more durable.
Electric Vs. Gas Stoves - The Champ?
For anyone trying to decide which type of stove is best, the answer is that both eclectic and gas stovetops are pretty much equal in terms of power, output, efficiency, and features. In fact, both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks to them, making it important for you to examine all of the aspects of both types of the stove before making a final decision.
If you need any further guidance or help installing, maintaining, or replacing your stove, call us at Priority Appliance Repair, and we’ll be happy to give you a hand!