Benefits of a Gas Oven vs Electric Oven: Which is Best?
By Hannah Healy
Updated September 10, 2024
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When it comes to cooking, we love to argue about everything. Is a steak worthless if cooked well done? Is everything better with butter? Is it a crime to use a microwave?
But one of the biggest debates is gas ovens versus electric ovens. Which is easier to control? Is the gas oven more responsive and flavorful, or does the electric oven give more consistent heat? Which one’s safer and has better cooking times? Which one’s easier to clean?
If you’re just as curious, we’ll go over all the benefits of a gas oven vs electric oven so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you.
What’s the Difference Between a Gas and Electric Oven?
Why should you care if your oven uses gas or electricity? It might seem small, but it can really change your cooking game. Some people prefer the traditional feel of a gas oven, while others appreciate the precision of electric ovens. The truth is that the best choice depends on how you cook, your budget, and even your thoughts on the environment.
What is a Gas Oven?
The good old gas oven has been around since the 19th century. Even though electric ovens are more popular today, gas ovens are still a favorite in kitchens everywhere.
The key parts of a gas oven include:
- Oven burner
- Spark/ ignition generator
- Flame failure device/ thermocouple
- Thermostat
Gas ovens cook with a burner that uses natural gas as the heat source. They need a steady gas supply to work. When you turn on the oven, you’re letting gas flow from the mains.
Depending on your model, you might press an ignition button to create a spark that lights the gas. Some ovens have a pilot flame that stays on to ignite the gas.
A thermostat inside keeps the temperature steady while you cook. When the oven reaches the right heat, the burner turns off, and the gas stops. As it cools down, the oven turns back on to reach the right temperature again.
What is an Electric Oven?
An electric oven is an appliance that utilizes electricity to generate heat for cooking food. It turns electrical energy into heat with special heating elements inside. These ovens offer different cooking methods depending on how the heat is delivered.
The key parts of an electric oven include:
- Cabinet
- Heating element
- Thermostat
- Timer
- Power regulating switch
Electric ovens heat up using electric coils or tubes that convert electricity into heat through resistance. This makes them a versatile tool for cooking all your favorite dishes.
Which Oven is Better: Gas or Electric?
If you want to buy a new range, it helps to know the pros and cons of gas or electric. The fuel source significantly impacts the performance of kitchen appliances. If you’re still unsure of which type of oven fits your personal preference, whether gas range ovens or those that use electric heat instead, let’s break down their benefits based on a few key factors.
Consider Your Home’s Power Source
If you’re looking to buy a new range, considering what your home is already able to handle in the kitchen should be a major factor in your decision. Unless you’re building a new home from the ground up, most of the time, houses are already equipped with either gas or electricity in the kitchen.
That’s not to say that you can’t switch from an electric-equipped kitchen range to a gas one, but it will certainly be a significant added expense since you would need a gas line installed by a plumber to support the infrastructure.
Gas Oven Benefits
Instant Heat
Gas ovens excel at achieving high heat levels quickly, thanks to their direct open flame. While gas ovens can fully heat up in about 10 minutes, electric ovens might take around 20 minutes.
Gas ovens burn fuel instantly, while electric ones need more time to reach the desired temperature.
Precise Control
Gas ovens offer precise temperature control, making them great for delicate cooking, baking, and roasting. It’s the reason chefs prefer gas ovens. You can quickly adjust the heat by turning the gas flame up or down for instant changes.
While modern electric ovens have improved in maintaining accurate temperatures, gas ovens still provide quick responsiveness and better control.
Cost-Effective
While gas ovens might have higher upfront costs from the initial purchase due to gas line installation, they are generally cheaper to operate and have lower energy costs. Gas is often less expensive than electricity, making gas ovens better in terms of energy efficiency and cost-effective in the long run.
Electric models, however, can run on renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
Versatile Cookware
You can use any type of cookware, including cast iron, on gas ranges without worrying about damaging the gas burners. Electric cooktops can be more sensitive to the type of cookware used.
Better for Crisping and Browning
Gas ovens produce higher heat more quickly, thanks to the direct flame. Some say that the direct flame improves flavor as well. They excel at high-temperature cooking methods like broiling, producing crispy results by quickly evaporating moisture, while electric ovens often retain more moisture in foods due to their slower heating process.
While modern electric ranges with convection cooking features can also achieve similar results, gas ovens are still preferred for their superior browning capabilities.
Electric Oven Benefits
Even Heat Distribution
Electric ovens are great at spreading hot air evenly thanks to their heating elements. They usually give you consistent temperatures throughout the oven, which is ideal for baking multiple pans and pots simultaneously.
Gas ovens can also be even, but they sometimes face temperature swings because of how gas burns.
Safer Option
Electric ovens have a safety edge since there’s no risk of gas leaks, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning. They don’t have open flames or produce harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, which gas ovens can.
We don’t want to make climate change worse! Both types can have fire risks, so always follow safety guidelines.
Easier to Clean
Electric ovens are a breeze to clean with their smooth surfaces. They don’t have burners or grates, unlike their gas counterparts, which can be a hassle with their cast iron grates and parts you need to scrub.
Wide Availability and Easy Installation
Electric appliances are a common choice in many homes, especially where there’s no gas line. They’re also preferred in rentals because they’re easier to maintain and install.
Gas ovens need a gas line, which isn’t always available.
Ideal for Baking
Whether you’re making cookies or brownies, electric ovens are perfect for baking. Their consistent heat and dry environment are great for making delicate pastries. If baking is your thing, an electric oven might be your best bet.
Sleek Design
Electric ovens often have a modern look with digital controls and automatic advanced features. Gas ovens usually have a more classic appearance with manual controls and a pilot light.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gas vs Electric Ovens
Are Gas Stoves Banned?
One factor to think about when it comes to gas ovens is the growing concern about gas ranges. Although many states still allow gas stoves, some states, like New York, have banned them over safety concerns.
Even if your state allows gas appliances now, it’s worth considering potential long-term costs that could accumulate if laws change in the future. It’s possible you could install gas, but have to pay to convert it to electric in three years.
What Are the Disadvantages of Electric Ovens?
It’s pretty normal for electric ovens to have issues now and then. Sometimes, they’ll give you a heads-up during the cooking process before things go wrong, but other times, problems just pop up out of nowhere. It can be super frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of cooking a meal.
Common issues with electric ovens include power supply glitches, heating element failures, control panel errors, and mechanical breakdowns. You might notice uneven heating, the oven not turning on, door problems, or issues with the self-cleaning feature. While you might be able to fix some minor issues yourself, more complex problems usually need a pro. Keeping up with regular maintenance, as well as using your oven carefully, can help avoid these common troubles.
Are Gas Ovens Safe to Use?
Gas ovens can be safe to use if you take the right precautions, but they do come with some risks. They can release gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, along with other harmful chemicals. These by-products, from recent studies, can sometimes cause respiratory issues like asthma in both kids and adults.
To stay safe, make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated to keep these gases at bay. Also, be cautious about gas leaks and potential fires. Regular maintenance and sticking to safety guidelines are key to using your gas oven safely!
Can I Convert My Oven from Gas to Electric or Vice Versa?
If you’re thinking about switching from gas to electric or the other way around, you’ll probably need an electrician or plumber to set up new lines. This is also true if you’re upgrading to a fancy dual-fuel range with gas burners and an electric oven—it needs both gas and electric hookups.
However, converting an oven from gas to electric or vice versa isn’t usually practical. It’s a big job that involves major kitchen changes, including running new gas or electric lines. Because of the cost and complexity, it’s often cheaper and simpler to just replace the oven with a newer model with the same heat source.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair an Oven?
Who wants to eat undercooked meals and half-baked cookies? Getting a faulty oven fixed should be a top priority. Oven repairs usually cost between $100 and $600, with most people spending around $200 for a professional fix. The price varies based on what needs replacing and the type of oven you have. If the repair cost is close to or more than buying a new oven, it might be smarter to just replace it.
