Gas vs. Electric: Which Stove Should Homeowners Choose?

Ultimate Guide to Selecting a Gas vs. Electric RangeDuring kitchen remodels, homeowners have a chance to install their ideal range. But first, they have to decide if they would rather have a gas stove or an electric stove, taking many things into consideration to effectively choose between these options. By taking the time to think it through, homeowners can end up with their perfect kitchen the first time around. To help them make this decision, here's a helpful guide on gas vs. electric stoves.

Consider the Current Hookups

The current hookups matter when switching to a gas range from electric. If the house already has gas appliances, it is likely possible to run a gas line to the kitchen, but it will cost several hundred dollars to do so.

In houses that only run on electric, homeowners will need to foot the bill to get gas set up, including paying for lines to the house and the installation of a new meter. In that case, it is usually much easier and cheaper to stick with an electric range.

Look at Initial and Ongoing Expenses

Beyond making sure the range will have the right power source, homeowners have to consider the other initial and ongoing expenses. When buying the appliance, homeowners can expect to spend $600 on average on a gas stove or around $500 for an electric model.

Although gas stoves are a bit more expensive upfront, they cost less to run than electric. In fact, in most locations, the energy used to run a gas range costs up to 30% less than electricity would. Homeowners that will not be using their range daily might not see significant savings, however.

Think About the Cooking Differences

The biggest difference between gas and electric stoves is in how they cook the food. Electric ranges tend to outperform gas when it comes to the speed in which they boil water or their ability to evenly simmer stove top dishes.

For those who love baking above all else, however, gas is the clear winner. Gas ovens heat up faster and stay a stable temperature from the beginning to the end of the cooking time. They also excel in broiling food to an even brown and creating a delightful crispy crust every time.

Homeowners must reflect on how they plan to use their range to determine if they want consistent stove top or oven performance. With that, they will move much closer to determining which type of range will serve them best.

Keep Safety in Mind

Although both need to be used with a careful hand, electric ranges are often a bit safer than their gas counterparts. They have a flat surface that keeps pots stable even while boiling and do not run the risk of the flame blowing out.

If the flame on a gas stove blows out, it could allow natural gas to leak out and create unsafe conditions and safety hazards in the kitchen. A gas leak could also occur if there is a break in the lines leading to the stove. For those reasons, homeowners must also install a carbon monoxide detector in their living space to alert them to a gas leak.

No matter what type of range homeowners choose, there is always a risk of fire. They can prepare for this hazard by keeping their smoke detectors in good working order and having a fire extinguisher in the kitchen at all times.

Upon taking all these items into consideration, homeowners will likely be able to tell whether they want a gas stove or an electric stove. After that, all that is left to do is select between the many range brands and models on the market today.

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