When you start to think about appliances, the options can be overwhelming. Specifically with stoves, the biggest question is, “gas or electric?” While there are some initial setup requirements for each, like if you have a gas line where your stove goes, the rest of the decision is up to you. Weighing the pros and cons of gas versus electric stove will be entirely up to your family’s needs and style. Let us break it down.
Energy Usage
If your energy usage is important to you, an electric stove will be the way to go. Electric stoves use less energy and leave a lower footprint. They are able to do this by heating up quicker than a gas stove and being more efficient with the energy it does use. Electric stoves are used in 55% of households while gas stoves are used in about 35% of households in the United States.
Cost Efficiency
If you are more focused on the expense to you on a yearly basis, a gas stove will be a better option. Interestingly enough, a gas stove is less expensive to run and maintain than an electric stove, even though a gas stove uses more energy. Electric stoves are more expensive on average for the initial purchase as well.
Cooking Routine
Outside of cost and energy, you might have a preference for which stove you use. Gas stoves are easier to adjust the temperature with an open flame whereas electric stoves take longer to change temperature, especially when you turn the burner off. If you are cooking often and with different techniques (charring, toasting, flambeing), you might lean towards gas. If you are cooking for a typical household, an electric stove will more than meet those needs.
Family Factors
What your family looks like might play a large role in this decision. Electric stoves are known to be safer with young children around because there is no open flame, which poses a higher fire risk. That being said, gas stovetops cool down faster than electric stoves, so you will need to be careful if you have little hands around the stove after cooking dinner. Electric stoves are also easier to keep clean and wipe down. Gas stoves are more likely to emit harmful gasses into the air, reducing the indoor air quality of your home. If you have little children around, an electric stove is probably the best route for your home.
When looking to make a decision on a new stove, you can weigh the pros and cons mentioned here. Ultimately, it is up to you and your family to decide which option meets your needs best.
