Gas or Electric Oven – Which One is Best for My Kitchen?

Your oven is one of the most important home appliances, it helps you cook on a daily basis. If you’re in the market for a new oven, selecting one for your kitchen can be a difficult decision considering the numerous options available. Start by considering whether you want a gas or electric oven. There are advantages to both gas and electric ovens, so have a look at the pointers below and then make an informed decision.

Gas Ovens

They use natural gas, propane or other flammable gas as a fuel source and let you take control of the heat more quickly. Gas ovens are almost always used in commercial settings which may influence your choice. However, their benefits make them an attractive choice for homeowners as well. Let’s take a look at their pros and cons.

Pros Cons
  • Gas oven is cheaper than electric oven. Both propane and natural gas are relatively cheap and burn cleanly.
  • Gas hobs provide instant heat that are easy to control. When you turn the flame off, the food can stay in situ without the worry of overcooking.
  • Most gas appliances have low maintenance. Electric ovens usually require more frequent maintenance needs than gas counterparts.
  • Gas hobs are more difficult to clean.
  • They don’t distribute the heat evenly, so you may notice that the top of the oven is hotter than the bottom. Baking requires rotation and placement farther from the heat source.

Electric Oven

There are three types of choices available to the customers when we talk about the electric ovens and are as below:

  • Free standing models – They can fit into the desired space.
  • Built-in styles – They can fit between cabinets.
  • Models built into the wall

There are normally two electric heating elements in an oven – one on top of oven cavity and another one at the bottom. The upper one is used for browning the food and the lower one to heat the oven cavity. They have the temperature sensor connected to a thermostat, which regulates the temperature in the oven. Here are some pros and cons listed below.

Pros Cons
  • They are easy to clean, and have a more stable and smooth surfaces for pots and pans.
  • Electric ovens come with more optional features such as fans and grilles, than their gas counterparts.
  • They heat up more consistently.
  • Electric ovens are safer than the gas ovens.
  • Electric ovens cost more to run.
  • Electric hobs take some time to heat up, especially if the pans are large.
  • A smooth ceramic cooktop can shatter if you drop a heavy item on it or splash cold water on a hot burner.