When customers go shopping for a new stove, there are generally two choices- gas or electric. Those who have learned to cook using electric are more apt to continue using it, and that can be said of gas as well. Cost can also be a factor in what you eventually choose in a range. Electric can be cheaper depending on which stores you shop at and the area that you live in. Electric stoves vary in price anywhere from $650 to $2800, and gas stoves are priced from $800 to $2300. That being said, in some states gas can be cheaper than electricity, typically running 10-30% less than their gas counterparts.
When it comes to cooking with gas, they respond quicker to temperature settings giving you more of a precise control needed to be more successful with certain types of dishes. Also there are certain things that electric stoves cannot do such as charring, toasting, and flambéing. Seriously accomplished chefs also tend to go with gas stoves because of the control they have.
There is a safety concern when you are dealing with gas because essentially you are dealing with an open flame, and when you have small children or pets there is a possibility of accidents happening. But there are good points to having a gas appliance. For example, when the power goes out the consumer with the gas do not lose power, so there is the convenience factor. Cleaning is also easier when it comes to the gas stoves. With the gas burners, all you need to do is remove the steel grates and it is easier to remove crumbs and other debris. In addition to better control, gas ranges also do very well when it comes to cookware usability. Flat electric cooktops are good if you have flat bottom pots and pans, but sometimes that is not possible. For example if you have a slightly warped pan it may cause it to lean to one side, and with gas it will receive heat over the entire surface. But when cooked on a flat electric surface burner only part of the bottom of the pan made contact which makes the contents cook more unevenly.
When electric stoves are used it is usually in an area where gas is not so prevalent. Some of the benefits of an electric stove are as follows. It can heat more efficiently than gas meaning the kitchen will stay cooler when the stove is on. Also with the use of an electric appliance there are no need for any installation of gas pipes, or the purchase of a carbon monoxide detector. There is no ignitor to turn on the stove- you only need to twist a knob. It begins to heat immediately. There is also the possibility that electric ranges come with more options such as fans and other various features. It all comes to what the consumer is comfortable with, which in the end will determine the path that they eventually follow.
Again, it comes down to how you learned to cook, whether it’s on a gas stove, which can be less expensive and less easier to control, especially if you are a once a week chef; or an accomplished expert and do it for a living. Electric stoves can be less expensive to run and no need for cumbersome pipes and the headache of installation, the risk of a gas leak, and the need to purchase additional items for the home in order to ensure the safe operation of your appliances and the safety of your family. When it comes right down to it the modern American family will ultimately do what is best for their situation.