Gas Vs. Electric Stove

Technology has made two commonly used forms of household energy sources - gas and electricity - to lock horns. Both these fuels can be used in stoves for cooking. Gas stoves, as we all know, uses the heat from combustion of gas for this purpose. And electricity is used in electric stoves to heat up a coil which in turn acts on the food. Different people have different preferences while cooking, as each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let us take an overview of the difference between gas and electric stove. But first something on each of them individually.

Definition
Gas Stove: It is a conventional form of cooking where some compressed gas supply is used to feed the stove. The gas needs to be ignited on the stove outlet either with a match-stick, a lighter, or an auto-ignition system. The biggest advantage with a gas stove is the ability to adjust the intensity of flame by controlling the flow of gas through the outlet nozzle.

Electric Stove: An electric stove has metal coils, flow of charge through which cause them to heat up. This heat is transferred to the cooking pot through convection or radiation. This is the principle behind cooking in electric oven.

Installation
Installation wise, the electric stove gets the edge as it is very easy to install. You just need to find a convenient place where a power supply plug is in proximity. On the other hand, while installing a gas stove you'll either need a gas line or a gas cylinder if a line is not installed in your neighborhood. This is much more cumbersome and laborious than the simple plug and cook in an electric stove.

Efficiency
Both types of stoves have their pros and cons when it comes to efficiency. Even though electricity is a cleaner and cheaper fuel, food cooks faster and better in gas stoves. In recent past, steep rise in oil and gas prices has given a great chance to the electric stove camp to stake claim of being more efficient. On the other hand, the gas stove camp has started promoting the use of pressure canners which make the use of gas stoves more efficient.

Cost
Electric stoves are generally cheaper than the gas stoves. However, the price difference between the two can vary widely for different models. The deviation in cost can be anywhere between $50-$150 which mostly depends on its features. Larger surfaces and new efficient technology can elevate the prices.

Convenience
Cooking on a gas stove is much more convenient and is more precise. A cook is able to control the amount of heat to be delivered to the cooking pot. This is probably where a gas stove scores the main advantage over electric stove. In other aspects considered earlier, choosing a gas or an electric stove will largely depend on the needs and preferences of a cook. Gas stoves are usually equipped with sealed burners which minimize the mess if something spills on the cooktop. One the other hand, stoves with electric coil burner generally have detachable drip pans, but they can need frequent cleaning and can become dull and dirty with use.

Safety and Hazards
Everyone using gas stoves has to keep in mind the many accompanying gas hazard. If there are pilot lights then owners need to be extra careful about switching off the knob if the pilot lights fail. Also make sure that no kind of flammable liquid or gas leaks in the home or the pilot light can ignite it. It is advised that any homeowner with a gas stove should know carbon monoxide detector placement.

The electric stove, in contrast is much safer than the gas stove as the only thing a user needs to care is electricity. Many people who are not confident of handling gas, prefer going for this option. They hate the idea of having to ignite a burner even with the safest electronic ignition system. Such homeowners would like to possess an electric stove, regardless of whatever drawbacks exist.

This is all on the comparison between both these sources of cooking. As with any other home appliance, this comparison and knowledge of features can benefit the consumer when it comes to selecting a stove. Opting for one above the other will simply depend on user's preferences and needs.