Gas vs Electric Oven Range: Which One Should I Choose?

One of the decisions you’ll have to make when shopping for a new oven range is whether to choose an electric or natural gas model. While both models offer a safe and effective way for homeowners to cook food and boil water, there are some differences between the two that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Familiarizing yourself with pros and cons of both gas and electric oven ranges will allow you to make a smarter, more educated decision on which one is right for you.

Electric Oven Range Pros

•  Less expensive to purchase than gas models.
• Easy to install.
• Boils water faster.
• Burners are easy to clean thanks to their flat, pan-less design.
• Baked food benefits from more even heat distribution.

Electric Oven Range Cons

•  Power outage will render your electric oven useless.
• Typically costs more to operate than gas models.

Gas Oven Range Pros

•  Less expensive to operate than electric models.
• Changes temperature rapidly.
• Gas oven ranges continue to operate even when the power goes out, allowing you to cook food during blackouts.
• More thorough and even temperate on the stove top.
• Gas ranges heat all sides of pots and pans, allowing for faster coking times.

Gas Oven Range Cons

• Accumulates more dirt and grime than electric models (a huge disadvantage for many homeowners).
• Potential for dangerous natural gas leaks, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fires.
• Costs more than electric models.
• Difficult to install; requires access to a natural gas line.

Now that you know a little bit about the pros and cons of electric vs gas oven ranges, you’re probably wondering which one is best suited for your needs. The truth is that there’s no “best” model. Some people prefer the convenience and simplicity of electric models, while others prefer the even heat of a gas model.

I guess the most important thing to remember when shopping for a new oven range is to size and function. If you’re looking to replace your current range, then you’ll probably want to choose a similar sized model so it fits into the appropriate area. A lot of home today are build with kitchen counters featuring a cut out designed specifically for the oven range. And trying to “upgrade” to a larger model may force you to do some major remodeling work.