How to Choose Between Electric and Gas Cooktops

Before you dive deep into the reviews of cooktops you’d like to install, it’s critical you decide if you’re going the gas or electric route. While each has its pros and cons, it’s much more difficult to retrofit the infrastructure for each type than plan around them from the start.

Remember that your stove top is one of the few appliances that gets used daily, especially for larger families. Alongside the microwave, it’s likely your most-used appliance. Today we look at how to choose a cooktop, along with what factors you should consider.  

Cost

You will find that electric cooktops are a cheaper investment than gas initially. However, you will soon lose those savings over time with the cost of running it. On the other hand, gas cooktops require an expert to install the gas line, and the units are typically more expensive, but they use less energy over time, leading to greater savings in the long run. Choosing a good brand can help keep these costs under control, but be aware of them and plan accordingly. 

Time to preheat

Gas has always been a faster choice than electricity. You can turn on a gas burner, and have the heat instantly circulate through your dish. With electricity, the added time leads to greater costs.

Since gas stove tops are adjusted through flame size, you can get higher temperatures on a gas cooktop. While that’s not really needed for the occasional snack, it can be of key importance if you cook large meals more often.

Heating type

Gas stoves, in particular, are known to create a moisture-laced heat, while electric stoves produce a drier one. While that’s not as notable an effect on the stovetop, it can make a difference if you have a humid home or want to keep your home at a certain moisture level. 

Safety

While gas is a very safe product, electricity has it beat in certain regards. It’s easier for children and older folks to hurt themselves on a gas stovetop than it is with electricity. There’s no gas line to rupture, and no stored gas involved. Leaving an electric burner on can be a hazard in itself, but it won’t flood the room with gas. Electric cooktops, however, will stay hot longer, which can burn curious little hands if they’re not monitored. While no vulnerable person should ever be left alone with a stovetop, you might want to weigh the safety concerns of each and make a decision accordingly. 

At the end of the day, there’s not much difference in the taste or quality of the food you’ll make. However, the experience of using a gas cooktop and an electric cooktop is very different. Make sure you match your choice up with your preferred cooking style as well as the needs of everyone in the family. This will help ensure only the best experience from your new cooktop, and years of happy meals to come.