Since electric cooking does not directly burn fossil fuels, it contributes to improved indoor air quality. And with no open flames, lower risk of fire, and no risk of gas leaks, electric stoves are generally safer options for your kitchen.
"Switching from gas stoves to a more efficient electrical appliance is good for indoor air quality," said Jon Levy, chair the Department of Environmental Health at Boston University. "It's also good for climate change, and some of the newer technologies are even better for cooking."
Though experts and pundits continue to debate the fine points, gas stoves have long been shown to release potentially harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide, a respiratory irritant.
Range or Stove, 13-15 years:
Gas stoves last longer than their electric counterparts by 2-5 years, on average. Good everyday care will help extend the useful life, such as cleaning the stove after every use and regularly checking the burners.
Induction appliances are up to three times more efficient than gas stoves, and up to 10% more efficient than conventional smooth top electric ranges. This improved efficiency performance can result in lower energy costs as well as lower rates of air pollution associated with energy generation.
Chefs love induction cooking because of the extremely fast heating and precise heat control provided through a high-performance glass-ceramic surface. Also, induction technology warms the pan and not the surface or surrounding area, so very little heat escapes into the room.
When maintained well, gas cooktops can last up to 15 to 20 years. If your cooktop is reaching or surpassing this age and showing signs of wear and tear, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Gas Range Brands
Brands like Bosch, Sub-Zero, and Monogram are known for their reliability and long-lasting performance. They are built with high-quality materials and offer consistent cooking results.
How Do I Know If My Gas Stove Is Broken? Signs that your gas stove is not working properly include smelling gas, the burners not lighting, strange noises, poor temperature control, or the flame color changing to red, yellow, or orange rather than blue.
Are natural gas appliances being phased out? While gas appliances are not yet being phased out nationwide, some states such as California have pledged to reduce reliance on gas-fuel appliances such as stoves, heaters, and water heaters by 2030 to help improve air quality.
The natural gas that fuels gas stoves is primarily methane which, when burned, turns into carbon dioxide. Burning the fuel also produces nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which can aggravate respiratory diseases such as asthma, and result in coughing or difficulty breathing.
You can disconnect the gas stove yourself if all you need to do is remodel other parts of the kitchen. However, hire a gas oven repair specialist if your kitchen has a leak. If you find any steps challenging or are struggling to locate the shutoff valve, you should also leave it to the pros.
Switching from gas to electric can lower bills in the long term. But the process can be confusing – and expensive. Many of our homes rely on fossil fuels for heating and cooking, which contribute to 10% of carbon emissions nationwide.
Disadvantages of Gas Stoves
Gas stoves pose a risk of gas leaks, which can be hazardous if not promptly addressed. In addition, the open flame increases the potential for burns and accidents in the kitchen. Gas stoves are not as energy-efficient as some alternatives.
For the cooktop, induction is really the best replacement for gas, according to Designer Appliances. Why? It mirrors the responsiveness of gas while being more efficient, safer, easier to clean, and healthier for your indoor air quality.
Gas flames have long been the preferred cooking method for professional restaurateurs and serious cooks. Just imagine the opening credits of Top Chef without that signature click and whoosh of a flame burner.
On pretty much every one of them, featured chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Rachel Ray, Giada de Laurentiis and Jose Andres can be seen cooking with gas.
Electric Ranges
The products are easy-to-clean and quicker to heat food than gas cooktops. With a sophisticated appearance, these cooktops complement many sleeker countertop designs. They tend to maintain low heat much better than gas cooktops.
DOE's direct final rule prohibits manufacturers from selling gas conventional cooking tops that consume more than 1,770 thousand British thermal units (kBtu) per year, an amount roughly 50% higher than in DOE's February 1, 2023, proposed rule.
Gas Stoves
Expect most gas ranges to last about 15 years when well-maintained. Gas stoves generally are durable appliances that have simple maintenance schedules. Look for some signs that cleaning or replacement is in order. Clean the grates and burner caps if the gas flame isn't blue and flickers from red to yellow.
The lifespan of an appliance is an important factor to consider when deciding whether to replace it. Most appliances have a useful life of about 10-15 years, although some may last longer or shorter. If your appliance is over 20 years old, it is likely approaching the end of its useful life.
There are many types of cookware that cannot be used on the Induction cooking surface. Aluminum or aluminum clad, copper or copper clad, aluminum foil, glass/ceramic and some stainless steel products (because these will not attract and hold a magnet) cannot be used.
Induction, Williams told me, does not allow for “the same style of cooking; those pan flipping-shaking techniques you use on gas could crack your top.” Without an open flame, you can't char peppers or tortillas the way that some chefs, and even home cooks, do using a gas burner.
While induction cooking has many advantages, it is essential to consider the disadvantages of induction stoves as well. These include the need for induction-compatible cookware and a higher upfront cost compared to traditional cooktops. Additionally, induction cooktops heat up pans quickly which can cause severe burns.