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Various Brands Gas Ranges Versus Electric Ranges

Various Brands Gas Ranges Versus Electric Ranges Review



Overall 5.00 of 5 (by 3 users)



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LaurieM
Somewhere in , NY
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Ranges - Gas or Electric? It's all in what one prefers.
5 star rating

not a huge baker, value conscious, a home owner, looking for durability
Pros

    You can pick which is right for you

Cons
    Both have good and bad points

JAN
29
2008
 
 
 
At some point in most of our lives, we will have the need to purchase a new range/oven. One of the most important decisions that will have to be made is whether to purchase a gas or an electric one. Not too long ago, I was faced with this decision. After thorough research, my final decision was to purchase a gas range. We all have different needs and wants therefore my decision may not be the same one as yours will be. I hope that this comparison of the two will help you make a more informed decision as to what will work best for your household.

Gas Ranges

From the research that I did and past experience, I found that gas ranges have a much higher quality of cooking because the heat is more even and controllable. This fact alone was enough for me to make the decision to go with gas. I had an electric stove in the past and waiting for the coils to heat up and cool off was definitely inconvenient. I can't tell you how many times I burned food with our old electric stove. Modern gas ranges generally have sealed burners, which reduces the mess if something spills. Although a gas range is more expensive to purchase, gas typically costs less to run.

Electric Ranges

Electric ranges cost less to purchase but more to run. Oven temperature is more reliable than a gas range. Although the cooktop portion is better for boiling large pots of water, the electric coil elements provide uneven temperature distribution. It's very difficult to prepare a meal that requires simple things like "reduce the heat to a simmer". Electric ranges have less safety issues since there is no open flame and there are larger storage drawers.

So what does it all mean?

It means that it's really all just a matter of preference. Gas ranges and electric ranges both have their good and bad points. The choice you make should depend on what your needs are and what features are most important to you. If you are someone who bakes often, you may want to go with the electric range. If you are not much of a baker and the cooktop is most important to you, then you may want to consider gas. Be aware though that if you currently have an electric range, you may not have gas service and may have to have a gas line installed. This can be quite costly and should be considered before switching. The good news is that newer homes are sometimes built with both electric and gas supplies so be sure to check.

Last edited on Jan 29, 2008


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I_comment_shdw24 Comments about LaurieM’s Review



Jo wrote on Feb 1, 2008 at 10:07PM


I've had both. I don't like either:) Actually if I ever get a new range I'll get the flat one - guess that's electric with no burners. I'm in FL and my mom has one like that. Jo


PattyTherre wrote on Jan 31, 2008 at 1:06AM


Excellent info. I am stuck with gas no matter what I want. I am scared of the flame and have had cats set on fire (a little, not like dead on fire, just singed). Then again, my cats should stay off the stove, eh? Great comparison, Laurie!


Don wrote on Jan 29, 2008 at 7:48AM


You make some good points Laurie. The thing I like about electric ranges are the availability of models with the sealed burners you talked about -- that nice flat easy-to-keep-clean surface. That said, from a safety aspect, I'd worry about accidentally touching or melting something on that flat surface because I forgot it was hot. We've mostly stuck with gas because it's instantly hot and, as you mentioned, less expensive.