If you’re in the market for a new stove, choosing a replacement can be challenging. Along with size, brand, and aesthetic, an important decision is deciding which fuel source you want it to use. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, especially when it comes to sustainability and price. For example, gas stoves are more polluting than electric, but natural gas is generally cheaper than electricity in many areas of the country.
Additionally, as climate change worsens, gas appliances are coming under increased scrutiny, leading some cities like Boston and San Francisco to begin phasing them out. Because of this, choosing the right stove for your situation is more critical than ever. Whether you prefer gas or electric stoves, read about their key differences and which one is more climate-friendly.
Differences between gas and electric stoves
Gas and electric stoves work very differently and offer different cooking qualities. Before deciding on a model, learning how they work is essential.
What is a gas stove?
Developed in the 1820s, gas stoves are powered by combustible gas, the most common being natural gas. They utilize an open flame generated by gas-powered burners to heat cookware. Burner heat is specified by British Thermal Units (BTUs), representing the heat generated in one hour. Most stoves have burners with different output ratings ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 BTUs.
Gas models have many customization options, such as a large burner in the middle of the stove or a flat griddle for breakfast foods and sandwiches. Some ranges have differently-shaped burners for different uses, such as oval and dual-ring burners. They also often have integrated ovens.
What is an electric stove?
Invented in the 1890s, electric stoves use electricity to heat their burners (composite heating elements). After they were developed, they were slow to catch on because electricity wasn’t readily available. However, once cities became more electrified, electric…