Electric or Gas Oven...Which range is right for you?

by Pete Lader February 17, 2021

Are you in the market for an oven and don’t know whether a gas or electric oven is right for you? A high-quality, professional oven can make or break your kitchen and your meal — we all know that. Determining the color, material, size and type of oven is important in any kitchen rebuild, remodel or new build. 

When it comes to deciding on a fuel type for kitchen ranges, most people have a firm preference. Gas burners are quite different to use than electric ones, and the experience matters a ton to discerning chefs. However, the fuel type debate is much less heated (pun intended) when it comes to the oven. Perhaps that’s because, unlike with the stovetop, the heat source is hidden — out of sight, out of mind. Right?

The truth is that while fuel type may matter less than it does with your range, there are still some factors that differentiate a gas oven from an electric one. The type of heat, cost to operate, heat-up speed and more factors vary from one type to another, so picking the one that suits your personal needs is key.

After reading this article, you should get a better idea which type of oven might be a good fit for you, your cooking style and your kitchen!

Gas vs. Electric Ovens: What Are the Key Differences?

Feature	Electric Oven	Gas Oven
Electrical Requirements	Requires 220V	Requires 110V
Fuel Type	Electric	Natural or Propane Gas
Type of Heat	Dry heat	Moist heat
Heat source	Electricity (coils)	Live flame
Temperature Speed	Slower to heat up and cool down	Faster to heat up and cool down
Cost to Purchase	Slightly cheaper	Slightly more expensive
Cost to Operate	Slightly more expensive	Slightly cheaper
Temperature Precision	Easier to control	Harder to control

 

Pros and Cons of Electric Ovens 

Electric ovens became instant favorites among cooks beginning in the 1920s. Beloved for their ability to evenly heat food without the unpredictable nature of a live flame, electric ovens can bring home chefs a level of control and precision that gas ovens traditionally lack. Here are some more pros and cons to consider.

Pro: Drier Heat

Electric ovens create a drier heat than gas ovens, which will be beneficial when cooking crispy or crunchy baked foods and meats. Electric ovens are particularly known for their roasting and broiling features due to the drier heat. Are you looking to cook anything to get crunch or crispness? An electric will serve you and your family better.

Pro: More Affordable Up-Front

This one is technically a pro and a con. Typically, it will cost you less initially to purchase an electric oven versus a gas one. With that said, it’s important to note that, depending on where you live, electricity on average costs more than natural gas. That means you’re likely to pay more to operate the unit over time.

Pro: More Precise Temperature

If you’re an avid baker, you know that even a slight shift in temperature can mean the difference between a hard, unappetizing cookie and a perfectly chewy treat. Electric ovens are more precise in temperature with less fluctuation than their gas counterparts, offering more even cooking.

Con: Electrical Requirements

Electric ovens require a 220V (four-prong outlet). Not all kitchens are equipped with this setup, and it will be more costly to fit your kitchen to be compatible with 220V. Make sure you have a 220V outlet before buying any range with an electric oven! Check with your licensed contractor or home builder.

Con: Slower to Preheat (But Better at Maintaining Temperature)

The heating element for an electric oven is an electric coil. By nature, the coils take longer to heat up and cool down to the desired temperature. But once the oven hits the desired temperature, electric ovens are much better at maintaining the temperature than gas ovens.

Pros and Cons of Gas Ovens

Cooking with a live flame is the ultimate move for serious chefs and cooking purists, which is one reason why gas ovens remain so hot, so to speak. This sentiment rings especially true when comparing gas vs. electric ranges, and it’s true for ovens, too. But the gas oven has a few cons you might want to consider as well.

Pro: More Universal Electrical Requirements

Electrical requirements for gas ovens are 110V, which all kitchens are generally equipped with. Win!

Pro: More Humid Heat 

Gas ovens create more moist and humid heat, which will be ideal for foods that require moisture. These foods are likely in your daily diet, such as meat dishes and food cooked in broth or sauces.

Pro: Quicker to Preheat

A gas oven is quicker to both heat up or cool down. Turning your oven to 400, adjusting it to 350, or turning off the oven completely will take less time using a gas oven.

Pro: More Affordable to Operate

As we covered above, gas ovens often ring up for more than electric ovens at the outset, but since natural gas tends to cost less than electricity, they often cost less to run. To get the most bang for your buck when shopping for gas ovens, buy yours as part of one of our kitchen appliance packages.

Con: Tougher to Control Heat 

While gas ovens are known to be reliable workhorses, controlling temperature can be tough with this fuel type. The heat distribution and less precise temperature controls could lead to unevenly cooked food.

Con: Slightly Less Safe

Luckily, today’s ovens are all overall very safe to have in your home regardless of which fuel type is used. However, it’s important to note that due to the presence of a live flame and the risk of a gas leak, gas ovens come with a couple more minor risks than electric ovens. Always make sure to have a working carbon monoxide detector near your gas appliances.

Pick the Oven That Suits You 

Is one better than the other? Not necessarily. It usually comes down to personal preference and on your budget, what foods you like to cook and electrical requirements. 

Do you know which oven you want? Head on over to the next article, where we talk about the most important items to consider before purchasing a range. You don't want to miss it!

Questions?

Do you have a preference for one or the other? Did we miss anything important? Leave a comment or email us at [email protected]