Wondering what appliances to add to your new kitchen design? A new stove can improve the way you cook and save you money too … if you purchase the right piece of equipment.
What’s the difference? How do you tell if a stove is gas or electric? Which is better?
Let’s start with how they work.
When you use a gas stove, it functions by using natural gas pumped in by the natural gas supply line to your house. It flows to the burner, where it mixes with air in a mixer tube. This air/gas mixture is fed through tiny holes in your stove’s burner, where it mixes with even more air surrounding the appliance. The ignition starter lights this mixture, where it creates a blue flame in the middle of the burner. You can control the flame height and heat by adjusting the knob. More gas means more heat.
Gas stoves come with two types of ignition systems: a pilot light or electronic ignition. A pilot light connected to your stove will always run. An electronic ignition creates a spark then you turn the burner on.
If you are thinking of purchasing a gas cooktop, consider one with sealed gas burners. This prevents food from falling into the burner, and makes cleanup easier. For safety, look for flame failure safety which provides automatic re-ignition in case the flame is accidentally blown out during use, or if the system locates a leak of any kind.
Electric stoves cook without a flame of any kind. Instead, they use electrical coils for cooking on the surface of the cooktop. You’ll find these in two formats:
Coils – where the coils sit on top of the surface or in a recessed position with a drip pan below. These are the most difficult to clean, as food can drip below the coil.
Smoothtop – the coils are underneath the surface, producing heat with radiant elements. They heat quickly and evenly. These can remain hot for some time after being turned off, so it’s important to have safety standards in practice to prevent burns.
If you’re trying to determine which is the most efficient, natural gas often wins. The overall savings each month can help pay for your stove in just a short time.
Yet selecting the right stove for you is a personal choice. Which do you prefer?