Are you in the market for a new appliance because your current gas or electric stove is beyond repair? You certainly have options, but which one is right for you?
Gas appliances have earned a reputation as the favoured option for world-class chefs and those who like to spend heaps of time at home getting creative in the kitchen. The main reason for the preference is due to the fact that gas ranges heat up quickly, temperatures can be adjusted at the flick of a knob, and they are easier to clean.
But before you toss out your electric stovetop, here’s a counterargument as to why an electric stove might be better than gas.
Energy Efficiency
An electric range may cost more to operate annually than a gas range; however, electric stove tops are more energy efficient. According to estimates, over 70% of the energy used to heat an electric cooktop is transferred to the food being cooked, versus only 45% for a gas range.
Energy use has been generating a lot of headlines as we look for ways to reduce our ecological footprint, conserve limited resources, and save money in the face of rising energy costs. And while your stove isn’t the most significant energy drain in your home – that award goes to your heating and cooling systems – appliances still account for up to 15% of a typical home’s energy demand.
Also check out: Should You Repair or Replace a Broken Appliance?
Safety
Families with small kids may want to rethink gas ranges for safety reasons. Open flames and kids are a risky combination; it requires parents to be hyper-vigilant that small hands don’t end up where they shouldn’t be. And even with the heat on low, the flame on gas ranges increases the risk of something catching fire when leaning over the range – like a baggy sweater, dishcloth, or blanket.
Another danger of gas ranges that people fail to consider is accidentally turning a knob and not igniting the flame, causing gas to release slowly.
While opting for an electric stovetop doesn’t guarantee there won’t be accidents, digital dials can be locked, and there is no open flame or leaking gas to worry about.
Electric Stove Repair is Less Expensive
While the costs vary drastically based on the appliance and the problem, electric stove repair is generally less expensive than gas stove repair. The national average cost of a gas range repair call is between $100-$600, and for electric stove repair, the average cost is between $100-$400.
That said, gas ranges are often easier to clean and maintain, making them less susceptible to damage and repairs.
A Third Option
Just as you were getting used to the two-horse race between gas and electric stovetops, there is now a third option that has been rapidly gaining popularity in Canadian households – induction cooktops.
Induction cooktops utilize a ceramic top plate powered by an electromagnetic coil. Even when the burner is turned on, no heat is produced until an iron or steel pot is placed on top – only certain pots and pans are compatible with induction ranges. To know for sure, test to see if a magnet will stick to the underside; if it does, you’re good to go.
Induction cooktops are the most energy-efficient cooking option currently available, with over 90% of the energy used going right to heating food. However, they are pricier to buy, and because specialized training and parts are required, fixing an induction cooktop is more expensive than gas or electric stove repair.
Induction, electric, or gas, each has its pros and cons; the right one for your family will be the one that fits your lifestyle and budget.