Which is better - gas or electric stove? Comparison of gas and electric equipment

It is impossible to unequivocally answer whether a gas or electric stove is better - the models have their own characteristics and specific characteristics.Each parameter must be considered separately, taking into account the needs and wishes of a particular buyer.

To make it easier to understand all the nuances of choosing the equipment that is right for you, we suggest that you read our review - here we examined in detail the features of gas and electric stoves. We also compared them according to the main criteria that are important for a potential buyer. We selected visual photographic materials and thematic videos.

Criteria for comparing equipment

For a detailed comparison of electric and gas stoves, we took the following parameters:

• design and size;
• installation rules;
• ignition method;
• power;
• ease of use;
• service features;
• maintainability;
• term of use;
• safety;
• additional options;
• price.

Objective information will help you decide which stove is worth buying for a house, city apartment, cottage or small studio.

Next, we’ll talk about each parameter in more detail, highlighting the features of gas and electric stoves.

Criterion #1 - design and size

Electric and gas stoves consist of a block with burners and an oven. Most often they are white, chrome or brown. But by paying a little more, you can find units in bright colors, with prints, designs and patterns.

The product line of popular brands always includes both classic and modern models. You can find a suitable device for any, even the most extraordinary interior solution.

As for the dimensions, the standard height units is 85 cm. Average depth varies in the range of 50-60 cm. Minimum width does not exceed 50 cm, and the maximum reaches 1 m (depending on the number of burners). For small-sized apartments, compact devices with a depth of 35-43.4 cm are produced. They easily fit into the decor and do not “eat up” the usable space of the room.

Finding household appliances of the desired type and size is not difficult, both among gas and electrical equipment.

Criterion #2 - equipment installation

Placing a gas stove is allowed only where there is a centralized gas supply. Self-connection is prohibited, only possible installation of the stove. The device is always commissioned by gas company employees who have the necessary qualifications and permission.

If you need to place household appliances in a certain place, you will need to coordinate moving the slab with gas workers.

During the installation process, technicians must strictly follow the rules for connecting gas equipment and use connecting parts that comply with current GOSTs

But the electric stove in the kitchen can be located anywhere. You do not need to obtain additional permissions to install.

A special power outlet is required for connection. In residential premises of old buildings there are no such communication elements. If the owners want to use powerful electrical equipment, they will have to invite a specialist and pay out of their own pocket for the installation of a separate line of electrical wires for power outlet installation.

Some high-power electric stoves operate only from a three-phase network. Conducting such communications in a city apartment is extremely problematic; in a private house it is somewhat easier, but expensive and troublesome.

For the electric stove to operate correctly, you need to inspect the wiring and assess its condition before purchasing it.

If the communications in the residential premises are very old, the following problems may arise during operation:

• knocking out traffic jams;
• wiring burnout;
• fire.

We recommend checking the quality of the wiring in advance and only then finally deciding which stove to buy.

Criterion #3 - ignition methods

In classic models of gas equipment, you have to light the burners manually. It's very simple, but not always convenient. Matches tend to run out at the most inconvenient moment, and we often forget to buy them on time.

To avoid unnecessary hassle, it is wise to purchase a special lighter, however, it will need to be constantly refilled or the batteries regularly changed.

When lighting a gas stove with matches, precautions must be taken. You should not lean low over the flame. Contact with open flames may cause burns or hair/clothing fires.

More advanced gas stoves have an electric ignition button. Such models are somewhat more expensive, but the costs quickly pay for themselves. There is no need to think about matches and lighters anymore.But to use electric ignition, you will need to install an outlet near the gas stove to connect to the central power supply network.

For all electric stoves, the ignition mechanism is initially built into the body. To start the cooking process, simply press a button or touch the corresponding image on the touch panel. It's comfortable, easy and absolutely safe.

Criterion #4 - power indicators

The power of gas stoves is calculated in kilowatts. The average power of one burner is from 1.5 to 3 kW. Fuel consumption depends on the intensity of use. Typically, household units are equipped with two strong and two weak burners. In some models, instead of one high-power burner, an economy version of 1 kW is installed.

Both standard and powerful burners do not exert any noticeable additional load on the centralized gas supply line. Even networks installed about fifty years ago are suitable for working with modern stoves of the latest generation.

If the house does not have a gas network, the stove can be connect to the cylinder. True, you shouldn’t count on long-term operation in this version - the cylinder will have to be refilled periodically.

When using gas cylinders, one must not forget about fire safety rules. Also, when connecting the cylinder to a stove that was previously used under centralized gas supply conditions, you should not forget to replace the nozzles

The power of electrical appliances is distributed as follows:

• two-burner - 2000-3000 W;
• four-burner - from 5000 W;
• with four induction burners – from 10400 W.

A standard four-burner electric stove consumes from 1 kW/h to 8 kW/h.The exact indicator depends on the number of burners used simultaneously. This point should be taken into account; be sure to check the condition of your wiring and provide a separate line for connecting the electric stove if you are planning to purchase it.

When constantly using equipment in intensive mode, you should carefully monitor the state of the electrical network in the room and do not turn on a large number of high-power electrical appliances at the same time. Otherwise, the plugs will be regularly knocked out and you will have to run to the panel to return the RCD toggle switch to the working position.

Criterion #5 - ease of use

Gas stoves use an open fire. Thanks to its high temperature, cooking takes minimal time. To adjust the flame strength in the burners, there are ergonomic rotary toggle switches on the control panel. With their help, setting the optimal heating level is not difficult.

The stove consumes a minimum of energy resources, even if it operates in active mode. The price of blue fuel is significantly lower than the cost of electricity, and paying for the use of gas for cooking does not burden the most modest family budget. The efficiency of the equipment is about 60-70%.

In gas stoves, ovens can be either gas or electric. The first option is considered classic and costs less. The second, as more advanced and modern, is somewhat more expensive

The efficiency of an electric stove does not exceed 30%. Due to the high cost of energy resources, utility bills increase significantly. In houses not connected to the gas mains, electricity is subject to a special, more favorable tariff.But if the model works in gasified residential premises, you have to pay in full.

For those who rarely cook, utility bills will not increase significantly. If the owners constantly use the stove and regularly turn on the oven, the payment will be noticeable.

In addition, electrical equipment will take some getting used to. The burners here take a long time to heat up and take a long time to cool down. It is quite difficult to clearly set the heating level. Cooking takes longer because you have to wait for the burner to reach the desired temperature.

An electric stove oven has a timer. On it, the hostess can set the exact time needed for cooking. Convection fan ensures uniform heating of food from all sides

Significant disadvantage - dependence on electricity supply — when the lights are turned off, the device stops functioning and turns on only when the electricity supply is restored.

The gas stove always works, because the supply of blue fuel not affected by natural phenomena and weather disasters. Even in severe frost or a strong hurricane that cuts off electrical communications, you can cook any type of food, boil a kettle or make coffee using gas appliances. Although it is important for owners of stoves powered by bottled gas not to forget in a timely manner refill cylinders.

Criterion #6 - equipment maintenance

The body and hob of the gas stove must be regularly washed with special products and thoroughly wiped with a soft cloth or microfiber so that no drips or drips remain.

From food residues and combustion products, burners, nozzles and It is recommended to clean the grates Once every 7-10 days.This will ensure the efficiency of the unit and extend its service life.

Before you begin cleaning the working elements of the stove, you must shut off the gas supply to the burners. Only after this is it possible to carry out cleaning

An electric stove requires careful daily care. For washing and cleaning, it is recommended to use special household chemicals. You need to choose them depending on the material of the hob. The cost of such drugs is high, but they are effective and cope well with pollution.

You need to remove food debris and burnt liquids from glass ceramics with a scraper. It is advisable to do this during or immediately after preparing food.

Abrasive and aggressively alkaline preparations should not be abused. They can cause the formation of circles, spots, and scratches.

Criterion #7 - maintainability of devices

IN gas stove breakdowns happen extremely rarely. As repairmen say, there is simply nothing to break there. Sometimes the tightness of the connecting hoses is broken, the valve does not close completely, or the injectors become clogged with grease, combustion products and soot.

It is necessary to dismantle the device and take it to a service center only in the most extreme cases. A technician from the gas company fixes major minor faults on site within 1-2 hours.

To repair a gas stove, you need to invite an employee of the gas supply company. It is not recommended to use the services of private individuals who do not have the necessary qualifications.

An electric stove is a more complex unit and breaks down much more often. Equipment can be damaged by improper operation, short circuit or burnout of the heating element (electric burner), or voltage surges in the network.

There is no point in doing repairs yourself. It is better to call a specialist and trust him to restore the normal functioning of the product. But it will help to cope with the problem of voltage drops stabilizer.

Criterion #8 - service life

Safe gas stove service life does not exceed 20 years. Manufacturers recommend updating equipment every 10-14 years, even if it is in good working order. If signs of wear become noticeable on any elements, you should stop using it and get a new unit as soon as possible.

The service life of electric stoves is 15-16.5 years. In order for the equipment to fully operate for the required time, you must strictly follow the operating rules and maintain the device in well-maintained condition.

Criterion #9 - safety of use

An open fire on a gas stove is dangerous by default. The flame, if used incorrectly, causes fire in surrounding objects, interior elements and the owners’ clothing. The system may leak, often resulting in an explosion, fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning. That's why it's so important to stick to fire safety rules when using a gas stove.

It is recommended to connect the electric stove to an outlet located as far as possible from the sink. Then drops of water will not fall on the open contacts and cause a short circuit

An electric stove does not have such problems. There is no open fire in it and physically no energy leakage can occur. You just need to connect the device correctly to a working outlet once and there will be no more hassle with it.

To ensure long and reliable operation, special attention should be paid to the connecting cable.It is advisable to place it so that it does not interfere or cling to pieces of furniture in the kitchen. This guarantees its integrity throughout the entire operational period.

Criterion #10 - availability of additional options

Modern gas stoves are equipped with additional functions to increase operational safety and simplify the cooking process.

The devices have:

• electric ignition – a button on the control panel for igniting the burners; in premium models it is combined with knobs that regulate the supply of energy resources;
• gas control system – automatic shutdown of fuel supply when the flame goes out or gas leaks, usually combined with an auto-ignition button;
• unauthorized activation blocker — this option may be present in advanced models;
• timer – mechanical or electrical unit with sound signal.

Additional functions make using the stove as comfortable as possible. For example, using a timer you can set the time interval required for cooking. When the dish is ready, the equipment will notify the owner about the need to turn it off.

The latest generation premium series appliances have a WOK burner. You can cook original and delicious Chinese dishes on it.

The functionality of electric stoves is even wider. In addition to the classic options, they have:

• steam exhaust;
• water boil-off protection system;
• thermal indication;
• metal utensil recognition sensor;
• accelerated cooking mode;
• blocking the oven switching on;
• other useful features.

In budget models, only some of the above functions are implemented. The full set is available in more expensive Luxury units.

Criterion #11 - difference in cost

The price of gas stoves is 10-20% lower than electric ones. This parameter is relevant when comparing equipment of the same class.

If you have a limited budget, it is worth purchasing a unit that runs on blue fuel. For a model with similar capabilities, powered from the mains, you will have to pay more money.

When buying cooking equipment, you need to take into account that part of the money is given not for the device itself, but for the brand. With similar parameters, a unit from a well-known brand will always be more expensive than a product produced by a little-known manufacturer

If cost is not a major issue, it makes sense to buy a modern electric stove. The overpayment is compensated by a high level of security, stylish appearance and advanced functionality.

The best manufacturers of household equipment

Kitchen stoves are produced by domestic and foreign brands of household appliances. But, as in any market segment, there are favorites. Their products are sold much more often, last a long time and are not afraid of intense loads. The model comes with a company warranty and is provided with qualified service.

TOP 5 successful gas stove manufacturers

Belarusian company GEFEST offers reliable, simple models at reasonable prices. You won’t find any specific functions in the units, but they have all the useful options for every day.

The body of the stainless steel plates is made in a traditional style. The color range is not rich, but white, brown and dark chrome specimens are not difficult to find. The devices look good in classic interiors. For kitchens in the loft style, hi-tech and minimalism are not suitable.

Turkish brand Beko produces slabs in different configurations.The user can choose the number of options without overpaying for unused functionality.

There are no decorative elements or other frills on the body of Beko stoves. The models look elegant, do not require complex maintenance and remain attractive throughout their entire service life.

Devices from Beko are distinguished by their aesthetic appearance. Equipped with gas control and safe electric ignition. Thanks to the modern design, they fit harmoniously into any environment. The product line includes budget units and middle-class models.

Company Gorenje from Slovenia produces reliable equipment with high efficiency. Among the stoves you can find not only classic products, but also retro-style appliances, colored models (ivory, anthracite) and high-tech equipment. The company warranty and additional service are provided for 1 year.

Plates Bosch sells significantly better than many other brands. Buyers prefer to pay a little more for real German quality. The outer surface of the instrument body is treated with “smart enamel”. This makes it easier to maintain the stove and allows you to always keep it in good condition.

Many Bosch models have a Child Lock feature. It guarantees that a child, even if left at home without parents, will not be able to open the gas

Deservedly the leader in the premium segment ZIGMUND & SHTAIN. Products from this manufacturer combine luxurious appearance, a large number of options and reliability.

The devices provide the ability to set a timer for each burner separately. Information about the operation of the equipment is provided on the liquid crystal display.Gas control applies not only to the hob, but also to the oven. The slabs are assembled in Germany and meet international quality standards.

TOP 5 best manufacturers of electric stoves

Electric stoves from a Belarusian factory are popular in the budget segment Darina. They are distinguished from competitors' products by their neat appearance, high-quality assembly, the presence of useful options and the absence of unnecessary bells and whistles, which significantly increase the cost of the product.

Russian company Flama offers about 20 varieties of electric stoves with 2, 3 and 4 burners. The devices are sold at the best price and perform basic functions. Regardless of the class, they have a utility compartment and lighting in the oven. Advanced versions have a built-in thermostat, fryer, grate and a spacious drawer.

In the market of household electrical equipment, the Polish company demonstrates successful results Hansa. In the assortment you can find simple, cheap equipment, mid-range and luxury devices with extensive functionality.

Hansa stoves are available with enameled, glass-ceramic or stainless steel surfaces. They consume energy economically and last a long time, regardless of operating conditions.

Interesting options for electric models at a reasonable price are sold by the Belarusian brand GEFEST. The product line includes classic white appliances, products with glass-ceramic coating and units with a pattern on the body. The list of useful options includes quick heating of the burners, oven lighting and a timer.

Luxurious stoves with glass-ceramic surfaces are produced by a domestic company Kaiser. The models look impressive in appearance and consume energy economically (consumption class “Super A+”).The control panel has a display and a timer with a clock. The model has a built-in Touch Control programming device, which facilitates the operation process.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

General recommendations for choosing gas and electric stoves:

How to clean an electric stove without spending money on expensive special equipment - interesting life hacks:

How to remove carbon deposits and grease from gas stove burners:

It is not easy to say with absolute certainty which stove is better and more economical - gas or electric. It all depends on future conditions of use and expected operational loads. Which model to prefer, you will have to decide for yourself. It will be much easier to do this if you have at hand detailed information about the pros and cons, and features of using kitchen appliances.

Are you choosing between an electric and gas stove and still have questions? Ask them to our experts and other site visitors - the feedback form is located below.

If you want to supplement the above material with valuable recommendations or share your own experience in choosing the optimal stove, write your comments and take part in the discussion.