Gas or Electric: What Kind of Stove Should You Get?

     For many homeowners, especially those with their own families, a cooking stove is an essential appliance purchase. Usually, the choice boils down to two: a gas range and an electric cooktop. Each kind has its own pros and cons, which can make it difficult to decide which one to get.

Gas or Electric: What Kind of Stove Should You Get?
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To help you pick the best stove for your needs, here are some factors you might want to consider:

You Have Limited Space: Electric

     If you live in a small home or condo unit, it’s a good idea to get an electric stove. For one, you don’t have to allocate space for the LPG tank. There are also electric cooktops that lie flat on the counter, creating a seamless look that makes your countertop appear more spacious. Induction cookers are particularly sleek and slim, perfect for those who are looking for stylish options for their home.

     Electric stoves are also easier to install. Just like most electric appliances, you just have to plug them in to use them. Meanwhile, gas ranges need a bit more set-up before you can use them.

You Want an Affordable Option: Gas

     Filipinos are known to be bargain hunters and when it comes to cooking appliances, the gas range price in the Philippines is certainly unbeatable. In fact, there are double-burner gas stove models that are less than Php 1,500. Even if you look at gas ranges with ovens, the cost is still much lower when compared to electric models. (Do note, however, that your first purchase of LPG will be more expensive since you’re going to have to buy the steel tank itself.)

     Another reason why gas stoves are more affordable is that they don’t require special cooking pots and pans. In fact, you can use practically any cookware on a gas stove—from a simple aluminum kaserola to a cast iron pan. If you have an induction cooker, on the other hand, you need to look for induction-ready cookware made from a magnetic-based material, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. These tend to be more expensive than your usual pots and pans.

You Want Precise Heat Control: Gas

     If you notice, chefs prefer using gas stoves and ranges when cooking their culinary masterpieces. Why? That’s because a gas stove offers precise heat control. When you turn up the knob, the flames will instantly get bigger and hotter. When you turn down the knob, the flames will also get smaller and thus less hot. Meanwhile, electric stoves need a bit of time before they heat up or cool down. You also don’t have the visual cues of the flames to determine if you have the stove on a high or low setting.

     Another thing that chefs love about gas stoves is that they allow different kinds of cooking. Using a gas range, you can char, flambe, or toast. These cooking methods are all but impossible with electric stoves. Thus, if you’re an adventurous cook, go for a gas range.

You Want an Easy Clean Up: Electric

     Cooking is definitely a fun activity, especially if you love to experiment with different flavors. Cleaning up, on the other hand, is a different story. If you’re part of the “love to cook, hate to clean” crowd, then you might want to go for an electric stove. In particular, ceramic and glass cooktops only need to be wiped down with a damp rag (wait for them to cool down, of course). If there are any stubborn stains or sticky food bits, you can soap it up with a bit of dishwashing liquid before wiping it off.

You Want Something a Little Safer: Electric

     If you’re concerned about safety, you might be better off with an electric stove. This is because gas ranges have an open flame, which means there’s a risk of burning things like a stray dishcloth. In addition, LPG tank and tubing leaks are a big concern with gas ranges. In worst-case scenarios, such leaks can cause huge explosions that can damage property and even result in injuries or loss of life. Of course, this doesn’t mean that electric stoves can’t cause any accidents. Nevertheless, they’re often considered safer than their gas counterparts.

You Cook Often: Gas

     For those who cook often, choosing a gas range may be more economical. One tank of LPG can last anywhere between one to two months, depending on how much you cook every day. What’s more, because gas stoves don’t rely on electricity, you can still cook even if the power goes out.

     Admittedly, electric stoves can be at par with gas ones when it comes to operational costs. However, there’s the fact that electric stoves tend to heat up more slowly. This means having to wait for a few minutes before it reaches the ideal cooking temperature. This can be rather inefficient, especially if you’re cooking simple dishes.

     Whether you end up choosing gas over electric or vice versa, there’s no need to worry. Appliance stores in the Philippines offer a wide selection of products so you can really narrow down your options and make a perfect choice.