Gas Stove Vs Electric Stove
Choose the Best Stove for Your Home
Regardless of whether you’re a burgeoning chef or someone who prefers to keep it simple, you rely on your stove day after day to help you prepare meals for your family or friends. Make sure your home is equipped with the right kind of stove – either gas or electric. If you grew up using only a gas or electric stove, you may be partial to that one. However, it’s important to know the difference between the two so that you can know for sure if you’re missing out on certain qualities you could benefit from.
If you have little ones, you may prefer to use an electric stove, as a gas stove produces visible flames that could harm their tiny hands. On the other hand, if you’re a cooking savant, you may prefer to use a gas stove for its accuracy and versatility. If you’re considering replacing your stove soon, take these factors into consideration.
Purchase Price & Operating Cost
A stove should last you on average 13 years; therefore, it’s important to invest in one that you will love. After all, you’re going to be stuck with it for quite some time. On average an electric stove will run anywhere from $450 to $2,800, while its gas counterpart will run from $400 to $2,500. The price difference between a gas stove and electric stove is close to negligible. This is why it’s important to take into account the operating costs of each type.
Consider your state’s natural gas cost and compare it to the electricity rate. In most states, natural gas costs less than electricity, which would indicate a lower operating cost.
Performance
Before purchasing a new stove, take note of what all you like to cook, as well as how often you cook. An electric stove takes longer to heat up and doesn’t respond as quickly to temperature changes. Further, if you’re a chef, you won’t be able to char, toast, or flambé your food. A gas stove reacts almost instantaneously, allowing for efficiency and accuracy. If you’re the kind of person who prefers take-out then your best option may be an electric stove.
Safety
Electric stoves are significantly more family-friendly than their counterpart. A gas stove uses an open flame, so if you have children or curious pets, it could pose as a danger to them. With an open flame, you run the risk of unintentionally catching something on fire. If the risks outweigh the benefits, go the electric stove route. If you decide to install a gas stove in your home, it’s imperative to also install a carbon monoxide detector. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), more than 400 people die every year due to carbon monoxide poisoning, 20,000 take a trip to the emergency room, and of those people, 4,000 are hospitalized.
If you need help choosing a type of stove that would best suit your home and needs, don’t hesitate to call a professional for assistance!
Hickerson Electrical is your source for all home electrical services. We’re ready and willing to deliver top-quality service to your home at a moment’s notice. So call today at (703) 594-3913.
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