Gas Oven vs. Electric Oven: Which is Right for You?
One of the top pieces of equipment in a kitchen is the oven. Depending on what you typically cook, one type of oven range may work better than another. So, what’s better for your needs when it comes to a gas oven vs. an electric oven? Compare them here to find out the benefits of each as well as what’s best cooked in each type of unit so you can decide which to equip your kitchen with.
What is a Gas Range?
Gas ranges are best known for the open flame style of cooking. There are typically burners on the stovetop as well as inside the oven to ensure you can broil, simmer and fry with ease. So what are some benefits of this type of range compared to an electric oven?
Benefits of a Gas Range
Gas ranges can offer more than just cooking with fire. Here are a few of the benefits a gas range can have in the kitchen:
- Fast preheating - Gas heat can be cranked up and get hot quickly compared to electric ovens.
- Quick cooldown - The temperature decreases quickly from the moment the burner is turned off.
- Variety of cooking techniques - No matter if you’re looking to boil, bake or grill, you can do all this and more with a gas oven range.
- Responsive heat - Notice your dish is cooking too quickly or too slow? Adjusting the open flame will instantly solve the issue.
What Types of Food are Best Cooked in a Gas Oven?
When using a gas convection oven, it’s best to cook foods such as tender cuts of meat, bread, cakes and other baked goods for a nice and moist result.
What is an Electric Range?
These types of units have a flat cooking surface with heated metal coils housed in a ceramic-glass blend stovetop. An electric range requires between 220 and 240 volts to run efficiently. Most kitchens already have this setup available, but it’s important to check before installing one in your kitchen.
Benefits of an Electric Range
When it comes to the benefits of having an electric range in your cooking space, this type of unit has quite a few including:
- Space and versatility - Most electric ranges provide multi-ring elements to accommodate any pot or pan you’re trying to cook with.
- Dry heat - An electric oven tends to have a drier heat than a gas oven, which is great for producing crispy, browned dishes.
- Precise oven heat - Heating elements take less time to cycle on or off depending on where you need the temperature settings to be.
- Convenient cleaning - Since there’s a smooth, flat surface, cleaning is a breeze.
What Types of Food are Best Cooked in an Electric Oven?
For crispier finishes on your meals, it’s best to use an electric oven. Some items that are best cooked in this type of unit include pizza, casseroles, baked chicken breasts and more.
In the end, the unit that’s best for you and your kitchen depends on your needs. There’s a wide variety of ovens and ranges out there to choose from. Compare more ovens to find the one that will best fit your cooking space.