Do you want to trade your electric stove for a gas stove? Or it is the other way around? Between the two, which do you prefer? How do they differ from each other? Read this short article for the answers.

Gas and electric stoves are widely available and they’re an indispensable part of any kitchen. There was a time when electric stoves were “in” but technology has made gas stoves better. In fact, you’ll find that many of the newer ranges cook with gas. Why is this so? For one, cooking with gas is more precise. Because you get instant heat with gas stoves, you have greater control over the amount of heat underneath a pot. This makes gas stoves more energy efficient than electric stoves that take longer to heat and cool. Newer gas stoves that use an electric ignition also consume 40 percent less gas.

If you’re concerned about price, stick to an electric stove, as you can save as much as $200 if you purchase an electric stove. Of course, the price difference also depends on the model, manufacturer and features of the stove you pick. As for power, you need a 240-volt power supply for an electric stove - something that most homes already have. To use a gas stove, you need a gas line that generally costs more than installing a 240-volt outlet. For this reason, gas stoves should be used in places where the main power source is propane or natural gas. In these places, you can simply hook up the stove to the gas line.

If you hate spills, use a gas stove since it has a sealed burner that prevents this problem. Although electric stoves with coil burners have removable drip pans to deal with this problem, these often become dull and dirty after a while. Another option is solid-top electric ranges that hide the heat elements with a glass or ceramic top. These are easy to clean, but be prepared to shell out more cash for one of these ranges.

Some are scared of gas stoves for a good reason. These can be dangerous and are a gas hazard. The thought of having a pilot light burning at home all the time and a nearby gas line can be scary. Others fear lighting a burner even with an electronic ignition system. Therefore, be careful with a gas stove, more so if you have flammable liquids at home. To avoid trouble, get a carbon monoxide detector to warn you if something goes wrong.

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