If you spend any amount of time preparing meals in your kitchen, then you know how important it is to have high-quality appliances. One of the most important kitchen appliances is the stove. However, with so many models on the market, choosing the right one for your family can be overwhelming. If all you know so far is that you can choose between gas and electric ranges, then this blog will help. Below, we discuss the pros and cons of having a gas stove in your home, along with helpful safety and usage tips, so you can make the right choice.
The Pros of Gas Stoves
First off, let’s cover the major benefits of a gas stove:
- Easier temperature control for better cooking
- Heats up more quickly
- Generally higher quality
- Cheaper to use
- Works during power outages
There’s a reason you associate gas stoves with professional chefs—they’re the best model for high-quality cooking because of their excellent temperature control and fast action. They also justify their higher price tag with supreme durability and quality.
Additionally, gas is cheaper to use than electricity, so cooking on a gas range might eventually offset the initial purchasing and installation costs. Furthermore, if the power goes out in your neighborhood, you won’t be without hot meals; gas ranges are unaffected by cut electricity.
The Cons of Gas Stoves
While a gas stove has many perks, it comes with its share of drawbacks. Here are the main ones:
- Air quality issues
- More expensive to buy and install
- Harder to clean
- Requires a propane hookup
- Can overheat rooms
- Can be dangerous if on but not lit
The largest concern with gas ranges is the potential for hampered air quality. Cooking with gas releases carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into the air. Without adequate ventilation, these gases can build up in your home. Additionally, many people accidentally leave gas stoves on without lighting the pilot light. This releases a steady stream of dangerous gases into your home and can go unnoticed for a while.
Another concern is that gas stoves can be harder to maintain. On top of the propane hookup you must keep full and service, you have to get into the nooks and crannies of your stovetop and scrub to get it clean.
Finally, as we mentioned, gas stoves are more expensive initially. They can also be uncomfortable to use in the summer, as they heat up rooms more than electric models.
Tips for Safely and Effectively Using a Gas Stove
Despite the cons, gas stoves remain excellent kitchen appliances and worthwhile investments for avid home chefs. All you have to do is commit to proper upkeep and basic safety.
Most importantly, ensure your kitchen has proper ventilation to minimize the buildup of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. Air quality monitors can be super important in this regard, as they can notify you if levels get too high.
Secondly, schedule regular propane tank and gas line inspections. This entails an added home maintenance cost, but it’s worthwhile.
Finally, use cookware with flat bottoms for better stability on the burners.
By weighing the pros and cons of having a gas stove in your home, you can determine the best fit for your cooking needs and lifestyle preferences. We hope this quick overview has helped you decide!