Choosing between the many options for kitchen ovens is one of the biggest decisions that you have to make in designing a kitchen. Should you look at gas cooktops, or electric cooktops? To make matters more confusing, they are generally in the same price range, so there is no clear decision to be made based on your budget. Here is a brief guide to the difference between gas and electric cooktops, so you can choose the best appliance for your needs.
- Gas cooktops
- Electric cooktops
Gas cooktops, while sometimes difficult to light, are actually easier to use when it comes to cooking a dish. Because you can more accurately control the heat level, and quickly turn the heat up or down, you may find that you burn less dishes on a gas stove. The top gas ranges are also going to be more energy efficient than an electric stove. It takes three times as much energy to operate an electric stove than it does to operate a gas cooktop.
Electric cooktops on the other hand boast a far easier installation process, and for the most part just need to be plugged into a wall. They can also be easier to clean, and easier to start as you are not relying on a pilot light to catch. Anyone who has had a troublesome pilot light on a gas stove knows that it is a good idea to keep a lighter on hand for when the igniter is just not working fast enough. Electric kitchen ranges that feature a smooth top are also convenient, especially for cleaning, but also because they are more stable than burners.
There may be no clear winner in the debate over gas versus electric cooktops, but the pros and cons can easily sway a family in one direction or another. For some families, the ease of cleaning with an electric cooktop is a deal breaker, and for others, the ability to truly control the heat with a gas cooktop is preferred. Whichever cooktop you choose, look for top brand names to enjoy the benefits of quality products and warranties.