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Electric vs. Gas Ranges

There are two main options to consider when buying a new stove (range): gas and electric. But how can you tell which is better? Gas or electric stove models come with both their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s best to get to know each option separately before you commit to a purchase. Our gas vs. electric stove guide is here to help you out.

See this Quick Video Guide on Gas vs. Electric Ranges to Help You Decide

There are two main options to consider when buying a new stove: gas and electric.
Each of them has its benefits. Let’s take a look…

Gas cooktops offer:
-Precise control over cooking due to heat and flame levels
-Faster temperature response
-Faster heating
-Faster cooling after turning the burner off
-and Spill protection

On the other hand, electric cooktops are:
-Easier to install
-More stable, due to their flat surface
-Easier to clean

Meanwhile, gas ovens:
– Introduce more moisture to the oven, which is better for artisanal baking
-They provide faster preheating
-And faster cooking!

Electric ovens don’t heat as fast as gas, but offer:
-Many programmable options
-A drier heat that allows for crisping up food, such as potatoes or meat skin

Both gas and electric ovens come with convection models, which provide better air circulation and cook more evenly.
Modern ovens sometimes have a self-cleaning option.
Now you’re ready to go shopping!

There’s a world of ranges out there. The Range Finder from Whirlpool will help you choose the best one for you.

Table of contents

Gas vs. Electric Ranges

1
Gas stoves will have a gas cooktop and a gas oven, while an electric range will have an electric cooktop and an electric oven. You can also have a dual-fuel range, which combines the best of both worlds and has a gas cooktop and an electric oven. Some dual-fuel stoves have their cooktop split into electric and gas halves, depending on what’s required.
When comparing gas vs. electric stove models, decide which type of cooktop and oven work best for you and look for a model that satisfies that requirement.

Gas, electric or both?

Whether you prefer electric or gas, KitchenAid brand offers a range of options, including dual fuel. Compare fuel types and configurations to find the range that’s right for you.
gas range
Gas
electric range
Electric
dual fuel range
Dual Fuel

What Are the Benefits of Gas vs. Electric Cooktops?

2
There are a few notable differences when comparing gas and electric stovetops. While the overall result may be similar, each can have advantages that will make them better for you depending on what type of cooking you usually prefer.

Gas Cooktop Benefits:

  • Precise control over cooking due to heat and flame levels
  • Faster response when the temperature is adjusted
  • The flames transfer heat to cookware quickly
  • Cools down quickly once turned off
  • The burners are protected from spills

Electric Cooktop Benefits:

  • Heats up the cookware fast
  • Often easier to install due to a lack of gas hookups
  • Flat surface doesn’t require you to balance the pans on the grates
  • More straightforward to clean due to a single flat surface
You can check out our Cooktop Buying Guide tool for more advice about separate cooktops.

What Are the Benefits of Gas vs. Electric Ovens?

3
When comparing gas and electric stove models, ovens are usually in the second plan. There are some key benefits to both types:

Gas Oven Benefits:

  • Introduces more moisture to the oven, which makes it better for artisanal baking
  • Preheats the oven fast
  • Cooks food quickly

Electric Oven Benefits:

  • Preheats fast
  • The drier heat allows for crisping up potatoes or meat skin
  • Many have programmable options

Gas vs. Electric Ranges: How to Choose?

4
There are some additional considerations when choosing between gas vs. electric stove models. Here are some key questions to answer to make your options clearer.

Do You Have a Gas Hookup?

A main point to consider before buying a gas stove is whether your house has a gas installation. If you don’t, the cost of installing a gas line may outweigh any other considerations and benefits a gas range may provide. Additionally, you need to check which type of gas your house is using. Natural gas and propane behave differently and will need to be converted for different range models.
On the other hand, electric stoves simply plug into an existing outlet, making them more straightforward to install.

How Much Do You Bake?

Depending on the type of baking you do, a gas stove can be a better option. These stoves introduce a bit more moisture to the oven, helping to prevent the food from drying out completely. Baked goods such as artisanal cookies will benefit.

Is Cleaning a Hassle?

Most electric ranges offer far simpler cleaning options. The electric cooktop is usually a flat surface that is straightforward to clean with commercially available cleaners or even just some hot water and vinegar. Compare this to gas cooktops, which have a lot more combined surface area considering the grates and burners.

If you’re unsure whether to buy a gas or electric stove, you can separate the two appliances into a cooktop and a wall-mounted oven. This way, you don’t have to look for a dual fuel range that satisfies your needs and you can get the fuel you want for each.

Gas vs. Electric Ranges: Additional Considerations

5
If you’ve decided on which option is the best for you, there are still some additional features to choose from for both gas and electric stoves, to enhance your cooking experience and make life a bit easier.

Do You Need Convection?

Both gas and electric ovens come with convection models. The convection feature uses a fan to circulate hot air inside the oven and heat the food more evenly. Some convection ovens, usually called true convection ovens, also have a third heating element behind the fan to provide even faster heating. ¹

Convection choices you’ll love from Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid brands

Compare a host of choices and find the convection oven that warms your heart.
Whirlpool convection oven
Whirlpool
Maytag convection oven
Maytag
KitchenAid convection oven
KitchenAid

Dual Heating Elements

Some electric cooktops have electric rings and bridge elements to accommodate smaller, larger, or oddly-shaped pots and pans. This allows you to heat up food efficiently. Gas burners can have oval grates and burners to accommodate unusually-shaped pots.

Freestanding or Slide-In

A freestanding range has finished sides and an elevated console. A slide-in stove, as an alternative, can fit between cabinets and has a front console that allows you to put a countertop behind it and work with the kitchen aesthetic. The difference is not purely aesthetic, as they have different installation requirements.

Self-Cleaning Ovens

Modern ovens sometimes also have a self-cleaning option. This effectively locks the oven doors and heats the inside enough to loosen up the accumulated grime. If you’re using the self-cleaning option regularly, you won’t need to clean up as much over time.
Whirlpool oven

Cut back on cleaning times with this self-cleaning oven from Whirlpool.

Whirlpool
¹ Compared to traditional thermal bake ovens.
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