Stoves: What are your best choices?

When choosing a stove you really only have two main types of stoves—gas and electric. Unless you are doing a complete remodel on your kitchen, you are generally bound by what you already have in your home. Most people gravitate towards what they grew up with and what they first learned to cook with. But over time your preferences might change, electric users might want to cook on gas and gas users on electric. The switch isn’t as difficult as you might think, gas to electric only means capping off the line, shutting the gas off to that line and installing a 220 plug. Electric to gas is a bit more difficult, you have to decide what kind you want natural or propane. If you already have a natural line coming into your house you just have to add one to the kitchen, if you do not then you need to install a propane tank and run a line into the house.

Regardless of which you choose the options for a stove are fantastic. You can get a smart stove that you can connect to the internet, keep your food cold and once the timer is set will preheat the oven, cook and then keep the food warm until you are ready to eat. You can also get a stove that is a professional chef’s dream or even one that looks like your grandmother’s stove.

Pros and Cons
Everything has pros and cons the biggest pro is what are you comfortable using electric or gas. But there are other factors to consider. Electric stoves usually have a slightly higher price tag running from $650 to $2,800. Whereas, comparable gas stoves run from $800 to $2,300. The deciding factor might be the operating costs, the price tag is often different enough to be the tipping point from one to the other for many. Utility rates change from state to state, however in most states, natural gas costs less than electricity, providing that is the case, you can save up to  10% to 30% less with a gas stove on average.

Gas and electric cooks differently, gas stoves responds instantly, giving you more control over the heat when needed and electric stoves take time to heat up and cool down. Gas stoves also allow you to char, toast, and flambéing directly on the burner.

Safety is a big issue, with gas it is an open flame that if it isn’t watched can get out of control. When you’re cooking with a gas stove, you’re effectively cooking on an open flame. Another issue are gas leaks, a carbon monoxide detector will need to be installed in your kitchen area. And a gas stove can be difficult to clean as well. If you have a newer smooth glass or ceramic cooktop stove while they may not allow you the control a gas stove does they are safer and easier to clean.

Still not sure which is the best stove for you? Head over to PlumbTile, where our expert employees will be able to help you solve the mystery. Stoves are an important part of your kitchen, and we want nothing more than for you to have the best stove and kitchen for your families wants and needs.