Gas or Electric Stove: Which One Is Better?

Gas stoves, once revered as the champion of kitchens everywhere, are facing a transformational shift in their reputation.

With increasing global concerns over impacts both environmental and health-related, governments around the world – as well as individual homeowners – are beginning to reevaluate their stance on gas stoves.

In line with this movement away from non-renewable energy sources, the Victorian Government in Australia is set to phase out gas connections for all new houses starting from 1 January 2024. This move has triggered a growing debate about the merits of gas versus electric stoves and the quest for viable alternatives.

Are you ready to get off gas? Are you open to the alternatives? We’re here to help. Because in the journey of going all-electric, replacing your gas stove with a more energy-efficient alternative is a great place to start.

Let’s get started.

Are gas stoves really that bad?

Let’s cut straight to the chase and look at the major concerns with gas stoves first:

• Health and safety: Gas stoves emit combustion byproducts, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which can pose health risks if not adequately ventilated. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent indoor air pollution and associated health problems.
• Environmental impact: Burning natural gas for cooking contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to climate change. The extraction, transportation, and combustion of natural gas release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Indoor air quality: Gas stoves can release pollutants into the indoor environment, affecting air quality. Particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are among the pollutants that may be generated during gas combustion.
• Fire hazard: Open flames on gas stoves can pose a fire hazard, especially if cooking utensils or other flammable materials are placed too close to the burners.
• Maintenance and cleaning: Gas stoves can be more challenging to clean, as spills and food debris can accumulate around burners and on grates. Cleaning these areas requires disassembly and thorough attention.
• Appliance cost: Gas stoves can be more expensive to purchase and install compared to some electric stoves, particularly if gas lines need to be extended or added to a property.

Are induction cooktops a good alternative to gas?

As the curtain continues to fall on the era of gas stoves, induction cooktops have emerged as a strong contender.

Induction cooktops utilise magnetic waves to heat cookware directly, offering speed and precision that rivals that of the traditional gas flame. While induction cooking boasts impressive efficiency, there’s a catch – only magnetic pans like cast iron and stainless steel are compatible.

This compatibility requirement, though limiting, ensures a safer and more energy-efficient cooking experience. Additionally, induction cooktops can harness renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable living.

Just check out the incredible range of solar panel solutions we have available at G Store!

Are electric stoves also a budget-friendly solution to gas stoves?

Electric stoves, often overshadowed by people’s relationship to gas cooking, have seen a resurgence in popularity.

Electric stoves operate by transferring heat from a hot coil to the cookware you use, generally resulting in a smoother and more even cooking process.

Electric stoves, compared to their induction counterparts, are also generally more readily available and affordable. Moreover, they can be powered by renewable energy, making them an environmentally conscious choice.

While electric stoves may lack the instant response of gas or the magnetic allure of induction, their ease of cleaning and cost-effectiveness are compelling reasons to consider them as a viable alternative, particularly if budget really is one of your most immediate concerns.

Safety and efficiency: induction vs. electric stoves

Safety is, and of course should be, of paramount concern in the kitchen, and both induction and electric stoves offer advantages over gas, in this respect.

Induction cooking obviously eliminates the fire risk associated with open flames, making it a safer option for homes – especially those with children. Energy Star, an EPA-run certification program, highlights the efficiency of induction cooking, which heats cookware from within, resulting in cooler surface temperatures and enhanced safety for all.

Contrary to popular belief, induction proves that gas is not inherently more powerful or controllable, but simply a particular preference that’s evolved according to specific, time-based circumstances, and through generations.

Understanding gas stoves as a cheaper option for rented properties

Real estate markets are beginning to reflect the changing landscape of stove preferences.

In cities like New York and Berkeley with our state of Victoria soon to follow, gas bans are reshaping new building designs, steering developers towards electric and induction options.

However, prospective homeowners still favour gas stoves, valuing their familiarity and cooking prowess. This divide underscores the need for education and awareness about the benefits of alternatives like induction cooking, which can provide prospective buyers with attractive features, such as precise temperature control and energy efficiency.

Tips for home cooks: to install a gas stove or not?

If you’re currently contemplating a shift away from gas stoves, the process can be daunting – we get it!

Here’s a tip: portable, plug-in induction cooktops provide an accessible way to experience induction cooking without committing to a full kitchen upgrade. Those committed to their beloved gas stoves need not fret, as gas bans primarily target new developments.

However, the growing focus on energy efficiency and environmental concerns suggests that alternatives may become more appealing over time.

When it comes to the work we do at G Store, we suggest that opting for an energy-efficient alternative to a gas stove is a great place to get started on your all-electric journey. By using this as a first step towards a more energy-efficient living envrionment, it will pave the way for you to explore a huge range of other value-added alternatives for your home, including:

Solar PV panels
Heat pumps
Hydronic heating solutions
Energy-efficient heating/cooling solutions

…and much more.

Wrapping up – where to now?

As the gas stove era gradually fades, Australian households are presented with a choice between a variety of more energy-efficient alternatives including induction and electric stoves.

Each option offers distinct advantages and trade-offs, reflecting the diversity of cooking styles, budgets, and sustainability goals.

More broadly, the decision regarding whether or not to replace your current gas stove is also one of priorities. If you don’t know where to start in your all-electric journey but know you want to make energy-efficiency a greater priority in your home, start with replacing your stove.

To learn more about taking your first steps in getting off gas, just visit our Learning Centre or give our friendly G Store team a call today on 1300 137 567.

We can’t wait to speak with you.