Gas Vs. Electric Stoves

Cooking with gas or electric – which is right for you? Our guide explores the differences between gas and electric stoves to help you decide.

Stoves, also called ranges, are composed of an oven and a cooktop or stovetop. Gas ranges have a gas cooktop and gas oven, while electric ranges have an electric cooktop and electric oven.

When comparing gas ranges vs. electric ranges, it’s important to consider the benefits of gas vs. electric ovens and gas vs. electric cooktops to get the full picture of the appliance and its capabilities.

There are many advantages to cooking with gas or electric stovetops. Check out our list of key benefits below.

GAS COOKTOP BENEFITS

Precise control over the heat temperature and flame level
Responds to heat adjustments faster
Fast heat transfer to cookware
Cools down quickly when the heat is turned down or off because there is not a flat cooktop surface to retain heat and inhibit cool-down
Gas burners have a ceramic cap to keep out spills and debris
Removable grates for easy cleaning

ELECTRIC COOKTOP BENEFITS

Metal coils heat fast to speed functions like boiling and simmering
Smooth, easy-to-clean ceramic cooking surfaces are available on select models
Flat cooktop surface offers more stability for pots and pans
Frequently easier to install since they plug into an electrical outlet and don’t require a gas hook-up

BENEFITS OF GAS VS. ELECTRIC OVENS

Whether you’re considering a gas or electric oven, many chefs will tell you that both have a unique set of benefits.

GAS OVEN BENEFITS

Many artisan bakers prefer the moisture that gas introduces to the oven
Cooks food fast
Fast pre-heating

ELECTRIC OVEN BENEFITS

Fast pre-heating
Even and consistent heat
Ideal for roasting and broiling due to drier heat
Programmable elements promote even baking when boosted with a convection fan

Deciding what type of range you need can be a challenge. The good news is that both gas and electric heat have their own advantages. In addition to gas ranges and electric ranges, there are also dual fuel ranges, which have gas cooktops and electric ovens. Many culinary experts consider this combination to be the best of both worlds. Another way to achieve your ideal combination is to purchase a wall oven and separate cooktop. Maytag offers both gas and electric wall ovens and cooktops.

GAS VS. ELECTRIC RANGES: ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Before purchasing a new range, you’ll also want to consider installation requirements and any additional features that you might want in your new appliance.

The Hookup
Electric ranges plug into an electrical outlet in your kitchen, making them easy to install in most kitchens. Gas ranges require a gas hook-up for installation. If you don’t have a gas line running to your home, professionally installing a gas line will be an additional cost. If you do have a gas line, determine whether your kitchen has natural gas or propane. To use propane, you’ll likely need a conversion kit.

The Hookup

Electric ranges plug into an electrical outlet in your kitchen, making them easy to install in most kitchens.

Gas ranges require a gas hook-up for installation. If you don’t have a gas line running to your home, professionally installing a gas line will be an additional cost. If you do have a gas line, determine whether your kitchen has natural gas or propane. To use propane, you’ll likely need a conversion kit.

Capacity and Flexibility
Double oven ranges have two oven cavities built into a single range. This allows you to cook dishes that require different temperatures at the same time. Maytag offers double oven ranges in both gas and electric models.

Convection
For fast baking and thorough roasting, look for a range with a convection oven. Available in both gas and electric models, convection ovens have a fan that circulates hot air around inside the oven to ensure consistent heat. Some convection ovens have an extra heating element, known as True Convection, to help your food cook faster.¹ Learn more about the benefits of convection ovens.

Convection

For fast baking and thorough roasting, look for a range with a convection oven. Available in both gas and electric models, convection ovens have a fan that circulates hot air around inside the oven to ensure consistent heat. Some convection ovens have an extra heating element, known as True Convection, to help your food cook faster.¹

Learn more about the benefits of convection ovens.

CLEANING
Some electric range models have a smooth surface that’s easy to wipe off. Gas ranges have removable grates for easier cleaning.

HEAVY HEATING COOKTOPS
Electric cooktops can feature dual electric elements and electric bridge elements. Dual electric elements pack two different heat levels. Electric bridge elements work as one large element for longer cookware. Some gas ranges have oval burners designed to handle larger pans, and some can fit a griddle or comal over top of them.

HEAVY HEATING COOKTOPS

Electric cooktops can feature dual electric elements and electric bridge elements. Dual electric elements pack two different heat levels. Electric bridge elements work as one large element for longer cookware.

Some gas ranges have oval burners designed to handle larger pans, and some can fit a griddle or comal over top of them.

FREESTANDING VS. SLIDE-IN RANGES
Freestanding ranges have finished sides and an elevated console. Slide-ins have front controls and some have unfinished sides that are intended to “slide in” between countertops.

Start cooking with gas or electric ranges from Maytag.

Getting just the kind of control and features you need is essential to making your time in the kitchen effective and worry-free. Weigh your options and bring home a stove that can handle whatever task you need to tackle — whether it’s baking, broiling or roasting.

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