Gas Vs Electric Cooktops – Which Should I Get? Canberra Plumbers’ Advice

Gas Vs Electric Cooktops – Which Should I Get? Canberra Plumbers’ Advice

When it comes to upgrading or renovating your kitchen or building your dream home, you get the fantastic flexibility to create a kitchen space that is exactly what you want. As dreamy as this sounds it can cause some stress if you are not exactly sure what it is you want, or if you and your partner can’t seem to agree on whether to get a gas or electric stove. There really is no right or wrong to which stove preference you select. It’s a personal choice that will take into consideration a variety of factors including:

• Your location
• Personal culinary skills
• Who else is cooking/using the kitchen (i.e kids)
• What do you feel comfortable and confident with

To help you sort out which is the best match for your kitchen this blog provides the pros and cons that come with each choice as well as what you can expect from your new appliance.  Gas vs electric cooktops – which should I get? Canberra plumbers’ advice.

Electric Cooktops

Electric cooktops are common in Australian kitchens and have been refined and advanced through the years to create cooking excellence in your home that is simple and easy, particularly for families with budding young chefs. 

Pros of electric cooktops

• The initial purchase price is budget friendly and since electricity is available in all homes, it’s possible to connect just about anywhere.

• Contemporary electric cooktops are ceramic glass plates that are flat and smooth making them easy to wipe over with a cloth for fast cleaning.

Cons of electric cooktops

• It takes a while for electric cooktop plates to reach the desired temperature and once there, it’s slow to respond to a change in temperature, like bringing your pot from boil to simmer.

• You also need to be very careful as the plate will stay hot for a long time after being switched off which can increase the risks of burns or damage to pans or other items placed on the plate accidentally.

• Any spills or stains during cooking may be baked on making it harder to clean, or even permanently stained.

• Cooking can be uneven with different temperatures distributed at the centre and sides, which does not suit all types of cooking.

• Electricity is not as energy efficient so you will need more time to boil the same amount of water than you would compare to gas.

Gas Cooktops

Gas cooking is the number one preference for chefs and those who really want to cook up a culinary feast in the kitchen. The instantaneous heat and reliability mean; you can get cooking quickly, while also extending your culinary skills to exotic cooking styles like toasting, charring and flambéing. You should rely on a qualified gas fitter for your gas stove installation

Pros of gas cooktops

• With gas cooktops, the temperature is easy to control and immediately responsive. You get the visual of the flames to let you know exactly where on your pan surface you are applying heat and how high or low the flames are.

• When turned off the element cools rapidly and is confined to a small area, reducing the chance of personal injury or property to surrounding items.

• Gas lines are completely independent so that if your electricity should fail, you can still cook, boil water and get dinner on the table.

• Gas is highly efficient and cheaper than electricity, reducing your energy bills and getting your cooking completed faster.

Cons of gas cooktops

• Gas cooktops are a little more expensive upfront to purchase and the raised elements and trivets can make them difficult to clean.

• Because you are cooking with an open flame there is an increased risk of accidental fires catching on loose fabrics or materials so you need to maintain a safe workspace at all times.

The stovetop you choose needs to match your personal style and preferences as well as be safe and comfortable for you to use. If you are switching from a well-known type of cooktop to a new one, stay diligent and tread carefully while you learn the ropes. You’ll soon gain confidence with your new appliance and master your modern kitchen.