Despite various inventions, advancements, and developments, the modest oven has remained a tried and true kitchen fixture. However, the traditional options of gas and electricity have long been a contention, with both parties sure about their chosen supplier. But what differentiates them truly?
Chart Summary
| GAS OVEN | ELECTRIC OVEN |
| It consumes electricity |
| Heats up quickly and makes foods crisp and dry |
Getty images/EyeEm/ Aliaksandr Barysenka/EyeEm
Definition
A gas oven is a kitchen equipment that runs on natural gas or propane. Gas ovens cook food by radiation from burners situated within the oven, and the combusted gas also emits a small amount of moisture into the atmosphere. A gas range is a kitchen device that incorporates an oven and an open-flame gas cooktop.
An electric oven is a kitchen equipment that uses electricity instead of gas. For years, electric ranges included cooktops with electric coils, and Smoothtop and induction cooktops are popular in newer versions. Eclectic ovens, like gas ovens, feature inner heat components that warm meals by radiation.
Gas vs. Electric Ovens
Gas ovens produce more moisture than electric ovens, ultimately producing moister food, and this keeps some foods from drying out and may make a big difference when cooking things like meat. Meanwhile, electric ovens deliver a dryer heat ideal for crispier textures, which is very useful for baking cookies or crisping chips.
Furthermore, while gas may be less expensive in the long run, it does require specialized installation, whereas an electric type only requires an outlet. However, an electric oven might be problematic if you live in a region where power outages are prevalent.
While gas has the advantage in terms of heating speed, electric ovens provide a faster cooking experience. Electric ovens, particularly fan-assisted ovens, tend to disperse heat more evenly. This circulates hot air around the oven, enclosing the foodstuff and cooking it from multiple directions.