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Nov 16, 2015
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Stove Showdown: Gas vs Electric

When you’re shopping for a new range for your kitchen, you’ve got numerous options in terms of bells & whistles, manufacturers and even color.  However, one of the first decisions you have to make is whether or not you want gas or electric.  Here’s what you should understand prior to making a selection.

Cost: As is the case with many household items, there is no clear cut winner in this category. This is due to the fact that the purchase price for a gas range is oftentimes more substantial than an electric one.  However, when you factor in the cost to operate, the gas range typically wins.

kitchen stove & cabinets

Installation: A common misnomer is that gas stoves only need a gas line to be installed.  In fact, electricity is used to ignite the stove before it switches over to gas power.  (In the event of a power outage, a gas stove can be lit with a match.)  If your kitchen currently does not have a gas line, you’ll need to pay a professional to install one which will add to your bottom line.  If your kitchen currently does not have a range hood, strongly consider adding one.

Upkeep: When it comes to cleaning your range, an electric cooktop has fewer parts on its surface, making it easier to maintain than a gas range.  Aesthetics aside, gas stoves create more of a mess because of the condensation that happens during the cooking process which makes splattering more of a problem.

Heating Speed & Control: When it comes to the time it takes to heat, there’s a common misconception that gas gets hotter faster. Sales associates from Minnesota’s appliance retailer, Warners’ Stellian, attend product trainings in which brand representatives place a pot of water on gas and electric to demonstrate the time it takes to boil, and the electric burner actually boils first! But aspiring chefs generally prefer cooking with gas for the control. When a recipe calls for a dish to be brought to a rolling boil then down to a simmer, an electrical burner will take much longer to decrease its heat than gas. Induction cooktops will actually give you the best of both worlds.

Andy Lindus Shares His Insights on Appliance Selection & Installation: 

Strength: Ceramic cooktops found on electric ranges are notorious for cracking if a weighted object is dropped on them.  Cracking can also occur if cold water makes contact with a hot burner.  Cookware drug across the surface can also result in scratching.

Safety: Because the main feature of a gas stove is an open flame, it can be less than ideal for those with young children and rambunctious pets.  An appliance fueled by natural gas can also be vulnerable to gas leakage.  A carbon monoxide detector placed within close proximity of the stove is essential so that it can alert you immediately in the event of a leak. kitchenSource of Power: An electric range will not work if there is a power outage.  Homeowners with a gas range can still utilize theirs in the absence of electricity.

Circulation of Heat: An electric oven produces a dryer heat than a gas oven does.  This environment is more conducive to baking and roasting.

Browse Our Minnesota Kitchen Remodeling Projects:

Twin Cities Custom Home Remodeling Reviews:

"When we first met Eric, it was evident he had an exceptional talent to provide a skilled assessment of a variety of remodeling jobs.  Eric was very knowledgeable and provided answers to our many questions.  Eric was incredibly adept, kind, and honest."

Bonita H.
Lindstrom, MN
February 26, 2021

"We would like to thank you for helping us get this project done. All of the work has been done and we are very satisfied with the results.  The Lindus crews were great to work with and kept us informed throughout the process."

Claude & Brenda S.
Oakdale, MN
February 3, 2021

"Excellent work. High standards. Outstanding communication with customers via email, text and the Buildertrend website. Excellent coordination and organization of all the worker groups involved in a major construction. The only delays were Covid-19 related and not their fault. Beautiful results with our cabin rebuild."

Marilyn D.
Comstock, WI
January 26, 2021

"Did a great job on a complicated project. Excellent craftsmanship, can handle just about everything, a pleasure to work with."

John M.
Luck, WI
August 26, 2020

"Thank you to everyone that worked on this project.  You are a wonderful group of well-trained individuals."

Jennie Z.
Cottage Grove, MN
May 13, 2020

"Lindus Construction was great for the very beginning. Starting with the salesman, the design crew, the rough-in construction and the final construction. Everyone was easy to work with, they answered all of our questions. They also let us know weekly what the plan was and what they wanted to accomplish.  We would recommend them to anybody and I do recommend them. Thanks Lindus!"

Timothy & Theresa R.
Apple Valley, MN
January 27, 2020
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