Electric vs Gas Hob

If you're updating the appliances in your kitchen, one of the many options/decisions you are going to have to make is whether to buy a gas or electric hob. In some cases, you are limited by the current installation (and whether or not you can install a gas line where you live). However, if this is not the case, there are many pros/cons for both gas and electric hobs which you need to consider before making a decision. This is a simple guide which is ideal for homeowners who wish to invest in a new hob.

Pros & Cons of Electric

With modern electric hobs, you have the option to choose between induction and ceramic. Both look good and have various similarities but a few technological differences you should familiarize yourself with as well before you ultimately decide on right one. A streamlined glass look and finish with a smooth surface is one of the most popular options if you are the type of homeowner who does not want to have to worry too much about cleanup once you are finished with meal preparation in the kitchen.

Another important aspect to consider is safety features. Some electric hobs light up when the area is still hot, so if you have kids in the home (or if you as an adult, simply aren't paying attention), this will reduce the chance of burns. You can also stop the hob from being operational, which is nice if you have young kids at home, so there are no risks of getting hurt in the kitchen when you are not around to keep an eye on things.

There are some drawbacks as well. Although they look good and have safety features packed in, they do take a longer time to heat up than a gas hob. If something overspills, you can also end up with burnt food, which is something people don't want when they are preparing a meal. Using magnetism to heat your food can also result in uneven heating throughout, which might require more/less cooking times, based upon the types of food you are preparing for your family in the kitchen.

Ultimately, electric hobs are a great choice if you prefer a modern look and finish. However, they take longer to work with and might not provide the best even heating elements, which detracts from the appearance benefit despite it being the main selling point for customers.

Pros & Cons of Gas

A major selling point for gas hobs is that they are extremely energy efficient, which can help you reduce your energy bills in comparison to an electric hob, as it will not be plugged into an electric outlet the entire day. In addition, flames run vertically, not horizontally, meaning they are going to spread evenly, retain temperature well, and the hob will also heat far faster than an electric hob. This is great for those who are preparing multiple dishes and don't want to have to worry about meal preparation for several hours when having guests over.

Gas hobs are available in glass or stainless steel; so, depending on the decor and your budget, you can choose from different models, which will fit into any kitchen well. Both materials retain heat well, and will evenly cook your food. With larger burner surfaces, the hobs will also take less time to cook multiple dishes.

There are, of course, some drawbacks you should account for it you are considering investing in a gas hob. They do require more cleaning and maintenance. Unlike the flat surface of the electric hob, these have individual burner tops which require you to clean below the surface. They are also bulkier, and they do not look as elegant as electric hobs do, so they might not be the best option for a modern kitchen.

If you want energy efficiency (up to 10% energy savings in the home), and something that will evenly cook your meals, then a gas hob might be the best option.

Let's Compare!