Love to Bake? Gas or Electric Oven, Which is Better?
If you love to bake, then you probably use your oven at least a few times a week, and maybe even more often than that. But what happens when your oven breaks down? You’ll have to take a break from baking, of course, but you’ll also need to start shopping for a new oven. And like just about every other kitchen tool, you’ll have a choice. In the case of ovens, you’ll have to decide between a gas oven and an electric oven. Here are some things to consider when you’re faced with that making that decision.
Even Heating. While to some extent it depends on the quality of the model you’re looking at, some people believe that electric ovens provide for more even heating and cooking than gas stoves. You may also find that a convection mode is more likely to be found with an electric stove model.
Different Cooking Environment. As part of the combustion process involved with natural gas, a small amount of water vapor is created. This can alter the cooking environment inside the oven, and can make it slightly more difficult to get the type of browning you desire for some of your recipes.
Consider Your Stovetop. Keep in mind that depending on your kitchen setup and available space, when you buy a new oven you’re also buying your cooktop. Electric ovens come with electric burners, and gas ovens come with gas burners. If you have a strong preference for gas burners, but not a strong preference for your oven type, then a gas stove may be the answer.
Self-Cleaning. If you’ve ever had to clean your oven by hand you know that it’s not something you want to have to do very often. But having a dirty oven can lead to the occasional odd smells, and sometimes even smoke. So having a self-clean option with your oven can not only be a great timesaver, but also potentially save some of your recipes. Both gas and electric ovens can have self-cleaning modes, although in the low end of the price range it is a bit more common with electric models.
Do You Have Convenient Gas Hookups? Unless you have your heart set on a gas oven, the decision may effectively be made for you if your kitchen does not have an existing natural gas hookup. You can always retrofit your kitchen, of course, as long as you’re willing to bear the cost.
Broiling. Depending on how often you broil, you may find that an electric oven provides you with a more reliable result. Even gas ovens with a top element sometimes can’t get hot enough for some home cooks’ preferences.
Regardless of the type of oven you choose, make sure you’re comfortable with the manufacturer, and that you always operate it in a safe manner.
I personally use an electric oven and stove top. I’ve never been comfortable with gas appliances because there’s always the chance of it blowing up. Yes, I know.. that rarely happens! But to eliminate that fear is a peace of mind for me, especially when my dog is home alone. Plus, I’ve never cared for the smell of gas burners with the open flame. My friend on the other hand, very much prefers a gas stove top. It’s what she grew up on, what she knows, and what she’s comfortable with. I say when it comes to appliances, to each their own! Can’t go wrong with either one, it’s all about what you prefer.
Enjoy!
~Leanne♥
English
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