Selecting the right appliances can be a tough decision – especially if you’re torn between gas and electric. There are so many factors to consider, such as the size of your family, space in your kitchen, fuel availability and budget. Here’s a few pros and cons of gas and electric cookers to help you make the right choice…

Pros of Gas Cookers

Easy to control

First and foremost, it’s very easy to control exact temperature with a gas cooker. The flame is evenly distributed and can be adjusted with ease. Cooking is usually far more efficient, which directly affects the quality of your food.

Safety first

Gas cookers can be safer than electric cookers as it’s possible to see when they’re switched on and off. Also, there’s no chance of blowing a fuse and experiencing a power cut. If you left an electric cooker on by accident it could overheat and trip the electrics of your whole home. You’ll know if the gas has been left on because it has a distinct smell and a visible, consistent flame.

Cheaper to run overall

It’s a good idea to find out whether your home has a gas line for the cooker or not. If it has then it can be incredibly cheap to run compared to an electric oven. Imagine, you could have the TV and radio blaring and all the lights on, an electric cooker would just add to the bill.

Cons of Gas Ovens

Can be expensive at first

Purchasing the actual gas cooker itself can be costly – but it really is a brilliant investment. They tend to use a lot less energy than other cookers, so you’ll save money on your bills in the long-term. The efficacy of your gas oven is somewhat dependent on the condition of your boiler. Replacing an old boiler with a new energy efficient one will create further savings. However, buying a new boiler is not a cheap exercise, but there are different ways to pay.

Health dangers

As with all appliances, there is a potential danger that the gas could leak. However, this is very rare and you should be able to smell it before any damage is done to you or your home.

Roasting isn’t as good

Roasting food in a gas cooker is a fraction less effective than if you use an electric cooker. Gas ovens have flames rather than fans, so the heat doesn’t circulate as much. There’s also the possibility of more moisture getting into food, but it’s a very minimal side effect and can actually make food taste juicier.

Pros of Electric Ovens

Easy to clean

Compared to the fiddly grates, risers and gas burners, an electric cooker can be far easier to clean. All you have to do is wipe down the ceramic plates and everything looks as good as new.

Easy to use

Electric cookers can be easier to use than their gas counterparts, making them an excellent choice for beginner chefs. All you have to do is turn the dials to your preferred heat setting and rest the pan on the flat surface. They’re also great for compact kitchens as there’s usually extra storage space under the oven for trays, pots and pans.

Hard to control

The hobs on electric cookers can take a while to heat up – eve when you’re switching between different heat settings. This means cooking a meal may take more time, which can be inconvenient for those of you with busy lifestyle.

Cons of Electric Ovens

Lower cooking quality

Electric cookers can produce a lower overall quality when it comes to meal times. This is because the temperature is difficult to control which often leads to overcooking or even undercooking of food. On the upside, electric cookers are really good for baking and roasting in the main oven compartment itself.

More expensive to run

Although cheaper to purchase outright, an electric cooker can cost you more when it comes to your utility bills. This is because you may be using several devices at once, whereas with a gas cooker you’ll only be using the central heating simultaneously.

Prone to power cuts

Electric cookers can cut out without a moment’s notice. This includes general neighbourhood power cuts, as well as short circuiting. This can be a big inconvenience, especially if you have young children or babies in the house.

About the author

This post was written by Matt Wilson on behalf of Perrys SGE Complete Heating Experts