Expert Tips for Choosing a Gas or Electric Oven

If you’re planning a kitchen upgrade, moving into a new place, or your current oven just decided to give up on you, you’re probably facing the big question: Gas or electric oven? It’s one of those age-old kitchen debates that tends to divide people like pineapple on pizza.

Some folks swear by gas ovens and won’t cook on anything else. Others love the consistent heat and convenience of electric. So, what’s the real difference between the two, and which one should you choose for your kitchen? Let’s break it down.

The Basics: What’s the Difference?

Before we dig into the pros and cons, let’s talk about what actually makes gas and electric ovens different.

• Gas ovens use natural gas or propane as their fuel source. The gas ignites and creates a flame to produce heat.
• Electric ovens use heating elements (usually located at the top and bottom of the oven) powered by, you guessed it, electricity.

They both cook your food, but they do it in different ways, and that can affect everything from how evenly your cookies bake to how much you pay on your utility bill.

Upfront Cost and Installation

Let’s start with the money stuff, because budget often makes the decision for us.

Gas Ovens

• Typically cost a bit more upfront than electric ovens.
• Installation is more involved since you need a gas line hookup (and maybe a plumber).
• If you already have a gas line, you’re in good shape. If not, adding one can cost a few hundred bucks or more.

Electric Ovens

• Usually cheaper upfront than gas models.
• Installation is simple if you already have a 240-volt outlet (standard for most ovens).
• If you don’t have that outlet, you’ll need an electrician to install one.

Bottom line: If your kitchen is already set up for one or the other, it’s usually cheaper to stick with what you’ve got. But if you’re building from scratch, electric tends to be the more affordable way to go.

Cooking Performance: Who Wins in the Kitchen?

This is where things get interesting, and where opinions start to fly.

Gas Ovens

• Instant heat. When you turn the oven on, it gets hot fast.
• The heat tends to be moister, which is great for dishes like roast chicken or casseroles.
• BUT: Gas ovens often have hot spots and can heat unevenly, especially in cheaper models.
• Sometimes harder to maintain a steady temp, which isn’t ideal for precise baking.

Electric Ovens

• Heat is even and consistent, making them perfect for baking cakes, cookies, and pastries.
• Most have better broilers because the electric coil can get super hot.
• Slower to preheat compared to gas.
• Drier heat can make some meats or baked dishes a little less juicy, though a lot of folks never notice.

Quick tip: If you’re a baker, electric might be your best friend. If you’re more into roasting, searing, and one-pan meals, gas is a strong contender.

Energy Efficiency and Utility Costs

This one’s a bit tricky because the “better deal” depends on where you live and what your local utility rates are.

Gas Ovens

• Generally cheaper to run, since gas is often more affordable than electricity.
• More energy-efficient when it comes to heating quickly and cooking faster.

Electric Ovens

• Can cost more to operate, especially if your electricity rates are high.
• If your home runs on solar or has time-of-use billing, electric might still be a cost-effective choice.

Pro tip: Check your utility bills. If gas is significantly cheaper in your area, that could add up to big savings over time.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Nobody loves cleaning the oven, but let’s talk about how each type handles it.

Gas Ovens

• Some come with self-cleaning modes, but many do not.
• You’ll need to occasionally clean gas burners or igniters if they get gunky.
• Can be a little trickier to deep clean due to grates and burners.

Electric Ovens

• Most have self-cleaning features that work well.
• Fewer parts = less to worry about.
• Smooth-top electric ranges are super easy to wipe down.

In terms of low maintenance and easy clean-up, electric usually wins here.

Repairs and Reliability

Stuff breaks. It’s just a fact of life. But how do gas and electric ovens compare when it comes to repair needs?

Gas Ovens

• More parts involved: pilot lights, ignition systems, burners.
• Repairs can be more complex and require a gas-certified technician.
• That said, gas ovens are often built tough and can last a long time.

Electric Ovens

• Simpler design = fewer things that can go wrong.
• Heating elements are easier and cheaper to replace.
• Electronic controls can sometimes be finicky in high-end models.

Overall, electric ovens tend to be easier and cheaper to fix, unless you’re dealing with fancy tech features.

Which One Should You Choose?

Honestly, it depends on your cooking style, kitchen setup, and personal preferences. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you out:

Choose a Gas Oven if:

• You already have a gas line.
• You love to cook savory dishes like roasts, meats, or casseroles.
• You want a quick-heating oven that’s cheaper to operate.
• You don’t bake often and can deal with a little uneven heat.

Choose an Electric Oven if:

• You’re a baker who wants perfect cookies and cakes every time.
• You value consistent temperatures and even heat distribution.
• You want a self-cleaning oven with less maintenance.
• You don’t have a gas line (or don’t want to mess with installing one).

Where To Find Us 

The gas vs. electric oven debate isn’t about which one is better, but which one is better for you. Some people love the control of a gas flame. Others are all about the reliability and even baking of electric. At the end of the day, both will get the job done.  

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. Need a little extra help or personalized advice? Just reach out, we’re here to help you tackle your next project with confidence!

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Keep Reading:

Where you can and can’t install ranges and ovens (Gas/electric)

Why is my oven not maintaining temperature?

Are double ovens worth it: Pros & Cons

Oven cooking unevenly: Common causes & how to fix