by Roxanne Prather, Member Services Representative

Ever wonder which is better, a gas or an electric range? Well after reading up on it, this I can tell you, it varies from model to model.  I read a great article from Consumer Reports and will share some of what they found, so you can make up your own mind. They tested 190 electric glass tops and gas ranges and did one test according to the different heating temperatures.

Starting with high heat: Electric was faster by a pretty good margin. Of 72 electric smooth top ranges tested nearly half earned the top rating of excellent, 38% earned a very good rating.

For gas none earned the top rating of excellent but 56% of the 86 models earned a very good rating.

Testing on low heat: Electric won again, it was easier to maintain an even simmer. Slightly less than 2/3 of the ranges earned the top rating of excellence, and more than a dozen models  earned a very good rating. None earned a rating of fair or poor. For gas about ¾ earned either excellent or very good, but 12 models earned either a rating of fair or poor.

When testing baking: Gas was slightly better, 70% of the ranges received a score of excellent or very good. 1/4 of the ranges received a good rating and only one model received a fair rating. When it came to the electric for baking, 2/3 received a rating of excellent or very good, 30% earned a good and 2 models earned a fair or poor rating. When testing gas for baking, 15% earned an excellent or very good rating and 30% received a fair or poor rating. 

Benefits of a gas range:

• Chefs tend to prefer gas perhaps because the

     burners and ovens heat up faster.

• More precise temperature control, making them

     ideal for delicate tasks like baking.

• Faster cooking times.

• More energy-efficient than electric ranges.

• More durable.

• More evenly distributed heat.

• Superior heat for frying, sautéing, and boiling a

     host of dishes.

• Quick heat-up/cool-down time.

• Versatility.

• Easy to clean.

Benefits of an electric range:

• Typically, less expensive to install than gas

     ranges.

• Easier to clean since there are no open flames.

• Easier to control low heat.

• More direct heat transfer on stovetop.

• Dry, even oven heat ideal for browning or

     broiling.

• Flexible element sizes for various pots and pans.

• Easy to clean smooth cooktops available.

However, electric ranges do tend to take longer to preheat than gas and are more expensive to run on a daily basis.