Is a gas or electric stove better for the environment?

With so many different types of kitchen appliances on the market today, it can be hard to choose which one is best for your kitchen layout. 

One of the most important considerations is their impact on the environment. Many homeowners wonder: is a gas or electric stove better for the environment?

An electric stove is better for the environment than a gas stove. Unlike electric ranges, gas stoves produce carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde. These compounds are harmful to the environment and your health.

According to the EPA, indoor air is about two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Contaminants from gas stoves are one of the driving factors of this pollution.

Here's a little more information on each of the main pollutants from gas ranges if you're interested.

Nitrogen Dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide is a greenhouse gas that exacerbates climate change when it travels into the atmosphere. It's made up of small particles called particulate matter that are dangerous to your health.

Homes with gas stoves produce up to 400% more nitrogen dioxide than homes with electric stoves, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute. This applies to all gas range stove types, from a ft. freestanding gas range to a gas slide-in range.

Too much nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere can lead to acid rain, which is especially harmful to forests.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) doesn't directly contribute to global warming. But when it gets into the atmosphere, it prolongs the life of other greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

CO is also hazardous to your health, even in small concentrations. That's why many homes are required to have carbon monoxide detectors, especially those with gas cooking setups.

Too much carbon monoxide can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. This reduces the flow of oxygen to the brain, which can lead to symptoms ranging from disorientation to death.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde (CH2O) is made up of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon. In the atmosphere it can break down into carbon monoxide, accelerating climate change.

While it's good to know about the environmental impact of your stove, you might have other questions about range type, fuel type, and cooking performance.

Do I want gas ranges or electric ranges? What are the pros and cons of each one? Are gas stoves safe? Is it cheaper to use a gas or an electric stove? The list goes on...

We'll answer these questions and more so you can make an informed decision on which kitchen range is right for you.

Gas Stove Pros

Gas cooking remains popular among home chefs for good reason. Whether you choose a smart freestanding gas range, front control gas range, or ft. slide-in gas range, you'll enjoy these benefits:

• Doesn't take time to warm up – Gas burners ignite instantly
• Precise temperature control – Can change the heat intensity immediately
• Preheats faster – A gas oven preheats quicker than an electric oven, and models with preheat air fryers are even faster
• Better heat distribution – Cooks your food more evenly than an electric stove
• Versatile cooking experience – Allows you to cook a wide variety of food
• Ideal for specific techniques – Great for grilling, frying, and Asian cooking
• Works during outages – Functions even when your power is out
• Cost-effective long-term – Better energy efficiency over time

Gas Stove Cons

Before adding a gas range to your compare list, consider these drawbacks:

• Requires gas line installation
• Can be dangerous if the gas is left on
• Older gas stoves may have a pilot light that has to be lit all the time
• Sometimes the burner won't light
• Produces harmful contaminants such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde
• Difficult to clean thanks to grill grates and burner covers – check the cleaning method before purchasing

Electric Stove Pros

Electric ranges and induction ranges offer their own advantages. Many major appliance retailers feature electric options from GE Profile and smart slide models that make cooking easier:

• Doesn't produce as much heat as a gas stove
• Easier to clean than a gas stove
• Cooler cooking surface
• Doesn't require a gas supply
• Easy to install – most homes can accommodate electric stoves
• Easy to power on and off
• Lower upfront sale price compared to gas installation
• Available in finishes like black stainless steel and matte white

Induction cooking has become increasingly popular for its precise temperature control and safety features. Induction ranges heat cookware directly, offering excellent heat distribution without warming the surrounding air.

Electric Stove Cons

Electric ranges do have some limitations to consider:

• Can burn yourself easily; you can't always tell if it's on by looking at the coils
• Can't use it when the power goes out
• New electric stoves can be quite pricey
• Use about three times as much energy as a gas stove
• Can be quite expensive over time due to high energy consumption
• Not ideal for constant frying, grilling, or Asian cooking
• Doesn't heat as evenly as a gas stove (though convection range models help)

Common Questions

Is a gas stove safe?

Gas stoves are incredibly safe as long as you have adequate ventilation in your home. We recommend purchasing a range hood over your gas cooktop. It will vent out the harmful contaminants as well as grease and smoke from your kitchen.

Be sure to turn your gas stove off completely after use. If it's left on for too long, this can be a fire hazard or lead to severe health issues.

Do gas stoves cause cancer?

The cancer risk is incredibly low when running a gas stove. Gas stoves produce the carcinogen  benzene, but not enough of it to be dangerous. Still, it's important to vent contaminants to the outside with a  professional range hood.

Is it cheaper to use a gas stove or an electric?

In the long term, it's cheaper to use a gas stove despite lower energy efficiency ratings. Gas stoves might cost more to purchase and install, but they are much less expensive in the long term than electric stoves. It costs about three times as much to run an electric stove.

If you don't cook often, you won't notice a massive difference in the cost. But if you cook every day or multiple times a day, a gas range is a smart long-term investment. Check customer rating reviews and latest deals to find the best value.

Which Is Better: Cooking with Gas or Electricity?

The answer to this question will be different for everyone. Gas ranges and electric ranges have unique pros and cons, and your choice may depend on range features, number of burners, and drawer type preferences.

Generally, if you cook often and can afford to install a gas line, a freestanding range with gas is the way to go. But it's important to have great ventilation in your home like a range hood. If you don't cook often and want to be more environmentally friendly, an electric stove is your best bet. But it will cost more over time than running a gas stove.

For those who want the best of both worlds, dual fuel ranges combine a gas cooktop with an electric oven, giving you precise temperature control on the burners and consistent heat distribution in the oven.

We hope you found your answer to "Is a gas or electric stove better for the environment?" All in all, electric stoves are better for the environment.

If you're wondering which stove is right for you, there is no "one size fits all" answer. But we hope this guides you to the right decision based on your kitchen layout and cooking habits. Browse options from top seller brands, check your order status for current purchases, and take advantage of free delivery and home delivery options when shopping for your next kitchen range.

Whether you're looking at wall ovens, small appliances, or a complete oven range setup, understanding the environmental impact helps you make a choice you'll feel good about.

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