When it comes time to buy a new stove for your kitchen, you should consider a gas stove. There are several advantages that some people might not think about, but it is easy to have a gas stove installed, especially if you live in the city where there are gas lines already coming into your home for other reasons, like the furnace or water heater.
Often, gas stoves and ovens are more energy efficient because you don t have to allow for a long warm up time. You instantly have flame and you can put a pan right on the stove top and start cooking. Gas flame is easy to see whether you need to turn it down or up, and it quickly responds.
Another advantage to gas is that natural gas is normally cheaper than electricity. If you live in a rural area, you might have to use propane, which would involve a propane tank and gas line installation. The initial cost can be a few hundred dollars for the propane tank and then you have to pay for propane tank fills, which can be a little more inconvenient and costly than natural gas. It can also be cheaper than rural electric, however. Of course, propane prices fluctuate, but are normally cheaper than other energy at any given time, like natural gas.
For those that have consider solar panel systems to power a large portion of their home s energy, it is important to note that a solar panel system puts out a normal 120 volt household current and not the 220 voltage that utility companies put out to power your larger appliances. If your appliances and heating systems are gas, then solar panel system conversion is easily done and can save you large amounts on your energy bills.
Right now, there are rebates being offered on the energy saving appliances and tax credits for home energy system improvements, including solar panel systems, so when you are buying your kitchen appliances, it is a good time to consider a long term energy efficiency plan for your home. This can save you thousands on your annual energy bill, especially if you get a solar panel system that can sell power back to the utility company grid.
With a gas kitchen stove, you don t have to worry about cooking in the event of power outages and you can use the oven to keep warm. This is one advantage that electric stoves don t offer.
There are a couple of disadvantages to consider, but they might not outweigh the advantages if you consider them. Of course, the obvious one is that you need to be careful with open flame. You don t want to accidentally catch something on fire, including your sleeve. Keep young children away from open flame because they can be fascinated with it. Electric stoves can still catch things on fire and children can get burned.
Another concern for some is lighting the pilot lights, but they are much easier and safer to light and operate than in past years. They also don t go out as often in newer models, so it is a minor concern. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, so you should consider a gas stove, when it comes time to replace your kitchen oven.