What are the differences between an electric oven and a gas oven?
- Source of Heating
- Cooking Temperature
- Cooking Style
- Cost
- Ease of Use and Safety
When it comes to buying the best kitchen appliances in the Philippines, ovens are never missing from the list. Whipping up a delicious meal does not rely on recipes alone. Out of all the appliances, the oven plays a vital role in cooking. There are two kinds. If you’re planning to buy one, you might find yourself debating between an electric oven vs a gas oven.
These two types of ovens can significantly impact your overall cooking experience. Whether you want advice on which one to buy for yourself or maybe just wondering if your current oven is the best one — here is a guide on the differences between an electric oven and a gas oven. Read on!
Source of Heating
The main difference between electric ovens and gas ovens is their source of heating.
Gas ovens rely on burner ignition. Most units have their burners located in the bottom compartment. It is usually shielded by a sheet of metal with large vents. The burner produces very intense heat upwards into the compartment. However, some gas ovens are equipped with second burners situated at the top.
On the other hand, electric ovens are built with metal coils to start the heating process. These heating elements glow red-hot while functioning and can usually be found on the floor of the appliance. There may also be another broiling element found at the top of electric ovens.
Cooking Temperature
Gas ovens can reach higher cooking temperatures quickly. Additionally, you can easily control the temperature and size of the flame — allowing for faster cook times. It’s important to remember that gas ovens are known for having hot spots wherein certain parts of the oven are hotter than the others. You will have to rotate the pan sometimes for even cooking.
To turn up the temperature of an electric oven, the metal coils will need to evenly distribute heat throughout the unit. This works by going from a cold coil to a superheated coil before giving off the right temperature for cooking, which can be slower.
An advantage of electric ovens, however, is that they do not depend on burner ignition as their source of heat. Therefore, electric ovens generally maintain an even temperature during the cooking process. It does not drop in the interim between succeeding cooking sessions. This is beneficial for avoiding burned food or creating dishes that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
Cooking Style
Electric ovens and gas ovens provide different types of heat. For this reason, they provide different cooking styles for your food.
Gas ovens tend to give off moist heat because water vapor is produced during combustion. This makes it an ideal appliance for dishes where you want to keep the moisture intact such as juicy meats.
Alternatively, electric ovens produce drier heat. It is perfect for broiling or adding crispness or crunch to your food. This is ideal for crispy cookies, pies with perfectly golden brown crusts, or fried food such as french fries.
Cost
An electric oven will be cheaper than a gas oven. This is because a gas oven requires a direct gas line to work and it will need to be safely installed with the help of an expert. It can become even more costly if you do not have a gas line installed.
Ease Of Use and Safety
Gas ovens can be challenging lighting up since they need to be connected securely to a gas line. Without proper care, the combustible gas can pose hazards of burning.
When it comes to ease of use, electric ovens undoubtedly hold the bigger advantage. Electric ovens like the Hanabishi Electric Oven HEO23R can be placed anywhere in your kitchen and it is easier to start. Simply plug it in and turn the knob for the desired cooking temperature. It has an indicator lamp that lights up once it has reached the temperature you set it to. Plus, it is designed with a bell timer that rings when the food is done cooking.
Key Takeaway
Before you decide to finally choose between an electric oven vs a gas oven, remember that each one has its pros and cons.
If you want an affordable kitchen appliance, prioritize safety, and tend to cook crispy dishes most of the time — you will be better off with an electric oven. On the other hand, if you have a bigger budget and want to cook juicy food faster — gas ovens are for you.
