Gas vs. Electric Ranges

When it comes to managing mealtime, you want to get food to the table fast — just the way the family likes it. But does it make a difference whether your range (also known as a stove or oven) is fueled by electric or gas?

Both fuel types have their own advantages, depending on what you cook and how you cook it. So which one’s right for your home? Learn more about the differences between cooking with gas and cooking with electric.

Gas vs. electric ranges: what to consider

The hookup

If you don’t have a gas hookup, this decision could be made for you. How do you know? Electric ranges have a single plug. If you do have a gas hookup (or you’re installing a gas line) determine whether your kitchen has natural gas or propane. To use propane, you’ll likely need a conversion kit.

Precision

If you like to make meals that require attention to detail, gas ranges might be the way to go. The burners on a gas cooktop give you precise control over your flame level.

The heat

Although gas burners deliver BTUs and electric elements deliver watts, both can provide low heat for a slow simmer and high heat for searing or boiling.

Even baking

The heat in electric ovens is often drier and more evenly distributed, which can provide even baking and reliable results. If you do a lot of baking, consider an electric range.

Speed

Both gas and electric ovens feature convection cooking for faster baking and thorough roasting. And radiant elements on an electric cooktop are perfect for boiling and other speed-oriented tasks.

Cleaning

Some electric ranges have a smooth cooktop surface that’s easy to wipe clean, while some gas ranges feature removable grates and sealed burners. Both types typically have a self-clean feature that helps release spills and splatters.

Flexibility

Dual/triple electric elements have multiple rings to deliver the right coverage for whatever you’re cooking with, and a bridge element is ideal for large or oddly shaped pots and pans. Similarly, some gas cooktops feature oval burners designed to handle oversized cookware, like griddles or Dutch ovens.

Get a gas or electric range from Whirlpool

Whether you love to bake, broil or roast, your range’s fuel type can help deliver optimal results and make a difference in the way you care. So what’s it going to be? Check out our top picks below or shop gas and electric ranges.

Shop All Ranges

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Whirlpool® smart ovens

The Smart Front Control Range lets you cut down on routine steps to get food to the table fast. Learn how you can rush a little less and do a little more.

Convection oven vs. regular oven

What, exactly, is a convection oven? Learn more to determine if you should stick with convention — or cook with convection.

What is Sabbath mode on a stove?

During Sabbath and religious holidays in Judaism, there may be restrictions on certain activities that can extend to the use of appliances.

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