Gas or Electric Stoves? Appliance Pros Share the Clear Winner for Most Homes

The debate over which type of stove is best—gas or electric—burns hot in many kitchens. While some home cooks swear by the precision of gas, others prefer the ease of electric stoves. Now, with more energy-efficient alternatives entering the market, the choice has become even more complex.

The type of stove you choose can impact your cooking, your utility bills, and even your health. To help you decide, we asked experts to weigh in on the pros and cons of gas vs. electric stoves so you can make an informed decision on the best stove for your home and lifestyle. 

What Are the Main Differences Between Gas and Electric Stoves?

Gas and electric stoves will both get your food cooked, but they operate in different ways, which can affect how you cook. Gas stoves are connected to a gas line and have open flames that you can adjust to your desired cooking level. Natural gas or propane powers a gas stove, igniting a cooking flame to heat your food. This visible flame makes it easy to adjust heat levels quickly and precisely.

Electric stoves, on the other hand, are powered by electricity that heats up metal coils or radiant elements, which then transfer to your cookware. Electric stoves have a steady, dry heat that’s great for simmering and baking. Many electric stoves feature sleek, flat glass tops that are easy to clean.

Most electric stoves also have an electric oven, and gas stoves usually have gas ovens, but there are hybrid models with gas stoves and electric ovens. 

Costs and Installation Requirements

Gas stoves tend to be slightly less expensive to buy, but installation is often pricier. Electric stoves generally range from $650 to $2,800, while gas stoves run between $800 and $2,300.

According to Denis David, a membership concierge at Home Alliance appliance repair, installation can add $120 to $250 if all the hookups are already in place, but costs can climb to $400 or more if a new gas line or 240V outlet is needed. “We’ve even seen cases where the prep work costs more than the stove itself,” David notes.

Installation

Gas and electric stoves have distinct installation requirements. Electric models are typically simpler—they just need a dedicated 240V outlet. “Electric stoves are usually pretty straightforward: Plug it in, level it out, and you’re good to go,” says David.

Gas stoves, however, require a connection to a natural gas or propane line, in addition to a standard 120V outlet for the igniter. “Connecting the gas line safely, checking for leaks, and possibly converting between propane and natural gas—it’s a bit more involved,” David explains. “In most places, a licensed tech is required for gas installs, and honestly, that’s a good thing. Gas isn’t something you want to wing.” And some newer stoves are dual-fuel, meaning they need both gas and electric hookups.

Also, keep in mind that older houses are more likely to have gas lines and gas stoves, while newer builds and apartments often default to electric. No matter which type you choose, proper ventilation, a level floor, and professional installation are key.

Cooking Performance

When it comes to cooking, many chefs swear by gas stoves for their quick response and precise temperature control, but electric stoves have their own strengths, and electric ovens are often the go-to for baking.

“I’ve cooked extensively on both, and I’ll be honest—gas still wins for me,” says Marissa Stevens, ​​recipe developer and founder of Pinch and Swirl. “It’s more responsive. You can see the flame, turn it up or down instantly, and you don’t have to guess if the heat level has changed.” This on-demand heat is ideal for anything from searing meat to gently simmering sauce.

Stevens does point out that electric stoves have come a long way. “I’ve tested recipes on them and gotten great results—you just have to cook a little differently,” she explains. Electric stoves are slower than gas to heat up as the coils take longer to heat up or cool down, but once they reach the ideal temperature, they offer a consistent, dry heat that’s perfect for roasting and baking.

Safety Considerations

Gas stoves release carbon dioxide when burning fuel and can leak methane, even when turned off. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and trace amounts of benzene, a known carcinogen, may also escape. Health-wise, cooking with gas produces nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter, all of which can accumulate indoors and potentially trigger asthma or other respiratory issues, especially in children.

“The use of a good-quality range hood is necessary in all kitchens, but even more so if you have a gas range,” says Andrew Pace, founder of The Green Design Center and host of the Non-Toxic Environments podcast. “Correctly utilizing the exhaust hood will eliminate many of the hazards created by the combustion of gas, as well as the pollutants created when cooking.”

Electric stoves sidestep the indoor air quality concerns of gas stoves. However, their flat surfaces can remain hot long after cooking, increasing the risk of burns—something to keep in mind if you have children or pets at home. (Induction cooktops, however, always stay completely cool to the touch.)

Energy Efficiency

Gas stoves can be more energy-efficient at the source because they burn fuel directly, avoiding the energy loss that occurs when converting fuel into electricity. “Natural gas for cooking is more efficient because it doesn’t need to be converted to electricity,” Pace says. “Electricity comes from burning natural gas, coal, or sustainable sources such as solar and wind.”

However, electric stoves powered by renewables are more environmentally friendly. They don’t emit methane (a potent greenhouse gas) or indoor pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and benzene, which gas stoves can release even when off. Induction cooktops are also more efficient at the appliance level, transferring up to 90% of energy to cookware.

When it comes to utility costs, gas is often the more budget-friendly option. While gas stoves may cost more to install upfront, natural gas is typically cheaper than electricity in many areas, making ongoing energy costs lower for gas.

Maintenance and Cleaning

If easy cleanup is a priority, smooth-top electric stoves are hard to beat—their flat surface wipes down quickly. Gas stoves require more effort, since grates and burners must be removed and cleaned separately. They also tend to develop issues over time. “We often see igniters that click but don’t light, burners that won’t stay on, or ovens that heat unevenly or not at all,” says David.

Electric stoves have their own problems. “Burners that don’t heat are usually caused by a bad element or switch,” David explains. “Other common issues are inaccurate oven temps from faulty sensors or control boards, or unresponsive touchpads—especially in lower-end models. Honestly, we see more control board failures with electric stoves, and those repairs can get pricey.”

As for lifespan, gas stoves generally outlast electric ones. “On average, gas stoves can last 15 to 20 years and electric ones usually go around 13 to 18 years,” David says. “Gas units tend to last longer just because they have fewer electronics to fail. That said, it totally depends on usage and how well folks maintain them. Some customers burn through an oven in 7 years, others have 25-year-old stoves still working fine (with a few quirks).”

Bottom Line: Which Stove Type Is Right for You?

The best stove for your home depends on your setup, budget, and cooking habits. If your home already has a gas line and you’re looking for lower utility bills, a gas stove could be the smarter choice. It’s especially handy for home chefs who love cooking stir-fries, searing meats, or any dish that requires quick, high heat.

On the other hand, if air quality is a concern, you don’t have a gas hookup, or your home runs on alternative energy, an electric stove may be a better fit. Electric ovens, in particular, are a favorite among bakers for their consistent, even heat. And for the best of both worlds, consider a hybrid model with a gas cooktop and electric oven.

Before deciding, weigh the upfront costs, energy usage, and your home’s existing setup. If you’re still in doubt, talk to an appliance expert for more information on installation and maintenance to see which stove would work best for you.