At a Glance:
Choosing between a gas or an electric oven is no simple matter. Professionals have their preferences, but sometimes home requirements influence our choices. Ultimately, both sides of the debate have convincing arguments to give.
So, it's once again time for us to dive into the gas vs electric oven debate. Let's explore both types of ovens so you can have a handy oven buying guide on your hands.
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Shop NowHow Do Electric Ovens Work?
Electric ovens are a staple in modern kitchens. When you turn on an electric oven, electricity channels through a resistor called the heating element. As electric current passes through these elements, their resistance causes them to heat up, thereby heating up the inside of the oven.
Electric ovens provide heat through radiant heating elements. This means as the elements warm, they emit heat that cooks the food within the cavity. Convection ovens take this a step further with the addition of a fan that circulates hot air inside the oven to ensure a more uniform temperature and quicker cooking times.
Chefs and those working in the culinary industry like to recommend electric ovens for their even heating properties. Electric ovens distribute heat throughout the oven cavity which prevents hotspots for food that cooks evenly on all sides.
Since the electric elements are enclosed, electric ovens offer a drier cooking environment, which results in better pastries, cakes, and roasts.
Explaining 6-Pass, 8-Pass, and 10-Pass Ovens
The terms 6-pass, 8-pass, and 10-pass refer to the design of the baking and broiling elements in an electric oven. The numbers indicate the number of times an electric current 'passes' through the heating element to generate heat.
- A 6-pass oven means that the electric current makes six passes through the element, creating six loops of heated area that can cook food.
- An 8-pass oven has eight loops, providing more coverage and a more evenly distributed heat.
- A 10-pass oven boasts the most loops, offering even greater coverage than the 8-pass.
These variations directly impact how evenly and quickly an oven can heat up and maintain heat. The more passes an element has, the more refined the cooking process is. A higher number of passes typically results in more precise temperature control and better heat distribution, resulting in more consistent cooking results throughout the oven cavity.
Electric Oven Pros and Cons
Overall, the debate between gas vs electric oven models comes down to what each does well and the challenges of each fuel type. For electric ovens, here’s what we’ve gathered:
✅ Less heat is lost in the cooking process.
✅Heat distributes more evenly, resulting in more uniformly baked goods.
✅With no open flame, there's no risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.
✅Electric oven settings are often more accurate than gas baking modes.
✅Electric ovens are by far more widely available than gas ovens.
✖ Electric ovens typically take longer to reach the desired temperature.
✖ Since they depend on electricity, electric ovens are inoperable in power outages.
✖ The cost to run electricity costs can be higher than gas in some areas, which might increase operational costs.
✖ Electric ovens are slower at temperature changes, which can affect cooking times and results.
When to Use an Electric Oven
When you're weighing between gas vs electric oven pros and cons, remind yourself of the advantages of electric oven models. In the following situations, an electric oven is the better choice.
✔ You want even and uniform results when cooking.
✔ You want precise temperature control when cooking.
✔ You want to bake with an energy-efficient fuel source.
✔ You want better safety and air quality.
Electric Oven Reviews
If you find yourself wanting all those listed above, that's when you should go for an electric oven. These are a few of our favorite models.
GE Profile™ 30" Smart Built In Convection Single Stainless Steel Wall Oven
With built-in Wi-Fi on this smart oven, you can download software upgrades, meaning this wall oven evolves as your culinary skills grow. It’s also intelligently designed, featuring a swing door that allows easy access and the oven rack glides smoothly. The air fry function doesn't require preheating so you can cook crispy foods more rapidly. Just place entrées in and enjoy a delicious meal in less time.
⭐Featured GE Profile PTS700LSNSS Review:
"Love the side swing door and easy glide racks on the oven. They make taking large/heavy pans out of the oven a breeze."
GE® 27" Stainless Steel Electric Built In Single Oven
This oven's design is sleek—especially with the glass touch controls that allow temperature setting easily. But what we truly love about this oven is its multi-functionality with a 10-pass baking elements and 8-pass broiling elements. With a variety of different cooking modes available, this 27” wall oven delivers a big bang for the buck.
⭐Featured GE JKS3000SNSS Review:
"Great oven. Easy to install, and use. Like the touch front controls and remote availability on my phone."
Frigidaire Gallery 30" Smudge-Proof® Stainless Steel Single Electric Wall Oven
Shop This Frigidaire Gallery Oven
Talk about a baker’s delight. With a full suite of features, including Air fry, steam bake, slow cook, steam roast, and air sous vide, this Frigidaire Gallery wall oven has the power to do more. With over 5 cubic feet of capacity, this model is great for full-course meals. Cleaning modes are also plentiful, so you can clean quickly or take your time to be thorough.
⭐Featured Frigidaire Gallery GCWS3067AF Review:
"It's very convenient to use, with different options to use at like air fry, bake, broil, etc and can warm up easily with the convection."
How Do Gas Ovens Work?
Now, let’s explore the other side of the gas vs electric oven debate: the gas oven.
Gas ovens operate on a straightforward principle. When you turn on a gas oven, gas releases and an ignition system lights the fuel. In most cases, this involves an electronic igniter or pilot light.
Instead of heating elements, gas ovens often feature gas burners at the bottom and sometimes at the top for broiling. The heat from the burners warms the air in the oven, which in turn cooks the food. Like gas cooking appliances, gas wall ovens warm up quickly and offer immediate adjustments in temperature.
What is Moist Heat?
Pro chefs and cooking enthusiasts often prefer gas ovens for braising and roasting because of their ability to provide consistent, moist heat. The term “moist heat" refers to the presence of moisture that is often associated with baking via gas. This moisture can come from the food itself or, in the case of gas ovens, from the byproduct of gas combustion.
As a result, gas ovens are known for their ability to maintain moisture during cooking, which is beneficial for preventing drying out long roasts and braises. This type of heat is preferable for longer cooking processes as it helps in tenderizing tough cuts of meat and keeping them succulent.
Gas Oven Pros and Cons
Once again, when you compare gas vs electric oven, gas oven has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Here’s how gas ovens compare.
✅ Gas ovens get hot immediately upon ignition, so meals cook faster.
✅Gas ovens offer greater control for adjustments for the one cooking.
✅Gas ovens can still be used even when there’s a power outage, making them more dependable.
✖ Gas ovens carry significant risks for carbon monoxide poisoning without the proper installation or ventilation.
✖ The use of gas may require a higher cost in some areas, compared to the electricity bill. Consult your area's utility department to make sure.
✖ Gas ovens also typically cost more than electric models, with a difference of about $100.
When to Use a Gas Oven
So, are gas or electric ovens better? When determining how gas ovens compare to electric oven models, it’s important to weigh the advantages of gas oven models. If the following scenarios align with your cooking needs, we recommend opting for a gas oven:
✔ You like controlling your cooking temperature by yourself.
✔ You prefer an oven that works during power outage.
✔ You want to cook something slowly and for a long time with less risk of drying out food.
✔ You have a kitchen with proper ventilation.
Gas Oven Reviews
When you’re ready to satisfy your cooking needs with the wonderful power of gas, it’s time to find the right gas oven for the job. These models offer power performances, plus they’ll look good in your kitchen, too!
Frigidaire Gallery® 24'' Smudge-Proof® Stainless Steel Single Gas Wall Oven
Shop This Frigidaire Gallery Oven
Just like its electric counterpart, there are different cooking modes offered this gas wall oven. You can Air Fry, Steam Bake, and Steam Roast all in one oven. There's even a specific Bread Proof mode for you who usually have trouble raising the dough. The True Convection feature is also a blessing, while the Quick Preheat allows you to start cooking faster than it usually takes.
⭐Featured Frigidaire Gallery GCWG2438AF Review:
"Very sleek and nice looking. I was pleasantly surprised by all the functions it offered: gas oven, convection and air fry."
BlueStar® 36" Custom Single Gas Wall Oven
If you want a gas wall oven that looks good no matter what your kitchen looks like, this BlueStar is a winner. It comes in more than 1,000 colors to choose from and 10 metal finishes or custom colors with the option of trim and knob colors for a truly unique look. The French door design is also more than just aesthetics, providing easier access to the interior. With a total of 25,000 BTUs, this is a high-performance oven with commercial-grade quality
Summit® 24" Stainless Steel Gas Built In Single Oven
We love this Summit for its drop-down compartment for separate broiling, which distributes heat evenly, and comes with a two-piece porcelain broiler tray. Its capacity also allows large dishes to enter, while two wire racks with safety brakes included have several glide positions to accommodate different sizes.
To recap our gas vs electric oven comparison, electric stoves are more readily available and the safer option. Precise temperature controls by the oven give you even cooking all the way through. On the other hand, gas ovens offer, more control and lets you slow cook to your heart's content. But it does come with some health risks and warnings.
Now that you have a better idea of the gas vs electric stove ovens debate, you can start shopping for the oven that perfectly suits your needs. Shop at Fred's Appliance, the best place to find your dream cooking appliances in the inland Northwest.
Learn More Double Oven Electric Ranges: Top Picks & Shopping Tips
FAQs
Are convection ovens gas or electric?
Convection ovens can be either gas or electric. The key feature is the fan and exhaust system that circulates hot air through the oven cavity.
How long should an electric oven last?
With proper care, an electric oven can last up to 13 years.
How long should a gas oven last?
Expect a lifespan of 15 years for a gas oven.
em>Learn More: 8 Best Slide In Electric Ranges
Why Trust Fred’s Appliance?
Fred's Appliance is the go-to store for all your appliance needs in the inland Northwest area. Established in 1962, Fred's Appliance has been serving customers for over five decades and counting. With an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Fred's provides a welcoming atmosphere that helps customers find the best product to fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.
When you shop with Fred's Appliance, you can be sure that you're getting the best brands at the best prices. In our store, you will find a variety of refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and more. We also carry washers and dryers in both front-load and top-load styles. Not only are we dedicated to providing an unbeatable selection of appliances, but we are equally committed to the local community. We proudly support many charitable organizations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. When you shop at Fred's Appliance, you're not only getting a great product but helping out your neighbors too!
Shop Top-Rated Ovens at Fred’s Appliance
If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop cooking appliances online or visit one of our showrooms in Washington, Idaho, or Montana to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced retailer makes. Our appliance experts will be happy to help you compare gas vs electric oven models from our selection. Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.
Learn More: Convection Roast vs. Convection Bake: What’s The Difference?