Electric vs Gas Cooktop: Pros and Cons of Both

by DoItYourself Staff

A sleek, modern cooktop can add a new dimension to any kitchen. One of the first decisions a prospective buyer has to make is choosing between a gas cooktop and an electric one. Each type of cooktop has features that appeal to different buyers. Your decision must be based on the amount of cooking you do and the qualities that are most important to you.

Advantages of Electric Cooktops

Electric cooktops are very efficient, and can maintain low temperatures required for tasks such as simmering or melting chocolate.
In some electric cooktops, the heating elements can be adjusted according to the size of cookware. A bridge element can also be used to combine two burners, for cooking in a large utensil.
Most electric cooktops feature smooth ceramic glass surfaces that are attractive and easy to clean.
Touchpad controls offer precise and easy control without the use of unsightly knobs.

Disadvantages of Electric Cooktops

Electric elements take a long time to heat up, and also to cool down after being turned off. It is important to be careful around the cooking surface, especially after a cooking session. Some electric cooktops have indicators that glow when the cooktop surface is hot, to prevent accidents.
Electric cooktops require the use of flat-bottomed cookware. If the cookware is not smooth and flat bottomed, the element may overheat, leading to waste of energy. It may also result in the food being cooked unevenly.

Advantages of Gas Cooktops

Gas cooktops offer immediate heat as soon as the burner is turned on. There is no waiting time involved, unlike electric cooktops. The flame is extinguished as soon as the element is turned off, as well.
You can use most types of cookware on a gas cooktop, unlike electric cooktops that require the use of flat-bottomed cookware.
Gas cooktops offer a precise tuning, and can cook food at a very high temperature. This is why most professional chefs prefer cooking on gas cooktops.
While cooking, the heat level can be visually checked because there is an open flame involved. Change of temperature is also instantaneous by reducing the flame.
Sealed gas burners offer the convenience and efficiency of cooking with gas, and also the easy cleanup that is a winning feature of smooth ceramic glass cooktops. Open burners have grates that are built to last, and can withstand falls and heavy weights.

Disadvantages of Gas Cooktops

The open flame makes cooking on a gas cooktop more of a safety hazard, when compared to electric cooktops. You must be very careful not to wear loose clothing, and also to keep children away from gas cooktops.
Gas cooktops are not as environmentally friendly an option as electric cooktops. There is also a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if the appliance is not used properly.
Most gas cooktops contain open burners, which can be a challenge to clean. However, newer sealed gas burners reduce this problem by preventing spills and leaks from leaking under the cooking surface.