Choosing Your Range: Gas, Electric, or Dual Fuel?

» Kitchen Remodeling Photos

All appliances are not created equal. That’s especially true when it comes to big ticket items like a gas or electric range. There are several things you need to be aware of before purchasing an energy efficient range top. The trick is deciding whether it should be gas, electric, or dual fuel?

For people who do a lot of range cooking, gas is by far the most enjoyable to cook with. A top of the line gas range and oven will cost anywhere from $1,500 - $6,000. The more insulated the range is, the more cost efficient it will be. Use a moderate flame to cook and be sure to check the flame’s color. A blue flame is using gas efficiently and a yellow flame indicates an adjustment needs to be made.

A modern electric range may save you some dough on your electric bill. The best ones on the market use 1/3 less energy to run. Electric ranges also come with easy-to-clean glass or ceramic tops. To make it more efficient, keep the stove top reflectors clean. The reflectors generate heat, too. Keeping them clean will make the burners more proficient. For long-term efficiency, be sure to check the heating coils. If one is failing, this can be a huge power drain.

The built-in cooktop range can be gas or electric. The difference here is there’s no oven. It’s a range built into the counter; installation is similar to that of a kitchen sink but with gas or electric.

Cost of Cooking

Think about the long-term cost of using a range/oven. Every appliance has two-costs, one to buy it and another to operate it. According to the California Energy Commission, most Americans prefer to cook with electricity.  About 58% of Americans use electric over gas. But according to a Consumer Guide test on the cost of cooking, it’s actually cheaper by .07 cents an hour to use gas over electric. So understanding the future cost of the unit is important. This table from the Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings compares the cost of cooking a casserole in several ways. It assumes the cost of gas is $.60 a therm, and electricity is $.08 a kWh.

Sources:

http://eartheasy.com/live_energyeffic_appl.htm

http://galttech.com/research/household-DIY-tools/best-ranges-gas-electric.php

http://consumerenergycenter.org/home/appliances/ranges.html

Articles related to Kitchen Range

• Over The Range Microwave
• Refrigerator
• Microwave Ovens

• Kitchen Range
• Dishwashers