Which oven to choose - gas or electric?

Pies, rolls, meat under mayonnaise, fish in foil, roast in pots - but you never know what can be cooked in the oven! Fast, tasty, inexpensive. Kitchen appliances are produced by various companies, so the hostess will inevitably have a question about which oven to choose - gas or electric, and from which manufacturer. Read about the intricacies of different models in our article.

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Gas or electricity?

Owners of pre-installed electric stoves usually have no questions. Gas has not been delivered to such houses; not everyone wants to tinker with cylinders, so there are no alternatives to the electric oven.

If the gas is supplied or you are building your own house and just decide how to equip the kitchen - you can compare the advantages and disadvantages of one and the other equipment and make a reasonable choice

Before deciding which oven to choose - gas or electric, try to evaluate the benefits of both. Gas units are usually much cheaper, but is it always worth focusing only on price?

General characteristics

Both those and other units can be:

• recessed;
• freestanding.

Ovens are also divided by size. They may be:

• full-sized;
• compact.

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Gas oven

To thoroughly figure out which oven to choose - gas or electric, we first consider the features of gas technology.

Benefits

In addition to the relatively low price, gas ovens have other advantages:

• the possibility of battery life;
• high heating rate;
• high cooling rate;
• Ease of controls;
• speed of cooking;
• a large number of functions;
• modern design.

Important! As a rule, a large gas stove is obviously equipped with an oven. However, on sale you can find models that do not combine with burners. Such a cabinet is easily connected to a gas cylinder, including a portable one. By the way, you can always buy small gas cylinders where they sell goods for gardeners or tourists. Such an oven is simply indispensable in the country.

Types of management

A gas unit can have two types of control:

• mechanical;
• electronic mechanical.
  

Which gas oven is better? Let's define the possibilities:

• Some companies already produce gas ovens with an electronic type of control, but such models are more likely to be mixed than pure gas.
• The mechanical type of control means that the oven turns on quickly and easily, moreover, its panel is arranged quite simply. Even a not very experienced owner can handle mechanical adjustments.

Heating rate

The oven warms up very quickly. Natural gas has a high heat dissipation, so there is almost no need to wait until the temperature necessary for a given dish is established. The camera cools down pretty quickly too.

Important! An important advantage of such ovens is that they practically do not harm the furniture standing nearby. Tables and cabinets made of any material can stand nearby - from such a neighborhood they will definitely not melt. The only thing you need to constantly take care of is that open fire does not fall on neighboring surfaces. Some models are equipped with a special system to protect furniture.

Heating modes

Gas ovens come in several forms:

• with one heating mode;
• with two;
• with side heaters

Which gas oven is better? Find out:

• In ovens with one mode, the flame is supplied only on one side (most often from below).
• In the second case, there is fire both from below and from above, and in the third, the side zones also work.

Important! Check if you can use different modes at the same time - there are models that have only sequential activation.

Style and Design

Uniform white gas stoves with ovens, half a century ago considered to be a miracle of technology, are still being produced. But we must pay tribute to the manufacturers of household appliances - in the windows and catalogs now you can see not only well-known models. Gas ovens are very diverse in color and design.

Functions

Modern gas ovens do not have much less functions than electric ones.

In a word, these are good, reliable and durable kitchen units.

But to say that the gas oven is the top of perfection is still not entirely legitimate. For this miracle of technology has its drawbacks.

Minuses

The main flaw of any gas appliance is the potential danger. Gas burning must be constantly checked. However, modern models are equipped with gas control systems.

Thanks to such a system, the gas supply is stopped if the flame suddenly goes out for some reason. There are other disadvantages:

• the inability to accurately set the temperature;
• the inability to fully automate the cooking process;
• complexity of cleaning.

Important! Unfortunately, even the owners of the most modern models quite often have to determine the temperature “by eye”. Yes, the temperature control knob is rotated by a certain number of divisions, however, this or that risk means not so much the temperature as the power of the flame. Therefore, the state of the dish must be checked periodically or rely on the will of chance and your own intuition (if, for example, you cannot open the oven according to the recipe).

Accordingly, it will not work to fully entrust the preparation of the “smart” unit, as modern electric ovens or a mixed model with an electronic control system allow.

Cleaning

Catalytic panels can be installed in a gas oven. Catalytic purification is very convenient and efficient. Unfortunately, it is impossible to apply pyrolysis in gas-powered models, since the required temperature cannot be reached. Panels can be flipped or changed.

Body material

When buying a gas oven, be sure to pay attention to the body material:

• steel;
• cast iron;
• ceramics.

Which gas oven is better by this criterion? Let's figure it out:

• The most popular are steel models. They are strong and durable, it is difficult to damage them. The main disadvantage is that they heat up quickly.
• Cast iron has been used for a long time, but it is quite fragile. A pan that accidentally falls on top can permanently deprive you of an oven.
• Ceramic units should also be handled carefully, but they have a very significant advantage - they do not heat up.

Additional features

A very useful thing is a timer. In addition, some models may have:

• sound notification;
• tangential cooling;
• electric ignition:
• grill;
• defrosting;
• convection.

Which of these is better in gas ovens? - Decide for yourself, based on the following features:

• The electric ignition system makes it possible to do without matches and a lighter.
• An oven with tangential cooling function can be placed close to cabinets and tables, which is especially important for a small kitchen.
• Convection allows you to evenly distribute heat, so that situations when the cake is burnt from one side and remains moist inside, becomes impossible. Find out more,What is convection in the oven?.

Important! The best gas built-in ovens are, as a rule, mixed two-chamber models. The lower chamber is powered by natural gas, the upper one is powered by electricity.Such ovens are offered by some well-known German companies.

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Electric ovens

In order to fully understand which oven to choose - gas or electric, we will examine in detail the capabilities of the equipment of the second group.

Important! If you have little space in your kitchen or you rarely cook in the oven, there is an alternative to this large-sized household appliance. Follow the link where you will find a detailedreview of desktop electric ovens.

Benefits

Electric ovens are much safer than gas ones. You do not have to deal with cylinders and think about whether you turned off the gas when you left home.

Other advantages of these models also have:

• practicality;
• the ability to accurately set the temperature;
• a large number of functions;
• different cleaning methods.

Important! By purchasing a built-in oven, you will not have to think about where to put it - a place for it has already been reserved. It will take its place in the cabinet section with heat-resistant walls, so you can not be afraid that the furniture will catch fire. The main disadvantage of electric models is the high price.

Control

There are three ways to control electric ovens:

• mechanical;
• electronic mechanical;
• electronic.

We decide that it is better to choose:

• Mechanically controlled ovens last quite a long time and are easy to maintain. True, the number of modes for such units is limited.

Important! Such models are good for experienced chefs who are used to relying on themselves in everything.

• With the electronic-mechanical part of the control functions lies on the mechanical controller, the rest is done by the electronic unit. Such models have more features, but they cost more and break more often - it is usually the electronic unit that fails. Replace it, however, is not difficult.
• Electronic control method. The most modern option. The chef can only select the desired program and install it using a key or a simple finger touch. Particularly advanced models are equipped with a display by which you can track the process. True, this is a rather expensive pleasure.

Important! In thrift stores you can still find old electric ovens that work only autonomously. They are very cheap, they still work, but such models do not have the functions needed by a modern chef.

Cleaning systems

Electrical models can use the most advanced cleaning methods. However, even now you can also find very cheap devices for sale in which no self-cleaning system is provided - burnt fat is removed only with a hard washcloth or softened with the help of a dish placed inside with citric acid.

However, in most models, nevertheless, such a function is provided:

• Pyrolysis cleaning is used in premium models. The oven is cleaned completely, the remains are simply burned. But this takes a separate time. In this case, it is necessary to strictly monitor that the furniture is not too close (the gap should be at least 10 cm).
• Models with hydrolysis treatment are much cheaper. The efficiency of the process, however, is somewhat lower, and some have to be removed mechanically. But the purchase of such a unit will significantly save the family budget.

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What to be guided by when choosing?

There are several criteria that you need to pay attention to first of all when deciding which oven to choose - gas or electric:

1. Can you make extra space in the kitchen?
2. Assess your needs - how often do you expect to use the oven?
3. What features do you really need and which ones will you never use?
4. When choosing an electric oven, find out what additional load the power networks in your house can withstand.

Important! If there is not enough space, it is better to give preference to the built-in equipment. You can do the same when the oven itself does not fit into the design of the room.Combination with a hob is a convenient thing, but not always possible.

Important! If you bought a new oven and plan to install it yourself, then you need to know the procedure for the work. You will find detailed information in our special articles:

• How to connect an oven?
• How to install a built-in electric oven?

How and what do you cook?

A lot depends on how often you intend to use the oven. If your loved ones cannot live without pies and rolls, you cook them constantly and in large quantities - it is better to choose a more powerful and quite voluminous unit. In this case, a good electric oven is more suitable.

For those who do not need to bake, bake and simmer a lot and often, a cheap gas or low-power electric will do.

Do you need the functions of heating, delayed start, preservation of a certain temperature? Modern ovens have them - but you will have to pay extra for each of them. So if you do not use them, choose a simpler model.

Important! A gas oven can work autonomously, but an electric oven without a network - nothing. Do not forget to clarify the power of the unit and consult about the condition of the electric networks in your house, especially if you live in an old fund.

 

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Popular brands

Very often, the same companies produce both gas and electric models. This is not surprising, because many of them have been working in the household appliance market for many years.

Both types of products offer:

• Siemens
• Samsung
• ARDO:
• Whirpool;
• Electrolux;
• Zanussi;
• Hansa;
• Neff
• Gorenje;
• Mielle
• Bosch
• Kuppersbusch.

The cost of the unit is determined not only by the type and availability of functions, but by the brand:

• The most expensive are the Mielle, Bosch and Kuppersbusch models.
• In the middle of the price line are “Electrolux”, “Hansa”, “Burning”, “Neff”, “Zanussi”.
• Finally, Siemens or Samsung companies constantly delight their customers with cheap quality models of electric and gas ovens.

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Oven Ratings

The rating of the best ovens is determined by the following indicators:

• type of;
• the size;
• capacity of the working chamber;
• number of functions;
• modes
• features of care;
• design;
• profitability;
• degree of protection.

Popular Electric Ovens

If you still decide to give preference to the electric version, here are a few worthy models from which you can make your choice.

Ardesia HSN 060 IC

Compact model, the volume of the oven chamber is 38 l.

Features:

• 5 modes;
• grill;
• convection;
• uniform warming up;
• timer;
• fan;
• easy to care.

Hotpoint-Ariston FTR 850

Stylish independent electric oven, volume - 58 liters.

Features:

• 8 modes;
• economical in everything;
• hydrolysis treatment;
• fan;
• backlight.

Important! There is a separate review on our site of useful tips describing the best models. “Oven freestanding electric”.

Siemens HB23AB620R

Inexpensive model, but very high quality.

Features:

• 5 modes;
• profitability;
• fast heating;
• high quality baking;
• child protection system;
• triple glazing;
• hydrolysis treatment.

The best gas ovens

To see which gas oven is best for you, check out the overview of these models.

Bosch HGN22F350

More precisely, this model can be called gas-electric:

• the lower part is gas;
• top - works from the mains.

Spacious full-sized oven for 60 liters.

Features:

• 5 heating modes;
• touchscreen;
• thermal probe;
• spit;
• electric ignition;
• timer;
• backlight;
• fan.

Important! Now in almost every apartment you can find a microwave. It takes up a lot of space indoors. Save space will help the purchase of a multifunctional device - an oven with microwave. We spoke in detail about him and described the best models in a separate review “Which microwave oven is better to choose?”.

Delonghi PGGA4

Full-size gas oven with a volume of 55 liters.

Features:

• 3 modes;
• grill;
• convection;
• uniformity of heating;
• timer;
• fan;
• backlight;
• the possibility of protective shutdown.

Fornelli FGA 45 Stretto

The middle oven - volume 45 liters.

Features:

• 5 modes;
• convenient configuration;
• gas control;
• catalytic purification.

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Stock footage

That's all you need to know to finally decide which oven to choose - gas or electric, and decide on the right model. We hope that now you have no problems with cooking even the most complex dishes, as the equipment you have purchased and installed will fully satisfy your requirements.