There are two main types of stoves for kitchens – gas and electric. Growing up with certain stoves and having a personal preference is what usually dictates someone’s purchase. However, given the recent explosions at Merrimack Valley, it’s time to take a closer look at which stove is the safer and more convenient option. When choosing a stove, it’s best to look at all its pros and cons to correctly determine which one would be right for your home.
1. The Cost of the Stove
For a lot of people, the pricing of an appliance is the first and last aspect of a product they choose to investigate. However, for stoves, it can be a little trickier. The pricing varies, with electric stoves ranging from $650 to $2,800 and gas stoves going at $800 to $2,300. The difference is small but meaningful; electric stoves are cheaper to buy and yet more expensive to run and vice versa for gas stoves. The extra cost for gas stoves typically comes from the installation of extra fuel lines if needed.
2. Comparing Stove Performances
The difference in energy sources is paramount for each stove’s overall optimization and usage for cooking. Because of this, each range comes with its own unique properties listed below:
Key Factors for Electric Stoves
- Pricing: Although cheaper to purchase, the use of electricity as an energy source is far more demanding than natural gas.
- Heat balance: If perfectly flat and not obstructed, electric stoves provide more even and dry heat for roasting and baking than gas.
- Temperature: Electric stoves struggle to change heat quickly which can result in less precise cooking and potential injury.
- Additional functions: Generally, the more modernized stoves, carries more functions than gas like fans, grills, and heaters.
Key Factors for Gas Stoves
- Pricing: Gas stoves are typically more expensive to buy and yet cheaper to use; there are fewer options at its lower value than its competitors.
- Heat balance: While the gas heat is even overall, it is still less suitable for roasting and baking than electric stoves.
- Temperature: Because of the use of natural gas, turning down the temperature happens instantly and is easily accessible.
- Additional functions: Gas stoves typically lack the versatility of electric stoves due to the constraints of gasoline.
3. Comparing the Risks of Stoves
The disaster in Merrimack Valley was caused by natural gas lines to homes that weren’t properly pressurized for the sensors to regulate the gas coming into households. This resulted in several explosions to occur, and because of this, many are questioning how safe gas really is when compared to electric stoves. Gas stoves do carry a lot of risks, from odorless chemicals to gas leaks and flame hazards. To avoid these issues, you’re advised to first use your backburners so that the chemicals go straight through the vents. It’s also a good safety measure to always use the fan and to have your stove inspected at least once a year. If the flame isn’t blue, that means the stove is emitting more carbon monoxide than usual and needs inspection.
Contrasting gas stoves, electric ranges are silent when running which makes it easier to leave it running. This leaves a lot of room open for hazards like burns and fires to start in the house. Even when turned off, electric stoves take quite a while before the heat on the surface has completely dissipated. To avoid these issues, homeowners should not leave the stove running to heat the home or for a prolonged time. They should also keep children, pets or flammable objects away from the stove during or immediately after its use.
4. Getting the Right Homeowner’s Insurance
If your home is damaged, there is nothing more important than getting the right insurance. Proper homeowner’s insurance will cover the structure of your home, personal belongings, living expenses and liability to others. The costs of reconstructing a home will take in factors such as square footage of land, style of house, type of exterior wall, and more. It’s important to note that regardless of the type of stove you get, certain risks like grease fires are universal.
It’s one thing to prevent any damages to your home, but it’s another thing to ensure that you are well protected if something were ever to happen. TJ Woods Insurance offers a plethora of insurance agencies that provide the right homeowner’s insurance that fits your needs. Be sure to contact us now and get quoted today.
