Pros and cons of choosing an electric or gas stove for your Dubai home
Whether you are upgrading your existing kitchen or moving to a new home and investing in new kitchen gadgets, one of the major decisions that you will be making is whether to install an advanced electric stove in your kitchen or go for a stylish gas stovetop. Both options come with a set of pros and cons that one needs to look into it carefully. We have drawn a comparison between using a gas vs electric stove so that it will be easier for you to select the type of stove that suits your preferences.
Have a look at the following pros and cons of choosing a gas vs electric stove before you finalise your decision! Please note that while most buildings in Dubai accommodate both gas and electric stoves, some may only offer an electric option. So it’s also wise to check this with your landlord or concierge service before making a decision. Most rental villas in Dubai can accommodate both options.
Pros and Cons of an Electric Stove
Electric stoves are a smart innovation that has not only transformed the cooking experience for many but also ensures a sleek, modern aesthetic for the kitchen. Check out these pros and cons of using electric stoves to know whether it will be a good fit for your kitchen.
Sleek design with easier cleaning
Electric ovens or stoves are perfect if you are looking for a sleek, modern appearance. Electric cooktop ranges use coils that are usually hidden within a glass top, displaying a glossy, even surface. As a result, electric ranges are also easier to clean because they lack the ridges and spokes of a gas stove.
Heat Consistency
Electric stovetops spread the heat more evenly, making it a good option for anything that needs to be simmered for a long time. Since the heating process is more consistent, electric stoves are also a better option if you do not want a hot kitchen where the temperature gets high every time you cook something.
New models with additional options
Whether you opt for an electric stove or a gas cooking range, there are numerous options with various advanced features. However, the technology and features you can find for electric stoves are usually more superior with modern innovations. Electric stoves, for instance, come with warming drawers, fans, grills and other features that make cooking multiple types of foods much more convenient. Many new models are also integrated with smart technology that can automate some of the cooking process.
Cost of Fuel
Wondering what is cheaper between a gas or electric stove? If we compare the cost on the basis of fuel consumption between gas vs electric stoves then electricity is considered a more expensive fuel compared to gas or propane. So, in most cases, using an electric stove will cost higher than a gas stove.
Slower to ignite
Unlike gas stoves, electric stoves usually take more time to reach the desired temperature to cook the food. This means that cooking time with electric cooktops can exceed a gas stove’s cooking time. Moreover, in many electric cooktop models, a burner which has only been turned off a few seconds ago may appear the same as other unused burners. Since electric stoves also take more time to cool down after being turned off, this may cause accidental harm.
Glass is breakable
Electric stoves often have a ceramic or glass top that looks beautiful. However, these materials are easier to break if you accidentally drop a heavy object or splash cold water on a heated glass burner. Moreover, if you boil over something on such cooktops, it may leave scratch marks when you attempt to clean it.
No cooking when the power is out
Electric burners will not work if you face electricity loss due to any reason. So unless you have an electricity backup, you cannot use your electric stove during a power outage. While this is not a concern in most Dubai households, it is still a factor to consider.
Not all pots have a flat bottom
If your kitchenware consists of pans with a curvy base, you will have to replace them with flat-bottom pans to use an electric stove. This can often be expensive since the technology used in electric stoves may require specific utensils.
Pros and Cons of a Gas Stove
Gas stoves are the conventional cooktops that many people choose. These old-style stoves are effective for cooking many delicious foods without any hassle. Here are some of the things to consider when you are selecting a gas stove for your kitchen in Dubai.
Open flame means more options
The open flames of typical gas stoves offer a flexible cooking experience where the cook can easily turn the same burner into barbeque smoker pits or a high flame grill. This feature of gas stoves is sometimes the deciding factor in the choice of gas vs electric stove for chefs and cooks who love to experiment with different types of foods.
Another benefit of an open flame cooktop is that you can use both flat pots or the ones with circular bottoms.
Quicker temperature alterations!
Gas stoves are also preferred since it’s far more easy to control the level of heat. Someone cooking on a gas flame can increase or decrease the flame by simply controlling the knob to readjust the heat intensity quickly.
Cost effective fuel
Gas is usually considered a cheap fuel option and if you already have a gas line installed in your kitchen, setting up a gas stove won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Durability
If you want to base your decision about choosing a gas vs electric stove according to the durability of both options, you might be better off picking gas stoves. Gas stoves offer more durability as the components of a gas stove usually last longer compared to the electric components that wear out sooner.
Safety Concerns
Gas vs electric stove safety is one of the top concerns for people contemplating the two options. Gas stoves are often not trusted by those who are particular about kitchen safety. That is because gas stoves carry the danger of gas leakage that can result in unfortunate accidents in enclosed kitchen settings. However, as long as one is being cautious, both options are fairly safe.
Additional chore of cleaning the blackened pots
One of the drawbacks of gas stoves is that the pots are exposed to flames directly. This may result in the blackening of pots and add more time to your cleanup. Maintaining the cleanliness is definitely easier for an electric stove vs a gas stove. Additionally, if something boils over on gas cooktops, the holes in the burner can get blocked, effecting the flame intensity for some time.
Kitchen ventilation with electric vs gas stove
With a gas stove, you cannot install a fan or have a window close to the stove because it will make the flame become unstable. Even with an exhaust, a gas stove gives off too much heat and keeps the kitchen temperature high.
While most rental apartments in Dubai have the option for gas stoves, some of the newer buildings may only allow for electric cooktops. So it is wise to check this before you move into your new apartment.
Another difficult question that you may face is the pick between an open kitchen vs closed kitchen. This decision will also impact your choice of stove. Electric stoves are better for an enclosed kitchen as they keep the environment cooler. On the other hand, gas stoves work better in open set-ups.
There are some other general yet useful kitchen design ideas that you can incorporate to make your kitchen look trendy and appealing.
If you are interested in knowing more about renovating your old kitchen in Dubai without spending too much, you can find numerous inexpensive methods for kitchen upgrades. Moreover, to cut your kitchen maintenance budget in the long run, look into the concept of modular kitchen designs that improve the appearance and functionality of your home.
