A side-by-side comparison of electric vs. gas stove cooktops.

GAS STOVE VS. ELECTRIC: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Cooking with gas or electric – which is right for you? Our guide explores the differences between gas and electric stoves to help you decide.

Stoves, also called ranges, are composed of an oven and a cooktop or stovetop. Gas ranges have a gas cooktop and gas oven, while electric ranges have an electric cooktop and electric oven. Dual fuel ranges bring together a gas cooktop and an electric oven. Maytag offers both gas ranges and electric ranges.

When comparing different types of stoves, it’s important to consider the benefits of gas vs. electric ovens and gas vs. electric cooktops to get the full picture of the appliance and its capabilities.

What are the Pros of Gas or Electric Ranges

There are many benefits to cooking with gas or electric stoves. Check out our list of key benefits below.

A gas burner and electric element side by side

GAS RANGE BENEFITS

Responsive control over the temperature and flame on the cooktop. Quickly adjust your heat level.
Gas burners typically have a ceramic cap to keep out spills and debris, while grates are usually removable for easy cleaning.
Gas fuel can introduce moisture into the oven.
Fast oven pre-heating means you can get your dishes into the oven sooner.
Allows you to char or grill food on the open flame cooktop. An open flame can also reach up the side of sculpted pans like woks or skillets.

ELECTRIC RANGE BENEFITS

Smooth, easy-to-clean ceramic cooking surfaces are available on select models.

Flat cooktop surface offers more stability for certain pots and pans.
Frequently easier to install since they plug into an electrical outlet and don’t require a gas hook-up.

Oven heating elements can be turned on and off more often to provide more consistent heat transfer within the oven cavity and greater responsiveness to temperature setting changes. This can result in more precise temperatures within the oven.

Dual Fuel Ranges

In addition to gas ranges and electric ranges, there are also dual fuel ranges, which have gas cooktops and electric ovens. Many home cooks consider this combination to be the best of both worlds. Another way to achieve your ideal combination is to purchase a wall oven and separate cooktop. Maytag offers both gas and electric wall ovens and cooktops as well as dual fuel ranges.

GAS VS. ELECTRIC RANGES: ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Before purchasing a new range, you’ll also want to consider installation requirements and any additional features that you might want in your new appliance.

The Hookup

Electric ranges plug into a 220 volt electrical outlet in your kitchen, making them easy to install in most kitchens.

Gas ranges require a gas hook-up for installation. If you don’t have a gas line running to your home, professionally installing a gas line will be an additional cost. If you do have a gas line, determine whether your kitchen has natural gas or propane. To use propane, you’ll likely need a conversion kit.

Capacity and Flexibility

Double oven ranges have two oven cavities built into a single range. This allows you to cook dishes that require different temperatures at the same time. Maytag offers double oven ranges in both gas and electric models. Learn more about stove sizes to find the right fit.

Convection

For fast baking and thorough roasting, look for a range with a convection oven. Available in both gas and electric models, convection ovens have a fan that circulates hot air around inside the oven to promote nicely browned results and crispy skin on meats. Some convection ovens have an extra heating element, known as True Convection.

Learn more about the benefits of convection ovens.

Cleaning

Some electric range models have a smooth surface that’s easy to wipe off. Gas ranges have removable grates for ease of cleaning. Self-cleaning ovens are also easy to find in both gas and electric ranges.

Heavy Heating Cooktops

Electric cooktops can feature dual electric elements and electric bridge elements. Dual electric elements feature two distinct rings so you can turn on one or both according to the width of your cookware. Electric bridge elements work as one large element for longer cookware.

Some gas ranges have oval burners designed to handle larger pans, and some can fit a griddle or comal over top of them. Gas stoves may give more peace of mind while using cast iron, but cast iron can be used properly on electric and glass top cooktops as well.

Freestanding Vs. Slide-In Ranges

Freestanding ranges have finished sides and an elevated console. Slide-ins have front controls and some have unfinished sides and are intended to “slide in” between countertops.

Gas Stove vs. Electric Stove Cost

Overall, gas stove and electric stove costs are comparable. Gas stoves tend to have slightly higher purchase costs but may be less expensive to operate since natural gas tends to be cheaper than electricity in some states. Gas ranges have the potential for higher installation costs, since you’ll need a dedicated gas line installed if you don’t already have one.

Maytag® gas range installed between white kitchen cabinets

GAS VS. ELECTRIC STOVES: KNOW WHAT FUELS YOU

Getting just the kind of control and features you need is essential to making your time in the kitchen more pleasant and efficient. Weigh your options and bring home a stove that can handle whatever task you need to tackle — whether it’s baking, broiling or roasting. Browse select Maytag^® models below, learn about options such as induction vs gas cooktops, or shop all Maytag^® electric ranges and gas ranges. You can also reference our range buying guide to find the best range for your kitchen.