Both natural gas and electric ranges are widely used in American homes. However, when you compare the two, it becomes clear that natural gas is the prime ingredient in today's energy-efficient kitchens.


There are many benefits to cooking with natural gas — it's proven to be more cost-effective and easier to control. Natural gas cooktops are also more durable than many standard electric models. Let's take a closer look.


Lower cost

In a side-by-side comparison, natural gas ranges win over standard electric ranges when it comes to lifetime costs. First, consider the price tag of a natural gas range. Unless you're opting for a high-end model from a prestige brand, the initial investment in a natural gas range is typically less than you'd pay for an electric range.


Natural gas ranges are also more energy-efficient than electric when you look at the entire energy journey. According to some estimates, it takes up to three times more energy to deliver electricity to a range than it does with natural gas.


Better control

Professional chefs and serious home cooks love the ability to control temperatures quickly and easily with natural gas. Natural gas ranges reach temperature at a faster rate than electric, and a natural gas burner immediately responds to temperature changes. This makes it easy for cooks to find the perfect heat setting for the task at hand — or prevent a kitchen disaster, like a pot on the verge of boiling over. Electric burners take longer to adjust, especially if you're turning the temperature down or the burner off.


Natural gas ranges cook food much faster and more evenly than electric, which is handy when stir-frying veggies or searing meats. Home chefs can also do things with a natural gas burner that can't be done with electricity – you wouldn’t be able to char peppers, flambé bananas for a scrumptious dessert, or even toast a marshmallow over an electric burner!


More durable and easier to clean

Natural gas cooktops are more durable, reliable and easier to clean than many electric models. It's generally hard to damage the grates of your natural gas cooktop, whereas a smooth electric stovetop or induction burner could be cracked or chipped if a heavy stockpot gets dropped on the surface.


Removable grates and protective caps keep spills out which can make cleaning a natural gas cooktop easier than an electric cooktop. Electric tends to take a lot of elbow grease to scrub those burner inserts clean — especially when boiling things over.


When you compare natural gas and electric, it's clear that gas cooking equipment comes out on top and is the best recipe for energy savings.


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