When it comes to home appliances, there are many different factors that buyers take into consideration. Do they want a gas stove or an electric one? Do they prefer a traditional oven or a convection oven?
These are all questions that buyers ask themselves when they are looking for a new home.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of both gas and electric stoves, and try to answer the question: do home buyers prefer gas or electric stoves?
Do home buyers prefer gas or electric stove?
Most home buyers prefer gas stoves. The evidence of this conclusive observation is a 2010 study that was conducted by the members of the National Association of Home Builders.
The participants were asked to compare the prices of newly-built, single-family homes sold at the time–those with all-gas equipment versus the ones that had electric appliances.
The findings revealed that on average, homes with gas appliances sold quicker, and at 6% more price compared to electric-powered homes.
There are several reasons why home buyers were opting for homes with gas stoves.
One is because gas offers not only the sought-after instant heating but also the superior temperature control that allows you to quickly increase or decrease heat, making them(gas) an ideal option for both low and high-heat cooking methods.
Why do people like gas stoves instead of electric?
Many homeowners and kitchen enthusiasts favor gas stoves for several reasons based on their personal experience.
The versatile nature of a gas stove tops the list of why gas?
You can easily stir fry, simmer, saute and even toast using a gas stove. Plus, everybody wants to eat even during power outages, right?
Unlike an electric stove, a gas stove is not limited by power blackouts, which means that you can still cook or boil your water regardless of a power outage.
If your gas stove is ignited electrically, incase of a blackout, you can make use of a matchbox or a lighter. It will still work.
The affordable long-term operating cost is also among the main reasons why people like gas stoves.
According to energy company MGE, you can save up to $ 3.60 per month using a gas stove as compared to using an electric range.
Running a gas range without a pilot light will cost you $ 2.34 per month on average compared to the electric range’s $5.94.
Also, a gas stove offers superior temperature controls that allow you to easily lower or increase the heat depending on the type of dish that you are cooking.
Does a gas stove increase home value?
Some expert reports claim that gas stoves can actually increase home value while a certain percentage hold a contrary opinion. It’s never as straightforward as it may seem.
Whether gas stoves can increase home value depends on :
Your location/ region: the initial buying and installation plus operating prices vary depending on your region.
Your energy company: different energy companies have different prices.
The type of gas your stove uses: your stove could use either propane, butane, or natural gas.
The number of times and how long you use your stove–how frequently do you use your stove?
Nonetheless, with a gas stove, you can save up to $3 per month on operation as gas stoves are three times more efficient as compared to electric counterparts.
What are the disadvantages of a gas stove?
On the flip side, there are a few things that could make gas stoves a “bad buy” in some cases.
One of the major downsides of a gas stove is the upfront purchase price, the installation expenses and to some extent, the operating costs.
If the purchased home does not come with an already installed gas line, you will be forced to dig deeper into your pockets for gas hookup installation. This can be complicated depending on your location.
There is the matter of hazards that comes with the use of gas stoves in homes.
First, gas stove burners cook on an open flame which raises the chances of you getting burnt while cooking.
There are also air pollution concerns. Burning gas produces nitrogen dioxide NO2 and sometimes carbon monoxide CO.
These two gasses are invisible and odorless and exposure to either of them can cause a number of issues. You might want to get a CO2 detector.
Another thing you are less likely to love about gas stoves is the complicated cleaning process.
Cleaning the cast-iron grates and burner plates on a gas stove is not as convenient as it will force you to remove them each time you clean.
Do gas stoves last longer than electric ones?
According to The Spruce, the average lifespan of a gas stove rounds up to anywhere between 10-18 years.
When this is compared to the life expectancy of the counterpart electric stove (13 to 18 years), you are likely to have 3 more years with a gas stove.
However, 18+ years comes with a catch. Yes, gas stoves last longer than electric stoves, but if, and only if you take good care of it: cleaning after every use, checking the burners regularly, and above all, avoiding stuffing the burner holes with breakable things like toothpicks.
Conclusion
All in all, as a home buyer, the decision to purchase a gas-powered home or an electric-powered home, boils down to your performance expectations and personal preferences.
A gas stove is a budget-friendly option that will give you that instant heat plus the superior temperature control to easily increase or lower the heat depending on what and how you are cooking.
On the other hand, an electric stove will save you from gas leak explosions and nitrogen dioxide poisoning. Plus, they are affordable to purchase and generally easy to clean and maintain.