Gas vs. Electric Ovens: What are the Differences?
For years, a major debate in the foodservice industry has been gas-fired versus electric ovens. While gas ovens have traditionally been preferred in many kitchens because of their fast heat control and high cooking power, electric ovens offer a steady, even heating some chefs swear by.
With most cooking equipment available in both gas and electric versions, the debate now goes far beyond whether it's a gas oven or an electric oven that provides the features you want. We analyze the pros and cons of each option below.
Benefits of Electric Commercial Ovens
Electric ovens offer distinct advantages in terms of cost, efficiency, cooking performance, and safety.
- Cost: Electric ovens are typically less expensive and easier to install. While many simply plug into a socket, some ovens will need to be hardwired to your building's power supply.
- Efficiency: Electric ovens are generally more efficient than gas ovens because all the energy coming in is converted directly into heat. With gas ovens, some of the heat is sent up the flue.
- Even Cooking: Electric ovens tend to cook more evenly than gas-fired ovens.
- Heat Retention: Research suggests less heat escapes during operation from electric ovens, which leads to cooler kitchens and lower HVAC bills.
- Safety: Electric ovens cannot leak gas, eliminating the possibility of noxious fumes entering your kitchen and dining area.
Benefit of Gas-Fired Commercial Ovens
Gas ovens are a popular choice for many kitchens, offering unique advantages that support precise and efficient cooking.
- Precise Cooking: The knob directly controls the flow of gas and the intensity of the flame, providing more precise control over each eye's heat level, which should yield easy cooking and consistent results.
- Instant Heat: With gas, the flame lights immediately and begins producing heat, eliminating the waiting period for an element to heat up that accompanies electric ovens.
- Power Outage Reliability: Power outages typically do not affect gas ovens, so you can keep serving in the event electricity is temporarily lost.
- Quick Cool Down: Since the flame goes out immediately when the control is turned off, gas ovens cool down more quickly than their electric counterparts. This also produces less ambient heat during idle periods.
- Faster Cooking: Because the flame of a gas oven is spread out, gas ovens heat the bottoms and sides of pans, making it work faster than electric ovens.
Gas vs. Electric Ovens: Comparing The Differences
Each kitchen's unique needs will determine the best type of oven, with factors like cooking speed, energy efficiency, installation requirements, and safety considerations playing a key role in the decision.
- If cost, energy efficiency, and even cooking are your top priorities, an electric oven may be the better fit.
- If you value precise heat control, quick heating, and reliability during power outages, a gas oven could be the right choice.
Electric Rates vs. Natural Gas Prices
One of the major reasons gas is more popular in commercial kitchens is it's often cheaper than electricity when comparing how much heat each can produce per dollar.
- Heat Measurement: Gas heat is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), while electric heat is measured in kilowatts(kW). To compare their heat output, we convert kilowatts to BTUs using a standard conversion rate (1 kW = 3,412 BTU/hour).
- Cost Comparison: The table below shows the BTU output you can get for one dollar from different energy sources:
| Heat Source | BTU/Dollar |
|---|---|
| Natural Gas (NG) | 59,468.82 |
| Propane (LP) | 44,607.84 |
| Electricity | 34,120.00 |
Energy Prices Over Time
Based on U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data:
- In August 2016, the national average price1 of a thousand cubic feet of natural gas was $17.62. The price has generally trended downward2 in recent years, with a few peaks in high-demand years, as supply has increased.
- Propane (LP) has also experienced price stabilization and decreases. For October 2016, the price of propane3 in the United States averaged $2.04 per gallon.
- Electricity costs4 for commercial customers averaged 10 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2014 and gradually rose to 10.70 cents by 2016.
Heating Power Comparison
For comparison:
- 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas provides about 1.03 million BTUs.
- 301 kilowatt-hours of electricity deliver the same heating power as 1,000 cubic feet of gas.
- 11.3 gallons of propane match this heat output.
Here’s the cost breakdown for equivalent heating capacity:
- Natural Gas: $10.44
- Propane: $23.05
- Electricity: $31.42
For most kitchens, the lower cost of natural gas makes it the more economical option for high-heat appliances, though electricity or propane might be preferable in specific setups based on other operational needs.
Find the Perfect Oven for Your Kitchen at KaTom
At KaTom, we offer a variety of gas and electric restaurant equipment to meet your kitchen’s needs. Explore top brands like Blodgett, Southbend, and Duke, and consider our ENERGY STAR® certified options for greater energy savings. Whatever your requirements, KaTom has the oven that works best for your operation.
