Cooking - Gas Or Electricity?

[naomi24]

Which is the most economical?

[Clanad]

I'm making the assumption that you know that the supply in the village to which you are moving is natural gas? Reason for asking is that natural gas, at least here in the U.S. is definitely less expensive that electricity, but if the supplier happens to be LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) better know as propane or butane, we find that it's actually more expensive than electricity plus the bother of having the tank filled from time to time...

[DTCwordfan]

oil one here.

[lardhelmet]

I have an electric fan assisted oven and a gas hob. Best combo I've ever had.

[DTCwordfan]

dual fuel does give you an element of contingency to failure, i.e. storm damage on the tricity....

[naomi24]

I have a choice ... complete new kitchen being installed so anything I like and I have considered an Aga, but flicking a switch is easier. I don't mind paying extra for electricity because I like nice clean ceramic hobs, but my husband thinks we should go for gas. I hate cooking! I'd rather read a book! :o)

[naomi24]

Clanad, it won't be LPG. It's mains gas.

[chrissa1]

I've always had an electric oven and a gas hob. In the house I live in now I'm all gas, and the oven is pathetic.

Loved my old combination.

[naomi24]

lardhelmet/Chrissa, that's what I had in my last house. I'll probably end up going for that - a compromise - but despite the cost I'm reluctant to give up a lovely shiny ceramic hob. Thanks for your answers everyone.

[EDDIE51]

All the 'pro' kitchens I work in have gas hobs and electric fan ovens.
Few chefs would want anything else .

[mastercraft]

I agree with Lardy. Electric oven and a gas hob.

[craft1948]

Until I moved here I'd always had gas for cooking but detested cleaning the hob.......give me my ceramic hob any day, unlike old electric hobs ceramics are instantly controllable and so easy to clean.

[DTCwordfan]

You can buy gas ceramic hobs.......for example

http://www.miele.co.uk/hobs/KM3010-157/

[waterboatman]

Gas, easier to control and is cheaper.

[naomi24]

Thanks DT. I'll have a look at that.

[wendilla]

I say electricity . Once you turn of gas all heat is gone . I have flat plates on my cooker and when my egg comes to boil I can switch it off and egg will simmer .Can do tea and toast while it is simmering . Don't need to time it is just how I like it .Same with anything that is nearly ready I switch off and still simmering for about 4 to 5 mins .

[Tilly2]

Have you got room in the kitchen for an induction hob and a two ring gas hob?

[ummmm]

I have a range type cooker. 8 gas burners and 2 electric ovens. If I was starting from scratch I'd do what Tilly suggests. I'd also have built in ovens at eye level.

[KARL]

We have had a four "ring" induction hob since 1984, the original was replaced about 5 years ago with a more versatile model although the old one still worked fine. We would not consider anything else because the heat-up response is actually noticeably faster than for gas - I will not have gas in any dwelling I live in.

My dislike for gas arises from the reality of exhaust fumes and attendant substances (anything from moisture to acid) in the atmosphere inside the house - you can actually see the effect on certain materials over a period of many years. The safety risk in terms of potential leaks (accidental and/or induced) and therefore explosion (check the statistics) is something I would not knowingly live with. Years ago I smelled gas in our flat, the upper of two, but we had no gas. I went downstairs and insisted we go and check all appliances before calling in the emergency people. It turned out one cooker burner was on very slightly but not lit. As a result of my influence the lower floor is now totally gas free - the boiler is in an outhouse.

Get a proper demonstration of an induction plate, either from a seller or from someone who has one in use - the latter is worth pursuing to get reaction/experience info (I would not be surprised if it firmly positive). Induction is far more efficient than any other form of electrical cooker and it would surprise me if, so far as a householder is concerned, it challenges or even surpasses the running cost cost efficiency of gas. You do have to have compatible pots and pans (check the bottom with a magnet - the magnet must stick).

[naomi24]

Tilly, yes, I have room.

Karl, I have an induction hob now.

[Tilly2]

If it was my choice, I'd stick with an induction hob. I love mine. The only time it's a problem is if we have a power cut.