I grew up using all-electric everything, and I’m not sure I was aware that such a thing as a gas range even existed. But as I became increasingly interested in the foodie world back in the ’80s, I saw over and again that food magazines and other sources were touting gas, and I couldn’t wait to try it out. When I did, I loved the responsiveness of the burners, and I thought I would never go back to electric.
As time went by, though, I was increasingly frustrated with gas, primarily because it took a lifetime to bring a pot of water to the boil. I just couldn’t understand how gas could very quickly heat up an iron skillet to smelting hot, but then couldn’t even boil water.
I was also endlessly frustrated with the pathetically low BTUs on most units, even the expensive ones. Every model had one strong burner, of course; but all the other burners were useless. This is a particularly serious problem with vintage gas ranges, and it makes no sense to me. Who in the world wants a 6000 BTU burner? No one needs a burner with less heat than sunshine.
After a lot of years, I’ve cooked a lot on both electric and gas, and I realize that in my dream kitchen, I’d probably have both--assuming I could find a gas range with serious BTUs that didn’t look like a fast-food fry station. Gas is great for instant control, and it’s the only way to get infernal levels of heat when you need them--and the only way to heat a non-flat surface like the bottom of a wok. Electric is better for larger jobs, including anything involving a pot of water. And electric is absolutely cooler to use in the South.
Since I can’t afford a dream kitchen, I’m leaning towards electric these days. I’m shocked to see myself write those words, but there it is. However, this forum has inspired me to start filling my basement with ranges, so I’m probably going to follow the example of several people here and switch between units from time to time. I’m set up for gas or electricity, so I can try either at any time.
Ovens, on the other hand, are an entirely different matter. I’ve been interested to read here that a lot of people swear by their gas ovens. In my own experience, gas ovens are just a disaster. Nothing, nothing, nothing has ever cooked as evenly or as reliably as the electric ovens I’ve used. In particular, I remember baking like a pro in my great-aunt’s old Frigidaire. Gas has never even come close.
