Whether you’re talking about professional chefs or discerning homeowners, gas stoves have long been the gold standard. Propane and natural gas burn efficiently. They provide quick, robust heat and precise temperature control. They heat evenly, reducing scorching, blackening and uneven cooking.
Unlike most electric stoves, gas stoves can char, toast and flambé food, and they work effectively with any pan shape, not just flat-bottom products.
You might have heard about an argument concerning the impact of gas stoves on the air. The focus isn’t on the environment outside but on the air quality inside the home. Some recent studies have linked gas stoves to indoor air pollution, and a statement by an official of the Consumer Product Safety Commission made many consumers worry that a “ban” on gas stoves was coming.
To be clear, there is no plan to confiscate gas stoves. Consumers are free to choose the kind of cooking appliance they want. But it’s worth discussing the issues surrounding cooking with gas.
The studies at the center of the gas stove debate involve the release of airborne pollutants like methane and particulate matter (microscopic solids or liquid droplets so small they can be inhaled and cause health problems). These concerns may not come into play depending on the specific fuel your gas stove uses. For example, propane does not contain any methane.
Regarding particulate matter, all cooking produces it. Whether your stove uses natural gas, propane, wood or electricity, some particulate matter is entering your air. But there are simple ways to mitigate particulate matter and other emissions without replacing your cooking appliances. (More on that below.)
We also need to point out that the research on gas stoves and health issues is far from settled. A Lancet Respiratory Medicine abstract found “no evidence of an association between the use of gas as a cooking fuel and either asthma symptoms or asthma diagnosis.”
Electric stoves pose their own safety issues. While gas stoves cool quickly after the flame goes out, electric elements stay dangerously hot long after you finish cooking. A 2020 National Fire Protection Association study found that electric ranges cause household fires at a rate 2.6 times greater than gas ranges; civilian injuries at a rate 4.8 times higher; and civilian deaths at a rate 3.4 times higher.
Whether you cook with electricity or gas, you must ensure the area is well-ventilated to expel airborne pollutants. We recommend investing in a good stove hood and fan. If you don’t have a hood, then open a window while cooking. You can also invest in indoor air quality equipment, like an air cleaner.
Our friendly team members are here to discuss your home comfort needs and how propane and natural gas improve your quality of life. If you’re in Wake, Chatham or the surrounding five-county area, come by our Apex showroom to see all the appliances and amenities we offer.
And if you need a gas appliance installation, please reach out to us for help.
