What are the differences between gas range and electric range?

The primary difference between a gas range and an electric range is energy efficiency. Another difference is that, compared to an electric range, controlling the temperature of a gas range is more precise.

The efficiency of a gas range depends on the type of ignition system it uses. A gas range with a pilot light uses a continually burning flame to ignite a gas burner. An alternative ignition system uses an electronic spark to ignite gas from the burner. By not continually using small amounts of gas to maintain a pilot flame, the electronic ignition system is considerably more energy efficient.

Provided a gas range has an electronic ignition system, the annual cost of using a gas range is less than half that of an electric range. And electric range operates by running electricity through a heating coil. As of 2015, an average monthly cost of electricity to power the coil is $5.94 at a rate of $.14 per kilowatt hour. Equal usage of a gas range costs $2.34 based on a gas rate of $1 per 100,000 BTU (British thermal units).

Besides being cheaper to operate, a gas range is easier to use, as it provides more temperature control while cooking. Adjusting the flame of a gas range provides a quick temperature change. An electric range takes more time to cool or become warmer because the coil tends to hold its temperature longer.