Should You Convert Your Electric Stove to Gas? 5 Things to Consider

Watch any competitive cooking show, and you’ll notice that most participants cook on a gas range. It makes sense, as most chefs will tell you gas stoves are their preference 10 times out of 10. But whether you’re a kitchen connoisseur or takeout titan, is it worth converting to gas if you have an electric stove? Here’s what you need to know about making the switch.

Electric Stoves vs. Gas Stoves

Gas stoves have many benefits over electric stoves, but what's the difference between the two? The primary distinguishing feature is the type of fuel each uses, but there are many other distinctions.

What Is an Electric Stove?

An electric range usually features a flat, ceramic-glass cooking surface. Beneath the surface are heated metal coils that transfer heat to cookware. You'll typically require a 220—or 240-volt outlet rather than the typical 110-volt outlet to plug in an electric stove.

What Is a Gas Stove?

The key feature of a gas range is an open flame on the stovetop. Different gas burners use various flame sizes to offer multiple heat levels. A gas stove may have burners suited to melting, simmering, or frying. Gas ranges require a dedicated natural gas line, but not every home has a gas line running to the kitchen. The cost to install a gas line is $260 to $820.

Can You Convert Your Electric Stove to a Gas Stove?

Yes, in many cases, you can convert your electric stove to a gas stove, but some regions no longer permit the installation of gas stoves due to the risks they bring to the household and climate. For instance, New York is the first state in the U.S. to ban natural gas and other fossil fuels in most new builds to encourage more climate-friendly appliances.

To figure out whether you can do the conversion, first, check with your local authority to ensure you’re permitted to do so. Then see if you have access to a natural gas line or propane supply. If you don’t, you’ll need to verify whether local regulations permit the installation of a new one. If you learn that you’re fully permitted to convert your stove and you have access to a gas line, hire a professional to handle the conversion for you, as they’ll have the tools and expertise to complete the installation safely. 

5 Reasons to Convert an Electric Stove to Gas

If you’re wondering why someone might want to switch from an electric stove to a gas stove, there are some good arguments for doing so.

1. Lower Utility Costs

In contrast to electric stoves, gas stoves are celebrated for their energy efficiency, reducing homeowners' utility expenses. This advantage arises from a few things. First, their direct combustion process converts the energy source into heat with minimal loss, unlike electric stoves that must first convert electricity into heat, incurring energy losses. 

Additionally, while energy costs can be volatile, natural gas tends to be more economical than electricity, often costing up to three times less. This makes gas stoves a financially savvy choice, particularly in an environment where energy costs fluctuate significantly.

2. Longer Appliance Life Span

Gas stoves boast a simpler and more streamlined design with fewer parts of a stove than their electric counterparts. They offer more manageable maintenance and upkeep, and their simplicity contributes to greater longevity and durability, making them a reliable choice for those seeking a long-lasting appliance. 

On the flip side, electric ranges come with a lower initial purchase price, making them a more budget-friendly option for up-front costs. This trade-off between affordability and long-term reliability often gives consumers a choice that hinges on their immediate budget constraints and their desire for a low-maintenance and robust cooking solution.

3. Better Temperature Control

Gas stoves offer more precision and temperature consistency, two benefits that help ensure your recipe turns out perfect every time. Electric stove temperatures are less consistent, so you may fry up a steak perfectly in ten minutes one day, then burn it to a crisp the next day.

Gas ranges also have a wider heat range than electric ranges because every little movement of the knob allows you to see the flame get higher or lower. Electric ranges don’t give you that kind of moment-to-moment feedback. 

4. Faster Cooling Time

Electric range burners take longer to heat and cool than gas range burners. With gas ranges, you have access to heat as soon as the flame ignites. Plus, the range cools more quickly than an electric model, which means your air conditioner won’t be fighting as hard to cool your kitchen in the summer.

5. Savings Over Time

Gas stoves can be 10% to 30% cheaper to operate than electric ones. However, your exact savings depends on how much time you spend cooking. If you spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen preparing meals regularly, the cost-effectiveness of a gas stove becomes more apparent. 

However, for those who cook infrequently or prefer the convenience of electric cooking, the lower upfront cost of an electric stove may be a more compelling factor to consider. Choosing between gas and electric stoves depends on budget considerations, your culinary preferences, and how often you use the appliance.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

When switching from electric to gas, hiring a professional natural gas installer is crucial for a safe and efficient transition. Even experienced DIYers should avoid handling this task themselves because it may violate local health and safety guidelines.

Licensed pros have the necessary skills to navigate the complexities involved in this type of project, from assessing your needs to installing gas lines and appliances while ensuring compliance with regulations. Their expertise minimizes safety risks and ensures long-term savings. Additionally, professionals provide ongoing maintenance and repair services, investing in their assistance, which is a wise choice for a seamless and trouble-free conversion.

Cost to Convert an Electric Stove to Gas

Converting your electric stove to a gas range involves several smaller projects. Depending on which steps you need to take in your specific kitchen, you'll pay anywhere from $125 to $2,000.

• Changing the outlet from a standard 110-volt outlet to a 240-volt requires a local electrician, charging $50 to $100 per hour.

• If you already have a gas line behind your stove, you'll simply need to hire a natural gas plumber for a $125 service call to hook up the new gas range.

• If your gas line isn't long enough to reach the stove, you'll need to extend it. Every ten feet of extension required will cost $150 to $200.

• If you need a new gas line to handle the load of your gas range, running one costs $260 to $820, depending on the length.

• If your home doesn't have gas service at all, the cost of having gas service installed costs about $2,000 and involves new underground piping, permitting, and labor fees.