Gas Stove vs. Electric Stove in Maine (Augusta: rental, appliances)

[lovemaine]

Hello~
Our gas stove broke and we now have an opportunity to get an electric stove for free. We have an electrician friend who could install the outlet that we would need at a discount. My concern is the high electric rates in Maine. Does anyone know if it's a lot more expensive to run an electric stove vs. gas (propane)? Thanks so much for your help!

[Coaster]

If I had it to do over again, I'd have gone with a gas stove. I like gas for cooking, and the price of propane has been reasonable. Plus you can cook without electricity. Some friends north of Augusta kept their house warm and their neighborhood fed in the last long power outage because they had a gas stove.

I've been told that electric ovens are preferred because the heat is more even. Might explain the stoves I've seen with gas cooktops and electric ovens.

Of course, the fact that your new stove will be free should also factor into your decision.

[Zymer]

I used to have gas, now I have electric. I'll be going back to gas as soon as I can free up the cash to do it. I think that cooking with gas is so much better than cooking with electric.

[bangorme]

The problem I've had with using gas is the tank rental fees. The price of gas versus electric isn't bad, but when you factor in the cost to rent the tank, (unless you have many gas appliances and heat with it) gas isn't competitive. Keep in mind that most modern gas ovens don't work without electricity.

[Zymer]

Originally Posted by bangorme

The problem I've had with using gas is the tank rental fees. The price of gas versus electric isn't bad, but when you factor in the cost to rent the tank, (unless you have many gas appliances and heat with it) gas isn't competitive. Keep in mind that most modern gas ovens don't work without electricity.

I wouldn't rent tanks, I'll buy a couple of hundred-pounders outright. They should last quite a while for just cooking (not heating the whole house).

[slyfox2]

I have gas. It has one big "pig". At the rate I'm using it, it will be four years before I have to have it filled again. I'm using about 1 lb of it a month to cook with.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Go with gas. It is instant on and instant off. It is less expensive. It works when the power is off. It is faster. It boils water sooner. You can pop popcorn with it. In a pinch you can heat thew kitchen with it.

[221B]

My DW has used both, and on a strictly culinary basis, will never voluntarily use electric in her kitchen!

[lovemaine]

Thank you for all the replies! I'm really just looking at the cost. I have owned homes with gas and electric stoves, and as far as cooking goes, I really have no preference. (That might have something to do with the fact that I don't like cooking!) I do know that Maine has one of the highest electric rates in the country, so I just don't know if the cost would be the same. (We do heat our house with propane.)

[399083453]

Electric.

No parts, no maintenance, no filling up tanks, etc. I've had both, electric is sooo much easier. Cooking on an electric stove is very cheap, its not turned on very long.

PS. Never use a gas range or oven for heating. Using a gas range or oven for heating can cause a build up of Carbon monoxide inside your home. The most common symptoms of Carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death.