A hot debate has been raging between gas vs. electric ovens for a long time to find out which is better at baking bread. Though both gas and electric ovens can bake bread, they have some differences that make you prioritize one over the other.
Usually, gas ovens are recommended, but they do not meet the requirements of some bakers. Gas ovens are highly useful for baking food like pies and bread due to their moisture-releasing and food-softening abilities. In contrast, electric ovens are highly recommended for cakes and crispy foods due to their low humidity providing a dry environment.
However, multiple factors are involved with significant differences to elaborate on which is better. Some of the discriminating features are discussed in this article.
Gas Vs. Electric Oven For Baking – A Quick Comparison
It can be difficult to decide which is better, a gas and an electric oven unless you have used both. The most significant difference is the gas-fueled power source and electrically powered gas and electric oven, respectively. Here we have shared a quick comparison of the features and benefits of both units.
| Baking With Gas Oven | Baking With Electric Oven |
| Right after turning on, a gas oven reaches a high temperature immediately to provide faster baking results. | It is important to preheat an electric oven before getting the desired temperature which usually delays baking. |
| Gas adds humidity in the oven to bake moist, soft, and fluffy cakes. | The internal environment is dry in the electric oven, which makes the food crunchy and useful for browning. |
| It is easy to change the temperature anytime you want. | Adjusting the temperature instantly isn’t possible, and this process takes time. |
| The gas oven cools down right after switching it off. | These ovens take some time to cook down after baking. |
| To attain even cooking, the batter must be rotated, which can cause hot and cold spots. | This allows even cooking due to the presence of heating elements on top and bottom of the oven. |
| The food’s bottom side cooks faster than the top side, but the convection fan help circulate the heat around. | Heat equally reaches all sides of the food, delivering perfect crusting and browning results. |
| Gas ovens are cost-effective for baking in the long run as they only require refilling gas. | Though electric ovens are cheaper to buy and install, the electricity bills can double after baking. |
Gas Vs. Electric Oven Pros And Cons
Every good quality oven must have some basic traits to bake everything perfectly. If these traits are absent, your oven won’t be able to bake even bread.
Here we have enlisted the pros and cons of using a gas vs. electric oven for baking:
Pros of Gas Oven For Baking
- Optimum Moisture Level
Some byproducts are formed from gas burning, such as water vapors produced to add moisture in the internal environment. It is beneficial for restricting early food browning and burning.
- Heats Faster
The instant flame in the gas oven heats everything faster than an electric oven. However, you should wait for at least 30 to 60 minutes to preheat the oven before baking bread.
- Easy Temperature Control:
As you can easily turn the flame off and on, you can control temperature completely. This helps when you suddenly need to lessen the heat to prevent food from over-browning.
- Cost Effective
Gas is a cheaper source to heat ovens and is comparably cost-effective. If you frequently bake, using a gas oven will prove more suitable by saving money.
Cons of Gas Oven For Baking
However, there are certain problems with baking with a gas oven, such as
- Unequal Heat Distribution
Heat doesn’t distribute evenly and leaves cold and hot spots by sudden temperature changes. This lead to serious issues during baking which you can avoid by preheating the oven for sufficient time.
- Expensive to Purchase
Though they add value for money by saving costs in the long run, gas ovens are expensive. The buying and installing costs will put enough burden on your budget but if you do not have a gas line, get ready to spend more.
- Gas Leakage Risks
Your gas oven will be installed directly to the gas pipeline, which often leads to the risk of leaks. However, these are not such common phenomena where gas leaks cause an explosion. Getting everything installed and fixed by a professional will help you avoid such hazards.
Pros of Electric Oven For Baking
- Distributes Heat Equally
An electric oven has one heating element at the bottom of the oven while one or more lies at the top for broiling to provide heat from all sides equally.
Sometimes, the bottom gets too hot to burn food which you can avoid by testing varying shelf heights.
- Hassle-Free Installation & Use
You do not need to install everything with complications because an electric oven requires only a power outlet to start working. All you need to do is to plug the wire into an outlet.
You can install them at home without even the assistance of professionals.
- Safe to Use
Electric ovens are completely safe, with no leak risks.
- Ensures Consistent Temperature
The temperature remains consistent throughout the cooking phase. You rarely face temperature fluctuation, only if there is some problem with the thermostat.
Cons of Electric Oven For Baking
- Expensive
Though the buying costs are less, the running costs are higher than gas ovens.
- Takes too Long to Attain Temperature
Even heat distribution is the benefit of electric ovens; the oven takes too long to gain and lose heat. The food gets heat only when the heating elements have caught temperature. You will have to wait for metal heating parts to lose heat to let the oven cool.
- Dries Out Food
The environment inside an electric oven is dry, which also dries out food. It can be right for roasting meat, but you will get over-brown and crispy bread for baking bread. But you can avoid this by adding steam inside your oven.
Gas Vs. Electric Oven – What Do Chefs Prefer?
According to a survey conducted in the US among 100 chefs, 96 described their preference for gas stovetops, and almost 68 of them favored gas ovens.
So, chefs prefer gas over electric ovens for several reasons. However, the most discriminating aspects are cooking time, temperature, cost, usefulness, and reliability.
Many bakers use conduction ovens, also known as conventional ovens. Some convection ovens are also popular among bakers.
FAQs
Do Gas Ovens Bake Faster Than Electric Ovens?
Gas ovens take longer than the electric oven to cook. However, they heat up faster and provide a moist environment for food. If you are hurrying to bake food, a gas oven will help you better.
Which is Better, Gas Vs. Electric Oven For Baking Cakes?
For baking cakes, usually, electric ovens are considered a better option, but it doesn’t mean gas ovens are not good enough. Many bakers prefer baking cakes in a gas oven, but the process can get longer, making the cake too tender. However, with an electric oven, you can bake the best cake.
Final Verdict
So, which one between gas vs. electric oven is better for baking? There isn’t a single factor involved in deciding, but it depends on your cooking choice, texture, and time.
If you want soft and fluffy cakes, gas ovens are ideal, but if you want to add crispiness and extra browning to your baking, an electric oven is your best bet.
We hope this guide will help you select the best option to meet your baking requirements.
