How much electricity does a gas stove use?
In this brief article, we will answer the question, “How much electricity does a gas stove use?” energy used by electric stoves and energy efficiency of different stoves.
How much electricity does a gas stove use?
Gas stoves can use approximately 1200 watts of electricity. This is applicable to smaller cooktops. If you are cooking foods on a medium-sized burner, then the power consumed could range to 1500-1800 watts. If the heating element is larger, it can consume up to 3000 watts.
If the stove contains more than one burner, you would have to calculate the average of watts of one burner and then add up the average of each burner to calculate the total energy being consumed.
Gas stoves use a gas line hook up to function efficiently. A gas stove requires a much lesser amount of electricity. It has two systems. One is for the pilot light while another system is the electric spark system.
The electric spark system is used to light up the burner. The electric igniter uses electricity but it is quite lesser compared to the pilot light. The electric igniter used for the gas stove is more energy-efficient than the electric stove.
Does an electric stove consume more electricity?
An electric stove requires 2000 to 5000 watts of electricity to function. The amount of electricity consumed would also depend on how long you use the burner and the number of burners that have been used.
If the burner is bigger in size, the electricity that would be produced is much bigger. In order to use the energy more efficiently, the size of the pan should be matching that of the flame. Using a larger burner to cook dishes in smaller pots would be a waste of energy.
It would also be difficult to track the exact energy consumption because depending on the food being cooked the dial might be turned to low, medium, or high heat.
Which stovetop is more energy efficient?
Induction cooktops are more energy efficient. Induction cooktops employ an electromagnetic field to which excites the molecules present in the pot or pans. In between electric and gas stoves, gas stoves would be the energy-efficient ones.
The presence of pilot lights makes gas stoves less efficient than induction cooktops. Gas stoves are only 50 to 55 percent efficient. Induction cooktops on the other hand are 84 percent energy-efficient.
It is also quicker to heat foods or drinks in an induction cooktop. The heat is only restricted to the pots or pans and does not affect the cooking surface. When the heat is switched off, the pot or pan cools whereas when the heat is switched on, the pot or pan starts heating up.
If you use solar power for induction cooking, the emissions generated would also be comparatively lesser.
The only problem with induction elements is that only pots or pans with ferrous metal cookware such as cast iron, stainless steel, or enameled iron can work. Aluminum or copper vessels would rarely work.
In the case of gas stoves, it is easier to control and modulate the heat. Charring foods is also much easier in the gas stove than in the induction or electric.
As mentioned before, gas stoves are more energy-efficient than electric stoves but it is important to check the British Thermal Unit (BTU) of the gas stove before you think of buying one. If the BTU is lower, it would waste a lesser amount of energy.
Gas stoves though can affect the air quality of your kitchen as it releases formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. This can affect individuals with breathing problems or respiratory issues.
As opposed to the indoor pollution caused by gas stoves, electric cooktops do not contribute to pollution. Electric coil stovetops though are not that energy efficient.
Electric coils are capable of wasting a lot of heat and if proper cooking vessels are not used, there is further wastage of energy.
How can you make your stovetop energy efficient?
You can make the stovetop energy efficient by cleaning the cookware. Shiny pots can help in reflecting heat. Flat bottomed pans also are fine. Pans or pots with uneven surfaces can waste a lot of heat and energy.
The cooking method being used also matters. It is better to stir fry than slow cook as slow cooking would absorb a lot of energy.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question, “How much electricity does a gas stove use?” energy used by electric stoves and energy efficiency of different stoves.
