How to Compare Gas Stoves

Cooking with a gas stove can be quick and efficient.

Homeowners and cooking professionals highly value the gas stove. Operating a gas stove allows you to control the heat much more effectively than you can with an electric stove. But gas stoves vary in quality, and depending on what you plan to cook, you should consider stove size, ventilation and available features.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Compare sizes. Smaller (20-inch) units might be mobile and use a propane bottle. Larger (36-inch) gas stoves hook to a gas line. Some have two burners, others have six. Smaller stoves might hold small baking pots, while larger ones can accommodate a large turkey, large casserole or baking dishes.

2. Examine the ventilation system. Cooking creates gases, steam and odors. Less-expensive models simply have an overhead dome with a vent. These vents can capture steam and smoke. However, ventilation hoods with fans and multiple blowers are better at dispersing smoke and steam.

3. Review the available features. Many gas stoves have dual-fuel capability, which lets you use electricity to evenly control heat distribution. Others have high-output burners that use super-hot flames to boil water quickly. Some even have simmering burners for keeping food at low, even heat. Also popular are door windows with lights, so you can monitor foods inside the stove.

4. Compare prices. As of 2010, smaller stoves cost $400 to $800. Larger gas stoves with more features cost $800 to $2,000.

5. Shop around for retailers who offer in-store guarantees, free installation and good customer service.

References

• U.S. Appliance: "Range Buying Guide"
• Consumer Reports: "Kitchen Range Guide"
• Citizen Gas: "Natural Gas Ranges and Ovens"