Gas vs electric oven: Which is best for your energy bills?

When it comes to cooking at home, the choice of oven can make a significant impact on your energy bills and environmental footprint. The debate between gas and electric ovens has been ongoing for years, with each type offering its own set of benefits.

However, as the cost of energy continues to rise across Australia, many homeowners are reconsidering their choices in light of energy efficiency and long-term savings.

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between gas and electric ovens, comparing energy efficiency, running costs, sustainability, and overall performance.

Ultimately, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which oven is the best fit for your kitchen - and your budget.

Gas vs electric ovens: How they work

Before diving into energy efficiency and costs, it’s helpful to understand the basic functioning of both types of ovens:

• Gas ovens: Gas ovens use natural gas to generate heat. The gas burns inside the oven, producing heat that is transferred to the food. In some models, the gas flame heats the oven directly, while others may have a gas-powered broiler or fan-assisted heating system. Gas ovens heat up quickly and tend to offer a more precise temperature control when baking or roasting.
• Electric ovens: Electric ovens use electricity to power heating elements that generate heat inside the oven. These elements can be either metal coils or more advanced ceramic or halogen elements. Electric ovens also use a fan in many modern models (convection ovens) to distribute heat evenly. Electric ovens typically take a little longer to heat up than gas ovens but maintain a steady and even heat once they reach the desired temperature.

Energy efficiency: Which oven uses less power?

The energy efficiency of an oven is crucial for managing your energy bills, and this can vary between gas and electric models.

Gas ovens

• Initial heating: Gas ovens heat up quickly, which means you can start cooking faster. They tend to be more responsive to temperature changes and provide more immediate heat. However, the efficiency of gas ovens depends on how well your kitchen is ventilated and how effectively the gas flame is directed.
• Energy loss: Gas ovens can be less efficient than electric ovens in terms of energy transfer. Not all of the energy produced by burning gas is used to heat the food. Some heat escapes into the kitchen and surrounding areas, particularly if the oven isn’t sealed well or is poorly maintained.
• Ongoing running costs: Gas is typically cheaper than electricity in Australia, which may make running a gas oven less expensive over time. However, the energy efficiency loss due to heat escaping into the room can slightly offset these savings.

Electric ovens

• Initial heating: Electric ovens generally take longer to heat up compared to gas models. However, once they’ve reached the desired temperature, they maintain a consistent level of heat, which can help reduce energy wastage. Convection (fan-assisted) models are typically more energy-efficient as they circulate hot air more effectively, reducing cooking times.
• Energy loss: Electric ovens tend to be more energy-efficient in converting energy into heat for cooking. The electric elements are more direct in their heat application, with less heat loss to the surrounding environment.
• Ongoing running costs: The running costs of electric ovens tend to be higher compared to gas ovens because electricity is generally more expensive in Australia. The longer cooking times and slightly higher power consumption can also add to the overall cost of using an electric oven over the long term.

Sustainability: Which oven is better for the environment?

As Australians become increasingly aware of their environmental impact, sustainability is a key factor when choosing between a gas and an electric oven. Here's how each option stacks up:

Gas ovens

• Fossil fuel use: Gas ovens use natural gas, which is a fossil fuel. While natural gas is considered cleaner than coal, it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. For environmentally conscious households, relying on a gas-powered oven means your energy consumption is linked to the use of non-renewable resources.
• Carbon footprint: A gas oven’s carbon footprint can be significant over time, especially if it is used frequently. Natural gas combustion releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Electric ovens

• Renewable energy potential: Electric ovens are only as sustainable as the source of the electricity used to power them. In regions where electricity is generated primarily from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power, electric ovens can be a more environmentally friendly option. In contrast, if your electricity comes from fossil fuels, the environmental impact of using an electric oven can still be quite high.
• Energy transition: As Australia shifts toward a cleaner energy grid, electric ovens have the potential to become increasingly sustainable. If your household uses solar panels or is on a green energy plan, your electric oven could be largely powered by renewable energy, lowering your carbon footprint.

Cost comparison: Gas vs electric ovens in Australia

The ongoing cost of running your oven is a significant factor in deciding between gas and electric models. While both options have pros and cons, the total cost over time depends on several variables:

Gas oven costs

• Initial cost: Gas ovens can be more expensive upfront, especially if your home isn’t already equipped with a gas line.
• Operating cost: Gas is generally cheaper than electricity, making gas ovens less expensive to run for most users. However, this depends on your location and the price of gas in your area.
• Maintenance: Gas ovens may require more maintenance over time, as the gas burners need to be cleaned regularly and inspected for leaks. This can add to your long-term costs.

Electric oven costs:

• Initial cost: Electric ovens are generally more affordable than gas ovens in terms of initial cost. They are widely available and come in a variety of styles and sizes to suit different needs.
• Operating cost: While electricity costs are generally higher than gas in Australia, electric ovens are typically more energy-efficient and tend to have lower maintenance costs.
• Maintenance: Electric ovens require less maintenance than gas ovens. There are no burners to clean, and most modern electric ovens are self-cleaning.

Which is the best choice for your energy bills?

In terms of pure energy efficiency, electric ovens have the edge due to their ability to maintain a consistent temperature with less energy waste. However, gas ovens are usually cheaper to operate on a day-to-day basis, especially in areas where natural gas is more affordable than electricity.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on several factors:

• Cooking habits: If you do a lot of baking and require even, consistent heat, an electric oven might be more suitable. For fast cooking and high-heat cooking, such as grilling or roasting, a gas oven may be more efficient.
• Energy pricing: If you live in an area with cheaper gas, the cost of running a gas oven might be significantly lower. On the other hand, if you’re on a green energy plan or have solar power, an electric oven could be a more sustainable and cost-effective option.

Looking to save energy? Call Compare Energy today

When it comes to choosing between a gas or electric oven, it’s important to weigh both energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Gas ovens are generally cheaper to run in the short term but are less sustainable due to their reliance on fossil fuels.
• Electric ovens, on the other hand, are more energy-efficient and can be more sustainable, especially as the grid becomes greener, but may come with higher operating costs depending on electricity prices.

If you’re unsure whether to stick with gas or make the switch to electric, the best way to optimise your energy bills is by ensuring you are on the right energy plan. By comparing energy providers and selecting a plan that suits your household needs, you can maximise savings, regardless of your choice of oven.

Want to make sure you're on the best energy plan for your gas or electric oven? Call Compare Energy today at 1300 790 106 to discuss your options and switch energy suppliers in your area. Let us help you lower your energy bills!