Gas Oven vs Electric Oven for Baking – Which One is Better?

Choosing between the gas or electric ovens for baking can be difficult unless you have experienced baking in both of them. 

The major difference is that one is gas-fueled while the other is electrically powered. This difference affects your baking experience to a large extent. 

Both a gas oven and an electric oven have their pros and cons when used for baking.

I have added a small comparison table for both the ovens. It will make your decision easier regarding the best option for you when it comes to baking. 

Gas Oven vs Electric Oven for Baking – Comparison

Baking in a Gas Oven Baking in an Electric Oven
A gas oven can reach high temperatures quickly resulting in faster baking An electric oven needs to be preheated to reach the desired high temperatures. The baking process takes a longer time compared to gas oven
The batter needs to be rotated for even cooking as the flame is down below. Hot and cold spots are common for gas ovens.The heating element is present on top as well as below the oven giving even cooking on all sides
The down portion usually gets cooked fast and the batter on top takes time. A convection fan helps to circulate heat all aroundAs the batter is exposed to intense heat from all sides, an excellent browning and crusting is formed both above and below
Gas releases moisture inside the oven giving you perfectly baked moist and fluffy cakesThe electric oven exposes your batter to dry heat inside it. The dry heat helps in crust formation and browning
As the baking gets done quickly, the flavors inside the batter are retained.As the baking process takes time, the flavors tend to wane out due to prolonged exposure to high heat
A gas oven can easily adjust to temperature change if you wish to change the temperature midwayAn electric oven cannot reach temperature changes instantly. It needs time
The gas oven cycles on and off and keeps a specific range rather than a constant temperatureAn electric oven is good for recipes that require constant temperatures. It
A gas oven quickly cools down once you switch it off after bakingAn electric oven takes time to cool down and remains hot/warm long after baking is done.
The cleaning up after baking can be difficult as there is an ignitor with holes for open flame present below. You need to be careful while wiping away any drips to avoid blocking any holesCleaning up after baking is a breeze. The heating elements are mostly hidden on the undersurface and the outer enamel or steel surface is very easy to clean 
Baking in a gas oven is cost-effective in the long run as all you need to do is refill gas.An electric oven is cheaper to purchase and install compared to a gas oven. However, the electric bills are bound to shoot up with increased baking.
A standard gas oven gives you a wide range of temperature settings to choose from for bakingA basic electric oven may not have a wide range of temperature settings for baking. However modern electric ovens have many options including pre-settings for baking
You should always use the top rack for baking. The bottom rack is too close to the flame and can burn your batterUse the mid rack for excellent results. The mid rack gets ideal heat from both above and below.
Although gas ovens are safe for baking, there is 0.1 percent of a gas leak occurring due to malfunctioning of safety valves or the igniter.It is completely safe to bake in an electric oven. However, make sure the electrical requirements are met according to the instruction booklet. Use mitts while removing the cake as electric ovens remain hot for a long time.

Let us now understand the gas and electric ovens by listing out the pros and cons of baking in both of them.

Pros of Baking in a Gas Oven 

You must have seen grandparents baking cakes and roasting turkeys in the gas oven.

It has always been an important part of our American kitchens to bake and cook food.

Here I am listing out a few benefits of baking in a gas oven.

Quick Baking

As I mentioned earlier, gas ovens are a good option if you want fast results.

An electric oven needs more time when it comes to baking. It needs to be preheated to reach the desired temperature. 

A gas oven reaches the required temperature smoothly and quickly.

Retained Flavors

A tasty dish retains its flavors. The continuous exposure to heat can make the batter lose out on flavor.

A fast-baked dessert will not lose out on its flavors due to prolonged heat exposure. 

As the food gets baked quickly in a gas oven, the flavors are present when the baked food is ready.

Moist and Fluffy Food

A gas oven releases moisture into the air inside its chamber.

This is due to the combustion of gas from the open flame.

The slightly moist environment does not completely dry up the batter.

It results in the baked dishes being moist and fluffy. 

A Wide Range of Temperature Options 

A gas oven control may be switch-based with a thermostat and sensing bulb assembly, or an electronic control board that works with an oven sensor.  

Whatever the control, a standard gas oven offers you a wide range of temperature options compared to a standard electric oven.

Modern electric ovens, however, now come with a wide temperature range.

Good Temperature Control

A gas oven cools down instantly once it’s switched off. 

If you wish to alter the temperature settings midway while baking, a gas oven adjusts better.

Cost-effective 

With electric ovens, you need to use electricity and that can pile up bills.

A gas oven may be slightly costlier than an electric oven but it is a one-time investment. All you need later on is a gas refill. 

Baking in a gas oven is energy efficient and will save you from paying electric bills. 

Long Shelf Life 

A gas oven is a sturdy and powerful gadget. It has less complicated electrical parts compared to an electric oven. 

It has less maintenance cost and its parts can be easily replaced by an electrician. The average shelf life of a gas oven is fifteen years 

Also read: How Long Can an Oven Stay On?

Cons of Baking in a Gas Oven 

  • You may get cold and hot spots. This is because the burner is located at the bottom of the oven. You need to rotate your dish a bit for even cooking all over or use a convection oven fan.
  • Although the temperature control and the temperature range are better in a gas oven, it tends to fluctuate on and off. This may affect quick baking recipes.  For constant temperatures, electric ovens fare better. 
  • You need to have a gas line to bake in a gas oven. If you are building a house, make sure to have a gas pipeline in your kitchen for oven use. 
  • A gas oven is quite safe to use however there is a 0.1 % chance of gas leakage if the gadget malfunctions.
  • Due to the presence of the ignitor below, cleaning up a gas oven can be difficult. You need to make sure the holes do not get blocked by any food drippings. If they do, you must clean them gently and wipe the gunk away. 
Also read: Using Oven to Heat House is Bad Idea

Pros of Baking in an Electric Oven 

An electric oven is a dream come true if you are on a budget and don’t want to spend on the purchase and installation.

Electric ovens have made the baking process very easy.

All you need is an electric socket and you can begin. Here are a few benefits of baking in an electric oven : 

An Even Baking 

Electric ovens are usually made up of two heating elements- one at the bottom and one at the top.

As the batter is exposed to heat from both above and beneath, the food gets evenly baked.

If you like crusty brownings, electric ovens give you excellent results. 

Stays Hot for Long 

An electric oven cannot instantly reach a high temperature.

The same applies to it cooling down. The oven usually remains hot and takes time to cool down completely. 

This feature can be helpful if you need to wait and keep your dish warm.

Low Purchase and Installation Costs 

An electric oven is cheaper than a gas oven when installed. It does not require complicated setups and gas vents

It eliminates the need for a heavy budget to finance your oven.

All you need is an electrical socket and you can start baking right away.

Safe to Bake

An electric oven does away with open flames and the dangers involved in cooking with gas.  There is no danger of a gas leak or the malfunctioning of the igniter. 

You can safely bake your food in an electric oven and open it when done.

Due to the presence of heating elements above and below, you don’t need to open the oven to rotate your batter.

Just make sure to use oven mitts while removing your cake as the oven gets hot.

Easy to Clean 

An electric oven is easier to clean compared to a gas oven. It has a wide design.

The electric coils or heating elements are mostly hidden underneath the floor and enamel coating. 

Since the chamber does not have any element or ignitor exposed, it can be easily cleaned with a wet cloth followed by a dry wipe. 

Cons of Baking in an Electric Oven 

  • The air inside an electric oven is drier compared to gas ovens. The intense heat radiating from the element above and beneath creates dryness.  The dry heat dries up the cake unless you cover up the batter with a foil. 
  • An electric oven will take more time to bake as it needs to be preheated to reach the required temperatures. 
  • If you wish to change your temperature midway while cooking, an electric oven will take time.
  • It will also remain hot for a long time after switching off as an electric oven needs time to cool off. 
  • An electric oven has high maintenance costs due to a complicated electrical board inside. It can only be fixed or replaced by a professional. 

Final Verdict- Which is Better for Baking?

Advancements in technology have brought in different types of gas and electric ovens creating stiff competition in the market and confusing the consumer.

After reading all the facts about both the ovens, I am sure you have realized that the answer is subjective.

It depends on your choice of cooking and the taste, texture you prefer in your baked food. 

For moist, flavourful, and fluffy cakes, a gas oven is your best bet.

Time is also a big deciding factor for workaholics. If you wish to quickly whip up, a gas oven will give you faster results.

Another thing to keep in the back of your mind before purchasing a gas oven is the presence of a gas line in your kitchen and your budget. 

An electric oven can be a cheap purchase but can later increase electric bills.

A gas oven can be a little costly, but it is cost-effective as all you need to do in the future is refill gas.

 Hope you found clarity in the comparison between the two ovens for baking as well as the pros and cons of using them.

All the best and happy baking!

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I’m Jueria and I am a regular contributor on cookeryspace.com. In my articles, I share time-saving techniques, appliance wizardry, and health-friendly recipes to bring taste and wellness to your table. So raise a glass (or a spatula) with me, to good health and good food, made easy!