Should You Convert Your Electric Stove to Gas? 5 Things to Consider

Electric Stoves vs. Gas Stoves

Gas ranges offer several advantages compared to electric models, but what really sets them apart? While the biggest contrast lies in the type of energy source they rely on, there are a number of additional differences worth noting.

What Is an Electric Stove?

Most electric stoves are designed with a smooth glass-ceramic top, under which metal coils generate heat that’s passed directly to your pots and pans. Unlike standard household appliances that plug into a 110-volt socket, these ranges generally need a 220–240-volt connection to operate.

What Is a Gas Stove?

What sets a gas stove apart is the visible flame it produces on the burners. These flames vary in size, giving cooks precise control over heat for tasks like gently melting, slow simmering, or high-heat frying. SD Appliance Repair. To run properly, a gas range must be connected to a natural gas supply, which isn’t always available in every kitchen. If installation is needed, adding a gas line typically comes with a price tag between $300 and $860.

Can You Convert Your Electric Stove to a Gas Stove?

In many situations, it’s possible to switch from an electric stove to a gas model, but rules vary depending on where you live. Some areas have started restricting new gas installations because of safety concerns and their impact on the environment—for example, New York became the first U.S. state to prohibit natural gas and other fossil fuels in most newly constructed buildings in favor of greener options.
If you’re considering making the change, the first step is to confirm with your local authorities whether it’s legally allowed. Next, check if your home already has access to a natural gas or propane line. If not, find out whether local codes permit adding one. Once you know that conversion is permitted and a gas supply is available, the actual installation should always be left to a qualified technician, who can complete the job properly and safely.

5 Reasons to Convert an Electric Stove to Gas

If you’ve ever questioned the appeal of replacing an electric range with a gas model, there are several compelling reasons people choose to make that change.

1. Lower Utility Costs

Unlike electric ranges, gas stoves are often praised for using energy more efficiently, which can help lower household utility bills. The reason is simple: gas burners create heat directly through combustion, while electric models first need to convert electricity into heat, leading to some loss in efficiency. On top of that, natural gas is usually less expensive than electricity—sometimes by as much as threefold—making gas cooking a budget-friendly option, especially when energy prices are unpredictable.

2. Longer Appliance Life Span

Gas ranges are generally built with a straightforward design and fewer components than electric models, which makes them easier to maintain and often allows them to last longer. SD Appliance Repair. Their durability appeals to anyone looking for a dependable appliance with minimal upkeep.
Electric stoves, however, usually cost less at the time of purchase, making them attractive for households focused on saving money upfront. In the end, the choice often comes down to whether someone values lower initial spending or prefers the long-term reliability and low-maintenance nature of gas.

3. Better Temperature Control

Cooking with gas provides better control and steadier heat, which makes it easier to achieve consistent results. With electric stoves, temperatures can fluctuate, so one meal might cook perfectly while the next ends up overdone. Another advantage of gas is its wide range of heat levels—turning the knob instantly changes the size of the flame, giving you immediate visual feedback. Electric models don’t respond as quickly, which limits precision during cooking.

4. Faster Cooling Time

Electric burners usually need more time to warm up and cool down, while gas burners deliver instant heat the moment the flame is lit. Gas stoves also cool off faster once turned off, which can help keep the kitchen from heating up as much—something especially useful during hot summer months when the air conditioner is already working hard.

5. Savings Over Time

Operating a gas stove can cost 10% to 30% less than running an electric one, though the actual savings vary with how often you cook. For frequent home cooks, the financial benefits of gas become more noticeable over time. On the other hand, if you rarely cook or value the ease of electric cooking, the lower purchase price of an electric stove might make more sense. Ultimately, the decision between gas and electric comes down to your budget, cooking habits, and how much you use the stove.

Cost to Convert an Electric Stove to Gas

Switching an electric stove to a gas model can involve multiple steps, with total costs ranging from $165 to $2,040 depending on your kitchen setup.
Upgrading an electrical outlet from 110 volts to 240 volts requires a licensed electrician, typically billing $90 to $140 per hour. If a gas line is already in place, a plumber can connect the new stove for around $165.
When the existing gas line isn’t long enough, extending it costs about $190 to $240 for every ten feet. Installing a new line to support the stove ranges from $300 to $860, depending on the distance needed.
For homes without any gas service, full installation—including underground piping, permits, and labor—can total roughly $2,040.