Induction vs electric vs gas stoves

[wagamama]

We are in the market for a new stove. Initially I was going to get gas, but then I read that the fumes from a gas stove make the air inside the house unhealthy (although good ventilation and a fan helps). So then I looked into induction cookers, but the whole electro-magnetic thing freaks me out. Some websites say they are fine, while others claim that they give off dangerous radiation. So then I was going to go with basic electric, but then I read something about electric (and induction) cooking not being as healthy as cooking over a flame (macrobiotics, among others, believe it creates a "scattered" energy in the food).

So now I don't know what to do! Of course, in modern life, nothing is completely safe. But I do want to choose the best option available. Help!!

[tree_hugger]

I have never used an induction stove, but have lived in houses with gas and electric - gas wins every time! The instant heat and the ability to turn it up or down instantly makes it far preferable to electric.

[cristeen]

I will never willingly have any electric stove ever again. Gas is so much easier to work with.

That being said, is there a gas line in place? If not, id find out how much that'll cost before buying.

[APBTlover]

For us, gas is IT. Love it. Instant heat adjustment, mostly, but it also seems a lot more efficient to straight up burn gas for heat rather than convert oil/coal to heat to electricity and back to heat again, you know? We try to ventilate our house well regularly, anyway, so I don't worry about any fume buildup.

[Ola_]

We got an electric stove because the cost to run a gas line to the kitchen was pretty high. Also, you have to consider the venting - we were planning an over-the-range microwave vent combo (that goes to outside, not recirculating) to save space which I don't think would be sufficient for a gas stove.

Induction was also a consideration but not for long because of the higher price tag. We will be selling this house in a few years most likely and didn't feel we'd get the return on the investment. I do think they are great from safety (not burning hands, etc) perspective and believe they are pretty efficient as well.

[SleeplessMommy]

Gas should only be installed if there is an exhaust vent in place which vents to the outside. Use the vent every time and you will be just fine. I have a very accurate carbon monoxide meter (for my job) and have verified this in my own kitchen.

(for those with a gas oven, it is really really important to run an outside vented fan while running a natural gas oven. I measured over 300 ppm carbon monoxide when I first turned on the oven at a relatives house.)

Cooking on any surface creates fine particulates, so the exhaust vent is a good idea for any kitchen.

In the USA, induction is more expensive than natural gas. I would choose gas over electric or induction assuming everything is in place.

[Coconut Chronicles]

I've heard great things about induction ovens but my preference is gas.

[Drummer's Wife]

LOVE our gas stove - didn't realize how awesome it was to cook with one all those years of living places with electric stoves, but now I can't imagine going back.

[wagamama]

THank you for your comments everyone. We decided to go with gas.

[ParisApril]

I love my gas stove. I'd never go back to electric.

[ChetMC]

Me Too

Originally Posted by ParisApril

I love my gas stove. I'd never go back to electric.

We used to have electric, now we have gas... and now that we've used gas I can't see us ever being able to go back. Wow, is it nice!