The Benefits of Electric Stoves
The range is in the heart of every kitchen. From making pancakes on Saturday mornings to roasting Thanksgiving turkey it's one of the most crucial appliances in your kitchen.
Electric stoves are the only choice if you live an apartment rental or neighborhood that isn't connected to gas lines. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of this type.
Energy Efficiency
For some cooks, nothing compares to the click, hiss and the blaze of blue flames that lick the edges of a pot. But those same flames create harmful toxins that are bad for the environment and your health. Studies have connected natural gas stoves to asthma and other respiratory issues, and a growing number of cities and states are limiting or banning new natural gas connections in homes and other buildings. Electricity reduces your exposure and helps protect the environment. Government programs also offer rebates on costs.
Electric stoves make use of electricity to heat cookware. They plug into standard outlets with 240 voltages. Conventional electric stoves, whether flat tops or coil ranges make use of heating elements in the form of exposed metal coils or electromagnetic waves under the glass-ceramic surface. When the coils are hot or magnetic fields are in motion and you are able to place your cookware directly on the top of them and heat it. Induction stoves make use of magnetic currents instead of surfaces or coils to heat your cookware directly.
You can cut down on your energy bills regardless of how the stoves function by using the lowest setting for heat and selecting the appropriate cookware. Cookware with lighter weights heats up faster, cookware with flat bottoms conducts heat better, and certain metals (such a copper) are better at transferring heat than others. The right size of pot on the stove will also cut energy consumption by around 40 percent.
When compared to the energy consumed by your refrigerator and other appliances, an electric stove uses significantly less. You can save even more money by setting a timer that allows the oven to shut off and by using an induction compatible stove for quick meals.
Another way to cut your energy bill is to purchase a new electric stove from an environmentally responsible manufacturer, and consider investing in wind turbines or solar panels to power your home. Since the energy source for electricity is typically fossil fuels, this isn't necessarily an entirely green choice, but it is an important step in the right direction. Moreover, the less-than-green practices of natural gas transportation and production can cause climate change, too.
Convenience
Electric stoves don't require gas lines and are a great option for homes that don't wish to deal with the hassle of maintaining and repair gas lines. They also heat up faster than gas stoves and are simple to clean and maintain, making them an ideal choice for those who are concerned about energy costs. If you are seeking a top-quality electric stove, shop the selection at Slager Appliances today!
The heating elements of an electric stove are layered in a series which results in more precise and swift heating control than gas stoves. They also don't hold heat as long, reducing the chance of burning. Electric ranges have a flat surface that is easier to clean compared to other types of cooktops. This makes them a great choice for families with small pets or children who may accidentally spill food onto the stovetop.
Many electric stoves have convection ovens. This uses hot air to circulate through the oven, and then warm any cool spots. This ensures a more consistent oven heat which allows you to get the best results for dishes like braised meats and breads that have been proofed. Look into an electric range with American or European convection for the best cooking experience.
Electric stoves are replacing gas stoves in a growing number. In addition to being cheaper and more convenient electric stoves are also environmentally friendly. Electric stoves are more eco green than gas stoves due to the fact that they use less fossil fuel and produce fewer greenhouse gasses, helping to safeguard the climate. They also produce less carbon monoxide that is a hazardous by-product of combustion that can cause poisoning.
Regardless of whether you prefer electric or gas stoves your choice will be based on the type of cookware you own and how often you make use of your kitchen. For example, gas stoves are perfect for grilling and charring foods while electric cookware is best for soups and stir fry. Take into consideration your cooking style and the availability of natural gas connections near you when making a decision between electric and gas stoves. You may also want to investigate local energy rebates. The government offers millions of incentives to encourage you make the switch.
Safety
The main drawback of electric stoves is that, if you do not shut off the burners, or keep them on for too long, they may start an fire. But, this is a risk for any stove and could happen with gas ranges as well. The good thing is that these incidents typically are caused by human error, such as lazy cooks or owners who forget to leaving the stove on. The majority of stoves come with protection against overheating and protection against flame failure to avoid these fires.
The most common way that people get burnt on an electric stove, is by touching the surface or dropping something onto it. Fortunately this is less of a problem on modern glass-topped stoves, which have a smooth surface that's flush with the rest of the counter. This makes them more convenient than gas stoves with grates on top of each burner.
A lot of newer models have sensors that detect spills and can stop the stove if there are any. This feature is crucial for older homeowners whose cognitive ability may be declining and who might not remember to check their stove before leaving.
Induction cooktops are yet another popular option for stoves, which use magnetic fields to generate heat. These stoves are also very energy-efficient and reduce the chance of burn injuries since they heat precisely. Induction stoves are a bit more expensive than traditional glass-top or coil stoves, but they're well worth the cost for safety and convenience.
electric wood burning stove require 240 volts to move between two legs of current. If one leg is interrupted by a fuse that has been blown or another problem (via Appliance Repair Specialists), the stove won't work. This could be a huge issue for homeowners living in areas where frequent storms occur and power outages. But, a new fuse should solve the issue and bring your stove to its original condition.
Maintenance
An electric stove works by using electricity to heat steel coils underneath the burners. These coils heat the pots or pans which are positioned on the top. It's these coils that need to be kept free of food debris. Food spills and debris can cause the heating elements of an electric stove to not work properly, which can lead to poor cooking as well as higher energy costs. Some stains can be stubborn on an electric cooker however, some can be removed with an easy cleaner and a scrubby cloth.
To keep your electric stove looking nice and functioning well, you should wipe it down after every use. Cleaning the burners and stovetop free of dirt can prolong the lifespan of the appliance. To avoid scratching the smooth surface of a stovetop that is electric, a nonabrasive pad must be utilized.
A regular cleaning routine will keep an electric stove in good order. Most manufacturers recommend a weekly cleaning with warm water and mild detergent or a non-abrasive household cleaner. The frequency of cleaning is contingent on your lifestyle, the quantity of food you cook on the stove and the location of the kitchen. Certain areas require more frequent cleaning than others.
Most electric stoves have coils that are easily removable and cleanable by hand. However the electric coils should not be submerged or soaked in water because of electrical issues that could arise.
It is recommended that a routine maintenance service be performed each year, usually in the spring or fall before lighting the stove again for winter. Technicians can examine the stove thoroughly to make sure that all components are functioning correctly and to make certain there are no issues that could cause the heater to fail in the future. If there is an issue, the technician will be able to diagnose and repair the issue swiftly. This is usually less expensive than replacing the stove.