Energize Your Kitchen with an Electric Stove

Whether you're doing a complete renovation for your dream kitchen or just replacing an out-of-service range, you'll have to choose between the two classic fuel types: gas or electric. And even if you've cooked with gas fuel all your life, it's time to take a closer look at all your options. The modern electric stove is packed with benefits that open-flamed appliances will never be able to achieve, from ease of operation to lower purchase and installation prices. And with a lack of any flame, these devices are perfect for households with kids who love to cook, or condo complexes where gas stoves and fire-fueled grills are outlawed. Each electric range is designed for versatile cooking that fits your life; explore our selection of powerful coil, ceramic glass, and induction ranges to find your next kitchen appliance.

What are the different types of electric stoves?

Not every electric stove is the same—in fact, there are three main ways that these electricity-powered cookers heat your food. The most recognizable stove features visible coils that glow when on. Users place their cookware directly on top of these coils in order to cook their food. While this electric stove tends to be cheaper (and easier to install) than other categories, they are a little tougher to clean. Users must remove the coils and other parts to clean up any fallen ingredients or burnt-on messes. Meanwhile, a ceramic glass electric stove works the same way—the only difference is that the coils are beneath a flat glass screen, giving your device a smooth surface that's easy to cook with and clean on. These models are popular with all kinds of home chefs, but users should be wary of placing too-heavy cookware down violently. These are coated in glass, which can break when struck with a heavy roasting pan or cast-iron skillet.

Induction cooking uses an entirely different heating method altogether. This electric stove uses electromagnetic technology to heat pots and pans on the electric range. And the most exciting feature? These can only heat magnetic pots and pans, ensuring that the rest of your stovetop stays relatively cool (all while your steel cookware heats up significantly quicker than it would on a classic coil). That means that any towels, ingredients, or fingers that rest on the electric range won't burn. Not sure if your favorite skillet is magnetic or not? Simply stick a kitchen magnet to the bottom. If it stays, that skillet is ready to cook.

Are electric stoves better than gas?

While some chefs may perceive gas ranges to reign superior over the competition, bakers know that isn't the case when it comes to the oven. Unlike flame-spouting gas versions, powering with electricity allows the oven to heat and cool slowly thanks to those mechanical coils. That even and steady heating process can lower the chances of burned cake undersides, while a drier interior climate helps keep pastry as flaky as possible. That means that whether you're baking two-dozen cupcakes for a birthday party or a layered baklava dessert, you can trust that your electric stove is the best one for the job.

Find Your New Electric Range at Abt

If you're still not sure whether you'd do better with an induction range or a classic coil version, take a look at our Kitchen Range Buying Guide. Here, our experts break down all the pros and cons of the different models on the market, from their fuel type all the way down to what kind of grates they have. In search of more personalized help? Give our specialists a call at 800-860-3577, or head into the store to get a look at each floor model on display.