Repsol YPF

This is the estimate provided by ecology associations, the responsible consumption organisations and the Institute of Energy Diversification (IDEA). The latter is promoting the publication of efficiency guides which disseminate the following idea: gas stoves are more ecological than electric ones, and by using them it is possible to reduce energy consumption in this area of the home, by up to 50%.

Gas domestic appliances, the most efficient

The same thing happens with gas ovens, which are much more efficient than electric ones, but also less common. Despite the sizeable benefit that both gas appliances represent from an environmental and financial point of view, electric stoves and ovens are more commonly used. Why is this?

Reverse the trend

Aesthetics and the ease with which they can be cleaned are the reasons which have led to the replacement of gas stoves with electric ones. However, such arguments mean nothing given the prevailing need to reduce the property’s energy consumption, and the appearance of gas glass hobs, which are as easy to maintain as glass-ceramic hobs, since all you have to do is wipe them with a damp cloth. 

Furthermore, there are also gas glass-ceramic hobs, the annual energy consumption of which is 127% lower than the cost of electric ones, according to a study carried out by a gas appliance manufacturer.

Rice is better with gas 

For many people, including famous chefs, certain recipes, such as rice dishes and paellas, are not at their best when made on electric stoves, but cook to perfection on gas stoves. 

Recipes which require earthenware recipients, such as prawns in garlic or eels, for example, do not cook properly on glass-ceramic hobs either as they have to be cooked in a frying pan, with the resulting loss of flavour that this represents for the product. 

Key factors in saving

Other ways of reducing the energy consumed in the kitchen are: by purchasing electric appliances with A+ and A++ labels ; using a pressure cooker whenever possible; drying saucepans before placing them on the hob and covering them; lowering the flame when boiling point is reached; using the residual heat from the hob in the final minutes of cooking; using the microwave to heat up small amounts of food and avoid using it to defrost food; only using the oven for large amounts of food, and not opening the oven door whilst it is on. 

Did you know that…?

The annual cost of the energy consumed by an electric glass-ceramic hob is greater than the cost of the energy consumed by a washing machine used on a normal 60ºC cycle, with a pre-wash cycle, and used five times per week. 

Related articles:

- Healthy confectionery for children 

- Is gluten-free cooking healthy?