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Replacing your gas stove with electric: A complete guide
Whether you just want to replace your old gas stove or a new electric model has caught your eye, there are plenty of reasons to replace gas appliances with an electric one. But switching from a gas line to an electric outlet requires some important considerations to keep in mind. Read on to learn the steps to switching from a gas to electric stove.
Can you replace a gas stove with an electric one?
You can replace a gas stove with an electric one; however, it is not as simple as purchasing a new appliance and installing it in the old space. This replacement will require working with electric and gas lines. For this reason, it is best to contact a professional for the installation portion of your replacement.
What to consider when switching from a gas to electric stove
When making the switch from a gas stove to an electric one, first check the electrical requirements of a new electric range. Analyzing your electrical panel and inspecting your current space to see whether it can fit a new electrical line is a good place to start. If you meet these requirements, contact a licensed contractor for an evaluation. Finally, choose between an induction and electric stove for the contractor’s installation. Use the considerations below to help you expand your understanding of what it takes to make the switch.
1. Check your electrical requirements first
In order to replace your gas stove and install an electric one, you will first need to check to see whether you have a 220-volt outlet and a circuit that can produce at least 40-50 amps of power (or more, depending on the size of your range) Many smaller and mid-size ranges often use 40 amps for power, while larger ranges typically require 50+ amps. Any less and your electric stove may not have enough power to work. Always check the power specs of your model before you buy and install it to make sure your home is prepared and hire a professional to help you if you’re unsure.
2. Consider how the new line will reach the range
When replacing your gas oven with an electric one, it’s important to inspect the space surrounding your electric panel. You might need a licensed contractor to install a new electrical line. If the area near your panel has open ceilings, the work may be more straightforward, while enclosed areas or crawl spaces can add complexity and cost.
Access constraints should also be considered if you’re replacing a gas cooktop with an electric range, as you will also need additional space to install a larger appliance.
3. Plan for licensed contractor work
The installation of a new electric stove to replace a gas one requires steps that should only be attempted by a licensed contractor. You will need a professional to turn off the gas line, remove your stove and cap the gas line. If your space needs to be demoed to run a new electrical line, that will also require professional help.
4. Decide between electric vs. induction
Whether an electric or induction stove is best for you will likely come down to personal preference; however, there are a few key differences. Electric cooktops provide heating either via a coil positioned directly beneath cookware or through coils radiating underneath a ceramic-glass surface. They function similarly to gas stoves.
Induction stoves, on the other hand, do not use flames or a heated surface. Instead they pass currents into induction-ready cookware (not all cookware is compatible), thereby turning them into their own heating source. The induction process increases heating and cooling responsiveness as well as limiting heat/energy loss from pots and pans.
Because of the differing heating methods of electric vs. induction stoves, you should also consider the cooking experience when choosing between the two. The highly responsive nature of induction technology offers quick heating and cooling, helping to shorten the overall time spent cooking and the wait time to begin cleaning once the stove is turned off. However, induction cooking requires compatible cookware, while there’s more versatility in the cookware you’re able to use on the surface of an electric cooktop.
5. Measure your kitchen space
In order to ensure your new electric oven fits in your kitchen space, you’ll need to measure the dimensions of both the appliance and your cutout space for depth, width and height. To measure for proper cutout dimensions, remove your stove before recording the dimensions with a tape measure.
6. Measure your stove’s dimensions
Measure your stove’s dimensions, then map out the path from your home’s entrance to your old stove. Measure the width of these spaces to ensure your stove will fit through them. You should also measure your stove without the door, handles, knobs, grates or a backguard; these dimensions should align with cabinets and countertops, and knowing these measurements can also help you avoid potential snags.
7. Ensure you have the right range hood
One especially helpful tip is that venting requirements for gas stoves typically call for a higher CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating than venting requirements for electric ranges. Therefore, if you currently have a range hood installed over your gas range, it should work with your new electric stove. Also, if you plan on buying a new range hood, you may be able to purchase a less powerful option. Consult a professional to determine what will be best for your kitchen and individual needs.
Looking for a new stove?
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Replacing gas with electric stoves FAQs
Still unsure whether you can or should replace your gas stove with an electric model? Explore the frequently asked questions below for help on your shopping journey.
What should you look for when buying an electric or induction stove?
When looking to purchase an electric or induction stove, there are several considerations to keep in mind, starting with the space and size of your kitchen. Once your space is accounted for, think about the features you need or whether you already have compatible cookware if you’re choosing an induction model.
Depending on the work being done, you can expect the cost to switch from a gas stove to an electric stove to include both the price of the range itself and the cost of hiring a licensed installer.
Can a cooktop be gas and electric?
Cooktops are either gas or electric, there aren’t models that combine both fuel types. However, if you’re looking to replace your gas cooktop with a full kitchen range, you can opt for a dual fuel range that combines the responsiveness of an open flame cooktop with the dry, even heat of an electric oven.
Should I change my gas stove to electric during a kitchen remodel?
Whether you choose to make the switch from gas to electric cooktops during your kitchen remodel depends on your personal preferences and whether your home meets the electric requirements necessary to install an electric or induction cooktop.
If your kitchen is equipped to power an electric or induction stove, consider your cooking preferences and lifestyle. If you want quick cleanup after mealtime, electric and induction cooktops typically have smooth glass surfaces that help make them easy to wipe clean once the surface has cooled. Select electric stoves also offer specialized zones for varying pan sizes and features designed to help you get dinner on the table fast.
You should also consider energy usage when choosing a new cooktop for your kitchen remodel. Compared to gas cooktops, ENERGY STAR® rates induction cooktops as three times more efficient than gas.
Shop Whirlpool® Electric Stoves and Induction Cooktops
Cooking dinner can be easy with Whirlpool® Induction Cooktops and Electric Ranges. Take preheating off your plate on select models with No Preheat Mode. Simply place your food in the oven and start baking. The oven will adjust the cook time for frozen pizzas and more. And with the flat surface of ceramic-glass stovetops on select models, cleanup can be as simple as wiping down the mess.
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