Gas vs. electric appliances

Gas vs. electric: safety

Both gas and electric appliances have a few potential safety hazards — we’ve outlined these below.

Are gas appliances safe?

Recent studies of gas appliances raise concerns over methane emissions and indoor air quality. Gas appliances emit more pollutants, including carbon monoxide and methane, a greenhouse gas that’s 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

If you use gas, be sure your home has proper ventilation. You’ll also need to install and regularly test a carbon monoxide alarm if you don’t already have one.

Are electric appliances safe?

Electric appliances carry a slight risk of fire and electrocution if not properly installed and maintained. Make sure any electric work in your home is performed by licensed professionals.

Bottom line

Electric appliances are the safest choice if your primary concern is air quality, but they do carry a slight fire risk.

» MORE: U.S. air quality trends

Gas vs. electric: costs

In general, it’s still cheaper to run most appliances with natural gas than electricity because gas appliances tend to be more efficient. Still, a handful of electrical appliances, like cold-climate heat pumps and induction ranges, have lower operating costs than gas appliances due to recent technological advancements.

Consult the yellow EnergyGuide label to find appliances with low operating costs.

The best way to pick an appliance that will lower your utility bill is to consult the yellow EnergyGuide labels when shopping for appliances. You should also check the price of natural gas and electricity where you live since costs vary by location.

Bottom line

Technologically advanced electric appliances are the cheapest to run, with gas appliances coming in second. Traditional electric appliances are the least efficient.

» LEARN: How to save energy at home

Gas vs. electric ranges

The most energy-efficient, fastest, cleanest and highest-performing ranges use electric induction technology. These ranges employ electromagnetic fields to heat the cookware directly and can boil water at least 20% faster than a gas stove.

Deann, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Indiana, was thrilled with their decision to switch to an electric induction stove from LG. “I never liked or would even consider electric cooking before,” they said. “But this is an absolute dream.”

The upfront costs for electric induction ranges were high initially but have fallen steadily over the years, with some models priced at $1,000. Apart from these induction models, gas ranges outperform traditional electric ranges and are more efficient.

Bottom line

The most efficient and highest-performing ranges use electric induction technology.

» COMPARE: Best ranges, ovens and stoves

Gas vs. electric grills

If you’re a grill master, you might be wondering whether you should choose gas or electric for your outdoor grill. The differences really center on how you plan to cook your food.

• Gas: A gas grill connects to a gas line (for fixed grills) or a propane tank (for portable grills). Gas grills tend to infuse food with more of a campfire flavor than electric grills since they use an open flame — but they might be restricted in your area. Be sure to check local ordinances before you buy one.
• Electric: Outdoor electric grills tend to be smaller than gas grills and can be moved and used anywhere there’s an outlet. It’s easier to maintain a constant temperature using an electric grill, which gives you more control over your food while cooking.
• Other options: When it comes to grills, charcoal and mesquite impart the most authentic grilled flavor. They’re also usually cheaper and can be easier to transport to campsites and other locations since you don’t have to hook up to a gas line or electrical outlet.

Bottom line

For the best flavor, use charcoal or wood briquettes instead.

» COMPARE: Best grill brands

Gas vs. electric fireplaces

If you already have gas or electric lines running to your fireplace, you might find it easiest to go with what you have. If you’re open to a new installation, there are pros and cons for both types.

• Gas: Gas fireplaces have faux logs but use a real flame to create a warm, cozy atmosphere. These fireplaces aren’t cheaper to operate than electric, though — it takes more gas than electricity to make the same amount of low-grade heat, so your bill will be higher for gas.
• Electric: Electric fireplaces create heat that’s warm and inviting, but they don’t have that familiar flame. Instead, they just radiate ambient heat from warmed coils like a space heater. On the other hand, they’re more efficient and will keep your heat bill lower than you'd get with a gas fireplace. They’re also a bit safer since they have no flames.

Bottom line

If you care more about cost savings, electric is the way to go.

Gas vs. electric dryers

While manufacturers no longer make gas washing machines (they’ve been replaced by high-efficiency electric washers), you can choose gas or electric for your dryer.

• Gas: Gas dryers are usually a little more expensive to buy, but you’ll see savings on your utility bill in the long run. Gas units dry clothes faster and use less energy.
• Electric: Electric dryers are cheaper initially. While gas dryers require a vent to the outside, some electric dryers don’t; you may be forced to choose a ventless electric dryer depending on your laundry room’s setup.

Bottom line

Gas dryers are cheaper to operate but more expensive to buy.