From the mailbag: which stove is better for the environment, gas or electric?

We received this inquiry a couple weeks back asking a common question about the environmental comparison between electric and gas heat for cooking. Colin Price, our research director, did the math. Got a question for OEC? Drop a line and we'll do our best to find an answer!

We need a new stove. We had electric and were thinking of going to natural gas because we like to cook on that better, but then I thought...hydrocarbon, pipelines...etc. So which is best for the environment in the long run? Should we stay electric or go gas?

Cinda, Corvallis

Hello Cinda,

Well, it’s a great question. As with most choices, there are trade offs involved. Instead if purchasing a new stove that has the embedded environmental impacts associated with its production (energy, virgin material extraction, manufacturing, etc.), would it be possible to repair the existing stove? If repair is not possible, then perhaps purchasing a quality used one is an option? If either of these options is a possibility, then perhaps the issue is moot because the stove will remain electric.

However, if a new stove purchase is inevitable, then purchasing the most energy efficient one you can afford would be optimal. There are some interesting induction and solar-hybrid options that available if you are feeling adventuresome. Some tips for energy efficient cooking are included in this site. That way you’re using the least amount of energy you can whether it’s electricity or natural gas.

Regarding electric vs. natural gas stoves, there appear to be at least two main environmental issues associated with energy type that merit consideration: air quality and habitat destruction.

With an electric stove, the main environmental issue may be emissions of greenhouse gases and other harmful air pollutants associated with coal-fired electricity generation. There are numerous other environmental impacts associated with coal. Most residential customers in Oregon receive approximately 40% of their electricity from coal sources. You can avoid those emissions by purchasing renewable power from your utility, if available.

For natural gas stoves, the main environmental impact associated with the extraction and transmission of natural gas. When natural gas fields are developed, they can destroy natural habitat and harm ecosystems. Pipelines can have a similar effect. Burning natural gas also produces air pollution, but in smaller quantities than coal. There was recently an article in the Daily Green that may be of interest related to natural gas and energy policy.

So bottom line, it’s a tough call on which is better. I’m with you; I prefer the cooking quality that gas stoves provide. However, I also believe that supporting renewable energy sources is important for our long term security, public health, and overall environmental well-being. If it were me, I would try and fix the existing stove and purchase renewable energy.

The fact that you’re considering the environmental impact of your choices is a great step in the right direction. If you continue to apply that same scrutiny to all your consumer choices, I believe in the long run you’ll make the best decisions for the environment. 

Thanks,

Colin Price, research director