Report Shows Electric Stoves Are More Dangerous Than Gas
Gas versus electric is one of cooking's most spirited debates. Professional chefs have long lauded gas stoves for better temperature control and easier maintenance, according to the All Area Appliance Service. But electric stoves have slowly begun to amass a fan base of their own. Per The Washington Post, roughly two thirds of Americans cook with electric heat, while TikTok chef Jon Kung recently spoke out about his preference for electric — namely, induction — citing climate and safety reasons.
Recent scrutiny of the gas stove's environmental impact has indeed turned people away from the once-preferred stovetop. In 2019, California took direct action against gas appliances; the Golden State banned gas stoves in the construction of new buildings in conjunction with efforts to curb climate change. A recent Stanford study backs up this decision, suggesting that natural gas stoves release methane and additional harmful pollutants.
Yet while electric stoves may be better for the environment, a report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) presents a significant con for electric — a safety hazard that has households across America seeing red.
Households with electric stoves reported greater fire risks
According to a 2020 report by the NFPA, households with electric stoves reported fires at a rate 2.6 times higher than those with gas stoves. Equally staggering, the death rate of electric-run households was 3.4 times higher than those with gas appliances — and the injury rate was nearly five times greater.
Indeed, cooking spurred the highest number of home fires and corresponding injuries from 2014 to 2018, the report stated. This fact, though extreme, makes sense; whenever you're using high heat, there's bound to be a degree of risk, and electrically exacerbate pre-existing threats.
And while the numbers speak for themselves, the most significant reason for these incidents boils down to human error. Unattended stovetops, sleeping cooks, and forgetfulness all contribute to fire-related accidents, so while the report posits that electric stoves present increased risks, your stovetop isn't unsafe to use. Simply follow a few guidelines to ensure you're using your electric stove safely and correctly, and always make sure to turn off the burner when you're done.