Which is Cheaper Electric or Gas Oven?

When it’s time to buy a new oven, one of the biggest questions is whether to get gas or electric. Both types can cook your food well, but they have different costs that affect your wallet in the short and long run. Some costs are easy to see, like the price tag at the store. Others are hidden, like how much you’ll pay on your monthly bills or for repairs. Many people wonder which type will save them more money over time. In this post, we’ll break down all the costs of gas and electric ovens to help you figure out which one is truly cheaper for your home and cooking needs.

Initial Purchase Costs

Electric Oven Purchase Prices

When you go shopping for a new oven, you’ll notice that electric ovens often cost less upfront than gas models. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Basic electric ovens: $400-$700
• Mid-range electric ovens: $700-$1,200
• High-end electric ovens: $1,200-$3,000+
• Electric double ovens: $1,200-$3,500

Electric ovens are generally simpler to make, which helps keep their initial price lower. They also come in more styles and price points, making it easier to find one that fits your budget.

If you’re looking at special types of electric ovens, like induction ranges or convection ovens, expect to pay more—usually at least $800 for basic models and $1,500+ for better ones.

Gas Oven Purchase Prices

Gas ovens typically cost more when you first buy them:

• Basic gas ovens: $500-$900
• Mid-range gas ovens: $900-$1,500
• High-end gas ovens: $1,500-$3,500+
• Gas double ovens: $1,500-$4,000

The higher price happens because gas ovens have more complex parts, like gas valves and special burners. They also need safety features that electric ovens don’t need.

Installation Costs

Beyond the price tag, you need to think about getting your new oven set up:

• Electric oven in a home that already has the right outlet: $100-$200
• Electric oven that needs new wiring: $250-$500
• Gas oven where gas line already exists: $100-$300
• Gas oven that needs a new gas line: $300-$800

If your kitchen doesn’t already have a gas line, adding one can be expensive. This makes switching from electric to gas much pricier than going from gas to electric. Some areas might also require permits for gas work, which adds to the cost.

Operating Costs

Electric Oven Operating Expenses

The biggest ongoing cost for any oven is the energy it uses. For electric ovens:

• Average electricity rate in the US: about 14 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
• Typical electric oven usage: 2-5 kWh per hour of use
• Cost per hour of use: 28-70 cents
• Average monthly cost: $15-$35 (for about 15 hours of use per month)

Electric ovens cost more to run than gas ovens in most places. However, electricity prices vary a lot depending on where you live. In states with cheap electricity, the difference might be small. In expensive areas like California or New York, electric ovens can cost much more to run.

Gas Oven Operating Expenses

Gas ovens use natural gas or propane instead of electricity:

• Average natural gas rate in the US: about $1.20 per therm
• Typical gas oven usage: 0.11-0.22 therms per hour
• Cost per hour of use: 13-26 cents
• Average monthly cost: $6-$15 (for about 15 hours of use per month)

In almost every part of the country, gas is cheaper than electricity for cooking. This means gas ovens usually cost less to run—often less than half the cost of electric ovens.

Energy Efficiency Factors

How efficiently your oven uses energy affects its operating costs:

• Electric ovens: About 65-75% efficient (meaning 65-75% of the energy is used for cooking)
• Gas ovens: About 35-40% efficient

Even though gas ovens are less efficient, the lower cost of gas compared to electricity usually makes them cheaper to operate. However, electric convection ovens can close this gap because they cook food faster and at lower temperatures.

Long-Term Cost Considerations

Lifespan and Durability

How long your oven lasts affects its true cost:

• Average electric oven lifespan: 13-15 years
• Average gas oven lifespan: 15-17 years

Gas ovens typically last a bit longer because they have simpler heating elements that don’t burn out as quickly as electric ones. When you spread the purchase price over the life of the appliance, this makes gas slightly more cost-effective.

Maintenance and Repair Costs

Every oven needs fixes sometimes:

• Electric oven average repair cost: $100-$250 per repair
• Gas oven average repair cost: $150-$400 per repair
• Annual maintenance cost for electric ovens: Minimal
• Annual maintenance cost for gas ovens: $50-$150 (recommended safety checks)

Electric ovens usually have fewer maintenance needs because they don’t have gas connections that need checking. Gas ovens should have safety inspections to prevent gas leaks or other hazards.

Common repairs for electric ovens include replacing heating elements, which is relatively simple. Gas oven repairs often involve gas lines or ignition systems, which can be more complex and costly.

Resale Value

When you sell your home or replace your oven:

• Electric ovens: Lower resale value, lose about 50% of value after 5 years
• Gas ovens: Better resale value, lose about 40% of value after 5 years

Many home buyers prefer gas cooking, which can make a gas oven a better investment if you plan to sell your home. They also tend to hold their value better when sold separately.

Comparison Table: Cost Factors for Electric and Gas Ovens

Making the Most Cost-Effective Choice

Best Choice Based on Your Cooking Habits

How you use your oven affects which type is cheaper for you:

• If you cook a lot: Gas is likely cheaper because the operating savings add up quickly
• If you cook rarely: Electric might be cheaper because the lower purchase price matters more
• If you bake precisely: Electric ovens maintain more consistent temperatures
• If you cook at high heat often: Gas is more cost-effective for high-temperature cooking

Your cooking style can make one type much more economical than the other. For example, someone who simmers soups for hours would save much more with gas than someone who quickly heats up frozen meals.

Regional Cost Variations

Where you live matters a lot:

• Areas with cheap electricity (like Washington state): The price difference is smaller
• Areas with expensive electricity (like Hawaii or California): Gas has much bigger savings
• Places without natural gas service: Propane is an option but usually more expensive
• Cold climates: The heat from gas ovens can slightly reduce heating costs in winter

Check your local utility rates before deciding. In some places, electricity costs 8-9 cents per kWh, while in others it’s over 30 cents, which makes a huge difference in operating costs.

Ways to Reduce Costs with Either Type

No matter which oven you choose, you can save money:

• Use a toaster oven or microwave for small meals
• Cook multiple dishes at once when using the oven
• Keep the oven door closed while cooking
• Maintain and clean your oven regularly
• Choose models with good insulation
• Look for sales and rebates when purchasing

Smart cooking habits can save as much as 20% on energy costs with either type of oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the higher cost of a gas oven worth it in the long run?

In most cases, yes. While gas ovens cost about $100-$300 more upfront, they typically save $10-$20 per month in operating costs. This means the extra cost is usually paid back within 5-30 months, depending on how often you cook. Over a 15-year lifespan, a gas oven can save $1,500-$3,000 in energy costs compared to an electric one, making it the cheaper long-term choice for most households.

How much would it cost to switch from electric to gas?

Converting from electric to gas typically costs $300-$800 if you don’t already have a gas line in your kitchen. This includes installing the gas line, connecting the oven, and any needed permits. If your home doesn’t have natural gas service at all, the cost could be much higher—potentially $1,500-$2,500 to bring gas service to your home. In this case, sticking with electric is usually more cost-effective.

Do self-cleaning ovens cost more to buy and operate?

Self-cleaning ovens usually cost $50-$200 more to purchase than models without this feature. They use significant energy during the cleaning cycle (about 3-4 kWh for electric, or 0.25-0.35 therms for gas), but this is typically only done a few times per year. The convenience often outweighs the slightly higher costs, and these ovens sometimes have better insulation, which can improve everyday efficiency.

Are dual-fuel ranges (gas cooktop with electric oven) worth the extra cost?

Dual-fuel ranges combine a gas cooktop with an electric oven, offering precise stovetop control with even oven heating. They cost $1,500-$3,500+, about $300-$500 more than all-gas ranges. For serious bakers who also want gas cooktop benefits, the extra cost can be worth it. However, they have the highest installation costs since they need both gas and 240V electric connections, and their operating costs fall between all-gas and all-electric models.

How do convection ovens compare cost-wise to standard ovens?

Convection ovens cost about $100-$300 more than standard ovens of the same type (gas or electric). However, they cook food about 25% faster and can use temperatures about 25°F lower than conventional ovens. This can save 20% on energy costs. For someone who uses their oven several times per week, a convection oven often pays back its higher price within 2-3 years through energy savings.

Is it cheaper to replace just the oven or get a range with cooktop and oven together?

A freestanding range (combined cooktop and oven) typically costs $400-$2,000, while separates can cost $500-$1,500 for just an oven plus $300-$2,500 for a cooktop. Getting a range is usually $300-$1,000 cheaper than buying separates. However, when one part breaks, you may need to replace everything. Separate units can be more cost-effective if you need to replace components at different times or want different fuel types for each.

When deciding between gas and electric ovens based on cost, remember to look beyond the price tag. In most situations, gas ovens cost more upfront but save money over time through lower operating costs. The best choice depends on your cooking habits, local energy prices, and whether your kitchen is already set up for gas or electric. By considering all these factors, you can choose the oven that will be truly cheaper for your specific situation.