Gas or Electric Ovens?

[DianeC]

Decisions, decisions . . . Anybody have any insight on whether to get gas or electric ovens - or maybe one of each . What are some of the ups and downs of either? We're looking at the Viking or Wolf line. I like to roast as much as bake - I know electric convection is supposed to be wonderful for baking, but is there a compromise when you're cooking, say meatloaf or lasagna?

Any opinions greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Jock]

Electric oven every time whether convection or conventional. They are more accurate and reliable than gas.
Gas range every time. Much better heat control than electric which takes ages to heat up and ages to cool down.
You can tell I'm a little ambivalent about this huh?

Jock

[DianeC]

Thank you Jock -- was definitely going for the gas rangetop (had to use electric at my old home -- never want that again! ) - OK - I have to ask -- any particular brands you're "ambivalent" about?

[Jock]

Nope. Jenn Air, Viking, Russell come to mind.
It has been my experience that you get what you pay for. You buy a cheap stove and you get a cheap stove. It depends on your budget and what kind of features you want.
For example, are the controls electronic with LCD display or manual dials? Are they in front, on the side or in back? How big is the usable oven space? And so on.
If I were buying a new stove I wouldn't skimp if I could avoid it.

Jock

[Headless Chicken]

If all out electric, I know LG makes good energy efficient appliances though I'm not sure about their quality in cooking/baking.

[BryanP]

I would like to know if there is a preference between a single unit that encompasses both an Oven and stove (feel free to correct my use of incorrect terms) or seperate set ups. I currently have a set up where the oven is serperate from the range top and this spring will be redoing the kitchen. Oh and I plan to stick with the Gas. I love cooking with it.

[Jock]

Welcome to Cheftalk Bryan.

I think a separate range top is a matter of space, budget and preference. In terms of performance, it doesn't matter. In some cases it may be more convenient to have them separated. If there is more than one cook in the kitchen it could avoid conflicts for work space.

Jock

[brreynolds]

If your kitchen isn't particularly large, buying a full range is a way to fit in a second oven without eliminating too much cabinet space. I redid my kitchen a year ago, and that was the decision I made. It turned out to be a good decision. I don't need two ovens simultaneously all that often, but we've just finished a weekend when that second one was indispensible.