Want a gas-free kitchen? Here’s how to make the switch now, or go electric when your gas stove goes kaput:
- Check your electric box amperage.
Electric and induction cooktops use between 20 and 50 amps. Check if you need to increase your amperage service to accommodate an electric stove, or to take the first step to electrify your whole home. (No time like the present: Home electrification tax rebates can save you up to $14,000 to get gas out of your home for good. Calculate your savings here.)
- You may need to install new outlets or
circuitry.
Make these upgrades in advance, so when your gas stove breaks you’ll be ready for an electric one right away. A combination electric cooktop and oven uses between 220 and 240 volts. Learn more from Service One’s blog post, Can You Switch From A Gas Stove to Electric? - Check for Inflation Reduction Act rebates.
The Inflation Reduction Act offers major rebates to upgrade to electric. Electrification rebates can cover between 50-100% of your electric/induction stove, up to $840, depending on your income. Check if your city, county, state, or utility offer additional incentives to cover the cost of replacing gas appliances with electric ones. - Pick your stove!
There are so many models available: electric stovetop, induction stovetop, or a stovetop-oven combo. Find one that works for your budget, space, and style. Check out Consumer Reports’ lists of best induction and electric cooktops.
- Bring in the pros.
Gas is a dangerous business. Have a gas plumber turn off the gas line, remove the stove, cap the gas line, turn the gas back on and relight pilot lights in all remaining gas-powered appliances. A licensed electrician should install your new electric stove. Once the gas stove is out of your kitchen, take it to a recycling center or call a company like 1-800-JUNK for help. - Confirm your cookware is compatible.
If you opt for an induction stove, you’ll need to stainless steel or cast iron to receive the induction stove’s magnetic heat transfer. Not sure if your pots and pans are compatible? Test them with a magnet. If it sticks, your cookware will work with induction.
- Enjoy cooking on an energy-efficient, clean, and safe stove
top!
For more information on how to make the switch, visit Rewiring America’s Electrify Everything in Your Home guide. You can go one step further by switching to renewable energy through your utility provider. Some great options include Clean Choice Energy and Green Mountain Energy.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: Can I go electric without breaking the bank?
A: There are affordable ways to electrify your kitchen.
Stick with an electric stove, which starts at around $698 at Home Depot. Induction stoves are more efficient and more expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost. For example, CostCo is offering a number of limited supply induction stoves for members. Tax subsidies through the Inflation Reduction Act can reduce the cost of your stove by 50% to 100%, depending on your income, up to $840.
If replacing your gas stove isn’t in the cards, reduce your stove use with smaller electric appliances. Electric kettles, pressure cookers, slow cookers, toaster ovens, and portable induction burners are all low-cost ways to begin the transition to electric cooking. You can get a decent portable induction burner for as low as $45. Check out these lists from Wirecutter and CNN. For more savings and sustainability, search for used appliances on Amazon or eBay.
Q: I’m a renter. How can I go electric?
A: Here are 7 Strategies to Get Your Landlord to Buy You New Appliances from thekitchn.com.
- Negotiate before resigning your lease.
Did your landlord raise your rent? Use the lease resigning as an opportunity to negotiate for an electric or induction stove. Share the research on the health dangers of gas stoves. - Agree to move in sooner.
Offer to move into your unit before the original lease date if the landlord replaces the gas stove.
- Commit to your landlord.
Offer to sign a lease for 18 or 24 months in exchange for an electric or induction stove. - Pay some rent in advance.
If you can swing it, offer to pay some rent up front in exchange for a new electric stove. - Choose your battles.
For the sake of your family’s health, consider making this something you go to bat for. - Offer to split the cost.
You can even price out some units before you present the idea. - Offer to take on some chores.
Shoveling a snowy sidewalk looks a lot better when you can make yourself a cup of hot chocolate on an electric stove.
If all else fails, consider offering to pay for the cost of installation or to take on disposing of the gas stove sustainably as another way to get your landlord to make the switch.
Q: What if your landlord says no or if your rental doesn’t meet the necessary electrical requirements?
A: Get creative.
Contract a professional to install a base kitchen cabinet. Then place lower voltage induction plates or portable induction burners on top. Get a professional to cap the gas valve safely. A stove cover creates more counter space and can be used as a surface for induction burners.
Q: What cooks better? Gas or electric stoves?
A: Modern electric stoves aren’t your grandma’s hot coil.
Professional chefs are switching to induction for precise temperature control, even heat, fast-cooking times, safety benefits, and easy clean up. The gas industry spent a lot of money for decades telling people that gas is better – it’s not. Watch Chef Chris Cosentino debunk induction myths and cook delicious induction meals.
- This article was contributed by Gas Leaks. Gas Leaks is an online information hub exposing the truth about dirty, dangerous, deadly gas disinformation.
