Is it hard to convert an electric stove to gas?

So, you've been watching a few cooking shows recently and you notice that all of them use gas stoves... which is something you have never noticed before. Whether they are boiling water or cooking bacon, the use of a gas stove is a common theme on every single one and, when you take a look, you realise you have an electric stove. Now, let's be honest, there's nothing wrong with your electric stove but, if the experts have a gas stove, then you want one too. How hard is the conversion though? Sure, you know that the cooking speed and heat control of a gas stove is awesome, but is it a huge ordeal to make the switch? Our gas fitter here explains the process of converting an electric stove to gas.. read on.

We did a little research for you to answer that exact question - how hard is it to convert an electric stove to gas? Read on if you are contemplating the switch but aren't sure - the results may surprise you!

Why change to a gas stove?

This is one of the most important questions when it comes to considering making the change, and is easily answered in a few dot points :

• Efficiency - It takes around three times as much energy to produce and deliver electricity to your stove than gas to your stove
• Instant heat - A gas stove offers an instant, constant flame that you can adjust based on what you can see. This has the added bonus of not having to wonder whether the stove is on, off or on the right setting
• Cost - If your home is already connected to gas and other appliances are using it, gas stoves can be very inexpensive to run. As long as your system has an electronic ignition (as opposed to a pilot light) a gas stove can cost you less than half as much to operate than an electric stove
• Safety - You'd think that electric stoves would be safer, and the general public believes that to be the case, however when a gas stove is one you know (you can see the flame) however, with electric stoves, it can be tricky to know if they are on, off or still hot from previous cooking
• Cooking - A gas stove offers a more even cooking arrangement, and food also generally cooks quicker. If you love to cook, then a gas stove is the better choice
• Sustainability : Gas is a greener option than electricity
• Durability : Gas stoves are generally more durable than their electric counterparts, however cleaning can be a little harder

Natural Gas vs LPG

When you make the jump across to a gas stove, there are two gas options available :

1. Natural Gas : This is provided to your home in a similar way to electricity (from a grid)
2. LPG : Otherwise known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas, this is kept in tanks that will need to replaced or refilled when they are empty (e.g. the gas bottle that your BBQ runs off)

Is it hard to convert an electric stove to gas?

Despite what a lot of people think, making the change from an electric stove to gas isn't that difficult, even if you don't have a gas line already installed to your home. In saying this, it is crucial that you speak to your local licensed gas fitter about the process, what needs to occur and the most efficient (and safest!) way to get things done. You want to ensure that the conversion is done safely and properly, otherwise other issues can arise.

If you have gas in your home already, it is likely that you will need to have a pipe laid in your kitchen that will be attached to your stove. Alternatively, if you do not have a gas line to your door, you will either need to have one put in by a gas fitter or have gas cylinders installed for LPG. Both options are efficient and cost effective if completed by a professional and set-up correctly.

Your local gas fitters in Sydney

If you have any questions regarding converting your electric stove to gas, or would like one of our qualified gas fitters to attend you home or office, get in contact on 0407 837 729 or complete an online job booking form now. We are specialists when it comes to converting your electric stove to gas, so give us a call today!

Resources :

Department of Natural Resources and Mines : https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/238617/natural-gas-conversion.pdf

Quora (How to convert an electric stove to gas) : https://www.quora.com/How-can-I-convert-an-electric-stove-oven-to-gas-I-realize-it-would-be-much-easier-to-buy-a-gas-oven-but-I-want-to-convert-the-electric-oven-I-have 

Alinta Energy (Converting from an electric cooktop to gas) : https://www.alintaenergy.com.au/wa/blog/cooktops/converting-from-an-electric-cooktop-to-gas

Angie's List (Convert your gas stove to electric or vice versa) :  https://www.angieslist.com/articles/convert-your-gas-stove-electric-or-vice-versa.htm