When it comes to home cooking, gas stoves are the gold standard. They heat up quickly and evenly, giving you more control over the cooking process. If you’re in the market for a gas stove, you should keep a few things in mind.
Gas Stove Buying Guide
This gas stove buying guide will help you in the buying process so that you end up with a stove perfect for your needs.
Number of Burners
When choosing a gas stove, one of the most important factors is the number of burners. A stove with six or more burners will be ideal if you cook a lot. However, a stove with four burners should be sufficient if you don’t cook much.
Another thing to remember is that some stoves come with additional features such as griddles and grill pans. If you think you might use these features, then choose a stove with them.
Size of the Burner
When choosing a gas stove, one crucial factor to consider is the size of the burner. A burner’s size will determine how much heat it produces and how quickly it can be adjusted.
A smaller burner might be fine for boiling water or cooking a small meal. Still, if you’re looking to do any serious cooking, you’ll need a larger burner.
Some cooktops have multiple burners of different sizes, which can be useful if you do a lot of cooking.
Stove Size
When it comes to stoves, size definitely matters. The whole point of a stove is to cook food, so you want one that’s big enough to accommodate whatever you’re making. But at the same time, you don’t want a stove that’s so big it takes up your entire kitchen.
So how do you know what size stove to buy? It really depends on how much cooking you do and how much space you have in your kitchen.
A small stove would probably be sufficient if you rarely cook and have a small kitchen. But a larger stove would be better if you love cooking and entertaining.
Ignition Type
Gas stoves have two types of ignition mechanisms: auto and manual. Auto ignition gas stoves have a button or lever that, when pushed, ignites the burner.
Manual ignition gas stoves have a knob that must be turned to the “light” position and then ignited with a match or lighter. Many people prefer auto ignition gas stoves because they are easier to use.
In terms of safety, both types of ignitions are equally safe.
Burner Material
Regarding your stovetop, there are three main types of materials: cast iron, aluminium, and Brass. Each has its benefits and drawbacks.
- Cast iron is the heaviest and most durable option. It heats evenly and slowly, so it’s excellent for simmering and slow cooking. However, cast iron can be difficult to clean and incompatible with induction cooktops.
- Aluminium is lightweight and conducts heat quickly. It’s a good choice for fast cooking methods like boiling or frying. However, aluminium can warp over time with high heat exposure. It’s also not as durable as cast iron.
- Brass burners are more expensive than aluminium burners but are also more durable. They take longer to heat up than aluminium burners. Still, they will retain heat better once they reach the desired temperature.
Ultimately, the best burner for you depends on your needs and preferences. A brass burner is a way to go if you’re looking for a durable burner that will last for years.
Type of Burner
There are three main types of gas stove burners: sealed, open, and semi-sealed.
- Sealed burners have a metal ring around them that prevents spillage and makes them easier to clean.
- Open burners have no metal ring and can be more challenging to keep clean.
- Semi-sealed burners have a partial metal ring that helps contain spills but does not make them as easy to clean as sealed burners.
When choosing a gas stove burner, consider how easy it is to clean. Choose a sealed burner if you do not want to spend much time cleaning your stove.
If you want to spend more time cleaning your stove, choose an open or semi-sealed burner.
Inlet pipe position
When it comes to inlet pipes, three main positions can be in front, back, and side. Each position has its own pros and cons that you should consider when making your decision.
If your inlet pipe is in the front of your stove, it will be easier to connect and disconnect when needed. However, this position can be more vulnerable to damage from grease and heat.
An inlet pipe located at the back of the stove will be less likely to sustain damage but can be more challenging to access.
A side-positioned inlet pipe is a good middle ground- it is not as exposed as a front-positioned pipe but not as hidden as a back-positioned one. This makes it relatively easy to both connect and disconnect when necessary.
ISI Certificate
If you’re in the market for a gas stove, you may have come across the term ISI certificate. This certification is granted by the Indian Standards Institution and indicates that a product meets specific safety and quality standards.
An ISI certificate indicates that the product is safe to use and of good quality when it comes to gas stoves. However, it’s important to note that not all gas stoves on the market are required to have this certification. So, suppose you’re looking for a high-quality stove. In that case, it’s worth checking to see if the model you’re considering has an ISI certificate.
Price
When it comes to gas stoves, there is a lot of price variation. The essential features are the most crucial factor to consider when determining how much you want to spend on a gas stove.
You can expect to pay more if you are looking for a gas stove with many bells and whistles. However, if you are looking for a basic model with fewer features, you can find one for a lower price.
It is also essential to keep in mind that installation costs can vary depending on the model of gas stove you choose.
When making your decision, be sure to take into account the long-term costs associated with owning a gas stove. For example, higher-end models may cost more upfront but could save you money on your energy bill over time.
Warranty
When buying a gas stove, it is important to consider the warranty. Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty on parts and labour. However, some brands offer extended warranties for an additional cost.
Be sure to read the fine print carefully before purchasing an extended warranty. Some extended warranties only cover certain parts of the stove, and some have exclusions for certain types of damage.
An important thing to keep in mind when considering an extended warranty is that gas stoves are generally very reliable. In most cases, the one-year warranty offered by the manufacturer will be sufficient.
However, an extended warranty may give you peace of mind if you are particularly concerned about potential problems.
Additional Features
Aesthetic of the stove
When selecting a gas stove, one important factor to consider is the aesthetic of the stove. The look of the stove can play a significant role in the overall feel of your kitchen. If you have a modern kitchen, you may want a stove that has a sleek, contemporary look.
On the other hand, if you have a more traditional kitchen, you might prefer a stove with a more classic design.
Another thing to keep in mind is that gas stoves come in a variety of colours. While most people opt for a neutral colour like black or white, you could also choose a brighter hue like red or blue. Ultimately, it’s up to you what colour gas stove best fits your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.
Anti-skid feet
Most gas stove models have anti-skid feet to prevent the range from moving during cooking. This is a feature to consider when purchasing a new stove, especially if you have young children in the home.
The anti-skid feet provide stability and peace of mind knowing that your stove will not move around while in use.
Gas auto turn-off feature
If you’re in the market for a new gas stove, one feature you may want to consider is an auto turn-off feature. This safety feature can help prevent accidents by automatically shutting off the stove if it senses that there’s no longer a flame present. This can help to prevent an explosion or other damage to your home.
Child lock feature
If you have young children in your home, you may want to consider a gas stove with a child lock feature. This feature can help prevent curious little ones from turning on the stove and harming themselves.
While it’s important always to supervise your children when they’re in the kitchen, a child lock can give you an extra layer of protection.
When choosing a gas stove with a child lock, look for one that is easy for adults to use but difficult for children to figure out. You should also ensure that the child lock is engaged whenever the stove is not in use.
Some models even have an indicator light that lets you know when the child lock is engaged.
Safety Tips
When it comes to gas stoves, safety is always the top priority. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a gas stove:
- Proper ventilation is essential when using a stove. Gas stoves produce fumes that must be adequately vented.
- Check for any leaks in the stove or piping. Even a tiny leak can be dangerous, so it’s important to make sure everything is sealed tight.
- Never leave a gas stove unattended while it’s on. If you have to leave the room, turn off the burner first.
- Keep flammable items away from the stovetop. This includes things like potholders, dishtowels, and paper towels.
- Be careful when lighting a gas stove. If there is a pilot light, ensure it goes out before leaving the room.
- Never use an open flame near a gas stove or piping. This includes cigarettes, lighters and matches.
- Keep kids and pets away from a gas stove.
- If you smell gas, open all of the windows and get everyone out of the house. Then, contact your local fire department to report it.
Also Read: How to Clean Kitchen Chimney?
FAQs: Gas Stove Buying Guide
How many burners do you need on your stove?
Most stoves have two or three burners. If you cook large meals occasionally, you may want to choose a stove with three burners. If you cook smaller meals frequently, two burners will be enough.
What are the advantages of a gas stove?
Convenience, Efficiency, Cost-effectiveness, Versatility, Durability
What are the disadvantages of a gas stove?
The potential for leaks and fires
The need for ventilation
The impact on indoor air quality
What is the difference between a pilot light and a flame?
A pilot light is a small amount of gas that is released into the air when you turn the gas stove on. A flame is an actual flame that comes from the stove.
What should I do if the stove is leaking gas?
You should stop using the stove immediately and call your gas company.
Which is the best gas stove brand in India?
There are many gas stove brands in India, and it cannot be easy to choose the best one. However, some good options for gas stoves include Prestige, Sunflame, and Butterfly. These brands offer high-quality products at reasonable prices.
Conclusion: Gas Stove Buying Guide
When purchasing a gas stove, it is important to consider the unit’s size, the available features, and the price. It is also important to buy from a reputable company. Gas stoves come in a wide variety of models, so there is bound to be one that suits your needs.
Since gas stoves use fuel to generate heat, they are also much more efficient than electric stoves.