which one is more energy efficient, gas range or electric one? and why.?

Question

I want to buy a cooking range, but I m not sure which one is best, gas or electric

There is also a way, that say If I am cooking a long meal [risotto = 45 minutes on a gas range], how long it takes on an electric range, and how much energy I use?

Answer 1

Gas is more efficient than electric. Every time energy is converted from one form to another, it loses some to the process. Electricity is not available in natural state. It has to be converted from some other energy form to electricity. Transmission of electricity consumes some energy. Gas is available in natural form, transmission does not consume any of it's energy.

Answer 2

Depends on the model and where you live:

"Comparative laboratory tests of gas, standard electric, radiant electric, and induction cooking ranges quantified performance of the different ranges under closely controlled conditions. The Luxine induction range was also field-tested in five residences and seven commercial restaurants.
In comparative performance tests of several gas, electric, and induction ranges, the Luxine induction range had the fastest heat-up time, the shortest cool-down time, and the highest cooking efficiency. The unit had an energy efficiency of 92%, compared to 72% for the radiant electric range, 47% for the residential gas range, and 30% for the commercial gas range. A 2.5-kilowatt (kW) Luxine induction range was shown to boil 20 pounds of water in virtually the same time as a 5.1-kW electric resistance coil (about 15 minutes)."

Stove
Use the burner which is the closest match to pot size. Heat is lost and energy is wasted if burner size is larger than pot size.
Use lids on pots and pans so you can cook at lower settings.
Keep drip pans under conventional coil burners clean. Don't line drip pans with aluminum foil - they can reflect too much heat and damage the elements.
Only preheat when baking.
Check your oven temperature. Use a separate oven thermometer to ensure your oven control is accurate.
Make sure the oven door seal is tight. Avoid opening oven door while baking - each time the door is opened, about 20% of the inside heat is lost.
Turn oven off a few minutes before food is ready, and let oven heat finish the job.
Gas stoves: electronic ignition (piezo) will use about 40% less gas than a pilot light.
Pilot light and burner flame on gas stoves should be blue. If flame is yellow, ports need to be unclogged or adjusted. Ports can be cleared with pipe cleaners.
Use the microwave. They use only 1/3 to 1/2 as much energy as conventional stoves.
Induction cooktops use 90% of the energy produced compared to only 55% for a gas burner and 65% for traditional electric ranges. more info
Sun (Solar) ovens are the most energy-efficient cooking appliance, as they require no fuel of any kind to cook, yet reach temperatures of 360° - 400°. more info
Hybrid solar ovens have all the benefits of a solar oven, with the added convenience of an energy-efficient electric backup for use when sun power is not available. When used in 'electric' mode, these units use 75% less energy than conventional electric range."

"Natural gas range/oven. The heat starts fast and stops fast, and pans heat uniformly."


"Buying an energy-efficient electric range

If you’re buying an electric range, the EnerGuide rating is the key to choosing an energy-efficient model.

In comparing EnerGuide ratings, you may notice that there is little difference between the energy used by a regular oven and that used by a self-cleaning oven. This is because self-cleaning ovens are generally better insulated than regular ovens. Although they use intense heat during cleaning, they also require less energy to cook your food. If you clean your oven only two or three times a year, you will likely save energy by buying a self-cleaning unit instead of an equivalent, regular oven.

Other features available in conventional ranges also affect energy use. For example, conventional burners require more energy than induction and halogen cooktops. Cooktops with a built-in exhaust fan may also require more energy, but for a different reason. In winter, the powerful exhaust fans in these units may exhaust a good deal more heated air from your home than a standard range hood, which means that your furnace must work longer and harder to heat the home.

Buying an energy-efficient gas range

Natural gas ranges are an economical alternative to electric ranges, especially in areas where gas rates are substantially lower than electricity. Gas ranges offer the three main cooking functions: surface cooking, oven cooking and broiling. Energy-saving features available in gas ranges are well insulated, self-cleaning ovens, and infrared broilers which cook food faster, thereby saving energy.

If you prefer separate cooktops and ovens, gas cooktops and wall ovens are available.

Cooking with natural gas gives you precise cooking control, as flames can be set at any intensity with accuracy. Heat is instantly on and off, which eliminates the need to wait for elements to heat up or cool down. Natural gas provides a moist method of cooking — baked goods and roasts don’t dry out."

Answer 3

Gas is better, however you have to know how to work it.