There are many reasons why you should consider choosing gas appliances for your kitchen over the electric ones. To begin with, gas is cheaper than electricity, much cleaner than coal burnt to produce electricity and it’s also much more efficient. For example, a water heater powered by natural gas uses far less energy than the electric one.

Luckily, there are so many appliances available in all price ranges, that your only problem is figuring out what you need. So, if you’re ready to have a kitchen equipped with gas appliances, like some great restaurant chef, here are some things you need to take into consideration before making the final decision.

Cooking style

No-one knows your cooking habits better than you. Depending on whether your favourite activity is frying, grilling or roasting, you’ll have to choose a stove which completely meets your requirements. Make sure that the one you’re about to get has all the necessary features.

Kitchen size

There is no universal solution for any kitchen design, since the size of the kitchen plays a crucial role in deciding which elements can be installed. Make sure you choose the appliances that fit in your space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around your cooktop, so that you may use the pots and pans more easily.

Kitchen design

As we are now spoilt for choice in terms of the design of various appliances, particularly in terms of finishes (e.g. black, coloured or stainless steel), we need to take into account the atmosphere of not only the kitchen, but the entire house as well. Also, you should consider whether to buy a built-in gas oven or a free-standing unit which includes both a cooktop and oven, that is particularly practical if your kitchen is small.

Operation

Choose appliances with buttons that are easy to read and which have a pointer that clearly shows the setting. In terms of ignition systems, there’s an automatic one, which uses a spark created by electric connection or a Piezo. The latter is convenient since it doesn’t require electrical connection of any kind. On the other hand, the former requires a battery, or electric mains.

There are still those old-fashioned appliances, where you have to use a match or a sparking gun in order to light them, but their number has been decreasing for quite some time. Naturally, you need to be aware of the gas leak repair procedures and teach other people living with you what to do in case of emergency, since you don’t want to endanger anyone.

Certification and safety

It is of utmost importance that you only purchase appliances that are approved, and are rated as safe in the country where you live. Such appliances will feature a safety certification label and serial number.

Cooktops and ovens need to have a safety flame failure feature, i.e. an electromagnetic valve fitted to each burner. The role of this valve is to prevent gas from getting to the burner if the flame is extinguished.

Cleaning

Proper cleaning is extremely important, no matter if you have electric or gas appliances. The surface of the appliances should be easy to clean, and should not allow any spills, or food to get stuck to it. Contemporary kitchen units (as some of these Bosch appliances, for instance) now come with a self-cleaning mode to make this tedious chore much easier.

Installation

This is possibly the most important thing of all. All installations must always be carried out exclusively by a licensed gas fitter. Only then can you expect your appliances to work flawlessly and safely. Don’t even think about hiring someone without a proper licence in order to save some money! Gas appliances can be extremely dangerous if not installed properly, and your – as well as the safety of your family – should not have a price tag.