You can use a wok on an electric stove, but a flat-bottomed wok functions better than the traditional round-bottomed wok on both coil-type and smooth-top stoves. The flat-bottomed wok provides more stability and better heating capability. You can use a round-bottomed wok, but you will have to use a wok ring.

The traditional wok is made of carbon steel or cast iron and has steep sides and a rounded bottom. This shape allows the chef to use a ladle or spoon to stir the food and sauces from the bottom and along the sides, allowing all ingredients to cook evenly. The wok’s bowl shape is also good for soups or boiling water for poaching or noodles.

However, round-bottomed woks tend to be tippy on electric stoves. For stability, a wok ring must be used. In addition, the flat burners on an electric stove don’t make adequate contact with the rounded bottom of the pan.

For that reason, many people prefer to use a wok with a flat bottom. These work much the same as round-bottomed woks. The only difference is, the traditional wok spatula can’t reach into the creases of a flat bottom. Some people use a flatter utensil or wooden spoon.

How Do You Use A Round Wok On An Electric Stove?

If you already own a round-bottomed wok, you may not be eager to rush out to the store and buy a flat-bottomed one. Don’t worry, with some adjustments, you may be able to use a wok on your electric stove.

A round-bottomed wok can work with an electric stove, but you will have to make some adjustments. To make the wok stable enough for cooking you will have to use a wok ring. Then, you’ll need to turn the heat up to the highest level.

The wok ring will help to steady the wok and keep it from rocking or tipping. But it will also move the bottom of the wok away from the heating coils, so the wok won’t get as hot as it might need to.

Therefore, if you use a round-bottomed work with a ring on an electric stove, it will not work as efficiently as it does on a gas stove. To compensate, turn up the heat as high as it will go and increase cooking time.

How To Use A Wok Ring On An Electric Stove

A wok ring may have been included when you purchased your round-bottomed wok pan. If not, you can purchase one separately. However, you will need to make sure it fits and you know how to use it.

A wok ring used on an electric stove needs to be large enough for the heating coil to fit completely inside the ring. For a smooth-top electric stove, this is not a huge concern, but for a coil-type electric stove, the ring must be spacious enough to clear the coils so they don’t cause the wok ring to tip or rock.

Most wok rings are wider in circumference on one side than the other. The wider side should face down, making solid contact with the stovetop. The wok is then placed on top of the narrow side.

There are some cautions to be aware of when using a wok ring on an electric stove.

First, even with a wok ring, there may be a possibility of tipping the wok if you’re using a coil-type electric stove. Hold onto the handle of the wok when stirring.

Second, if you’re using a smooth-top stove, there is a possibility the metal wok ring may scratch the glass/ceramic surface. 

You don’t have to use a wok ring if you have a flat-bottomed wok.

Best Wok Ring For Electric Stove

If your wok didn’t come with its own ring, you will have to buy one. The rings are available in a few different styles, and you will be able to choose from carbon steel, stainless steel, or cast iron. What kind is best for an electric stove?

The wok ring most preferred for an electric stove will be made of carbon steel or stainless steel because these materials are lightweight and transfer heat efficiently. Cast iron is sturdy but also quite heavy, and the design and material make it unsuitable to use on an electric stove.

Although there are many styles of wok rings, carbon steel and stainless steel rings usually consist of two rings, one larger than the other, connected together with a strip of steel or small rods about two inches in height.

Most cast iron rings consist of a single narrow ring that is meant to sit on top of the grates over a gas stove burner. There are upward-facing supports on which to place the wok.

While it is possible to use a cast iron ring, it is not recommended, especially for a glass-top stove. Cast iron has a rough surface that can scratch the glass.

A standard carbon steel or stainless steel wok ring generally costs $10 or under, although there are some more expensive styles available. Cast iron wok rings are more expensive, ranging from about $25 to $30, and professional-grade or custom-made rings can cost over $100.

Considering the cost, the poor fit for an electric stove, and the risk of scratching your stove, you might be better off investing your money in a flat-bottomed wok instead of a wok ring.

Which Wok Is Better Suited For An Electric Burner?

If you’re committed to stir-frying, or you want to learn how to do it right on an electric stove, consider buying a flat-bottomed wok.

A flat-bottomed wok is the best style for an electric burner. It will sit steadily on either a coil-type or a smooth-top burner. The flat bottom allows the wok to make close contact with the heat, which is necessary to bring the wok to a temperature hot enough to stir-fry.

The flat-bottomed wok doesn’t need a wok ring. Since it sits directly on the heat source, the wok heats up more quickly and retains the high heat necessary for stir-frying.

Again, you will be faced with the decision of buying either a carbon steel, stainless steel, or a cast iron flat-bottomed wok. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Carbon steel flat-bottom wok: The carbon steel wok is most commonly used by chefs in Chinese restaurants. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, and it heats up quickly. It’s also relatively inexpensive, running on average about $20-$40.

Carbon steel does need to be seasoned before using. To season a new wok, wash it first and then, rub the inner surface with cooking oil and put the wok on the burner at high heat. When the wok starts to smoke, remove it from the heat.

Over time, the well-seasoned wok will develop a natural brownish tinge. The seasoning will create a natural nonstick surface. To maintain this, you will need to clean carefully (no scrubbing!), and you may have to refresh the seasoning from time to time.

Stainless steel flat-bottomed wok: Like carbon steel, stainless steel woks are light and conduct heat well. Stainless steel woks are a bit more expensive than carbon steel; they start at about $40, and the most expensive can be more than $100.

Stainless steel doesn’t need to be seasoned. You can use it immediately. However, some foods may tend to stick to the surface.

Steel woks with nonstick surfaces are available but are not recommended because they deliver the same cooking results.

Cast iron flat-bottomed work: Many cooks prefer cast iron because it’s durable, holds the heat well, and naturally adds iron to your meal. Because a cast iron flat-bottomed wok is heavy, it sits firmly on an electric stove. However, the heavy weight is difficult for some cooks to manipulate.

Cast iron needs to be seasoned, just like carbon steel.

Gas stoves are always hot because they have a standing pilot light, which is the source of its ignition. This pilot light is a small burning gas flame that normally stays on all the time, and the heat it generates warms the stove. 

The pilot light continually burns, and it makes the gas stoves stay hot, but you may want be asking, “What exactly is this pilot light?” “What is the usefulness of the pilot light?” “Why must it always be on?” These are valid questions that will be answered in a short while.

Is it Normal for a Gas Stove to Always Be Hot? 

Gas stoves have knobs, which, when are turned, will open the gas line, then gas begins to flow and gets ignited. These knobs allow you to control the flame whereby you can turn the flame high or low, depending on how much you want it to burn. Gas stoves have two types of ignition sources. They are:

• Standing pilot (Pilot light)
• Electric (Automatic) ignition

A standing pilot has a small, continuously burning gas flame, which is called a pilot light. The pilot light is used on many appliances that use natural gas or propane such as:

• Cloth dryers, 
• Water heaters, 
• Fireplaces,
• Gas stoves, etc. 

In the gas stove, it is normally located under the stovetop. The pilot light is a small flame that is meant to stay on all the time, and this is why your gas stove feels hot. The standing pilot is installed in the gas stove, not just as a source of ignition but for other important reasons, some of which are:

• They provide a ready source of ignition when the gas burner is turned off. So, you don’t need to have an external source when you want to light the gas stove.
• It also prevents uncombusted gas from leaking out of the system.

The electronic ignition system, unlike the standing pilot ignitor system, uses a small electronic spark to ignite the pilot flame when the gas stove is turned on. When the pilot flame is ignited in the electric system, the heat is detected by the heat sensor, which results in the gas flow to the burner. But as soon as the main burner is ignited, the pilot flame goes off.

You might be wondering if the standing pilot system is safe. Below are some of the safety tips you may want to follow if your gas stove has a pilot light.

Safety tips for Gas Stoves with Pilot Light System

So many people have had injuries from making mistakes that could have been avoided. The safety tips below are important if you have a gas stove with a pilot system to avoid these preventable injuries. 

Do Not Re-Light the Gas Stove Immediately It Doesn’t Come On

If the pilot light goes out, turn off the gas stove for several minutes before you try to light it again. You can know if the pilot light is out when your burners do not ignite. 

There are different reasons why the pilot light may not come on, but this will be discussed later on.

Ensure the Pilot Light Has a Blue Flame

Pilot lights and the main burners of your gas stove should produce a blue flame with touches of yellow and red. A blue flame means that your stove gas is using the least amount of gas to produce heat. If the flame is yellow or red, it means that the pilot light needs attention.

Control the Flame with the Knobs

Make sure that you control the flame from the gas stove by appropriately turning the knob between low, medium, and high. To prevent burns the flame should not come out from under the cookware.

Leave the Burners On Only When in Use

Ensure that you turn the burners on only when you’re cooking—leaving the burners on when not in use can lead to accidents. 

Put Flammable Liquids Away from Your Gas Stove

Do not store flammable liquids in the same room as your gas stove. Flammable liquids include:

• Cleaning flame,
• Gasoline,
• Paint, etc. 

Keep Flammable Objects Away from Adjacent Burners

Ensure you keep flammable objects away from your gas stove. A lot of mistakes that people make is that they place things on adjacent burners that are not in use. It is best to keep nothing on the burners. 

The only things that should be kept close are utensils and cookware that is safe to use on the gas stove.

Reasons Why a Pilot Light Goes Out 

There are times when a pilot light goes out and attempts to re-light the pilot light are futile, no matter how many times you try. Sometimes, it stays on for a while, and then it goes off again. What is wrong? What do you do when it happens? Below are the reasons why a pilot light might refuse to ignite.

The Thermocouple is Faulty

The thermocouple is sometimes called the “flame sensor.” It normally prevents a build-up of gas when the pilot flame goes out. If it fails to shut off the gas, the gas flow can leak into your home. So when the thermocouple is bad, it cannot detect the flame, thereby preventing the pilot light from igniting.

The thermocouple might be faulty because it is;

• Broken or burned out,
• Dirty, due to soot build-up or a residue, or
• Not well aligned with the pilot flame.

The Gas Regulator is Bad

When the gas regulator is bad, your gas stove might not be getting enough gas that can keep the pilot light on.

The Pilot Orifice is Dirty

Normally, the pilot flame should be blue, but when it brings out a weak yellow flame, it implies that the orifice is dirty and needs to be cleaned.

Improper Airflow Can Put the Pilot Light Out

The pilot light can go out due to air or wind blowing it out, and this happens more on days or nights when there is excessive wind. When the wind blows in a specific direction, it can enter the flue and blow the pilot light out. Also, strong winds can come down the chimney and blow the pilot light out. 

There’s Low Gas Supply or Fluctuation in Gas Supply

The pilot light can go out when the gas supply has run low. When there’s a fluctuation in the gas supply or the demand for the gas in your area has peaked, it can cause the pilot light to go out due to lower gas pressure. If this persists, reach out to the utility company.

The Gas Stove is Old

Most gas stoves that use the standing pilot system are old, so it might just be worn out from all those years of consistent use. The wear out can lead to the pilot light going out.

A Gas Stove With a Standing Pilot Ignition

The standing pilot ignition system, as the name implies, will always have its pilot light on. The pilot light is a continually burning flame that produces heat, and this is why a gas stove that uses a standing pilot will always feel hot.

But before you call a service provider and pay for a professional to fix your problem, there are a few easy fixes that are worth trying. 

Typical fixes for a gas oven that won’t light include: 

• Cleaning away old food and dirt 
• Fixing an ignitor 
• Fixing or replacing a faulty ignitor switch 
• Fixing loose wire connections 
• Repairing the oven safety valve 
• Fixing issues with the circuit breaker 
• Checking the supply of gas 

How to Fix Broken Gas Ovens 

The main causes of gas ovens not lighting up include: 

• Excessive food debris 
• Faulty ignitor or ignitor switch 
• Loose connection to the ignition mechanics 

Fortunately, there are solutions to help with almost each one of these issues 

Fixing Excessive Food Debris 

With being a food appliance it’s no wonder that it becomes clogged with leftover food from spillovers or other cooking mishaps. This one is an easy fix; all it takes is some elbow grease to get rid of the grease. 

The steps you can do to fix this problem include: 

• Removing any grate over the burner. You can remove it by either gently lifting it off or loosening the screws that keep it in place. 
• Scrub off any food messes that are on the grates with a sponge soaked in warm soapy water and set them aside to dry 
• Remove the burner cap by either unscrewing the screws attached to it or lifting it off the burner slowly. 
• Scrub the surrounding area with a washcloth or dish towel that’s been soaked in warm, soapy water

Another way to clean the burner is by soaking it in a mixture of warm water and vinegar That will help loosen the food debris. Then it will be easier to scrub it off with a brush or a sponge. This is recommended if the burner is completely crusted in food and the prior method didn’t work. 

If there’s any tiny food particles left, you can clean them with a toothpick and then throw it in the trash. Reassemble the appliance and it should light up again. If this doesn’t work, then there may a loose connection issue. 

Fixing an Ignitor or Ignitor Switch 

An ignitor is what makes the oven light up and produce heat. If the ignitor is faulty, the gas might not be getting to the place it needs to be or the sparks aren’t catching and igniting the flames.

A fast way to tell if the ignitor is faulty and needs to be replaced is by turning the lights off and turning the control knob on the oven to the ignite position. The ignitor should spark a bright blue or bluish-white color. If it sparks a yellowish-orange color, then it needs to be replaced. 

To fix an ignitor, cut the power to the oven first. Use a screwdriver to disconnect the base from the burner, then the wires from the ignitor. You won’t have to worry about slicing any wires since most ignitors come with a quick disconnect system.

Then discard the ignitor or the switch. Find the right ignitor for your oven by finding the brand and model number of your appliance. Then all you have to do is purchase and install the missing part. 

Loose Connection Repairs 

The oven gets its power from wires that run through it that connect the ignitor to the control mechanism. If one of those becomes loose during installation or cleaning, the oven won’t be able to light. 

The steps to fix this are a bit more complicated: 

• First, kill the power to the oven so you don’t have to worry about electrocuting yourself or damaging the oven further. You can do this by unplugging it from the wall or flipping the breaker switch. 
• Next, remove the grate and the burner cover as you would when you’re cleaning up food debris. Remove the sealed burner base and inspect the area for any loose wires or connections. 
• If there are loose wires or connections, then reconnecting them to the ignition and control mechanism will solve the problem. Then just reinstall everything and turn it on. 

If the oven is still not working, then contacting the support for your product is the next option since it might need professional repairs. 

Other Potential Malfunctions 

While the above issues can definitely be main contributors to your oven having problems, they aren’t the only things that can prevent it from working properly. 

Oven Safety Valve Issues 

The gas valve, also known as the oven safety valve, is the part of the oven that makes sure the gas isn’t released into the oven until the igniter is at the correct temperature that’s required to ignite the gas. Issues with this can prevent any gas from being released, and that results in no ignition. 

This is probably one of the most technical problems a gas oven can have. The steps needed to fix this problem include: 

• Cutting off the power to the oven and making sure it’s completely cool before starting the repairs. You can do this by turning it off and unplugging it from the wall. 
• Remove the safety valve by first removing the oven racks and the panel at the bottom of the oven. You can do this by either lifting it from the back or unscrewing it. 
• Then, remove the flame spreader. It’s usually on top of the oven and can be removed with a screwdriver. 
• Next, remove the oven burner. Unscrew the screw at the very front of it and remove it from the gas intake line. These precautions will keep the oven from getting hot while fixing the oven safety valve. 
• On the back of the oven, set the access panel to the side. 
• Remove the two wires that were attached to the valve and the gas line that connects into the valve. 
• Slide the oven safety valve out of the oven very carefully. To see if it needs to be replaced, use a multimeter that’s set onto Rx1 and gently probe the terminals on the valve. If the test produces a reading outside the range of 0-50 ohms of resistance, you need to replace the valve. 
• To install a new oven valve, slide the tube that’s called an “orifice” of the safety valve into an opening at the back of the oven where the old valve was previously. Put the gas line into the new safety valve and screw it back onto the oven wall. If you’re still having trouble, then contact the repairs support for your brand and model. 

Circuit Breaker Issues 

Sometimes the problem doesn’t arise from something gas related. The issue may be that the electrical circuit that gives power to the oven has been damaged or is malfunctioning.

Despite the fact that gas ovens use gas to produce heat, it needs electrical power to make sure the timer is operating properly, as well as other important functions. If the circuit breaker is damaged or isn’t working properly, then the oven won’t light. 

To fix a damaged circuit breaker, the steps include: 

• Making sure your gas oven is disconnected from its power source to prevent any electrical injuries 
• If the fuse breaker trips right after disconnecting the power, then there’s an issue with the wiring in the house or in the breaker box. You’ll have to call an electrician to fix this problem. 
• If not, then simply replacing the circuit breaker will do the trick. 
• Use a screwdriver to disconnect the wire from the terminal on the bad breaker and set it to the side 
• Pry out the old breaker very carefully with either a screwdriver or a small set of pliers 
• Replace the new circuit breaker into the panel

Gas Supply Issues 

Issues like these with a gas oven are fairly rare, but it is a possibility that the supply of either liquid propane gas or natural gas is either running low or can’t get to the oven correctly.

The most common cause of this is usually when the main gas valve has been turned off to complete some repairs or replace something else that’s broken on the oven. 

To fix this, check the main gas valve and any valves that are located on the oven, to make sure they are on and working properly.

However, if you have just recently had your oven repaired or replaced, it’s possible that the gas valve on the supply pipe just hasn’t been turned back on. If the gas supply check turns out to be working fine, then the gas igniter might be having issues. 

Final Thoughts 

Problems with gas ovens don’t have to lay vacant until you can get a professional in to fix the issues. Using a few tools and some simple instructions can prevent you from having to stop using your gas oven or having to spend extra time and money. 

To stick to the spirit of camping, maybe you think you want to try to roast marshmallows right over your gas oven. Well, there’s good news – you can roast those marshmallows the same way that you would over a fire. 

As long as you have good ventilation, it’s safe to roast marshmallows over gas burners because the gas does not produce enough chemicals or fumes to be harmful, and marshmallows aren’t composed of greases/combustible ingredients that would be dangerous if dropped into flames. 

You shouldn’t let anything rain on your s’mores parade – gather up your favorite ingredients and get ready to pile on the fun with these tips. 

Can You Roast Marshmallows on a Gas Stove?

As mentioned above, it’s safe and likely more convenient to roast marshmallows over a gas stove burner. And just as with food cooked on the stove, or on a propane grill, you won’t taste the smell of the gas once your food is finished – you’ll just taste a normal marshmallow. 

Now, here’s a quick rundown of roasting a marshmallow over a gas burner. 

What You’ll Need

You’ll need basically the same ingredients for indoor roasting as you would with outdoor roasting. A few basics you’ll want to have ready will include: 

• A range hood (run the fan for ventilation)
• A low flame
• A bowl of water (in case you have trouble blowing out a burning marshmallow)
• A plate

Once all of that is set, it’s time to grab these preferred items: 

A Metal Skewer – A wooden or plastic skewer is obviously at risk of burning or melting. Metal skewers are pretty affordable, durable, and easy to clean. They should also be long enough that your hands won’t be too close to the flames. 

Jumbo Marshmallows – Small marshmallows are best suited to hot chocolate and casseroles. When roasting over a flame, they won’t do you any favors. When on the hunt for jumbo marshmallows, look for flavors like chocolate or vanilla, or try something new by using chick or bunny-shaped marshmallows for your treat. 

Then you’ll roast your marshmallows the way you would over any flame. Get a low flame started on your burner, stick a marshmallow onto the end of your skewer, and roast over the flame until you reach the desired color and melted consistency. 

If the marshmallow melts too much and drips, it’ll be important to turn off the burner and let it cool before cleaning. You don’t want to burn the marshmallow further and create a stove scab or a fire hazard. 

This will just take a few minutes, so you’ll be done before you know it, and you’ll definitely be tempted to try this again. Next time, you’ll have to try something special.

If you’re curious about fresh recipes you can try with roasted marshmallows, look no further. These delicious recipes might make you swear off of s’mores for quite some time.

Fun Recipes to Try

To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with s’mores. But trying something new can mean the difference between having a cheese pizza and a Margherita pizza. So, have a look at these sugary delights, and give them a try. Your taste buds will thank you. 

Campfire Cones: Like an ice cream cone minus the brain freeze, this must-have treat is a chocolatey, melty mouthful of marshmallow and whatever sweets you’d like. Most importantly, it’s easy to make: 

• Pick an empty cake, waffle, or sugar ice cream cone.
• Separate your chosen sweets (chocolate, chopped fruit, etc.) into two or three piles.
• Place a marshmallow first, then layer with your sweets, and repeat until you’ve almost filled the cone. 
• Afterward, wrap the cone in tin foil and use tongs to roast the cone over the burner for 5-10 minutes. 

Desserts + Childhood Nostalgia: A twist on traditional s’mores, cookie s’mores are sure to delight any guest and leave them craving for more. One suggestion from 11 Creative Ways to Eat Toasted Marshmallows includes snickerdoodle s’mores. If you’ve never had a cookie s’more, just imagine your favorite cookies with a melted marshmallow and chocolate smothered between.

You can also drop a dollop of melty marshmallow into a fruity trifle, mix it into ice cream, or crazily enough, make shot “glasses” out of lightly roasted marshmallows. 

Easy Toppings: If you want a no-fuss recipe, it doesn’t get easier than this. But there’s no need to harsh your ‘mallow if you want a tasty snack – take your pick of these special toppings to spice up your treat. 

• Chocolate fondue
• Strawberries, raspberries, bananas, etc.
• Caramel
• Sprinkles
• Cocoa powder, edible gold/silver dust
• Pretzel bits
• Hazelnut spread

Just add a pinch of creativity to whatever marshmallow sweets you like. Be it handheld or a dish, and elevating the humble marshmallow is sure to get several compliments from guests, family, and your taste buds.

Now, in some cases, you may need to pause before getting the marshmallow-toasting party started. Maybe you have that health-conscious friend, or maybe you are that friend, and the question of gas stove safety is still bugging you. 

In that case, there’s likely a reason you’re concerned: you may have an idea of harmful fumes that could trigger asthma, irritate your lungs, or, worse, release dangerous chemicals that could harm you in the long-term. 

Let’s address these issues and see why it’s safe to roast marshmallows and vegetables over gas burners, and what conditions make it safe. 

Concerns for Gas Stove Fumes

It’s important to note that there are regulations with appliance companies and consumer groups to ensure that gas stoves are safe. In fact, newer models have safety procedures in place (i.e., shutting off the gas line if the flame isn’t lighting) to ensure that cooks aren’t overexposed to harmful fumes.   

However, the gas line does need to be shut off for a reason. Gas stoves produce more chemicals than electronic stoves, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ultrafine particles. Proper ventilation, typically with a range hood, is absolutely necessary if you want to lessen your exposure to these chemicals. 

When it comes to matters of the health, there are always competing schools of thought about how much exposure is harmful, but when it comes to gas stoves, a good rule of thumb is: Be sure to use sufficient ventilation and, in the case that you or an associate have a pre-existing health condition, use the gas stove at your discretion. 

If you don’t have a range hood, then you’ll need some other form of ventilation. Open any nearby windows and turn on ceiling fans. For peace of mind, it’s a small, short routine to remember while roasting marshmallows or any other items over your gas burner.

Brett Singer, Ph.D., is one of many scientists who reported on the chemicals released during the cooking process, and stated in Use Your Range Hood for a Healthier Home, Advises Indoor Air Quality Researcher:

“The goal of our work on kitchen ventilation is to help people cook all they want – with gas or electric – without exposing themselves to harmful air pollutants… We try to provide the science to inform builders, retrofit contractors, and the general public.”

If you really want to get into the hard facts, you can read up on standards for gas stoves recorded by the International Organization for Standardization. It never hurts to be informed, and you’ll find that it’s safe to roast your marshmallows with your gas burner. 

However, if you’re not convinced, you can also lookup recipes for baking/broiling marshmallows. You’ll find that there are many just like you who’d like oven directions, and perhaps don’t think it’s worth it to deal with the extra fumes for a small bite to eat.

Whatever you decide to do, it’ll be easy to indulge your sweet tooth. And remember, roasting marshmallows is usually calming and fun, so make sure you still enjoy it with these yummy possibilities.  

Electric stoves tend to take longer to cook than gas stoves because of their wattage. While an electric stove may be made with 1,000 watts, a gas burner can be designed with 10,000 watts. This makes an electric burner far slower in comparison. The gas burner will also have better energy transfer as the heat rises on the sides rather than only from the bottom.

If you are curious as to why your electric stove takes forever to heat up, you’ve come to the right place. This blog is going to share some of the few reasons why electric stoves are inferior to gas stoves due to their lengthy cooking times. You will also find some useful tips to ensure you can get the most out of your “slow-poke” electric model.

Why Are Electric Stoves So Slow?

The unfortunate fact of the matter is this — anyone who has ever switched from a gas stove to an electric stove will notice the difference between the two. There is no mistaking that a gas stove is infinitely easier to operate and works quickly and efficiently. Electric stoves don’t have the same convenience. They are slow to heat up and even slower to cook. But why?

There are a few different reasons why an electric stove is so slow. For starters, gas stoves tend to have a higher heat output because of their immense wattage. Electric burners have far less wattage, in most cases. With fewer watts, it is unable to keep up with the firecracker gas stove that spits out heat like nothing.

Another reason why an electric stovetop takes so long is that it only heats the bottom of the pan. A gas model, on the other hand, heats the bottom of the pan and allows heat to rise around the sides of the pan. This allows for extra heat to hit what is sitting inside of the pot, whether it’s scrambled eggs, macaroni and cheese, or soup. (Source: Quora)

One way to combat the slowness of an electric stove is to purchase an electric model with a higher wattage. Since the slowness is determined by watts, spending more money for better wattage is a viable option for the future.

Tips for Cooking with an Electric Stove

Even though electric stoves take much longer to heat up and are more difficult to deal with while cooking, that doesn’t mean that it is impossible. There are plenty of tips for cooking with an electric stove. The following tips will ensure that you’re not struggling with the slow-moving electric stove and can create dishes more easily:

Always Preheat

Perhaps the biggest piece of advice anyone can give you about an electric stove is always to preheat. This means that you should turn on the burner long before you plan to use it. In some cases, an electric stove can take up to 15 minutes to heat up. That gives you plenty of time to prep your ingredients and come back to a burner that is ready for action.

Use the Oven First

Many electric stove users have noticed that sometimes it’s best to skip the burners and head straight for the oven. This is most recommended when using larger items such as cast-iron skillets and dutch ovens. Since it can take a massive amount of time for an electric stove to create enough heat for these larger items, preheat them in the oven first.

Follow these steps to use the oven:

• Heat the oven to 250 degrees. 
• Place your cast-iron pan or dutch oven into the oven for around 20 to 30 minutes. 
• During this time, you will also want to turn the electric stove burner on. 

This process will allow the food to cook more evenly and provide a hot-and-ready burner when you’re done preheating in the oven.

Use an Electric Kettle to Boil Water

Have you ever tried to boil water on an electric stovetop? It takes forever, especially if you are starting with cold water from the sink. To speed this process up, consider using an electric kettle to boil water. Electric kettles take only a few short minutes to bring water to a boil. Then, add the boiling water to your pot.

Allow Time for the Burner to Adjust

An electric burner does not adjust to different temperatures quickly as a gas stovetop does. When using gas, turning the temperature up results in instant heat. Turning it down results in less heat. Electric burners simply do not work this way. It takes a lot of time for the temperatures to change. 

If you’re using a recipe that says to boil then simmer, you need to be careful and take the time necessary to adjust the temperature correctly. For instance, when making a bowl of pasta, you don’t want to crank the heat up right away. This will cause the burner to become too hot. Turn it up slowly until you have reached a steady boil. When ready to simmer, lower the temperature gradually.

This will certainly take some time and effort on the chef’s behalf. But it’s worth it. Your food will come out more evenly cooked and delicious.

Consider Using Two Burners

Plenty of recipes will require different levels of heat, such as pasta dishes. The same is true for a variety of other favorites like caramel, rice, and soups.

But trying to fiddle around with the heat can be very challenging, if not entirely frustrating. If you don’t want to spend your entire afternoon in front of your electric burner, there is another option.

Consider using the two-burner method. This method involves one burner being at a high temperature while the other is at a low temperature. 

• When your recipe calls for high heat, then place it on the high-temperature burner. 
• When ready to be moved to a lower temperature, move it to the cooler side.

(Source: Self)

Benefits of an Electric Stove

It’s not all bad when it comes to the electric stove, though. There are a few great advantages that you can thoroughly enjoy. The biggest thing to do is to get used to using an electric model by following the tips above. 

Then, you can enjoy these benefits:

• The kitchen will stay cooler with an electric stove compared to a gas model.

• Cleaning an electric stove is far easier than other stovetops.

• They are safer than gas stoves because they do not involve gas or any other combustible materials. This presents less of a fire hazard and no fear of gas leaks.

• Electric stoves tend to be cheaper than gas ranges.

• Electric stovetops allow you to utilize far lower heat temperatures. This can be challenging on a gas stove.

(Source: 2-10)

Final Thoughts

An electric stove is notably slower than other types of stovetops, including gas and induction. But the slowness can be combated by using some simple cooking techniques such as boiling in an electric kettle and opting for the two-burner method.

Trying to find an electric stove with higher wattage can help to increase the speed since the slowness heavily relies on the lower wattage found in most electric stovetops.

So, can you run a stove on a generator? When experiencing a power outage, you can operate your stove with a generator. But when it comes to choosing the right generator for your needs, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all generator—you’ll need to account for your specific stove and the watts required to power it.

Let’s take a look at what type of stove you have (to determine if a generator is the right solution for you!) and determine what size generator is needed to power your stove along with other essential appliances during a power outage.

How Does a Generator Power a Stove?

In the midst of a power outage, many homeowners rely on a generator to provide power to their homes. A generator can be used as a backup power source or as temporary power until power is restored to run appliances like your stove, refrigerator, water heater, and more. 

To do this, a generator uses fuel such as gas or propane. When doing so, the generator produces an electric current by spinning a conducting coil within a magnetic field, resulting in an electric current in the coil.

This electric current is then passed through to the appliances to provide the power they need to operate efficiently. This allows you to cook meals on your stove no matter the circumstances taking place outside your front door.

Can a Generator Power My Stove?

Not all stoves are created equal—which means not all stoves are going to require a generator to operate during a power outage! So how do you know what type of stove you have and if a generator is the solution you’ve been looking for? Let’s find out.

Some of the most common stovetops are:

• Gas cooktops – Gas cooktops are one of the most common types of stoves across the country because of their ability to heat up food quickly with the powerful flames. One of the biggest benefits of a gas cooktop is that it does not require power to operate! During a power outage, you can get a gas cooktop to light by turning the knob to low and holding a match or a lighter to the burner. This will cause the flame to ignite and you’ll be able to use your stove to cook your food without the need for any power. 

• Electric cooktops – As one of the easiest to clean stoves, electric cooktops are a sought after appliance for many homeowners. However, unlike a gas stove, an electric cooktop requires power to operate. This means that during a power outage, your stove will be inoperable without a power source like a generator available.

• Induction cooktops – An induction cooktop is a smooth surface that might look like a standard electric cooktop, but transfers heat through electromagnetism and leaves almost no trace of heat on the stove’s surface. Similar to an electric stove, an induction cooktop will need to have a reliable power source to operate during or in the aftermath of a storm. Luckily, an induction cooktop is easily powered with a generator that meets the required watts.

• Coil cooktops – Another form of an electric cooktop is a coil cooktop—they operate the same way but look completely different. While an electric stovetop has a smooth finish, a coil cooktop is made up of circular coils as the burners. To heat up these coils, electric currents are passed through them—currents that must be powered through electricity. That being said, a generator is a great option to power your coil stovetop during a power outage.

These are only a few of many types of stovetops on the market. If you don’t see yours listed above, you’ll want to guarantee a power source is required to operate it during a power outage before investing in a generator.

How Many Watts Does an Electric Stove Require?

The wattage needed to power a stove will vary depending on the make and model of the appliance. Most electric stoves will require 2,000 to 5,000 watts in order to operate at peak performance.

Your stove will likely fall somewhere within this range, with most stoves averaging around a 3,000 watts requirement. Keep in mind that all stoves are different—refer to your owner’s manual if you’re unsure where in the range your stove falls.

The burners on an electric stovetop will draw varying amounts of electricity because of their different sizes. The larger the burner, the more electricity is required to power it. Most electric stove cooktops will range from 1,200 watts to 3,000 watts depending on if you’re using a small burner or a large burner.

Understanding the watts required to power your stove will make it easier for you to determine the size generator required for your needs, which we go into more detail below. 

What Size Generator Do I Need to Run a Stove?

There isn’t a one size fits all generator to power your stove. The size generator you need to successfully power your stove will depend on a multitude of factors. To determine what generator will be appropriately-sized for your specific needs, ask yourself these questions:

Apart from your stove, what appliances will the generator need to power?

If you’re only looking for a generator to run your oven and a few lights around the home, you can likely invest in a smaller sized generator. However, if you’re planning to power other large appliances along with the stove, such as the refrigerator, window air conditioner, water heater, and more, you will need to secure a much larger model that is built to provide sufficient power. 

For what duration will the generator be in operation?

Are you purchasing a generator for a temporary solution when dealing with a minor power outage? Or are you looking for a more permanent solution to provide power for an extended period of time. 

Depending on your needs are greater than running a single stove, you’ll need to take the tank size, fuel consumption, and similar factors into consideration. There’s nothing more frustrating than having a generator that isn’t equipped to handle the job it’s needed for! When in doubt, you’ll want to obtain a generator ready to provide more power than needed.

Will you need to power your entire home or only essential appliances like a stove?

Depending on where you live, the appliances you consider to be “essential” will vary. Along with your stove, you might consider powering your refrigerator and other appliances simultaneously. 

Most of your essential appliances like a stove will be able to run on a generator rated at 5,000 to 7,000 watts. However, if you’re hoping to power your entire home as normal, a heavy-duty generator of 7,500 watts or more will be a much better investment. The more appliances you want to power, the larger your generator will need to be.

Your stove is just one of many “essential” appliances you’ll want to understand the required watts for. Adding up the total watts of all essential appliances will help you determine the right sized generator for your exact needs. 

Figuring Out if You Need a Generator For Your Stove

By asking yourself these questions before heading to the home improvement store to pick up a generator, you will be able to make a fact-based decision to successfully power your stove and other home appliances.