Do Professional Chefs Use Gas or Electric Stoves?

If you’ve watched even just one episode of Iron Chef or any competitive cooking show on TV, you know professional chefs know their stoves inside and out. Of all the appliances in the kitchen, it is the stove where the chefs get the most creative and resourceful.

The stovetop is a professional chef’s tool of the trade, like a carpenter’s hammer or a welder’s stick welder. The way they use the stove is like creating art, from the way they sear shrimp to the way they pan-flip stir-fry veggies.

And the result is pure culinary magic.

Sometimes it feels like the only way to enjoy gourmet dishes that are Food Network approved is by dropping a few Benjamins at your local, fine dining restaurant. If you’re tired of dressing to the nines and selling off your firstborn each time you want Instagram-worthy food, it’s time to start cooking like a pro.

Why Do Professional Chefs Prefer Gas Stovetops?

Professional chefs know what it takes to deliver so take some tips from the experts. To start cooking like a pro, start with their preferred tool - a gas cooktop. Gas stoves offer an incredible experience with every use.

Plus it has a wide amount of benefits over electric stovetops which we explain here to help you decide if you’re ready to take the plunge for gas!

Benefits of Gas Cooktops

Immediate Responsiveness

Electric cooktops work by using electricity to heat the coils which is then passed on to your pan. The transaction takes some time to initially heat your pan.

Gas, on the other hand, is an open flame that directly heats your pan so it takes very little time to get your pan to the temperature you need, even if it’s a cast iron pan stored in a cool place.

For professional chefs, it’s convenient to save time in the kitchen to quickly heat their pan and start cooking immediately.

Better Control

Another reason the pros prefer gas is the control they have over the heat. Just as electricity takes some time to heat your pan, it also takes some time to adjust in temperatures, whether you need fast heat or need to cool the contents immediately.

Electric stovetops take so much time that most chefs just take the pan off the burner to cool it faster. Gas is practically immediate when it comes to making adjustments since the flame can quickly be diminished or ignited.

A Variety Of Cookware

Electric cooktops involve coil burners and glass stovetops rely on a flat surface heating your cookware, which is great if your cookware is also flat.

But some of your best pans that have seen battle with a fat steak and are used just about every night of the week may no longer be perfectly flat so they may not heat up evenly on a flat surface, or you may have a wok which is designed for open flame.

With a gas stovetop, all you need is the flame itself to heat the pan which is obviously by no means flat. Additionally, the popular induction stoves rely on specific cookware that is high in iron so you are more limited with electricity.

The versatility of cookware allows professional chefs the freedom to cook the way they prefer.

Cooking Freedom

In addition to using whichever cookware they want, the open flame also allows professional chefs to cook a more variety of foods.

With electric or induction cooktops, you can’t quite hit those high temperatures to char or smoke certain ingredients, such as tomatoes and eggplants.

With an open flame, there is more freedom and creativity to achieve all your culinary ambitions.

Let’s Talk About Induction

You may be asking yourself, “What about induction cooktops?” Electric stovetops have come a long way since coiled burners thanks to the introduction and the recent popularity of induction stovetops. Induction burners provide many of the advantages of gas, including responsiveness, immediate heat, and accurate temperature.

It also has the added benefits of safety and energy -efficiency since it only heats the pan, not the surface. However, there’s one thing induction doesn’t have - an open flame.

As mentioned above, the open flame allows for more cooking methods and cookware, the dream of every aspiring chef.

If you would like to learn more about induction cooktops, read our blog “Are Induction Cooktops Better than Gas?”

Featured Gas Cooktops

If you would like to explore some featured gas stovetops, take a look at a few of our favorite picks:

Viking 36" 5 Series Gas Rangetop VRT - VRT5364GSSL

Features:

- 6 Burners

- 18,500 BTU burner

- Electronic ignition

- VSH™ Pro sealed burner system

- VariSimmer™ setting

- Porcelainized cooking surface

- SureSpark™ ignition system

Dacor 48" Rangetop, Graphite Stainless, Natural Gas/Liquid Propane - DTT48T963GM

Features:

- 6 Burners

- 22,000 BTU burner

- Electronic ignition

- SImmerSear™burners

- Built-in griddle

- Glowing Illumina™ knobs

- SmarThings Integration

Fisher & Paykel Gas Rangetop, 48", Griddle, LPG - CPV3485GDL

Features:

- 5 Burners

- Electronic ignition

- Up to 19,000 BTU

- SImmerSear™burners

- Porcelain basepan

- LED halo control dials

- Continuous surface grates

Find the Best Cooktops at Mountain High Appliance

Whether you are in the market for a gas cooktop, electric cooktop, or induction cooktop, Mountain High Appliance has the ideal appliances for you. We also provide the best kitchen ranges, ovens, microwaves, range hoods, dishwashers, refrigerators, and more to meet all your kitchen needs.

Contact our appliance specialists or visit one of our luxury appliance store locations today in Denver, Louisville, Littleton, Colorado Springs, and Glenwood Springs. Our specialists are ready to help you find the perfect stovetop for your budget, style, and cooking preference. At Mountain High, we are proud to carry top-name brands in conventional and luxury categories!

Related Readings:

- Become a Masterchef with the Precision Cooking Probe from GE

Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Cooktops

Are gas cooktops safe?

Gas cooktops are safe when used properly and maintained regularly. Modern gas cooktops are equipped with safety features such as flame sensors and automatic shut-off valves to prevent gas leaks and potential hazards. However, it's important to follow safety guidelines, such as keeping flammable materials away from the cooktop and ensuring proper ventilation in the kitchen. Regular inspections by qualified professionals can also help ensure the safety and performance of your gas cooktop.

Are gas cooktops more energy efficient?

Gas cooktops are generally considered more energy-efficient than electric cooktops, especially when it comes to stovetop cooking. Gas burners heat up quickly and cool down rapidly, which means less energy is wasted during the cooking process. Additionally, gas is often less expensive than electricity in many areas, further contributing to its energy efficiency. However, the overall energy efficiency of a cooktop also depends on factors such as insulation, cookware used, and cooking habits.

Are there any disadvantages to gas cooktops?

While gas cooktops offer numerous advantages, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider. One potential disadvantage is that they require a gas supply, which may not be available in all areas. Additionally, some gas cooktops can be slightly more challenging to clean compared to smooth electric cooktop surfaces. However, these disadvantages are minor in comparison to the benefits of using a gas cooktop, such as precise temperature control and immediate heat adjustment.