Does a Propane Stove Use Much Fuel?
Written on: April 10, 2023
Get precise temperature control with efficient, clean-burning propane ranges.
These days, there are many options for your home cooking. If you aren’t connected to a natural gas utility, you might think your only alternative is an electric stove. Perhaps you’re even thinking of breaking the bank by installing an induction stove.
But there’s a reason that studies have found that 96 percent of professional chefs prefer gas cooking. It provides a superior culinary experience. And our customers in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware trust propane stoves in their home kitchens. Let’s discuss the benefits of a propane stove and how much fuel you can expect it to use with one.
What are the advantages of propane stoves?
If you’re trying to decide between an electric or propane stove for your home, we have found that there’s no contest. Consider these facts:
- Propane gives you total control over the temperature and intensity of your flame, whereas electric stoves have preset temperatures.
- Propane elements heat up quickly and cool down fast when you turn off the burner. Electric elements stay hot long after you’ve turned them off.
- Propane stoves distribute heat more evenly than electric models.
- Propane cooking is generally less expensive than electric cooking.
How much propane is used in a gas stove?
Typically, a residential propane stove requires only 30 to 50 gallons of propane per year, depending on the size of the propane appliance and how often you use it.
Propane ranges are highly efficient — hence the low fuel consumption. And each gallon of propane produces about 91,502 Btu of heat energy. So, a single gallon can power a large 18,000 Btu burner for over five hours. This means that a reasonably sized propane tank can power your stove and several other propane appliances without the need for overly frequent fuel deliveries or the risk of a runout.
How safe are propane stoves?
We know there have been misleading stories recently about gas stoves and indoor air quality, and we want to help set the record straight.
Much of the discussion surrounding gas stoves has to do with harmful methane emissions. But propane is methane-free. There’s also concern over particulate matter, which is present in all cooking, regardless of energy type. But propane itself contains virtually no particulate matter.
And you can largely mitigate any emissions concerns with proper ventilation. Air cleaning products can provide even more peace of mind. Dr. Ravi Kalhan of Northwestern University suggested in a recent New York Times article that an air purifier with a HEPA filter can significantly help reduce the level of nitrogen oxides concentrating in your house.
Finally, remember that all cooking appliances have some risks attached to them. For example, a 2020 study by the National Fire Protection Association found that electric ranges cause household fires at a rate 2.6 times greater than gas ranges. If you have any questions about propane safety and environmental impacts, the experts at Delaware Propane are always here to help!
Are you looking for a propane company that you can trust? Become a Delaware Propane customer today!