How to Cook on an Electric Stove
In a modern kitchen, you are likely to find either a gas or electric stove. Many people grew up with gas stoves and know all about cooking over a flame. But cooking with an electric stove is something you will eventually experience. 68% of homes and apartments in the US have an electric stove in the kitchen, which means there's a good chance you'll get an electric stove when you move somewhere new.
Fortunately, cooking on an electric stove is very similar to cooking over a gas flame. There are just a few important differences.
Pros and Cons of an Electric Stove
Electric stoves are the most accessible type of cooktop because they don't require a gas line. While many people prefer to cook with a flame, there are also benefits to cooking on an electric stove. Here's a quick look at the pros and cons.
Pros
- Safety: Much lower fire risk with electric burners.
- Easy Cleaning: Electric stoves are often easier to clean.
- Accessibility: Electric stoves can be installed without a gas line.
- Glass Top: Many electric stoves have a smooth glass top, which is elegant, easy to use, and easiest to clean.
Cons
- Preheat: Electric stoves take longer to heat up and cool down.
- Power Outages: Electric stoves do not work when the power is out.
- Energy: Electric stoves use more energy than natural gas burners.
Learn Your Temperatures
Electric stoves have digital heat controls, and each one is different. The knobs are typically labeled from 1-10 or Low, Med, High. Unlike a gas burner, where you can estimate heat by the size of the flame, you'll need to get to know your burner to determine the best heat for each recipe.
Each burner may also heat a little differently depending on the size, design, and circuit. Fortunately, once you get a sense of the heat range, you'll start to automatically manage the heat the same way you would with a gas burner.
Preheat and Cooldown
Electric stoves heat and cool slower than gas because of how the electric coil burner works instead of a flame. Give your pans time to heat up on the stove, and remember to let burners cool longer after turning them off.
You can learn to use this to your advantage. Prep the ingredients as your pans heat up. Then, use the cool-down time to keep food warm or perfectly complete cooking for meals that benefit from 'setting' in a warm pan while you prepare to load plates.
Burners vs Glass Top
There are two types of electric stoves. Older versions have exposed burners, in which you set the pan directly on the electric heating coil. These burners can be pulled out on prongs and scrubbed, but the connection can potentially be damaged, and the burners can get bent.
Glass tops are ideal. They are smooth and shiny, and the glass protects the burners underneath. However, the glass can scratch, and you'll want to treat the surface much more gently than you would an electric burner or the grate above a gas burner.
Transferring Your Gas Stove Skills
Some cooking techniques were designed for cooking over a flame. These special pans and the skills that go with them can be used with an electric stove, but you may have to adapt a few techniques to get the best results.
Can I Use a Wok on an Electric Stove?
You can use a flat-bottomed wok on an electric stove. Your recipes will turn out the same. However, a curved-bottom wok requires a special burner holder and an open flame.
Does Cast Iron Work on an Electric Stove?
Yes. You can cook with cast-iron pans and pots on an electric stove. But there are some differences. Your cast iron pan will not 'season' the same way on the outside on an electric burner, for example.
If your electric stove is glass-top, carefully sand off any burs and bumps on the bottom of the pan to avoid scraping. If your electric stove heats quickly (some do), use gradual heat to avoid sudden temperature changes. It is also recommended to cook on medium heat in case of heat spots on the burner.
Can You Use a Dutch Oven on an Electric Stove?
Yes, dutch ovens work just as well on an electric stove. Like the cast iron, make sure the bottom of the pot is smooth and get to know your stove temperatures. Otherwise, your recipes with a dutch oven should be the same.
Apartments with Electric Stoves in Oakville, MO
If you're looking for an apartment in Oakville, join us at Hunter's Ridge Apartments. Each of our homes has a fully equipped kitchen with a modern electric stove. Whether you're used to gas stoves or have enjoyed an electric stove kitchen before, you'll find life easy and enjoyable here at Hunter's Ridge. Contact us today to explore availabilities and check out our kitchens on a tour.