Cooking With Gas | Best Stoves | NW Natural Appliance Center

Home Chef FAQ: How to Cook With Natural Gas

kitchen aid slide in range nw natural appliance center portland or

Gas stoves, ovens, and ranges are the gold standard of the restaurant industry — and with good reason. If you’re a Top Chef-watching, Kachka-and-Tusk-obsessed Portland foodie, you need to learn how to cook with natural gas — and discover why natural gas is the top choice of pro chefs the world over.

 

Why cook with natural gas?

Is cooking with natural gas better than cooking with electricity? There are 4 compelling reasons why every home chef should cook with natural gas:

  1. Speed – Natural gas ovens and ranges heat up in seconds. You’ll be cooking faster than ever before. You’ll have more time to entertain, watch the big game, or sit down to enjoy a meal with your family.
  2. Precision – Unlike electric and induction ranges, the heat delivered by a natural gas cooktop can be adjusted precisely to ensure every dish is cooked to perfection.
  3. Efficiency – Modern high-tech natural gas ovens and ranges are incredibly efficient and often lower cost than comparable electric appliances. Plus you’ll save money over time thanks to the relatively low cost of natural gas.
  4. Flexibility – Gas cooktops, ovens, and ranges can be used with a wider variety of cookware compared to electric and induction appliances. Cast iron, copper, stainless steel, carbon steel, and many more are no problem!

Bonus: If the power goes out, your oven keeps on cooking! Natural gas doesn’t rely on electricity to work. Additionally, a natural gas cooktop can offer an excellent alternative to a charcoal grill for roasting peppers (and other foods where an open flame is needed) — just be sure that you have a powerful exhaust fan to keep smoke to a minimum.

How do I choose a new gas range?

If you’re in the market for a new gas range, here’s what to look for:

  • You’ll want at least one burner that has 12,000 BTUs or more. It’s not unusual to find burners capable of 15,000, or 18,000 BTUs, or even higher. 
  • Burners designed to offer low or “simmer” heating can be useful, too. Many modern gas ranges feature different sized burners for different sized cookware.
  • Most ranges are 30” but many premier gas range brands offer 36”, 48”, and even 60” wide appliances. With wider ranges, you can get a griddle or grill, too! Consider your needs before buying, particularly if you’re planning to remodel your kitchen.
  • Sealed burners are easier to clean up and a nice touch if you’re a messy cook! Elevated edges can contain spills, too.
  • All ranges require ventilation these days. Broan and Vent-a-Hood ventilation systems will cover just about any need.

    Why do people like gas ranges?

    We talked to a couple of Portland foodies and here’s what they told us.

    Jan, a project manager and huge fan of Chef Joshua McFadden says, “I like to get a nice char on my corn tortillas and the gas range is perfect for it!” Paul, a marketing copywriter and locavore told us, “My pans are smoking hot and ready to cook in minutes. Plus, you just can’t sear a steak on an electric grill like you can on a gas range!”

    We couldn’t say it better ourselves!

    Can a gas range be installed in any kitchen?

    Generally speaking, yes a gas range can be installed in any kitchen. Of course, you’ll need to have natural gas available. But besides that, there are many sizes of free-standing and slide-in gas ranges, and ovens can be installed in kitchens of all sizes and layouts. There are even good options for ADUs, small condos, and tiny homes!

    What can I cook with a gas stove?

    Anything and everything! A few favorites we’ve heard about include:

    • Pancakes – If your gas range has a griddle top you can cook your bacon and pancakes without even using a pan!
    • Stir fry meals – High and easily adjustable heat cooks veggies and meat to perfection, every time.
    • Stuffed roasted peppers – The flavor of a bell pepper roasted over an open flame can’t be beat. Here’s one of our favorite recipes.
    • Steak – What else is there to say? A dry-aged New York strip cooked in a cast-iron skillet over high heat and finished in the oven is a simple meal that will WOW any palate.

    What are the top brands of gas ranges?

    • Bertazzoni – Affordable Italian luxury with plenty of sprezzatura
    • Bosch – Kitchen appliances built with quality and pride
    • Fisher & Paykel – Innovative designs featuring incredible technology 
    • KitchenAid – Pro-quality gas ranges for the most discerning home chefs
    • Miele – Reliable German engineering and world-class design with all the latest features
    NW Natural Appliance Center