If you have a gas stove in your kitchen, chances are it runs on natural gas, not propane.
“Propane is more portable, which is why it’s so commonly used in barbecues, camping stoves, and food trucks,” explains Sylvia Fontaine, professional chef, former restaurateur, and CEO and founder of Feasting at Home.
But install a propane tank in your home and you can fuel your kitchen with propane, Fontaine says.
According to the Propane Education and Research Council, propane is a by-product of natural gas processing. Propane is also sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
According to the National Energy Education Development (NEED), propane is a more common source of energy in rural areas and in mobile homes where natural gas connectivity may not be possible. Typically, propane-fuelled homes have an open storage tank that can hold up to 1,000 gallons of liquid propane, according to NEED.
In contrast, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), natural gas is made up of various gases, most notably methane.
While natural gas is distributed through a centralized pipeline network, propane is almost always sold in tanks of various sizes.
“Propane stoves can reach higher temperatures faster than natural gas,” Fontaine says. But, she adds, “there’s a catch: it all depends on the function of the slab.”
If you’re used to natural gas and have switched to propane, you may find your pans heat up faster, Fontaine says. But other than that, you probably won’t notice much of a difference at all, she says.
“From a practical standpoint, the difference between propane and natural gas cooking is negligible,” Fontaine said.
“The real advantage of gas flame cooking is that it’s more common than a propane stove, so you’re probably more used to it,” Fontaine says. However, you know the size of flame you need for everything from sautéing onions to warming up pasta sauce.
”The gas itself doesn’t affect cooking, but it can affect a cook’s technique if they’re not familiar with gas or propane,” Fontaine says.
If you’ve ever used a propane stove, chances are it was outdoors. Most propane stoves are designed for outdoor use as a grill or portable stove.
But prices can fluctuate a lot depending on where you live, the season and many other factors. And while natural gas may seem cheaper, keep in mind that propane is more efficient (meaning you need less propane), which can make it cheaper overall, according to Santa Energy.
Propane and natural gas have another benefit: You don’t need to be connected to the grid, Fontaine says. This can be a great bonus if you live in an area with frequent power outages.
Because gas stoves are more likely to run on natural gas rather than propane, you’ll have more stove options if you choose natural gas, Fontaine says.
She recommends using natural gas instead of propane, noting that “gas pipelines are already installed in most urban residential areas.”
“Check the instructions that came with the device or check the manufacturer’s label on the stove to see if it’s suitable for use with propane or natural gas,” says Fontaine.
“If you look at the fuel injector, it has a size and a number printed on it,” she says. You can contact the manufacturer to see if those numbers indicate the stove is suitable for propane or natural gas.
“It’s generally not recommended to use natural gas in a propane stove, or vice versa, although there are conversion kits,” Fontaine says. If you really want to use one of these kits, consult a specialist, recommends Fountaine. Upgrading your oven is not a do-it-yourself project.
“Both propane and natural gas can pose a health hazard if proper ventilation is not installed above the stove,” says Fontaine.
In recent years, some cities, such as New York and Berkeley, have passed ordinances banning the installation of gas stoves in new buildings. This is due to a growing awareness of the potential health risks associated with gas stoves, the use of which can lead to the release of pollutants and is associated with a risk of developing asthma in children, according to the California Public Interest Research Group.
According to the California Air Resources Board (ARB), if you have a gas stove, be sure to cook with a range hood on and, if possible, opt for a back burner as the range hood draws air better. If you don’t have a hood, you can use a wall or ceiling hood, or open doors and windows for better airflow in accordance with ARB regulations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), burning fuels (such as a generator, car, or stove) produces carbon monoxide, which can make you sick or even die. To be on the safe side, install carbon monoxide detectors and schedule yearly gas appliance inspections each year as per CDC guidelines.
”Whether you choose propane or natural gas depends entirely on what’s available in your area and what equipment is available for purchase,” Fontaine says.
That could mean city dwellers will opt for natural gas, while residents in more rural areas may opt for propane, she said.
“The quality of cooking depends more on the skill of the cook than on the type of gas used,” Fontaine says. Her advice: “Focus on what you want your appliance to do and what options fit your budget, including proper ventilation in your home.”
Post time: Jul-25-2023