Glass Top Vs Stainless Steel Gas Stove can often get confusing. But a better understanding of the working can offer a clear picture of what to go for. A gas stove is a common fixture in all homes across the world. It is its ease and comfort that it offers which makes it almost inevitable. Life without a gas stove is practically unimaginable. This brings us to appreciate the efforts that the women folks from the early days would take to put together a meal. So, before we get into which one is better, let us take a closer look into how the evolution of cooking options through the various era.
The Discovery of Fire is perhaps one of the breakthroughs in the history of mankind. It would not be an exaggeration to declare that ‘fire’ changed the civilization of mankind as we know of today. It shaped how the man could navigate, protect, defend and eat. Yes, it bought about a certain sense of culture in the earliest civilization. Now, man could walk in the dark, protect himself from the cold and the wild, and also eat civilized food. The invention of fire, or rather, taming of the fire, bought about the technique of cooking. The food ingredients, especially the meat was tender. It also tasted good and could be preserved for a long time after exposure to fire. This open-air cooking method was followed for the longest time. Numerous adventure-seeker still indulge in this primitive form of cooking even today.
The Invention Of The Cooking Stove
It was an inventor named Zachäus Winzler who first developed the ‘gas stove’ in the year 1802, March 8th. However, the first person to acquire the patent for the gas stove was James Sharp in the year 1826 in England. He also launched his very own Gas stove factory in the year 1836. But, his invention grew popular only after Chef Alex Soyer introduced it into his ‘Reform Club’ in the year 1841. It was then that the world took notice of the fact that gas was cheaper. It could be turned off when required and controlled by the user as and when required. After its introduction at the World Fair in the year 1851, it took another few decades before it could be accepted by the masses. It was finally in the 1880s that the gas stove was embraced commercially. The design was soon developed further with the incorporation of the oven into the gas stove. By the year the 1910s, the manufacturers started to enamel the stoves for them to be cleaned easily.
The Modern Gas Stove
The modern gas stove comprises Ignition types for the ‘flames’ to light up. This could be either the ‘Standing Pilot’ or the electric. The other parts that comprise the gas stove are:
1. The Burner
The burner heat is specified in terms of British Thermal Units or the BTUs. This is the heat produced per hour. The highest range lies between 10000 to 20000 BTU; however, some modern designs also have BTUs beyond 20000.
2. The Design
The modern cooktops have lattice structures that cover the complete range of tops. This is the surface where the cooking girdle is located, which could range from 2-5. Depending upon the type, the user might have to lift the cookware or simply slide it across to shift.
3. The Size
The gas stove size ranges from 32 ” to 42 ” and usually are available in two types: Slide in and free-standing.
4. The Oven
Most modern gas stoves have the oven integrated into them. This could also comprise convection fans that allow the heat to be distributed all over. Also, temperature sensors are located, which offers better baking options, automatic shut-off, or maintaining a certain temperature.
5. The Controls
The latest models comprise programmable controls that offer better handling of the appliance. Some of these include LCDs, pre-heating, automatic cooking, timers, and more.
Now, depending upon the type of the surface structure, the gas stoves are of two popular types: the Glass top and the stainless steel stove. Let us take a better look at each of them:
What is a Glass Top Gas Stove?
This comprised of electric burners that were covered with glass-ceramic cooktops. This gave the flat cooking surface where the cookware could be easily placed. As the ceramic-glass has low heat conductivity, the heat is concentrated to the base of the pots and the pans. This makes the appliance more efficient and energy-saving. The electric current flows through the metal coils and transfers the heat through the Ceramic surface to the cookware. Even distribution of heat occurs due to infra-red transmission, thermal expansion, and emission characteristics. The surrounding surface beyond the coils remains cool. An indicator displays whether the surface is still hot or not.
Advantages
- Are easy to maintain and clean
- Are good to look at
- Offer quick warming up
- The burners remain invisible, thus offers easy cooking
Disadvantages
- Are expensive
- Cannot be cleaned using ordinary cleaners
- Can get scratched
- Cannot be used if the pots and pans have dents
- The glass-top replacement is not an easy or cheap option.
What is a Stainless Steel Gas Stove?
This gas stove comprises a stainless steel body, cooking girdles, controls, and a fuel supply. This type works as the ignition knob is turned on. A mixture of gas and air gets ignited and is known as the ‘pilot light.’ This way, the Blue flame travels across the pipes onto the burners. This way, the burner lights up with the stable flame and heats the bottom of the cookware. The intensity of the flame can be controlled with the help of an adjustment dial or knob.
Advantages
- This type is more durable
- Do not require much maintenance
- Is affordable
- Is easy to clean
- Is comparatively safer
Disadvantages
- Offers uneven heat distribution
- Is less attractive
Difference Between Glass Top Vs Stainless Steel Gas Stove
What is the difference between a glass top and stainless steel gas stove? Let us find out:
FEATURE | STAINLESS STEEL | GLASS TOP |
Expenses | Economical | Expensive |
Safety | Very safe | Not quite |
Design | Ugly | Good looking |
Heat Distribution | Uneven | Even |
Ignition | Same | Same |
Maintenance | Easy | Needs attention |
Durability | More durable | Less durable |
The Conclusion
So, now that you have set up your home, you need to choose the right appliances. Your kitchen needs the right cooking option, and you are confused between Glass top Vs Stainless Steel Gas Stove. Let us help you make a choice:
Easy Come, Easy Go: A stainless-steel gas stove is your perfect partner if you are on a budget. Get a grab of a nice model from a reputed brand, and you are good to go. The stainless steel type is easy to maintain and clean. They also serve you for the long term.
Good Looks, Good Looks, And Good Looks: This is not a statement; it is a fact when it comes to the Glass top gas stove. The product is good to look at and also does a decent job of elaborate cooking. But it is expensive and good to look at. So, if you are a stylish person with Vogue in everything, go for a sleek-looking glass top gas top. It offers both style and statement, and of course, it cooks too.