Gas vs Electric Cookers: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between a gas and an electric cooker is one of the bigger kitchen decisions, and the right answer depends on how you cook, your budget and your kitchen’s power supply. Here is a balanced comparison for Kenyan homes.

Running costs

With Nairobi electricity tariffs, gas is often the cheaper way to cook, and it keeps working during a power cut. Electric cookers cost less up front but more to run, though efficient induction models close the gap.

Cooking performance

• Gas gives instant, responsive heat that many cooks prefer.
• Electric coil and ceramic hobs heat more evenly for slow cooking and baking.
• Induction is fast, efficient and easy to clean, but needs compatible pans.

Safety and convenience

Gas requires careful handling of cylinders and connections and good ventilation. Electric removes the leak risk but depends entirely on a stable supply — a real consideration where outages are common.

Repairs and reliability

Gas cookers are mechanically simpler and often cheaper to repair. Electric cookers have elements and control boards that can fail, though parts for common brands are readily available in Nairobi.

The practical choice

Many Kenyan households settle on a combination cooker — gas burners with an electric oven — for the best of both. Whatever you choose, professional installation keeps it safe and efficient.