this post was submitted on 10 Apr 2024
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Electric coil stoves and induction stoves use similar amounts of power. I think I've got my induction stove in a 240v 30A circuit.
The problem is that gas utilities bribe homebuilders to install gas appliances so as to create customers, and so the homebuilders don't want to install the electric wiring.
I saw this from Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/cooktops/induction-vs-electric-cooktop-which-should-you-buy-a5820670446/
"...Because the heating process for induction is both faster and more precise, you end up saving on your energy bill. It won’t be a major difference, but given that an induction cooktop is about 5 to 10 percent more efficient than an electric smoothtop, it’s still a better choice for the planet. "
That's not a huge savings, which might be a consideration given the cost of induction cooktops versus electric resistance stoves.
I have tried two different induction hobs, and find them to be well powered and convenient to use. I'm still in the process of deciding on which one to replace my gas stove/oven. It's a chunk 'o change, so I want to be smart about spending it.
Here's another comparison from CR: https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/ranges/pros-and-cons-of-induction-cooktops-and-ranges-a5854942923/
Are people just not aware that most natural gas appliances can be run with propane and not just the natural gas that utilities might provide? Usually just requires adjustment of the flow-rates on the appliance and fuel supply line. I forget which is which, but natural gas and propane run at two slightly different pressures, so if you don't adjust for that during the changeover, it won't burn as efficiently.
I mention this more as a "what would I do if I was told I had to sign up for the natural gas utility". Of course, this doesn't take into account that if you have natural gas coming to the house, you probably use that as your primary heatsource as well. So that's a consideration. In terms of kitchen appliances though, the info might be useful to someone.
It's usually more expensive to burn propane than natural gas.
Higher price per unit, but propane burns 2-2.5x more efficiently. So what might be more beneficial to one person or another most likely depends on other factors, such as region and availability.
Almost nobody ends up using propane when they've got piped gas available. Which says that it's not a great choice.
Or it just confirms developers being in cahoots, and consumers being unaware that they have choices, even when it doesn't seem like it. Hopefully you're not interpreting this as me trying to argue with you, as my intention is more of a "hey, by the way here's something" rather than an attempt to convince anyone of anything.
in the case of apartments the consumers don't have a choice, which is why new gas line bans are so important
Or just live somewhere else and don’t ruin shit for the rest of us?
My city has natural gas piping and there are still propane tanks all around.
Very unusual if that's the case.
I never really thought about it until this discussion. I’m used to propane tanks for people who live in the country
Exactly. There are propane tanks in areas where there aren't fixed pipes to deliver natural gas. Once those are installed, people switch to the cheaper option.
This is a big deal because right now heat pumps are almost always cheaper than propane, but not cheaper than natural gas.
No I meant there are still houses here that use propane, I was looking at one on Monday, smack dab in the middle of town
All I can say is that this is very uncommon. Either that location never got a natural gas hookup, or something unusual is happening.