Skip to main content
Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 14, 2023
Question

Gas Appliance Controversy

  • January 14, 2023
  • 11 replies
  • 1860 views

Natural Gas (methane) is still the fuel of choice here because it's in rich supply & cheaper than electricity.   Everyone here uses gas to heat their homes, water and cook meals.  We also have a gas clothes dryer that I really love.  

 

Safety concerns over gas powered appliances are nothing new.  They're dirty, they emit carbons. If not used properly,  gas can cause illness, death & possible combustion.   If you cook with gas (methane or propane), you already know that a gas leak is nothing to ignore.

 

There is no current or even proposed ban on existing gas appliances in the US yet.  But aging infrastructure has caused several human health & safety concerns.  The now infamous Aliso Canyon natural  gas leak made area residents sick for 4 months. It was terrible on many levels.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aliso_Canyon_gas_leak

 

And herein lies the quandary.  If faced with replacing aged out gas lines and appliances,  would you buy gas units again or opt for a cleaner & more efficient alternative?

 

I ask because my range is 25+ years old and  needs replacing.  The Inflation Reduction Act is offering financial incentives on purchases of electric stoves.  This might be my chance to ditch the gas range and replace it with an induction cooktop & built-in oven.

 

 

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    11 replies

    Peru Bob
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    January 14, 2023
    quote

    There is no current or even proposed ban on existing gas appliances in the US yet. 


    By @Nancy OShea

     

    Have a look here:

    https://nypost.com/2023/01/11/hochuls-plan-to-ban-sale-of-gas-stoves-fuels-outrage/

    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    January 15, 2023

    No proposed ban for EXISTING gas stoves. I don't expect a future sales ban either, just fewer units available to consumers.  Pigs will fly before hospitality & commercial kitchens give up their gas burners.

     

    Drop-in induction hobs I've looked at online require standard copper wiring which we have, a dedicated 240-volt grounded outlet and a 40-50 amp breaker box.

     

    I don't want to replace my old pans.  I understand some steel alloys containing nickel, copper, zinc do not work with induction.   And cast iron is subject to thermal shock breaks when heated suddenly.  So there's that to consider.

     

    I might get a portable induction cooktop first to see if I like it. Amazon sells them for $50 -100.

     

    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    Jill_C
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 24, 2023

    I researched my pans in advance; I had a set of AllClad about 13 years old. They were supposed to work on induction but they didn't, probably something to do with the way the layers were sandwiched. But I wasn't sad to buy a new set of pots & pans - I love them. Gave the old set, which was still in fine condition to my daughter, who was thrilled to receive them. I used my Lodge castiron skillet all the time on the induction cooktop. It heats quickly and really holds the heat; I have to be really careful not to burn anything when using it it. You can test all of your current cookware with a magnet. If it sticks, it will work. I took a magnet with me when I went shopping at Macy's 🙂 

    Jill C., Forum Volunteer