Electric, Gas and Microwave Ovens: Three Ways to Perfect Cooking

The modern kitchen offers a wide range of cooking technologies , but when it comes to ovens , the main options are often reduced to three: electric, gas and microwave . Each of these ovens has unique characteristics that influence the cooking method, and the choice of device can significantly affect the taste and texture of the dishes .
Electric ovens are known for their precision in temperature regulation . Thanks to the use of electrical resistances , they are able to maintain a uniform heat , making them ideal for delicate cooking such as desserts. However, this uniformity may not be desirable for grilled meats , where a crust may be preferable.
A symbol of innovation in the 20th century , the electric oven has found fertile ground in the kitchens of renowned chefs for its ability to always reproduce the same result . According to French chef Paul Bocuse , electric ovens allow you to control every element of the preparation , a fundamental aspect in pastry making . Despite favorable opinions, energy consumption can be a weak point.
Unlike electric ovens, gas ovens use the combustion of gas to generate heat. This technology has the advantage of a rapid response to temperature regulation, a crucial aspect for those seeking immediate control of the cooking process. Ideal for roasts , this oven produces a moist heat , which makes it particularly suitable for cooking meats , keeping them juicy and tasty .
The tradition of using gas for cooking has been rooted in European domestic culture since the 19th century . The British economist and writer Beeton Isabella noted as early as 1861 that gas cooking was considered modern and cutting edge . Despite its advantages, a defect of gas ovens is the difficulty in maintaining a constant temperature , a flaw to consider for some preparations.
Finally, we come to the microwave oven , often considered the workhorse of fast cooking . This appliance uses electromagnetic radiation to excite the water molecules present in food, heating them rapidly. Not designed for actual cooking , the microwave excels at quickly heating and cooking simple dishes .
Introduced to the market in 1946 , the first microwave oven was called “Radarange” , and was as bulky as it was expensive . Today, it has become accessible to everyone and remains irreplaceable for students and workers to heat up lunch in a few minutes . However, many culinary experts argue that microwaves cannot compete with the cooking quality of traditional ovens .
In addition to the basic functions , each type of oven offers variables in terms of design and additional cooking settings that can influence the final choice. For example, the electric oven often includes a fan function , useful for more even cooking , while modern gas ovens can be equipped with an integrated grill .
In the age of sustainability , another element to consider is the environmental impact . Electric ovens , potentially powered by renewable sources , could be “greener” than devices powered by fossil fuels . However, choosing an oven requires a compromise between energy efficiency, convenience and food quality .

Ultimately , choosing the right oven depends on many factors , including personal cooking habits and priorities in terms of efficiency and food quality . With an ever-changing market, experts advise balancing subjective preferences with the goal of sustainable and safe cooking .