What Are the Disadvantages of Electric Ovens? Key Drawbacks You Should Know

Electric ovens are everywhere these days, but let’s be honest—they’re not perfect. One big drawback? They tend to use more energy than gas ovens, which might mean higher utility bills over time.

That hits your wallet and, if you care about it, the environment too.

Electric ovens also take their sweet time heating up. If you’re used to the quick response of gas, this can be a little frustrating.

And if the power goes out? Well, your electric oven’s basically a big, cold box until the lights come back on.

Main Disadvantages of Electric Ovens

Electric ovens can slow down your cooking, bump up your energy costs, and don’t give you much flexibility with temperature. They’re 100% dependent on electricity, so outages can really throw off your dinner plans.

Slower Preheating Times

Electric ovens use coils or heating elements that just aren’t as fast as gas burners. You’ll probably wait a few extra minutes for the oven to get hot.

This slow start can drag out the whole meal prep routine. If you bake or roast a lot, you might notice the difference.

Honestly, if you’re in a rush, electric ovens can feel a bit sluggish. Gas ovens, on the other hand, heat up almost instantly.

Higher Energy Consumption

Electric ovens tend to keep their coils running longer just to maintain the right temperature. That means your electricity bill could creep up.

Electric heating isn’t the most efficient way to turn energy into heat, especially compared to gas. Some ovens also lose heat during that longer preheat stage.

Depending on where you live, electricity might cost a lot. If rates are high in your area, running an electric oven can get pricey. Here’s Angi’s take on gas vs. electric ovens.

Limited Temperature Control Precision

Electric ovens can be a little slow to react when you change the temperature. You set the dial, but it takes a while for the oven to catch up.

That lag can make it tricky to cook delicate recipes that need quick temperature shifts. Gas lets you crank the heat up or down instantly.

Because the coils cycle on and off, you might get some temperature swings. You’ll probably need to keep an eye on things and make adjustments if you want even results.

Dependence on Power Supply

Your electric oven absolutely needs electricity to run. If there’s a blackout, your oven’s out of commission.

Gas ovens often work even if the power’s out, as long as you can light them manually. With electric, you might want a backup plan—maybe a camping stove for emergencies?

If you cook a lot, think about how reliable your power is. There’s a good discussion about this on Quora.

Additional Concerns With Electric Ovens

You’ll probably need to tweak cooking times and watch for uneven heating with electric ovens. Repairs can get expensive, and sometimes the baking results aren’t super consistent.

Longer Cooking Duration for Some Foods

Electric ovens just take longer to preheat. Sometimes you’re waiting 10 or 15 minutes before you can even start.

If you want a quick roast or to brown something fast, you might end up adding extra cooking time. Not ideal if you’re hungry and in a hurry.

The coils also stay hot for a while after you turn the oven off. Your food might keep cooking longer than you expect, so you’ll need to adjust your timing or lower the heat to avoid burning things.

Repair and Maintenance Costs

Electric ovens don’t have flames, but their electrical parts can be pricey to fix. Heating elements and digital controls break sometimes, and you’ll probably need a pro to handle repairs.

Sensors and thermostats might wear out faster, too. If you’re eyeing an electric oven, keep in mind that repairs—especially for fancy digital models—can add up.

Potential for Uneven Baking Results

Electric ovens can sometimes create uneven heat. You might spot hot spots where your dish cooks faster in some areas.

Ever notice your baked goods rising lopsided? Or maybe your roast ends up half-done on one side? That’s the uneven heat at work.

Try using convection fans if your oven has them. Rotating your food halfway through can also help, though it takes a little extra attention.

For more on how electric and gas ovens stack up, check out this comparison.