Your Stove

Chances are you already have a stove. However, if you are looking to buy a stove there are some basics that you should know.

Gas vs. Electric

Accomplished cooks and chefs all prefer cooking with gas. Gas gives you more control over temperature. You can crank up the flame when you need it or instantly cut it off when something is boiling over or getting too hot.

Gas ovens heat up faster than electric ovens and hold their temperature better, which is a must for baking. 

A gas stove or range will cost more to purchase, but a gas stove/oven is much more economical to operate and will pay for itself in the long run.

When cooking with an electric stove or range, you have to allow more time for the burner to heat up. You also have to allow more time for it to cool down. If a pot is boiling over or a pan is smoking, you'll have to remove the pot or pan from the burner in order to cool it down.

If you like Asian cuisine and would like to cook with a wok, you'll only be able to cook on a gas stove or range. Wok cooking requires high heat to be effective and an electric burner cannot get the wok hot enough, unless you're only interested in steaming foods.


If you have a choice, choose gas. If you have an electric stove, you just have to make a few adjustments on your timing and you will be fine.

Now that we have a better understanding of the major appliance in the cooking process, lets take a look at the utensils you will need to prepare, stir and move food around.

Introduction
Utensils
Pots & Pans