The Pros and Cons of Building Gas Stove-Tops for Your Apartments

If you're remodeling your apartment complex kitchens or are building new ones, it is important to think about what types of kitchen appliances you want. One of the more controversial installations is a gas stove-top. As a property owner, it matters what kind of appliances are being used in your apartments, so it's important to think about safety concerns and hazards. 

This post will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of gas stove-tops to help you decide what the best option is for your apartments.

Apartment Kitchen Gas Stove-Tops

Stoves are one of the most commonly used items in the kitchen. Although there are many different varieties of stove-tops, professional chefs and passionate home cooks have long preferred gas stoves because they provide so many benefits. According to Home Guides, gas stoves are found in around 40% of American households, including rental apartments.

A gas stove is a common apartment kitchen stove that runs on flammable gas such as:

• Syngas
• Natural gas
• Propane
• Butane
• Liquefied petroleum gas

How Does it Work?

A gas stove top is composed of a burner assembly connected to the main gas line by a tiny gas valve. When the gas switch is turned, it opens the intake valve, allowing gas to flow to the venturi tube. As the gas passes through the tube, the pressure drops, pulling oxygen into the air hole. Because oxygen reacts with gas, it becomes flammable. The mixture of oxygen and gas is then fed into the burner, which is a hollow metal disk with holes. 

The switch on the gas stove ignites a spark. When the mixture of oxygen and gas catches the spark, it creates fire from the burner. The gas stove switch can then be used to increase the flow of gas and air by turning the knob to a higher heat setting, and the flame will become larger.

The Advantages of Building Gas Stove-Tops for Your Apartments

Less Expensive for Tenants to Operate

In general, gas stoves are cheaper to operate than electric stoves. Given that gas costs are typically covered by tenants, they prefer to choose apartment amenities with gas stoves to reduce their monthly electricity bills and rental add-ons. Although gas prices vary widely, gas is generally less expensive than electricity in most states. 

When tenants cook in apartment appliances with gas, they can save anywhere from 10% to 30% on energy bills. If they cook frequently or have a large family, this can lead to significant monthly savings.

Provide Better Temperature Control

Gas stoves are apartment appliances that can attract people who enjoy cooking. Gas stove-tops allow tenants to cook and prepare meals with more precise temperature control. The gas flame immediately heats kitchenware due to its direct contact. 

The temperature can be easily controlled with a knob. If you do not move the switch, the fire and heat will remain at a constant height. This makes it simpler to achieve and maintain an appropriate temperature. A consistent temperature will help you cook more efficiently, whether you're trying to simmer a meal or maintaining a rolling boil. Another advantage of gas stoves is that they are compatible with a wide variety of pots and pans.

Power Outages Do Not Affect Gas Stoves

Power outages and interruptions are unavoidable at times and can sometimes last up to a whole day. According to the Guardian News, power outages caused by extreme weather have increased in the United States over the last two decades, as a warmer climate brings more devastating storms that cripple large swaths of the country's electrical grid.

Even without electricity, residents can cook with a gas stove. Traditional gas stove-tops don’t require any power or electricity to operate. Although electric ignition is now common on many modern gas stoves available today, there is no need for electricity to open the gas line. All you need is a match or lighter. You can light the match before opening the gas line to ensure that your gas burner starts safely.

The Disadvantages of Building Gas Stove-Tops for Your Apartments

Gas Stove Affects Indoor Air Quality

Gas stoves release potentially harmful gases and have the potential to cause major difficulties for those that suffer from asthma, emphysema, and other respiratory conditions.

These gases include:

• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Formaldehyde (HCHO)

According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, homes with gas stoves had 50-400% greater NO2 concentrations and other harmful gasses compared to homes with electric stoves. 

Difficult to Clean and Maintain

Maintenance is one of the most important aspects of property management for property managers and owners. Gas stoves can produce a greasy film on the surrounding countertops and surfaces. The oily material converts to smoke, which leaves murky stains and deposits on pans and the burner area. 

If properly maintained, gas stove-tops can be clean and shiny. However, it is important to be aware of the potential issues that can arise from installing a gas stove-top in your apartments. 

Safety Hazard

Many people are afraid that their gas stove will explode. While there is a chance of it happening, this phenomenon is extremely rare. However, the presence of an open flame indoors is always a potential hazard. 

Having a gas stove in the apartment will necessitate the following safety precautions and preventative maintenance to avoid damage to the property:

• Check for gas leaks
• Ensure proper ventilation 
• Ensure each burner is in good working condition
• Ensure gas lines are correctly installed
• Prevent accumulating residue
• Keep burners from overheating
• Provide a fire extinguisher in every apartment unit

Bottom Line

While a gas stove has great advantages, it also has some unavoidable disadvantages. As an apartment landlord, owner, or manager, carefully analyze each rental unit in your portfolio when deciding whether or not to install gas stoves in your rentals — each unit is different. If you choose a gas stove, you'll find that many tenants prefer it, but you should conduct a thorough tenant screening to ensure that they are capable of keeping the gas stove and other apartment appliances safe and secure.

Each of your rental add-ons and amenities has its own requirements. Whether you decide to install a gas stove-top or not, consider investing in property management software to help you manage your property and ensure that it is safe and secure in general.

ExactEstate is a leading property management software solution that enables you to give outstanding management services to your employees, residents, and owners. ExactEstate's configurable property management software automates daily operations so you can concentrate on developing your business and generating revenue.

Schedule a demo today to take your real estate property management to the next level!