Gas vs. Electric stoves: Which is cheaper to run in Ontario?

Gas burner flame on left, electric stove on right - Ontario stove cost comparison 2026
 

Shopping for a new stove in Ontario? One of the most practical questions you can ask is: which actually costs less to run day-to-day – gas or electric? The honest answer depends on current Ontario energy rates, how much you cook, and what kind of cooking you do. This guide breaks it all down using real 2026 rate data so you can make a decision that fits your kitchen and your budget.

Ontario’s energy landscape is a bit different from other provinces. Natural gas distribution is handled primarily by Enbridge Gas, while electricity comes through the Ontario Energy Board (OEB)-regulated grid with time-of-use pricing. Understanding both sides of that equation is the key to calculating your actual stove running costs.

Ontario energy rates in 2026

Before we compare stoves, you need to know what you’re actually paying per unit of energy. These rates include delivery charges, regulatory fees, and commodity costs as they appear on a typical Ontario bill.

Energy Type Rate (2026 est.) Notes
Natural Gas ~$0.45/m3 all-in Commodity + Enbridge delivery + regulatory
Electricity (off-peak) ~$0.087/kWh Evenings, weekends, holidays
Electricity (mid-peak) ~$0.121/kWh Shoulder periods
Electricity (on-peak) ~$0.179/kWh Weekday mornings and afternoons
Electricity (tiered avg) ~$0.103/kWh First 1,000 kWh/month

The OEB sets electricity rates twice a year. If you use a smooth-top electric stove mostly during evenings and weekends, your per-kWh cost will be significantly lower than cooking at noon on a Tuesday.

How much energy does cooking actually use?

An average Canadian household spends roughly 3 to 5% of its total energy budget on cooking. For a stove specifically, a typical four-burner gas range running at 50% capacity for about 1 hour per day uses approximately 0.5 cubic metres of natural gas. An equivalent electric range uses around 1.2 to 1.5 kWh for the same session.

Woman cooking on gas stove with blue flame visible in Ontario kitchen
Gas stoves offer immediate flame control – a preference for many home cooks

Annual cooking energy use – A practical estimate

  • Gas stove: 0.5 m3/day x 365 days = ~182 m3/year. At $0.45/m3 all-in, that’s roughly $82/year in gas just for cooking.
  • Electric stove (tiered, avg off-peak): 1.3 kWh/day x 365 = ~475 kWh/year. At $0.095/kWh blended average, that’s roughly $45/year in electricity just for cooking.

Wait – does that mean electric is cheaper to run? In many Ontario households, yes. But there are important caveats covered below that close that gap considerably depending on your situation.

Gas stoves: Advantages and trade-offs

Gas stoves have been the professional kitchen standard for generations, and for good reason. The open flame delivers instant heat with precise, tactile control. You can see and hear the flame intensity immediately. Wok cooking, searing, and char-broiling all benefit from direct flame.

For Ontario households that already have a gas line installed, running a gas stove is practical and the infrastructure cost is sunk. The main ongoing costs are your Enbridge bill and standard appliance maintenance. Most gas ranges last 15 to 20 years with normal use, and gas stoves and ranges come in a wide range of styles from basic coil-burner to professional-grade 6-burner models.

Where gas falls short

  • Gas lines cost $500 to $2,000+ to install new if you don’t already have one
  • Open flames release small amounts of combustion byproducts indoors – good ventilation is essential
  • Electronic ignition requires power – you may not be able to light the stove in an outage without a match
  • Cleaning around burner grates and caps is more involved than wiping a flat surface

Electric stoves: Advantages and trade-offs

Smooth-top electric stove burner glowing orange-red with pot
Modern smooth-top electric stoves are easier to clean and more energy-efficient than gas

Electric stoves have improved dramatically in the past decade. Smooth ceramic-glass tops offer a flush cooking surface that is genuinely easier to clean than a gas grate setup. Modern electric ranges heat relatively evenly and maintain consistent low temperatures better than gas burners, which can struggle to hold a true simmer without adjustment.

From an Ontario energy-cost standpoint, a household that does most cooking in the off-peak window (after 7 PM on weekdays, or anytime on weekends) can get their effective per-kWh rate down to $0.087. That makes the running cost advantage for electric even more pronounced.

Where electric falls short

  • Electric burners take longer to reach full heat than gas – typically 1 to 3 minutes from cold
  • If you cook on-peak (weekday 7 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM), your per-kWh rate nearly doubles compared to off-peak
  • Totally useless during a power outage
  • Glass-top surfaces can scratch if you use cast-iron cookware carelessly

The true cost comparison: What most articles miss

Most gas vs electric comparisons focus only on the per-unit energy cost and ignore three factors that shift the real-world numbers significantly for Ontario homeowners.

1. The efficiency gap

Gas burners convert approximately 40 to 55% of their energy into useful heat for cooking. Electric radiant coil and ceramic-glass tops convert 70 to 80%. That means for every dollar of energy you pay, electric cooktops deliver more of it to your food. This partially explains why the lower per-unit electricity cost translates to meaningful savings over a year even with Ontario’s relatively high electricity rates.

2. The installation cost question

If you currently have a gas stove and are considering switching to electric (or vice versa), the installation cost changes the payback math completely. A gas line installation ranges from $500 to $2,000 depending on your home’s existing infrastructure. A standard 240V circuit for an electric stove typically costs $150 to $400 to install if you don’t already have one. At $40/year in running cost difference, it takes many years for the lower-running-cost option to pay back the switchover cost.

3. Your cooking timing and habits matter

Ontario’s time-of-use electricity pricing means when you cook matters as much as what you cook with. A household that cooks dinner on weekdays between 5 PM and 7 PM is paying on-peak rates ($0.179/kWh) – nearly double off-peak. If that describes your routine, the electric advantage shrinks and gas looks more competitive. Shift dinner prep to after 7 PM and the calculation reverses.

Infographic comparing gas and electric stove annual running costs in Ontario 2026
Gas vs electric stove cost comparison infographic – Ontario 2026

What about induction stoves?

Induction is worth a brief mention here. Induction cooktops are electric but use electromagnetic energy to heat the pot directly, achieving 85 to 90% efficiency – the highest of any cooktop type. They are faster than both gas and traditional electric, and they don’t heat the surrounding surface (safer for households with young children). The trade-offs are higher upfront cost ($800 to $2,500 for a range) and the need for induction-compatible cookware (magnetic stainless steel or cast iron).

If you’re starting fresh in Ontario and want the lowest possible running cost with the most precise heat control, induction is worth considering. If you already have a functioning gas setup and mainly want to weigh ongoing costs, the gas vs electric comparison above is more relevant to your decision.

Download the cost comparison guide

We’ve put together a printable PDF summary of the Ontario gas vs electric stove cost comparison, including a rate table, annual cost estimates, and the key questions to ask before you buy. Download it free:

Download: Gas vs Electric Stove Ontario Cost Guide 2026 (PDF)

Frequently asked questions

Is a gas stove cheaper to run than an electric stove in Ontario?+

Not necessarily in Ontario. While natural gas is cheaper per unit of energy than electricity in dollar-per-joule terms, electric stoves are significantly more efficient (70 to 80% vs 40 to 55% for gas). When you account for Ontario’s electricity time-of-use rates and cook primarily in off-peak hours, an electric stove can cost $45 to $65 per year to run for cooking – compared to $80 to $110 for gas. The difference narrows or reverses if you cook frequently during on-peak hours when electricity prices nearly double. Your actual bill depends heavily on your cooking schedule.

What are current natural gas rates in Ontario for 2026?+

Natural gas rates in Ontario are set by Enbridge Gas and the Ontario Energy Board. In 2026, the all-in cost for residential customers is approximately $0.40 to $0.50 per cubic metre, combining the commodity rate (what you pay for the gas itself), the distribution charge (Enbridge’s delivery fee), and regulatory charges. Your exact rate depends on your rate class and consumption level. Rates are reviewed periodically – always check your most recent Enbridge bill or the OEB’s rate comparison portal for the current approved rates in your area.

Should I switch from gas to electric stove in Ontario?+

It depends on your situation. If you already have a working gas range and a gas line, the running cost savings from switching to electric are unlikely to offset the cost of installing a 240V circuit and buying a new appliance – that payback period can exceed 10 years. However, if your gas range is aging and you’re replacing it anyway, and your electrical panel can handle a 240V circuit, switching to electric (especially induction) offers lower running costs and a simpler maintenance picture going forward. Always get an electrician’s quote before budgeting a switchover.

Can I use a gas stove during a power outage in Ontario?+

Many modern gas ranges use electronic ignition, which requires electricity to spark the burner. During a power outage, the electronic igniter won’t work – but the gas supply itself is unaffected. Most gas ranges can still be lit manually using a long match or lighter held near the burner while turning the knob to the lowest setting. Always check your stove’s manual to confirm it supports manual lighting before attempting this. Electric stoves, including induction models, are completely non-functional during a power outage since they rely entirely on electricity.

How long do gas and electric stoves typically last?+

According to appliance industry data, gas ranges average 15 to 20 years of useful life with normal maintenance. Electric ranges (radiant and smooth-top) typically last 13 to 18 years. Induction ranges are relatively newer technology but early data suggests similar or better longevity than traditional electric. In practice, the main failure points on a gas range are the igniter and control valve – relatively inexpensive repairs. On electric smooth-tops, a cracked glass surface is the most common costly issue and can run $300 to $600 to replace, which sometimes makes replacement more economical than repair.

A note on these cost figures

Disclaimer: This article is for general guidance only. Energy rates change regularly and individual consumption varies based on cooking habits, appliance model, and home size. This is not energy or financial advice. Always confirm current rates with Enbridge Gas and your local electricity utility before making purchasing decisions. Express Appliances is not liable for any outcome from actions taken based on this content. Consult a licensed electrician or gas fitter for installation work.

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