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One of the factors you have to consider when shopping for a new stove is the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) it has. BTUs represent the cooking power a gas range or an oven has. Learning about BTUs can help you make an informed decision on which stove to buy.
Usually, residential gas stoves come with a heat output of between 400-18000 BTUs. Lower flames tend to give lower output, while vice versa is also true. So how many BTUs do I need for a gas range? Continue reading to answer that.
What Is A BTU and Why Does It Matter?
A British Thermal Unit or BTU measures energy. It shows the amount of heat output generated by a stove burner. Technically, it’ll take 1 BTU to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. So when someone asks about BTUs in a range, they simply want to know whether the burner is powerful and if it can deliver heat rapidly. BTUs in gas ranges are measured per hour. These units matter as they’ll affect your cooking time as well as style. For instance, you will need a gas range with higher BTUs if you want to do certain cooking tasks faster, like boiling water. And you’ll need a lower stove that offers lower BTUs for simmering and other non-immersive tasks.
How Many BTUs Do I Need for My Gas Range?
Most people think that the higher the BTUs, the better. However, that is not entirely true. How hot the burner gets will affect your cooking time. However, BTUs aren’t the only factors that influence cooking performance. Others like heat transfer also affect your cooking.
Now, while stoves with high BTUs have their disadvantages, that doesn’t mean low heat burners are all perfect. Gas ranges with low BTUs allow low heat cooking, which can take too much time. However, at times you also need to cook faster with high heat. In that case, it’s best to opt for gas ranges that offer both low BTUs and high BTUs in one model. These will allow you to cook several meals conveniently.
Various factors affect the cooking power you need. Most people seem content with a gas range with a power burner producing 120000 BTUs or more, that’s paired with two medium-strength burners and a simmering burner.
But, if you cook a lot of meals that require high heat, like frying or searing, you may need more power. Thankfully, with the many available models, you can get one that works for your cooking needs. Some burners reach as high as 25,000 BTUs, but these are best suited for commercial use. We advise you to be realistic about your cooking practices when deciding.
Why Does the Size of the Burner Make a Difference?
Gas ranges have different burner sizes, from small to large. These burners give different heat power, with large burners producing more BTUs per hour.
The burner size will influence your cooking time. But what you are cooking will determine the burner size to use. For instance, those steaming liquids in a small pot need a large burner that will prevent the flames from licking up the pot’s sides. On the other hand, choose a small burner for tasks that require a small skillet. There’s also the all-purpose medium burner that you can use for various things.
Always ensure that the size of the cookware you use matches the diameter of the flame for heat efficiency. Otherwise, the heat could go into the room rather than heating the contents of the cookware.
What is the best type of gas range for a kitchen?
The best gas range for your kitchen will depend on various factors. These include;
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The Space You Have
Please find out how much space you have for your new gas range before you shop for it. It’s important that you measure the area where your unit will sit in terms of width, length, and height. Gas ranges usually measure from 30- 36 inches. Therefore, having these measurements will help you choose the right size for your kitchen.
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How Big Your Family Is
A big family will require a large gas range compared to a small family. If there are only three people, you may be better with a smaller 4 burner unit. However, if the number of people is more than this or you do a lot of cooking, you may need a large unit with more burners.
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Your Budget
Gas ranges are available at different prices, depending on the features included. It is thus wise that you have a budget when looking for one. Bear in mind that pricey models aren’t necessarily the best. We recommend buying the best model that you can afford.
When Should I Consider Getting an Electric Range Instead?
You may want to buy an electric range if you need more heat and a model that is easy to clean. This range is also a safer option compared to gas and more convenient to install. Also, when it comes to the oven, the electric range offers more heat distribution as it has a fan. Therefore, if you do a lot of baking, you may want to switch to an electric model.
Final Words
We hope we have helped you answer, how many BTUs do I need for a gas range? If you need help choosing a stove brand, we recommend checking out the Thor gas range. The company has various models that suit different cooking styles, preferences, and budgets.
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