How do I choose between gas and electric ranges for my NB kitchen?

For most New Brunswick kitchens, an electric range is the practical and cost-effective choice, primarily because many NB homes do not have natural gas service, and the cost of installing a propane line can add significantly to your renovation budget. Gas ranges offer superior cooking performance for serious cooks, but the infrastructure requirements and safety considerations deserve careful thought.

New Brunswick has limited natural gas availability compared to other Canadian provinces. While Enbridge services parts of the Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John corridors, many NB homes — particularly in rural areas — rely entirely on electricity or heating oil. If your home does not already have a natural gas connection, running a new gas line to your kitchen involves significant cost: $2,000 to $5,000 or more depending on distance from the meter and complexity of routing through walls and floors. This work must be performed by a licensed gas fitter and requires a permit and inspection under New Brunswick regulations.

Propane is an alternative for homeowners outside natural gas service areas. Many NB homes already have propane for heating or hot water, and extending a propane line to the kitchen is more feasible — typically $500 to $1,500 if you already have a propane tank and regulator. However, propane ranges require specific orifice jets (different from natural gas), and fuel costs are higher than natural gas.

Comparing Performance and Cost

Gas ranges ($800 to $3,000 for residential models) offer instant heat control, visible flame feedback, and the ability to char and sear at very high temperatures. Professional and serious home cooks generally prefer gas for its responsiveness. However, gas ranges produce combustion byproducts including moisture, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide — making a properly vented range hood absolutely essential, not optional.

Electric ranges ($600 to $2,500) come in two main types: traditional coil or smooth-top radiant, and induction. Smooth-top electric ranges are the most common in NB kitchens — easy to clean, consistent heat, and no gas infrastructure needed. Induction ranges ($1,200 to $3,500) use electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly, offering gas-like responsiveness with the convenience of electric. Induction is faster, more energy-efficient, and produces less ambient heat in the kitchen, but requires magnetic-compatible cookware (cast iron and most stainless steel work; aluminum and copper do not).

From a cost-of-operation perspective, electric ranges are generally cheaper to run in New Brunswick, where NB Power electricity rates are moderate compared to other provinces. Gas ranges cost slightly more to operate, especially on propane.

For your renovation planning, remember that electric ranges require a dedicated 240-volt, 40 or 50-amp circuit. If you are upgrading from a gas range to electric or vice versa, your electrician or gas fitter will need to install the appropriate connection, which should be coordinated during the rough-in phase. Either way, this work requires a permit and inspection in New Brunswick. Also ensure your range hood vents to the exterior — this is critical in NB's humid climate regardless of whether you choose gas or electric, as cooking generates significant moisture that promotes mold growth behind cabinets if not properly exhausted.

---

Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Thirty Four Renovations
• Gionetterenovations