[Romulus]

Anybody who cares about his kitchen wants it to have a gas burning stove. Has anyone EVER seen a professional chef using an electric stove?

Anybody who wants hot water in the winter will be disappointed if he relies on electric power — unless he makes a very expensive conversion to an on-demand unit.

As for safety — get real. You must have never lived with gas appliances, to be possessed by such an irrational dread.

[DoodleBob]

I've had gas and electric and wood. Gas is most efficient and works during blackouts (thought you need a match since the electric starter won't work), electric is safer, and wood is rustic and cheapest.

I'm not swayed by "professionals" or impatience during cold weather. As for irrationality, we are talking about fifty-five cents a day for peace of mind - seems like a reasonable sum.