The End of Gas Stoves?

You might have missed it, but tucked away in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State speech was a proposal that, if passed, could change the way we cook in our homes and restaurants forever. The proposal aims to outlaw new gas stoves by the end of the decade, urging people to switch to electric. But, this ban could have serious consequences, especially for those who rely on gas stoves during power outages.

The proposal, which is part of the “New York Housing Compact,” would ban the sale of gas stoves, hot water heaters, and oil furnaces in both new home and commercial construction by 2030. This would mean that from 2025, all new small buildings would have to be zero-emission and by 2028, all large buildings.

While the intentions behind this proposal may be noble, the impact it could have on individuals and businesses must be thoroughly evaluated before any decisions are made. The ability to cook and heat homes during power outages must be taken into account and alternative solutions should be considered. For many, especially for those who live in rural areas or have experienced natural disasters, gas stoves are a vital source of heat and cooking.

Restaurant owners and chefs have also expressed their concerns with this proposal. They argue that electric stoves simply cannot replicate the same level of precision and control that gas stoves can provide. This could mean that dishes that would normally take 40–50 minutes to cook, could now take up to 2 hours.