Gas stoves have set the news afire recently, thanks to a comment from Richard Trumka, Jr., a commissioner for the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), who said gas stoves could face more regulation, including bans.
The crackdown on gas stoves stems from environmental and health concerns, and it’s not the first time the appliances have been targeted as many states and cities have passed their own laws on gas-powered appliances. For example, in 2021, New York City passed a bill that bans gas in new construction starting in 2024 for buildings under seven stories and continuing in 2027 for buildings above seven stories. This bill was passed in an effort to reduce carbon emissions, as according to the UN, buildings are responsible for about 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The more recent uproar over the possibility of a federal ban on gas stoves is centered around health, as officials argue the stoves emit pollutants that can cause asthma and other respiratory issues, especially in children.
Any federal bans on gas stoves are still a ways off, but if future ones are implemented, it will be on new stoves rather than existing ones. At the very least, the CPSC is seriously considering a ban as it is researching the issue and will call for public comments on the matter this spring.
So what does this all mean for your bar/restaurant? A switch to electric is likely in the cards, at some point, for your establishment. Electric stoves have a mixed reputation in the hospitality industry, so we spoke with Middleby Corporation, which offers equipment, beverage solutions, and advanced technologies for commercial kitchens, about the benefits of going electric.
Efficiency. “When we talk electric, we are focused on electric in the induction format,” says David Shave, senior vice president, Global Sales and Distribution, Middleby. “Induction is 94% efficient versus gas at around 34% efficient, meaning you are getting 60% more energy into the pan or cooking device versus into the environment. Improving cooking speeds and reducing energy recapture time leads to increased product cooking yields.”
HVAC. Reducing the energy escaping into the environment can also have a big effect on an establishment’s HVAC. “With the 94% efficiency with induction, this reduces the amount of heat put into the operation and therefore significantly reduces the amount of HVAC required to keep the facility cool,” explains Shave. “This could result in thousands of dollars of savings. In addition, rebate programs for induction are in place and expanding so the cost of entry for the equipment is being greatly reduced.”
Connected Equipment. Electric stoves and other equipment also fit into the trend of connected equipment. “But as an operator, you do not want to have to manage multiple platforms, so Middleby can offer Open Kitchen, which can connect different equipment, including refrigeration and HVAC as well as cooking equipment. It provides a single dashboard and information portal in order to gather information and push information to equipment, such as new menu settings to support limited-time offers. Having this data can assist in having a more efficient operation and save many thousands of dollars, whereas previously an operator would not have the information to make such informed decisions about the equipment.”
See it in Person. If you’re looking to check out electric stoves and other pieces of equipment in person, Middleby will be partnering with the Bar & Restaurant Expo as the Official 2023 Kitchen Equipment Sponsor of the Food & Beverage Innovation Center. The brand-new Kitchen Equipment Showcase will display and demonstrate the capabilities of a state-of-the-art kitchen, showcasing the newest equipment innovations paired with in-demand electric technology, including:
- CookTek induction plancha
- CookTek Double Hob units
- EVO Ventless teppan grill
- Blodgett Ventless Combi
- TurboChef Plexor Automated cooking system
Shave recommends operators especially consider equipment with the new Middleby One-Touch control system. “We have implemented new controls on our equipment that are consistent in their format and therefore make training and the operation simpler to implement,” he says.
Plan to Attend or Participate in Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 27-29, 2023
To learn about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry, plan to attend Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 27-29, 2023 in Las Vegas. Visit BarandRestaurantExpo.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at Bar & Restaurant Expo, contact:
Veronica Gonnello (for companies A to G) e: [email protected] p: 212-895-8244
Tim Schultz (for companies H to Q) e: [email protected] p: (917) 258-8589
Fadi Alsayegh (for companies R to Z) e: [email protected] p: 917-258-5174
Also, be sure to follow Bar & Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest industry news and trends.