When setting up a restaurant kitchen, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to choose gas or electric kitchen equipment. Both have distinct advantages and potential drawbacks depending on your menu, kitchen size, energy costs, and cooking style.

At Mariot Kitchen Equipment dubai, we've helped hundreds of restaurants across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE select the best appliances for their operations. Whether you're opening a small café or a full-scale restaurant, understanding the pros and cons of gas and electric kitchen equipment will help you build a kitchen that is efficient, cost-effective, and suited to your culinary goals.

In this guide, we break down the key differences between gas and  restaurant kitchen equipment—so you can make the right choice for your restaurant.

1. Initial Cost and Installation

Gas Equipment:

Gas-powered appliances often have a higher upfront cost in terms of installation. You may need:

  • Gas pipelines and regulators

  • Ventilation upgrades

  • Safety shut-off valves

However, once installed, gas appliances typically have a lower operating cost if gas prices in your area are favorable.

Electric Equipment:

Electric kitchen appliances are often easier to install—especially in modern buildings with existing high-voltage outlets.

Electric units generally require:

  • Less ventilation

  • No gas line permits

  • Faster plug-and-play setup

Verdict: If you're on a tight startup timeline, electric equipment offers a quicker and often cheaper installation process.

2. Operating Costs

Gas:

Gas is often cheaper than electricity in the long run, especially for high-usage appliances like:

  • Ranges

  • Fryers

  • Grills

  • Ovens

Restaurants with high-volume cooking tend to save significantly with gas equipment.

Electric:

Electricity tends to be more expensive per unit of energy consumed, especially during peak utility hours. However, modern energy-efficient appliances help reduce that cost.

Verdict: For high-volume kitchens, gas may offer better savings over time. But for smaller operations or lower energy needs, electric appliances can be more efficient.

3. Performance and Control

Gas Equipment:

  • Provides instant heat

  • Offers more visual control over flame size

  • Preferred by chefs who like responsive temperature changes

This makes gas ideal for fast-paced kitchens or menus that require precise temperature adjustments, like sautéing, stir-frying, or grilling.

Electric Equipment:

  • Heats more evenly

  • Offers better temperature precision in some models (especially ovens)

  • Some induction units provide faster boiling and better safety

Electric cooktops and ovens are particularly effective for baking, low-temperature cooking, and consistent results.

Verdict: For chefs who prefer tactile control and flame cooking, gas wins. For consistency, especially in baking and delicate cooking, electric is a better choice.

4. Safety and Ventilation

Gas:

Gas equipment requires:

  • Adequate ventilation

  • Fire suppression systems

  • Regular leak inspections

While safe when installed correctly, gas carries risks like leaks or improper combustion if poorly maintained.

Electric:

Electric appliances pose less risk in terms of open flames or leaks. Induction cookers, for example, only activate when cookware is detected.

Also, electric appliances generate less ambient heat, reducing stress on your HVAC systems.

Verdict: Electric equipment offers better safety and environmental control, especially in compact or indoor kitchens.

5. Maintenance and Durability

Gas:

  • Requires regular cleaning of burners, pilot lights, and gas lines

  • More moving parts, such as igniters and valves

  • Repairs may require certified gas technicians

Electric:

  • Fewer moving parts

  • Easier to clean smooth surfaces

  • Induction units are nearly maintenance-free

Verdict: Electric equipment generally offers lower maintenance costs and easier upkeep, especially for newer models.

6. Environmental Considerations

Gas:

  • Produces carbon emissions during combustion

  • Ventilation systems must expel heat and fumes

Electric:

  • Can be powered by renewable energy

  • No combustion = cleaner indoor air

  • More energy-efficient in newer models

Verdict: If sustainability is a core part of your brand, electric equipment is the greener choice.

7. Space and Kitchen Design Flexibility

Gas:

Gas equipment tends to be bulkier and requires strict ventilation and placement around fixed gas lines.

Electric:

Electric appliances, especially induction units, offer more modular and mobile options. These are perfect for:

  • Pop-up kitchens

  • Open kitchens

  • Tight spaces

Verdict: For flexible layouts or renovations, electric offers more design freedom.

8. Local Availability and Utility Costs in the UAE

In the UAE, both gas and electricity are widely available, but the choice often comes down to the type of establishment.

  • Hotels and fine dining restaurants often prefer gas for high performance.

  • Cafés, bakeries, and cloud kitchens lean toward electric for convenience and cleanliness.

At Mariot, we help calculate lifecycle costs for both gas and electric options based on your specific utility rates and kitchen demands.

Mixed Equipment Kitchens: The Best of Both Worlds

Many restaurants now use a combination of gas and electric equipment, depending on the task:

  • Gas for high-heat cooking (grills, burners)

  • Electric for holding, baking, and low-temp cooking

  • Induction for live stations or front-of-house setups

We offer hybrid equipment setups to match your menu and cooking strategy.

Why Mariot Kitchen Equipment Is Your Ideal Partner

At Mariot Kitchen Equipment, we supply both gas and electric commercial appliances from top international and regional brands. We help you evaluate:

  • Utility connections and consumption

  • Cooking methods and kitchen flow

  • Safety, ventilation, and space usage

  • Long-term ROI and maintenance plans

Our experienced team also provides custom stainless steel fabrication, layout planning, and technical guidance to ensure your restaurant is ready for smooth operations from Day One.

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Final Thoughts

When deciding between gas and electric kitchen equipment, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your menu, kitchen size, energy costs, and cooking style. With a clear understanding of both options—and expert guidance from Mariot Kitchen Equipment—you can make a confident, informed decision that powers your restaurant toward success.

Visit our showrooms or contact us today for a tailored equipment consultation that meets your budget, vision, and energy goals.