What Are The Differences Between Electric And Gas Tandoors? | Very popular on the market, especially in recent years, electric and gas tandoors are designed with features and functions that make their use versatile and practical, even for the less experienced.
The problem for most consumers is to choose between the two types, since both perform the same function but with sometimes different results.
How an electric tandoor works?
The electric tandoor can be used both outdoors and inside an apartment, proving also suitable for those who do not have a garden or large open spaces.
Its operation is quite simple, when the tandoor is turned on the grill generates intense radiant heat, and the temperature can be adjusted via a thermostat.
The heating element is built into the cooking surface or just below it. Many electric tandoors are equipped with a drip pan under the heating element, which is used to collect the juices generated during grilling.
The offer of electric tandoors is quite wide, because it includes models of different powers, sizes and structures, in order to satisfy the most disparate needs. In particular, there are electric tandoors equipped with feet, screen and complete with height-adjustable grids, or more compact table versions.
How a gas tandoor works?
Can be used with LPG or (albeit more rarely) methane cylinders, gas tandoors reach a greater heat output than electric grills, sometimes even higher than that of common gas stoves.
Typically, these types of tandoors feature a solid structure made from high-temperature resistant materials, as well as metal legs with wheels for easy transport.
The hob, which can vary in size, is usually made of steel and more rarely of cast iron. In most cases there is a lid that can be closed if necessary to perform different types of cooking, both direct and indirect.
Depending on the model, gas tandoors can have a variable number of burners. The temperature can be adjusted as needed, so as to create areas that are warmer than others and cook different foods simultaneously.
Pros and cons of electric and gas tandoors
To evaluate which tandoor is best according to your needs, you need to consider a number of factors such as heat output, usability, maintenance and price. Both electric and gas tandoors can cook different foods but with different results.
Power
The electric tandoor has an adjustable power, in most cases, through a thermostat. After switching on, a preheating phase follows, after which the actual cooking can begin.
Considering the thermal power that is reached, lower than that of a gas tandoor, the electric model is more suitable for the preparation of grilled vegetables, fish or thin meats that do not require very high temperatures.
On the other hand, the gas tandoor allows you to cook even thicker cuts, such as steaks, and in less time, thanks to the higher temperatures it can reach, and better heat retention.
Usability
The electric tandoor is quite versatile, it can work both inside and outside an apartment with a reduced dispersion of fumes and odors.
The gas tandoor, on the other hand, for safety reasons, can only be used outside the home, respecting, among other things, the necessary distances from trees and other flammable materials.
In terms of practicality of use, electric tandoors, in general, can be set according to three temperature levels, namely low, medium, and high, with a consumption starting from 800 watts and which can exceed 2500 watts.
Otherwise, a gas tandoor allows a modular and more precise temperature control, simply by turning the burner knobs.
Maintenance
The heating element of the electric tandoor cannot be immersed in water. It is obviously necessary to disconnect the cable from the electrical socket before carrying out any cleaning operations. The casings and wire of the unit should be checked periodically. The detachable parts, such as the drip pan or the grids, can be washed after use.
Even in the gas tandoor, the grill’s heating plates, and dripping pans can be removed from the unit, so that they can be washed in hot water after each use. The burners, gas fittings and grates must be checked regularly and promptly replaced in case of wear.
The tube that connects the gas cylinder to the burners also has an expiration date that indicates when it must be replaced.
Price
Electric tandoors, like gas tandoors, are available in a wide range of prices. The basic models start at around 1500 INR, up to over 6000 INR, while the top-of-the-range models can go up to over 10,000 INR. The cost is related to the size, quality of materials and accessories supplied.
Gas tandoors are more expensive than electric ones, with prices starting at 3000 INR for entry levels. For a good quality model, it is necessary to spend around 7000 INR, up to over 10000 INR if you choose more powerful or more equipped models.
Which one to choose?
There is no answer to be addressed indiscriminately to each consumer because the choice is closely linked to specific needs. We recommend an electric tandoor for those looking for ease of use and the possibility of grilling even in a small space, even indoors.
The gas tandoor, on the other hand, is more suitable for those who have the availability of an outdoor space and are used to preparing recipes that require much higher cooking temperatures, in the face of a greater economic outlay.
