New ovens have added insulation and tightly sealed doors to cut down on energy. Self-cleaning models use much less energy because of higher insulation levels. However, I wouldn’t recommend using the self-cleaning option more than once per month or else you will be using more energy than you would be saving from the added insulation.

There are many new types of burners on the market for electric cook tops. These include: solid disk elements, halogen, radiant elements under glass, and induction elements.

Radiant and solid disk elements under glass are easier to clean, but they use more energy by taking longer to heat. It can seem rather long to boil a pot of water if you’re not the patient type. Induction and halogen elements are more energy efficient than conventional electric coil elements. Just know that aluminum cookware does not work with induction elements and they require only iron or steel pots and pans.

Unlike most electric cookers, halogen elements offer the power and speed of gas cookers with all the convenience that electric cookers offer. They generate heat with a bright burst of red light. The heat travels out of the lamp at the speed of light and instantly warms the specially designed glass cooktop above it (designed to withstand instant bursts of heat). Halogen and other electric cook tops are also better for safety over gas cook tops. Any gas leak in a home can be very dangerous. They are great for cooking, but safety is something to think about as well.

So whether you are going for convenience, style, efficiency, you have to decide which type of stove cook top to buy. So weigh the pros and cons of each and happy hunting!