I was just checking Consumer Reports about best gas ranges, and the very first sentence that came up was that electric ranges actually perform better but most people prefer gas because of the visceral feel of lighting that gas.

I just posted an hour or two ago about my search for a gas range anywhere from $500-1500. I really want something easy to clean and that looks nice (stainless or stainless with black). I HAD wanted gas with an electric starter by-pass in case of an extended power outage, but we do have a gas grill outside which I suppose we could use instead if things were really bad (and they never have been in the 12 years we've lived here).

I never considered electric because I was brought up with my mother always saying that electric stoves were horrible. But now I'm curious: what do you all think about electric vs. gas?

Can I assume you can't use a Lodge griddle on top of a smooth-top electric stove? And can you tell when a burner is on? Afraid of accidental burns.