The gas-vs-electric decision usually gets made once, at purchase time — but once a range is in service, the two types fail in different places, cost different amounts to keep running, and need different parts on hand. Here's what actually differs once you're past the buying decision.
Where gas ranges fail
Gas ranges concentrate their wear in the ignition and gas-delivery path: burner heads that clog or corrode, igniters that weaken with age, pilot assemblies that won't stay lit, and gas valves and pressure regulators that stick or leak. Most of these are inexpensive, fast-swap parts — see burners & igniters and control valves. The main safety consideration is that gas-path work (valves, regulators, connections) should go to a licensed technician.
Where electric ranges fail
Electric ranges instead concentrate wear in the electrical path: heating elements that crack or short internally, thermostats and control boards that drift or fail, and range receptacles — the internal socket an element plugs into — which wear out from repeated heat cycling and are a common reason a brand-new replacement element fails again within days. Electric ranges have no pilot or igniter to maintain, but their control electronics can be pricier to replace than a gas burner's mechanical parts.
Repair cost and lead time, in practice
Gas range repairs tend to be cheaper per incident (igniters and burner heads are usually inexpensive) but happen more often, since there are more moving mechanical parts exposed to heat and grease. Electric range repairs happen less often but individual components — control boards especially — can cost more and occasionally need to be special-ordered. Neither type is categorically cheaper to own; the difference shows up in which parts you end up keeping on hand.
What to keep as spares either way
For gas ranges: a spare igniter and a burner head for your exact model. For electric ranges: a spare heating element anda receptacle kit — replacing only the element when the receptacle is also worn is the single most common repeat-failure mistake we see. Either way, record your range's full model and serial number from the data plate before you order — see our FAQ for how compatibility checks work, and our guide to sourcing reliable parts for what to check before buying from any supplier.