Why Are Gas Stoves Being Discontinued in South America?

Gas stoves have long been a staple in kitchens across South America, but in recent years, they’ve become the center of a growing debate over health, climate, and policy. From national regulations to local pilot programs, it’s clear that gas stove availability is changing—and understanding why gas stoves are being discontinued can help you make informed choices for your home.

One of the primary reasons gas stoves are being phased out is mounting evidence of their impact on indoor air quality. Studies by the South American Community Energy Commission (CECS) and national institutions like Brazil’s Institute of the Environment and Renewable Energy (IBAMA) have linked gas stove emissions to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde in kitchens. This issue is particularly acute in South America, where many households have small, poorly ventilated kitchens—exacerbating the concentration of pollutants and amplifying health risks.

These toxins can trigger asthma attacks, especially in children and elderly family members, and contribute to chronic respiratory issues over time. According to research referenced by the Latin American Federation of Public Health Associations (ALASPA), children living in homes with gas stoves have a nearly 35% higher risk of developing asthma. For families across the region, this data has made the health tradeoffs of gas cooking harder to ignore, and it’s a top reason many are asking, “Should I get rid of my gas stove?"

Beyond health, gas stoves are being discontinued as part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels—an urgent priority for South American nations grappling with climate commitments and energy security challenges. Many countries in the region depend heavily on imported natural gas, leading to volatile energy prices that burden households and businesses. As a result, electrification of home appliances has emerged as a dual solution: cutting greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing energy access.

Natural gas, the fuel source for these stoves, is a major contributor to climate change—both from combustion and methane leaks in supply lines. Phasing out gas stoves aligns with key regional climate goals, such as Brazil’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and Argentina’s national methane reduction plan. Several countries have already implemented targeted policies:

• Chile: Banned gas hookups in most new residential construction starting in 2024, as part of its national decarbonization strategy.
• Colombia: Offers tax incentives and subsidies for buildings that adopt all-electric kitchens, supporting its broader building decarbonization agenda.
• Brazil: Launched a kitchen electrification pilot program in Rio de Janeiro in 2023, providing grants to low-income households to replace gas stoves with electric alternatives.

These policies aren’t just about stoves; they’re part of a larger plan to decarbonize buildings and leverage South America’s abundant renewable energy resources—making the phase-out of gas stoves a logical step toward sustainability.

Electric alternatives are rapidly gaining traction across South America, with induction stoves leading the charge as the preferred replacement for gas stoves. Induction technology uses magnetic fields to heat cookware directly, offering faster cooking times, higher energy efficiency, and enhanced safety compared to both gas and traditional electric stoves. Unlike gas, induction stoves produce no harmful emissions—making them ideal for the region’s small kitchen spaces—and their precise temperature control has won over professional chefs who once favored gas.

The South American market for electric stoves is evolving to meet local needs:

• Local brands (such as Brazil’s Brastemp and Argentina’s Mabe) offer affordable, energy-efficient induction models tailored to regional voltage standards and cooking habits.
• Imported high-end induction stoves hold a niche market share in urban centers like São Paulo and Santiago, appealing to homeowners seeking premium features.
• Governments are supporting adoption through targeted programs: Argentina’s “Appliance Renewal" initiative provides subsidies for trading in gas stoves for induction or electric models, while Peru’s “Energy for All" program offers low-interest loans for low-income households to electrify their kitchens.

For countries with abundant natural gas resources, such as Venezuela, hybrid gas-electric stoves have emerged as a practical transitional option—allowing households to gradually shift toward electrification while leveraging existing fuel supplies. Portable induction cooktops also offer a low-commitment way to test the technology, making the switch less daunting for hesitant consumers.

Whether you can still purchase a gas stove depends on your country of residence. While policies like Chile’s 2024 ban only restrict gas hookups in new construction, existing homes in most South American nations can still use and replace gas stoves for now. However, the regulatory landscape is shifting: the Argentine National Energy Regulatory Authority (ENRE) has proposed regional standards that could limit gas stove sales within the next decade, while the CECS is exploring continent-wide guidelines to align electrification efforts.

For homeowners, this means now is a strategic time to evaluate options. Those in countries with low electricity prices (such as Chile and Uruguay, where hydropower and wind energy keep costs stable) may find immediate savings with electric alternatives. In nations where natural gas remains affordable (like Bolivia), installing a high-quality, externally vented range hood can reduce indoor pollution while extending the usability of existing gas stoves.

Deciding to replace your gas stove is a personal choice, but it’s worth weighing the long-term costs and benefits through a South American lens. Electric stoves often have lower operating costs in regions with abundant renewable energy, as electricity prices are less vulnerable to global market fluctuations than imported natural gas. Additionally, homes with all-electric kitchens are becoming more attractive to buyers in major cities—São Paulo and Santiago’s luxury real estate markets now frequently highlight “fully electrified kitchens" as a key selling point, boosting resale values.

If you’re not ready to make a full switch, simple upgrades can mitigate risks: installing a range hood with outdoor venting, opening windows while cooking, and scheduling regular maintenance of gas stoves to prevent leaks. For families with children or respiratory conditions, however, the health benefits of switching to induction or electric stoves may outweigh the upfront costs—especially with government subsidies and financing options available.

Gas stoves aren’t disappearing overnight, but the trend toward electrification is clear. As South America leverages its renewable energy advantages, tightens climate policies, and prioritizes public health, electric and induction stoves are becoming the new standard for kitchens. Whether you’re building a new home or updating your current one, understanding why gas stoves are being discontinued will help you choose a stove that fits your lifestyle, budget, and the region’s sustainable future.