How did illuminating gas change household cooking in England and the United States?

By the mid-19th century, the adoption of illuminating gas—originally developed for lighting—transformed household cooking in England and the United States by facilitating the evolution of the modern gas range.123

Before this transition, cooking was primarily performed on stoves that burned wood, charcoal, or coal, which were often inefficient and radiated excessive heat, making kitchens uncomfortably hot. As illuminating gas became available for domestic use by 1840 in England and 1860 in the United States, it provided a new, more controllable fuel source for food preparation.41

This shift led to the development of specialized gas cookers, which gradually replaced traditional solid-fuel stoves. These early gas appliances laid the groundwork for modern ranges, eventually incorporating features such as temperature-controlled ovens and automated timers. By moving away from the hearth and solid-fuel combustion, the introduction of gas helped initiate a "housework revolution," making cooking more efficient and setting the stage for the automated kitchen appliances of the 20th century.1