Which is a more energy-efficient way to heat up two cups of water for tea: microwave oven, or gas stove?

Question

(Also assume that while on the stove the water is in a teapot.)

Answer 1

Gas stove.

Answer 2

The microwave oven is not more efficient than a gas stove. Both work at about 67% conversion efficiency. In the gas stove at least heat is used as heat,

The micro wave delivers the energy directly to the water molecules. The ceramic or plastic container does not get heated.

The gas stove wins overall.

Answer 3

I would like to know the answer too.  I would guess stove in a pot but I'm not sure.  The pot is nice because it will keep the water hot longer because of the insulation.

Answer 4

Microwave, for sure.  Shouldn't take more than a few minutes in the microwave.

Answer 5

On the gas stove. The energy from electricity comes from many different sources but primarily burning of gas, coal or other fossil fuels. Therefore there is significent energy losses in the generation and transmission of electricity.

Answer 6

Tough question.

It depends  upon how the electricity is generated and transported.

Assuming a coal-fired power plant, do you strike the inefficiency of the coal generator against the microwave?  I'm guessing here, but I bet over half the energy from coal generation is lost.  Natural gas heating water would do better than that.