Otis Singleton
Electric furnaces in Factorio are a highly debated topic among the game's community. Some players consider them to be an essential upgrade, while others believe they are not worth the investment. The primary advantage of electric furnaces is their use of electricity, which eliminates the need for a separate fuelling system, and their compatibility with modules, which can enhance their performance. However, they consume a significant amount of power and are larger in size, making the transition from traditional furnaces challenging. The decision to adopt electric furnaces depends on various factors, including the player's progress in the game, their power generation methods, and their specific goals and preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Space | Electric furnaces are 3x3 while stone and steel furnaces are 2x2 |
| Fuel | Electric furnaces don't need to be fuelled directly |
| Power Consumption | Electric furnaces consume a lot of power |
| Pollution | Electric furnaces produce less pollution than steel furnaces |
| Modules | Electric furnaces have slots for modules, which can be beneficial if used in large quantities |
| Steel Production | Electric furnaces are not more productive than steel furnaces |
| Cost | Electric furnaces are more expensive than steel furnaces |
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What You'll Learn
Electric furnaces are worth it if you're not using boilers
Electric furnaces in Factorio are worth it if you're not using boilers. Electric furnaces are more space-efficient than steel furnaces, and they don't require a second logistical system for coal, which can be a waste of space in the early game. They also don't need fuel, which is a huge benefit as it can be annoying to route coal to your furnace arrays.
However, electric furnaces consume a lot of power and take up more space, so they're not ideal if you're struggling to produce steel. If you're still using boilers, electric furnaces can actually be worse than steel furnaces. This is because boilers have an efficiency of only 50%, meaning they burn twice the fuel to do the same job as a steel furnace. However, some players argue that the fuel is a minor logistical issue and that a train carrying coal to a central smelting location is a non-issue.
Electric furnaces really come into their own when you're ready to start using modules and don't care about power constraints. They have slots for modules, which can make a big difference if you're making them in large quantities. Efficiency modules can reduce pollution and save fuel, but they need to be made for every single electric furnace, which will cost a lot of resources. If you're trying to streamline or scale up your base, electric furnaces are the way to go, but they need some help with modules or non-boiler energy sources.
If you're playing for a long time and your base is growing, it's more worthwhile to switch to electric furnaces, especially if you also switch to nuclear or solar power. Nuclear power is cheaper than a watt saved by an efficiency module in an electric furnace, and it causes negligible pollution.
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Electric furnaces are more space-efficient
Electric furnaces are also more space-efficient because they do not need to be fuelled. Coal-powered furnaces require coal to be shipped to them, which takes up space. Electric furnaces, on the other hand, can be powered by solar panels, which do not take up extra space. This also means that players do not have to route fuel to every single furnace, which can be annoying.
The space efficiency of electric furnaces is further improved by their compatibility with modules. Modules can be inserted into electric furnaces to improve their performance. For example, efficiency modules can be used to reduce pollution. Productivity modules can also be used to help maintain ores. This means that electric furnaces are more efficient in terms of space because they can do more in the same amount of space as a coal-powered furnace.
However, it is important to note that electric furnaces are not always the most space-efficient option. If a player is still using boilers and no modules, then electric furnaces may be worse. In this case, steel furnaces are smaller and more fuel-efficient. Additionally, electric furnaces may not be easily swapped out for coal-powered ones due to their larger size.
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Electric furnaces are better for the mid-to-end game
Electric furnaces in Factorio are worth considering for the mid-to-end game. While they do have a significant power consumption, they offer several advantages that can streamline your base and scale up your operations. Firstly, electric furnaces eliminate the need for a separate logistical system for coal, freeing up space and simplifying your setup. This is especially beneficial if routing coal to your furnace arrays becomes cumbersome.
Another advantage of electric furnaces is their compatibility with modules and beacons. Modules can enhance the performance of electric furnaces, making them more efficient and productive. For example, efficiency modules can reduce pollution and fuel consumption, while productivity modules can improve ore maintenance. Additionally, electric furnaces can be powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or nuclear power, reducing your reliance on finite resources like coal.
The larger size of electric furnaces (3x3 compared to 2x2 for stone and steel furnaces) can be a drawback when it comes to replacing existing furnaces. However, this larger size also means that electric furnaces have slots for modules, which can be advantageous when producing them in large quantities. The mid-game electric furnace design typically involves adding two efficiency 1 modules to each furnace, resulting in a 14% fuel saving and a significant reduction in pollution compared to steel furnaces.
While electric furnaces may not be necessary for a speedrun or a short-term game, they become more valuable the longer you play and the more your base grows. If you're planning to build a massive nuclear plant or a megabase, electric furnaces can be a worthwhile investment, especially when combined with either nuclear or solar power. Ultimately, the decision to switch to electric furnaces depends on your specific circumstances and preferences, but they can be a powerful tool for mid-to-end game optimisation in Factorio.
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Electric furnaces are more environmentally friendly
Electric furnaces in Factorio are worth having if you are concerned about the environmental impact of your gameplay. While they do consume a lot of power, they are more environmentally friendly than steel or coal-powered furnaces.
Firstly, electric furnaces do not directly require fuel, which is a significant improvement. Not needing to rely on coal means you don't have to ship it everywhere, which can be a logistical challenge. This also saves space, as you don't need a second logistical system for coal, which is necessary for early-game steel and coal-powered furnaces.
Secondly, electric furnaces produce less pollution. Even when powered by boilers and steam engines, electric furnaces produce less pollution per unit of ore smelted. This is because boilers have an efficiency of only 50%, whereas steel furnaces convert fuel into energy at 100% efficiency. However, with the addition of solar panels or nuclear power, electric furnaces become even more environmentally friendly, as these power sources produce negligible pollution.
Furthermore, electric furnaces are more efficient when used with modules. Efficiency modules can be added to each furnace to reduce pollution and fuel consumption. For example, two efficiency 1 modules in each furnace can raise the price but offer a 14% fuel saving and a 50% reduction in pollution.
In summary, electric furnaces are worth having in Factorio if you are concerned about the environment. They reduce the need for coal, save space, and produce less pollution, especially when paired with renewable energy sources.
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Electric furnaces are more powerful
Electric furnaces in Factorio are worth having if you are trying to streamline a base or scale up. They are more powerful than stone and steel furnaces, but they also consume a lot of power and take up more space. They are also more expensive. However, they don't need to be fuelled, which is a benefit as it can be annoying to route coal to your furnace arrays. They are also more environmentally friendly, producing less pollution than steel furnaces.
Electric furnaces are also useful if you are using modules and beacons, as they can be more productive in large quantities. They are also useful if you are using solar or nuclear power, rather than boilers, as they consume a lot of electricity. If you are still using boilers, electric furnaces are not worth it, as they have the same crafting speed as steel furnaces but take up more space.
If you are playing for a long time and want to build a large base, it is worth switching to electric furnaces. They are also worth it if you are trying to reduce the pollution in your game. However, if you are just trying to get a rocket up, they are not worth the upgrade.
Overall, electric furnaces are more powerful than stone and steel furnaces, but they require a lot of power and resources to run effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric furnaces are worth having in Factorio if you are using something other than boilers to generate electricity, such as nuclear or solar power. They are also worth it if you are trying to streamline your base or scale up.
Electric furnaces are more space-efficient than steel or stone furnaces and do not require coal to operate. They also produce less pollution.
Electric furnaces consume a lot of power and take up more space than stone or steel furnaces, making it difficult to switch them out. They are also more expensive.
Electric furnaces produce less pollution per unit of ore smelted than steel furnaces. However, when powered by boilers, electric furnaces can actually be less environmentally friendly due to the additional pollution generated during power generation.
