Gas vs induction cooktops: cooking, running costs and installation compared

Induction cooktops have moved from high-end kitchens into the mainstream, and many people replacing a gas range now wonder whether to switch. Here is how the two compare on cooking, running costs, installation and maintenance.

How they work

A gas burner heats the pan with an open flame; much of the heat escapes around the sides of the pan into the kitchen. An induction cooktop uses an electromagnetic field to heat the pan directly, so the glass surface itself only gets warm from contact with the hot pan.

Comparison

Factor	Gas / Induction
Heat-up speed	Fast / very fast — induction boils water noticeably quicker
Control	Visible flame, instant response / precise, instant electronic control
Energy efficiency	Lower; much of the heat is lost / higher; most energy goes into the pan
Kitchen heat	Warms the kitchen / keeps the kitchen cooler
Indoor air	Combustion by-products; ventilation recommended / no combustion
Cleaning	Grates and burners / flat glass, spills do not bake on
Cookware	Any / must be magnetic (cast iron, most stainless steel)
Power cuts	Burners can usually be lit manually / will not work

Installation considerations

• Induction needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit, typically 40 or 50 amps for a full-size range. If your kitchen currently has only a gas line and a 120-volt outlet, budget for an electrician.
• Switching from gas means capping the gas line properly.
• Check that your existing cookware works by testing it with a magnet.

Reliability and repairs

Gas burners are mechanically simple; the most common repairs are igniters, spark modules and burner valves. Induction cooktops rely on electronics: induction coils, power boards and touch controls. They have no burners to clog, but a failed power board can be expensive. A cracked glass top is a significant repair on both glass-top gas and induction models, so avoid dropping heavy pans.

Which should you choose?

• Choose induction if you value speed, precise control, easy cleaning and a cooler kitchen, and you have (or can add) the electrical capacity.
• Stay with gas if you cook with woks and charring techniques, frequently lose power, or the cost of an electrical upgrade is prohibitive.

Whichever you choose, read the installation manual carefully and keep the ventilation hood in good working order. For other buying decisions, see our guide to whether smart appliances are worth it.