Induction vs. Gas Cooktops: Which Is Right for You and Your Home?

Should you buy an induction cooktop or a gas cooktop for your kitchen? While they use different fuel sources, both types feature quick heat startup and easy temperature regulation.

Induction cooktops tend to be more expensive than gas ones, yet their energy efficiency appeals to many homeowners. Although gas cooktops emit more indoor pollutants, they offer greater flexibility with cookware. Induction cooktops require special cookware. This guide provides a detailed comparison between induction and gas cooktops.

Induction vs. Gas: How They Work

An induction cooktop is a smooth-topped electric stove that transforms the pan into a heating coil, while a gas cooktop heats the pan directly with a flame.

• Induction cooktop: Draws household electricity to create a magnetic field in the coil area. Protected by a ceramic glass top, the electromagnetic current in the coil reacts with metallic cookware placed on it, causing the pan to heat up, not the surface. No flame or hot coil is involved.
• Gas cooktop: Uses natural gas or propane as a fuel source. The gas is supplied through municipal pipes or from an outdoor propane tank. Lit by a spark or piezoelectric lighter, the gas produces a flame that directly contacts the cookware to heat the food.

Cookware Type

Induction ranges require ferromagnetic-friendly cookware, such as cast iron or steel, whereas gas cooktops can use any type of cookware.

• Induction cooktop: Can only use cookware made from materials like cast iron, enameled cast iron, or some types of stainless steel. Alloy stainless steel or those with high nickel content may not work. For non-compatible cookware, you can use a pan adapter that transfers heat from the cooktop to the cookware.
• Gas cooktop: Can use any type of cookware compatible with induction cooktops, as well as glass, copper, aluminum, and various stainless steel blends.

Induction Compatible

• Cast iron

• Enameled cast iron

• Some stainless steel

• Induction pan adapter

Induction Incompatible

• Aluminum

• Glass

• Copper

• Aluminum/stainless steel

Cleaning and Maintenance

Generally, induction cooktops are easier to clean than gas cooktops due to their smooth glass top.

• Induction cooktop: The ceramic glass top protects the inner workings from spills and messes. Use a sponge with a solution of vinegar and baking soda for cleaning. For stubborn stains, use a ceramic glass cooktop cleaner that’s mildly abrasive but won’t scratch the surface.
• Gas cooktop: The grates, drip pans, and various ridges make cleaning more challenging. Remove and soak the grates in warm, soapy water before scrubbing with a nylon brush. Clean the surface with a sponge.

Durability

Both induction and gas cooktops can last up to 15 to 18 years with proper maintenance.

• Induction cooktop: Typically lasts around 13 to 15 years. Call a technician for issues like a cracked glass top or a burning smell.
• Gas cooktop: Can last from 10 to 18 years. Clean the grates and burner caps regularly to prolong their lifespan.

Cost

Gas cooktops are generally $500 to $600 cheaper than induction cooktops for starter models, but prices even out for higher-end options.

• Induction cooktop: Costs between $900 and $1,900.
• Gas cooktop: Ranges from $290 for budget models to $2,250 for high-end models with features like downdraft ventilation.

Tip

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, induction cooktops and other electric cooktops and ovens may be eligible for rebates up to $840.

Pros and Cons

Induction Cooktops

Pros

• Fast start-up time

• Cool cooking surface

• Energy efficient

• No indoor pollutants

Cons

• Requires specific pans

• Surface can scratch

• Expensive

• Can buzz or hum

Induction cooktops heat faster than conventional electric models and are up to three times more energy-efficient than gas cooktops. However, only cast iron, enameled cast iron, and some stainless steel cookware can be used with induction cooktops. The glass surface can scratch, especially with uncoated metal pans, and may emit a low buzz or hum at higher temperatures.

Gas Cooktops

Pros

• Quick temperature changes

• Heats up fast

• Maintains steady heat

• Compatible with all cookware

Cons

• Less energy efficient

• Open flame hazard

• Produces indoor pollutants

• Difficult to clean

Gas cooktops are popular with home and professional chefs for their quick start times, steady heat, and fast temperature changes. However, they emit indoor pollutants, which have been linked to childhood asthma, and some communities have begun to ban natural gas appliances.

Efficiency

Induction cooktops are about three times more energy-efficient than gas cooktops, making them the clear winners in terms of efficiency.

• Induction cooktop: 85-percent energy-efficient, meaning most of the electricity generated is used for cooking. Only 15-percent is wasted.
• Gas cooktop: About 32-percent energy-efficient, with nearly 70-percent of potential gas energy wasted.

Tip

If all U.S. cooktops were induction-style, the country could save over 1,000 GWh per year—enough to power 100 billion LED lightbulbs.

How to Choose the Right Cooktop

Induction cooktops have become more common and affordable, appealing to a broader range of buyers. They’re a good choice if you want to limit indoor pollutants and keep your home energy-efficient, as long as you don’t mind using specific cookware.

Gas cooktops are straightforward and user-friendly, making them a good option if you already have natural gas in your kitchen. If your current cookware isn’t compatible with induction cooktops, a gas cooktop may be the better choice.

FAQ

Is induction better than gas?

Induction cooktops are better than gas in terms of energy efficiency, indoor pollution, and heating start times. However, if your cookware isn’t compatible with induction, you may prefer a gas cooktop.

Is it worth switching from gas to induction?

Switching to an induction cooktop could be beneficial if you want to limit indoor pollutants but still desire quick start-up times and easy heat regulation similar to gas cooktops.

Which is cheaper to run, gas or induction?

Depending on electricity costs in your area, it might be cheaper to run an induction cooktop. Induction is more energy-efficient, with 85-percent of power used for cooking compared to just 32-percent for gas cooktops. However, natural gas tends to be cheaper than electricity, which could balance out the operational costs.