If you are going to upgrade or equip your kitchen with a brand-new hob, choosing from the many options in the marketplace can be very daunting. Do you stick with the familiar flame of a traditional gas hob, or embrace the sleek, efficient technology of induction? With rising energy costs and growing health concerns, the choice is more important than ever.
This comprehensive guide compares gas and induction hobs across all critical factors – from cooking performance and energy efficiency to safety and long-term costs – helping you make an informed decision that suits your cooking style, budget, and household needs.
Induction vs gas cooktop: How do they work
To truly understand which hob is right for you, it's essential to look beyond the surface and see how they actually work. While both are designed to do the same job - heat your plan - the methods they use are worlds-apart. Let's explore the science hind each.
What is an induction cooktop?
Induction hobs come with a smooth flat cooking surface which is usually made of ceramic glass. However, unlike what you may already know about traditional hobs, an induction cooktop triggers your pots and pans to heat themselves directly rather than providing an external heat source to the cookware. You’re probably wondering how this works.
How does induction cooking work?
Induction cooking heats a cooking vessel by electrical induction, instead of by thermal conduction from a flame, or an electrical heating element. Heat is coming from within the pan, making this method of cooking a lot more efficient.
Moreover, since induction cooktops are more energy efficient than ceramic heating or gas because heat isn’t lost in the transferring process, which ultimately translates to energy and cost-saving.
Benefits of induction cooktops
Safety is just one of the many advantages of induction hobs. Here are some key benefits:
- Faster cooking: Induction cooktops heat up quickly, reducing cooking time.
- Energy-efficient: Since heat is generated directly in the cookware, there’s less energy wastage.
- Safety first: Without an open flame and with a surface that remains cool during cooking, induction cooktops significantly lower the chances of burns and fire hazards.
- Easy to clean: The smooth, flat surface makes cleaning induction hobs a breeze.
- Precise temperature control: Enjoy quick and accurate heat adjustments.
- Smart features: Equipped with features like timers, automatic shut-off, child locks, and voltage protection, these induction hobs bring smart convenience to your kitchen.
Check out some of our built-in induction hobs:
- SenseFry adjusts heat for even frying results.
- Select the bridge function to combine two zones.
- PowerBoost provides quick, intense heat.
- Select the bridge function to combine two zones.
- PowerBoost provides quick, intense heat.
- Induction is safe, fast, and energy efficient.
What is a gas hob?
Gas hobs are probably the most familiar among cooking appliances. The hobs burn gas to create a flame ring that heats the cookware. They always come with burner structures to keep pots and pans stable during cooking.
How does a gas hob work?
Gas cooktops use an open flame to heat the cookware. While this method provides instant flame adjustment with visual control, it can cause significant energy loss. It also makes both cookware and the hob very hot during and long after cooking.
Benefits of a gas stove
- Visual flame control: Gas cooktops offer a visible flame that lets you intuitively adjust heat levels
- Cookware compatibility: Gas can be used with almost any type of cookware.
- Independent of power: Gas cooktops can be used during power outages, making them more versatile.
- Lower initial cost: Gas cooktops typically have a lower upfront cost than induction cooktops.
Check out our built-in gas hobs:
- StepFlame settings deliver precise heat control.
- FlameShield improves efficiency and results.
- High power burner is ideal for stir-frying.
- Brass burners to sear, simmer and pan fry.
- Blue flame burns efficiently to lower energy cost.
- Mini triple-ring burner for intense, even heat.
- Brass burners to sear, simmer and pan fry.
- Blue flame burns efficiently to lower energy cost.
- Mini triple-ring burner for intense, even heat.
If you want to know more about our products, check our FAQs about Electrolux hobs.
Induction or gas cooktop: Which is better?
To make your decision easier, here’s a quick comparison table summarizing the key features of both induction and gas cooktops:
| Feature | Induction hob | Gas hob |
| Cooking speed | Faster cooking times | Slower than induction, but versatile |
| Heat efficiency | High energy-efficient (80-90%) | Less efficient, more heat loss (50-60%) |
| Time to boil 2 litres of water | 5 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Temperature control | Precise, instant control | Immediate but may lack precision |
| Safety | Safer to touch, no open flame | Risk of burns, fires and harmful emission |
| Health impact | No emissions | Indoor air pollutants |
| Cookware compatibility | Only compatible with magnetic cookware | Works with a wider variety of cookware |
| Cleaning | Easy to clean (flat surface) | Harder to clean (grates and burners) |
| Initial cost | Higher upfront cost | Lower initial cost |
| Power supply | Requires electricity | Works without electricity |
So, which is the best choice? Is induction cooktop better than gas? It all depends on your preferences and cooking styles.
Choose an induction cooktop if you:
- Prioritize speed and energy efficiency
- Value safety, especially with children in the home
- Want minimal cleaning and maintenance
- Are concerned about indoor air quality
- Prefer modern, precise cooking controls
- Can invest in the higher upfront cost for long-term savings
Choose a gas hob if you:
- Have a limited initial budget
- Own non-magnetic cookware you want to keep using
- Prefer traditional cooking methods and visual flame control
- Experience frequent power outages
- Enjoy techniques requiring open flame
Electrolux are currently offering a wide range of gas and induction cooktops with ultimate features for your choice. Do check out our Hybrid Hob which brings the best of both worlds for you. Browse us now!
If you need any support for your Electrolux hobs, contact our Support team now.
For more information on selecting the perfect hob for your kitchen, check out our comprehensive Stoves & hobs buying guide and Hob sizes and dimensions guide.
Induction vs gas hob FAQs
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Can I use all my pots on an induction hob?
Only cookware with a magnetic base, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel, will work. Test with a fridge magnet: if it sticks, you’re good.
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Do induction hobs work during power cuts?
No, induction hobs require electricity to operate. Gas hobs with manual ignition can still function during power outages.
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Are induction hobs safe for children?
Yes, induction hobs are much safer. The surface stays cool, there are no open flames, and most models include child safety locks.
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How much can I save switching to induction?
Due to superior efficiency, households typically save 20-30% on cooking energy costs compared to gas, though exact savings depend on local energy prices.
