Induction Cooktop vs Gas Cooktop: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?
When designing or renovating a kitchen, choosing between an induction cooktop and a gas cooktop is an important decision. Each offers a very different cooking experience so, which one is right for your kitchen? The answer depends on how you cook, the cookware you already own and how much time you want to spend cleaning and maintaining your cooktop. Here’s what to consider when comparing induction vs gas cooktops.
Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops are known for their sleek appearance, fast heating and easy-to-clean surfaces, while gas cooktops have long been favoured by home cooks for their instant flame control and traditional cooking experience.
Induction cooking uses electromagnetic energy to heat the cookware directly rather than heating the surface with a flame or traditional heating element.
One of the biggest advantages of induction is speed. Heat is transferred directly to compatible cookware, allowing you to quickly bring pots and pans up to temperature while giving you precise control over the cooking process.
The Best Cookware for Induction
One of the main differences between induction and gas is the type of cookware you can use. Induction cooktops require cookware with a magnetic base. Cast iron and many stainless-steel pots and pans are compatible, while cookware made entirely from materials such as copper, glass or aluminium generally won't work unless it has a suitable magnetic base.
If you're unsure whether your existing cookware will work, a simple magnet test can help. If a magnet sticks firmly to the base of the pan, it's generally suitable for induction cooking. When buying new cookware, look for products specifically labelled as induction compatible.
Cleaning an Induction Cooktop
Cleaning is one of the biggest benefits of induction cooking. Because the cooking surface is smooth and flat, there are no burner grates, caps or other components to remove and clean around. Spills can also be wiped away easily once the surface has cooled.
As the cooktop itself doesn't generate heat in the same way as a gas flame, spills are less likely to burn onto the surface during cooking. However, it's still important to follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations and use suitable products and cloths to avoid scratching the glass surface.
Pros of an Induction Cooktop
Fast and responsive heating
Precise temperature control
Smooth, modern appearance
Easy to wipe clean
No open flame
Flat cooking surface provides a streamlined look
Can be particularly convenient for busy households
For homeowners who value a clean, minimalist kitchen and want a cooktop that's easy to maintain, induction can be an appealing option.
Gas Cooktops
Gas cooktops have been a staple in kitchens for decades and remain popular with home cooks who enjoy the familiarity and responsiveness of cooking with a flame. One of the defining features of gas is the visual feedback it provides. You can see the flame immediately and adjust it as you cook, making it easy to intuitively manage heat.
The Best Cookware for Gas
Gas cooktops are generally more versatile when it comes to cookware compatibility. Unlike induction, gas doesn't require a magnetic base, meaning you can use a wide range of pots and pans, including stainless steel, cast iron, aluminium, copper and other cookware designed for stovetop cooking.
This makes gas a convenient choice if you already have an extensive cookware collection and don't want to replace or upgrade your pots and pans. It's still important to ensure your cookware is suitable for your particular cooktop and is used according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Cleaning a Gas Cooktop
Cleaning is where gas cooktops can require a little more effort. Unlike induction, gas models typically feature burners, trivets and other removable components. Food and spills can make their way underneath or around these parts, meaning you'll generally need to remove the components when giving the cooktop a thorough clean.
The good news is that many gas cooktops are designed with removable trivets and burner components, making regular cleaning more manageable. Some exceedingly easy-to-clean designs we love are the Smeg's blade flame, AEG's ceramic glass gas cooktop, and this Bertazzoni Gas on Glass cooktop. - But be quick as we only have one of these left!
Wiping up spills soon after cooking can also help prevent food and grease from becoming baked onto the surface.
Pros of a Gas Cooktop
Instant heat from the flame
Highly responsive temperature adjustment
Compatible with a wide range of cookware
Familiar cooking experience
Visual flame makes it easy to gauge heat
Popular with cooks who prefer traditional stovetop cooking
For those who enjoy cooking with a visible flame and want maximum flexibility with their cookware, gas remains a practical choice.
Induction vs Gas at a glance
| Induction | Gas | |
| Cookware | Requires magnetic/induction-compatible cookware | Works with most stovetop cookware |
| Heat control | Instant and precise | Visual and high responsive |
| Cleaning | Smooth surface is generally easy to wipe clean | Burners and trivets may require additional cleaning |
| Appearance | Sleek, minimalist surface | Traditional cooking aesthetic - visible flame |
Which Cooktop Should You Choose?
When comparing an induction cooktop vs gas cooktop, there's no single option that will suit every kitchen.
Induction could be a great fit if easy cleaning, fast heating and a sleek design are high on your list. It's particularly worth considering if you're happy to invest in compatible cookware or are already using induction-ready pots and pans.
Gas, on the other hand, may suit you if you prefer cooking with a visible flame, want to use a broad range of cookware or enjoy the familiar feel of traditional stovetop cooking.
Can’t choose? Hybrid cooktops offer the best of both worlds with a number on inductions zones and a Wok burner.
Ultimately, the best cooktop is the one that fits the way you cook every day. Before making your decision, consider your existing cookware, cleaning preferences, kitchen design and cooking habits. Taking these factors into account will help you choose a cooktop that you'll enjoy using for years to come.
Ready to find the right cooktop for your kitchen? Explore our range of induction and gas cooktops to compare your options and find the perfect fit for your cooking style. Alternatively our retail showroom is open 6 days a week, so pop in and chat to one of our appliance experts.