InfoHub: Kitchen
Induction Cooktop Vs. Gas: Is Induction Better Than Gas?
While induction and gas cooktops are both reliable and durable options for your kitchen, they offer distinct advantages and features. Induction cooktops use electromagnetism to convert compatible cookware into their own heat source, while gas cooktops require a gas line and utilize an open flame. Here's what you need to know about induction vs gas cooktops and how to decide which option is right for you.
Induction vs Gas Cooktops: What's the Difference?
They differ primarily in how they create heat to cook food. On gas cooktops, heat is generated by an open flame, while on induction cooktops, heat is generated by electromagnetism.
Induction Cooktops
Electromagnetism is used in induction cooktops to heat conductive cookware such as stainless steel and cast iron. Essentially, an induction cooktop consists of a copper coil beneath a ceramic-glass surface that generates an electromagnetic charge that heats food directly. At first glance, they look like electric cooktops, but they don't have burners. Since the cookware is the source of heat on induction cooktops, spills and splatters tend to be less burned on. A smooth, flat surface makes them easy to clean. Unlike gas cooktops, induction cooktops are plugged into an electrical outlet and do not require gas lines.
Gas Cooktops
Cooktops that use gas or propane generate an open flame under grates, and require both a gas connection and an electrical outlet. Popular and easy-to-use, they come in all types of cookware, and the open flame allows for charring and flambéing techniques.
Gas Cost Vs. Induction Cost: What's the Considerations?
There are a wide range of styles, features, and price points to suit your cooking needs and budget. Maytag® gas cooktops range in price from approximately $1,200 - $1,500. Maytag offers one 24” wide induction cooktop retailing for approximately $1,300.
Induction vs Gas Cooking: What Can I Expect?
Different types of cooktops will result in different cooking methods. Induction cookware heats up faster, so the total cooking time may be shortened when cooking with it. Ensure your food does not overcook by constantly monitoring it.
An open flame allows you to try out new and different methods of cooking when using gas. To make s'mores, you can roast marshmallows directly on an open flame or char peppers with a flame. Gas cooktops work well with just about any cookware and the flames reach the edges of woks and stir-fry pans with ease.
The Benefits of Gas vs Induction?
Although you can't go wrong with either choice, induction and gas cooktops each have their own unique advantages depending on your cooking preferences.
Induction Cooktop Advantages
- Simple, sleek design makes it easy to clean
- Quickly heat up and cool down
- Heated evenly and thoroughly
Gas Cooktop Advantages
- Ability to manipulate the open flame
- Ability to reach all sides of cookware, such as woks and stir-fry pans
- Ideal for experimenting with cooking styles, such as charring and flambéing
- Compatible with all cookware
Gas vs. induction Cooktops: Which Is Better for Efficiency?
An induction cooktop can be 3x as energy-efficient as a gas cooktop, according to ENERGY STAR™. Since the cookware itself generates heat, induction cooking reduces energy loss to the surrounding air, thus reducing the workload on the HVAC system.
Gas vs. induction Cooktops: Which is Best for You?
Your cooking preferences and kitchen layout will determine whether you should choose a gas or induction cooktop. Cooktops that use induction provide a new way to cook, but you may have to replace your non-compatible cookware. A gas cooktop can be used for multiple cooking styles, has easy-to-remove grates for easy clean-up, and needs both gas and electrical hook-ups.
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