Are you wondering which cooktop to buy – whether induction or gas? Then you must be totally aware of the differences between the two options, and their efficiencies, too.
To help you clear up the dilemma of which type is right for you, we bring this article to you.
Here, we will provide an overview of each option that will help you make the best decision for your kitchen.
Let us take a closer look at the significant differences and the benefits of induction cooktop and gas cooktop.
Induction Stove vs. Gas Stove
| PARAMETERS | INDUCTION STOVE | GAS COOKTOP |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | Very High | Low |
| Speed Of Cooking | Very Fast | 50% Slower Than Induction |
| Better Cooking Control | Incredible | Not Possible |
| Cookware | Compatible with cast-iron and stainless-steel | Compatible with all kinds of cookware |
| Heat To The Surroundings | Releases less Heat to the Surroundings | Releases More Heat the Surroundings |
| Safety | Provides Maximum Safety | Less Safe |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavy |
| Space Requirement | Low | High |
| Cleaning | Easy to Clean | Requires More Effort |
| Comfort | Highly Comfortable | Less Comfortable |
| Price | Lesser than Gas Stoves | Expensive |
Let me take you through each significant feature in detail and weigh down which type excels in it. We would also have the winner in each category. It will help you gain a better understanding of choosing the perfect appliance for your kitchen.
1. Working Principle
If we consider the working mechanism of an induction stove, it uses electromagnetism to generate heat and cook food. Whenever you turn on the power, the metal coils present under the cooktop surface create a magnetic field. When you place any utensil on top of that, this magnetic field heats it while keeping the surroundings cool.
The working principle of a gas stove is simple. It uses a flame to cook the food. According to the combustion principle, when the LPG gas burns, the chemical energy converts to heat energy, producing flame.
Winner: Gas Stove
2. Energy Efficiency
Coming to energy efficiency, an induction stove is much more energy-efficient when compared to a gas stove.
A gas cooktop converts the energy consumed from the LPG into heat and then directs it to the cookware. It utilizes around 40-50% of the energy generated. Since there is a gap between the burner and the cooking pot, the loss of energy is more.
On the other hand, an induction stove supplies the energy or heat to the pan directly through the magnetic field. It uses up to 90 percent of the heat it generates for cooking, and hence the loss of energy is only minimal.
Winner: Induction Cooktop
3. Faster than Gas Stove
What most people are unaware of is that an induction cooktop helps you cook food faster than a traditional gas stove. You can boil water much faster on induction than on a stove.
A gas stove is about 50% slower than an induction.
Winner: Induction Cooktop
4. Pre-set Menu Options
A gas stove does not have a special feature like a menu setting and options. Although some gas cooktops come with auto-ignition feature, it does not qualify the race.
On the other hand, an induction cooktop comes with pre-set menu options. All you need is one touch of a button to select the options and go ahead with your cooking. From boiling milk to preparing soups, from making chapatis to dosas and many more, all it requires is just one touch to select your desired option.
Winner: Induction Cooktop
5. Temperature Control
Did I tell you that gas cooktops offer an incredible and exceptional control overheat? It does not require significant effort. Turn on the appliance and easily adjust the flame to low, medium, or high, depending on your requirement. Isn’t that easy! The greatest advantage of using a gas stove is that it offers you total control over the heat, and allows the distribution across the cooking pots or utensils.
The downside to an induction stove is this. It is impossible to control the temperature or react immediately to the heat, as you cannot see the flame.
Winner: Gas Stove
6. Type of Cookware
Gas stoves are compatible with almost all kinds of cookware. That means you do not have to run around purchasing new utensils for the appliance.
The only setback to an induction cooktop is that it is not compatible with all types of cookware. It works only with those utensils that are induction-friendly. Moreover, they should have a flat bottom that makes complete contact with the cooktop surface. Cookware like aluminium, copper, glass, and ceramic are not for induction.
Magnetic-based or induction-based cookware is more expensive than regular ones.
Winner: Gas Stove
7. Safety
One has to be very cautious when using a gas stove. They are inflammable and cause burns in case of improper handling. Besides that, gas leaks from the gas pipe, or regulator, or cylinder are dangerous and often result in explosions.
The induction cooktop offers maximized safety. Some popular brands come with an overheating protection feature that allows the appliance to automatically switch off in case you forgot to turn it off. And the best part, it does so by sounding an alarm.
Winner: Induction Cooktop
8. Weight & Space Requirements
We all know that a gas stove has multiple components like a gas cylinder, gas pipe, regulator, and burners. Hence, it requires more space for installation. Not only that, this appliance is heavy in size and weight.
Since induction cooktops have only a single component, they do not require more space for installation. Moreover, in terms of size and weight, they are compact and light, respectively.
Winner: Induction Cooktop
9. Comfort
One of the drawbacks of using a gas stove is that it heats the surroundings very fast. Moreover, you should not switch on a ceiling fan when using a stove. Not only that, it requires proper ventilation to release the fumes from the kitchen that produce CO2.
Unlike gas stoves, induction cooktops do not use a flame to produce heat. Also, they do not heat the surroundings. Hence, they offer a significant level of comfort to the users while cooking.
Winner: Induction Cooktop
10. Easy To Clean
Traditional gas stoves require more effort and time to clean. Since the appliance has multiple components like the burners and grates, you will have to disassemble the unit first. After that, you have to clean all the parts and segments separately. Even before you start with the cleaning process, you should allow the stove to cool down.
Unlike a glass cooktop, the induction has a glass-top surface that makes it easy to clean the appliance. Even if anything spills on the cooktop, you can clean t easily by wiping it with a damp cloth and then a dry cloth.
Winner: Induction Cooktop
11. Price
Since gas stoves contain multiple components, they tend to be more expensive than an induction cooktop. Depending on the several features like the auto-ignition, the number of burners, cooktop, etc., the price may vary for every model. While a basic two-burner gas stove costs you around Rs. 2000 to Rs. 4000, the premium version can be very high.
If we talk about an induction stove, a nice model may come between Rs 1500 and Rs. 3000.
Winner: Induction Cooktop
Frequently Asked Questions
The induction cooktop has a handful of benefits over gas stoves. If you consider the parameters like safety, maintenance, energy efficiency, capital costs, running costs, etc., induction models are a better option than their counterparts.
Using an induction cooktop is extremely safe. However, people with a pacemaker should avoid using the appliance or going nearer to them. The induction emits electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that can affect the operation of the pacemaker. Hence, it is always advisable to be careful and consult a doctor before purchasing an induction stove if this is a concern for you.
Most professional chefs prefer gas stoves over induction because of the flexibility to use. However, the majority of the home cooks are switching to induction because of the upsides it has like easy cleaning and maintenance.
Cookware like aluminium, copper, glass, and ceramic are not for induction.
Conclusion
To conclude, both induction and gas cooktops have advantages and disadvantages. When choosing the right option from these, it is better to consider your priorities, financial capability, your kitchen design, safety concerns, etc.
Take your time and choose a suitable appliance. I hope this article helped you in making a wise decision.
So, what is it going to be? Will you choose to stick to the gas cooktop that you have been using? Or, will you switch to induction cooking to discover and enjoy all the benefits that come with it? Let us know in the comments section below.
Write to us if you need more information or have any questions. We would be happy to help you.
