Recently, we had a chat with a couple of our readers over emails where we came across a question: Which cooktop should I buy – Gas or Electric or Induction? And we realized this question was asked by many and was not covered on this website. We decided to have a separate section on our Cooktop review website. Cooking usually is an undersized element of the whole energy requirement of a home which most people characteristically ignore. Although rising gas costs does cause panic and frustration, rarely do we weigh gas against other forms of energy particularly electricity. But with mounting recognition of Induction Cooktop, users now have to truly compare how these diverse types of cooktop stand against each other. Surprisingly, we did not come across glaring benefits of one over other, so we’re simply presenting facts in this comparison review.

Cooktops types available in market

There are 3 categories of cooktops: Gas, Electric and Induction.

Gas: This type has a burner and uses gas (LPG or PNG) as energy to cook food. Electric: This type has a coil that warms up when current passes through it due to resistance. As the name suggests, it utilizes electricity to produce heat and cook food. Induction: Even though this type of cooktop utilizes electricity, it uses magnetic property of steel for heating the cooking pan or pot. Unlike other cooking ways, it does not use burners or red-hot aspect to cook. Consequently, it is considered to be much more energy efficient than the other two.

Gas cooktops vs Electric cooktops vs Induction cooktops

US Department of energy did a few boiling water tests in order to determine the efficiency of these three cooktops (Source: US DOE) and below were the results of the tests:

Pros and Cons of various cooktops – Gas cooktops vs Electric cooktops vs Induction cooktops

Pros and Cons of Gas Stoves:

Pros:

Cooking control is way more better on gas stoves. You do not have to worry about the size and position of the utensil that is being used on the gas burners. It is independent of power cuts and does not get affected if there is no power available There is no definite requirement for utensil type.

Cons:

Inflammable because of which it could be dangerous. Potential of causing burns. Warms up the atmosphere surrounding around. Can lead to high electric power bills if the environment is air conditioned. Flames produce CO2.

Pros and Cons of Electric Cooktops:

Pros:

Much more safer since it is not inflammable If the gas is not purchased at subsidized rates, electric cooktops could be much more economical. There are much more energy efficient than gas stoves as well. Unlike gas stoves, Ceiling fans can be used with electric cooktops as it releases less high temperature heat to the environment.

Cons:

Could cause burns if the surface is touched. Heating up takes time. Will only operate with flat surface vessels. Insufficient power supply or power cut could lead to interference in cooking.

Pros and Cons of Induction Cooktops:

Pros:

Fast and even distribution of heat is the specialty of Induction cooktops. Safest of all type of cooktops as they are totally safe since they warm only when a steel or iron vessel comes in contact. These cooktops are very easy to clean. Energy efficient. Temperature controls of Induction cooktops are programmable. Cools down rapidly as soon as it is shut down. Saves a lot of heat energy.

Cons:

Can only be used with steel or iron utensils. Thus, the kitchen has to be adjusted accordingly. Usually, they are much more expensive than other cooktops. Will only operate with flat surface vessels. Inadequate power supply can stop cooking. You may observe that the warming and heating majorly happens at the midpoint of the vessel. This makes it imperative to set the correct-sized vessel on an induction cooktop.

Which cooktop should you select?

Beyond taking into consideration the fundamental pros and cons of various cooktop technologies, certain questions are to be answered from your side. These include: