Kitchen Economics: Is Induction Cooking Cheaper Than Gas?

Regarding cooktops, there’s always an ongoing debate about whether induction stoves are better or gas stoves. However, in recent days induction stoves have been gaining popularity over gas stoves. 

When choosing between gas and induction stoves, one question that pops up is: is induction cooking cheaper than gas? So, to help you find an answer to this question, we’ll be going through in detail which of the cooktop alternatives is cheaper to use. Let’s begin,

Gas Stove and It’s Working  

A gas stove is one of the most common types of stove used for cooking. It uses natural gas or propane to produce a flame that heats cookware placed on the stove’s surface. 

A gas stove is connected to a gas tank through which gas is supplied to the gas stove. A gas stove has a burner through which gas is released. When the ignition is made in the burner, the gas mixes with air and ignites, producing a flame that heats the cookware placed on top of the burner.

Induction Stove and Its Working 

Despite being an electric stove that needs electricity to operate, an induction stove uses electromagnetic induction technology for cooking. 

An induction stove works directly by transferring heat to the cookware, unlike electric stoves that transfer heat to the cooktop. Induction stoves consist of electromagnetic coils beneath the ceramic cooktop. When electricity is passed through the electromagnetic coils it creates an electromagnetic field.  

When cookware with a magnetic base is placed on the cooktop’s surface, it interacts with the magnetic field. The magnetic field induces an electric current in the cookware which generates heat. 

Make sure you go through Unveiling the Mystery: How Does Induction Cooking Works to know in detail about the working of an induction. 

Gas Stoves Vs. Induction Stoves

Now after knowing about the working of both gas stoves and induction stoves, it’s time for us to find out the differences between them. A gas stove and an induction stove differ on the following grounds,

Source of Heat

The first difference between an induction stove and a gas stove lies in the source of heat that is used to heat the cookware. A gas stove uses flame to heat the cookware while an induction stove uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat the cookware. 

Heat Control 

An induction stove offers more precise heat control in comparison to gas stoves. Induction stoves give more precise and instant heat control while cooking. 

Energy Efficiency 

An induction stove directly heats the cookware so there is less chance of heat loss making it more energy efficient. On the other hand gas stoves lose some heat to the surroundings while cooking. 

Safety 

There are fewer risks of burns and fires while using induction stoves as they don’t have an open flame. In case of any negligence while using a gas stove there are chances of burns, injuries, and accidents due to fire.

Cost Efficiency Factors: Gas vs. Induction Stoves

There are several factors to consider while getting to the answer as to is induction cooking cheaper than gas, let’s discuss them one by one. 

Initial Cost 

Gas stoves are comparatively cheaper than induction stoves at the time of initial purchase and installation. The initial investment in induction stoves might be higher than that of gas stoves. 

Energy Efficiency 

An induction stove wastes around 15% of the energy generated while cooking, i.e. 85% of the heat generated is used for heating the cookware and cooking. When it comes to gas cooking more than 50% of energy is estimated to be wasted. 

Cookware Compatibility 

Any kind of cookware is compatible with gas stoves whether it be aluminium, steel, or copper, so you do not need to invest in additional cookware. In the case of induction stoves, only cookwares that have magnetic bases are compatible with cooking. 

Maintenance and Repairs 

Induction stoves have fewer moving parts in comparison to gas stoves. This makes it require less maintenance and repairs than gas stoves that have burners, gas pipes, and other components. However, repairing an induction can be costlier than that of repairing gas stoves. 

The Verdict: Is Induction Cooking Cheaper than Gas?

Now after going through the factors that affect the cost associated with both induction and gas cooking, you might have figured out which one is cheaper. However, if you are still in confusion about it, let me help you make it clear. 

When it comes to energy efficiency, an induction stove is more efficient than a gas stove. It’s because almost 50% of energy gets lost when cooking on gas conversely to 15% loss in induction stoves.

However, in the case of initial investment, cookware compatibility, maintenance, and repairs a gas stove can be cheaper. In the long run, cooking in an induction stove can be cheaper than that of gas stoves due to its energy efficiency. 

Gas stoves are relatively cheaper in terms of initial investment, cookware compatibility, repair, and maintenance. However in the long run the energy efficiency factor makes induction cooking cheaper than gas. 

Conclusion 

From working to energy efficiency while cooking, there are different grounds on which an induction differs from a gas stove. An induction works on the principle of electromagnetic induction while a gas stove uses natural gas or propane to produce flame for cooking. 

Is induction cooking cheaper than gas? The answer to the question that frequently pops into mind while choosing between them depends on several factors. However, in the long run, induction cooking can be cheaper because of its energy efficiency. 

Besides the energy efficiency factor, there are other factors to consider while choosing a cooktop. The suitable cooktop will depend upon your specific needs. Whether you find an induction stove or gas stove suitable for you, make sure you visit Better Home Appliances for quality and affordable cooktops.