Gas vs Induction Cooktops: Which One is Right for Your Kitchen?

Home cooking has changed drastically from the open fires and old wood stoves. Thanks to technology, home kitchens are able to utilise a vast array of different technological innovations. This has allowed us to change the way we cook, making it increasingly easy to create more unusual dishes. Historically, there has been a dominance of gas cooktops in the home. This was due, in large part, to their control options and the familiarity many people had with the way these stoves work. 

But in recent years, this has started to change. Induction cooking systems are becoming increasingly popular in the home. Part of this is due to the better safety features, efficiency, and performance benefits that cooktops offer. Importantly, environmental concerns are also helping to shift this change in the choice of cooktops.

Comparing Gas and Induction Cooktops: Pros, Cons, and Real-World Considerations

Of course, before you decide to switch the cooktop you use, it’s essential that you understand the pros and cons of both types. Both have pros and cons which must be weighed up in order to determine exactly which one is better for you.

Gas cooktops are more traditional and use a controlled flame that you can actually see. Due to the way the top is designed, they are compatible with all types of cookware, including round-bottomed pans. However, they do emit CO2 and other indoor pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and other particulate matter. As such, these types of cooktops can pose health risks for children or those with asthma. Additionally, environmental degradation is possible using gas cooktops, too, due to methane leaks and emissions from the gas. That being said, utilising a proper extractor fan or hood can mitigate much of this issue.

Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat the cookware directly from below. This means that the heating process is a lot faster and offers more precise temperature control when cooking. Additionally, induction ovens do not have as much indoor pollution when compared to a gas top. As such, this can result in a far healthier indoor environment. They have also increased energy efficiency by as much as 90% in comparison to 38% for gas. However, they aren’t compatible with all cookware types, and flat-bottomed pans are the only reasonable option. Additionally, the cookware needs to be magnetic, which means additional costs for replacing cookware to match this cooktop type. Not only that, induction cooktops come with higher upfront fees, and there is the potential learning curve for those who have only used gas.

Making the Switch: Value, Cost, and Where to Buy

The switch to an induction cooktop is very much an investment, and one that can translate to long-term value. This is thanks to the lower energy consumption, faster cooking, and better safety features—the latter a strong argument to make the switch if you’re in a household with children. It’s also far easier to maintain, as these have a cool-to-touch surface and a flat, smooth, cleanable design.

As mentioned, though, this is a more expensive cooktop in the first instance. But, alongside this extra cost comes better efficiency ratings and increased longevity in comparison to a gas cooktop. Initial costs can be mitigated, though, through the use of online promotions or seasonal discounts offered at major retailers such as Currys. Currys is a popular, trustworthy retailer offering a range of different induction cooktop brands. Some of the options come from brands like Bosch, AEG and Samsung. Excitingly, Currys is known to provide exclusive discount codes and online deals across many products. These can significantly reduce the initial total cost while still ensuring you can purchase a high-quality induction oven. However, these are not constant promotions, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for a reliable page dedicated to Currys to find them when looking for an upgrade.

When choosing a new cooktop, make sure you’re looking at all the different types and models available. You need to balance any environmental concerns you may have with the cooking performance, health benefits and cost of the cooktop you want to buy. By utilising discount codes, it’s possible to reap the benefits of this cooktop type, while getting a quality brand and not breaking the bank when it comes to costs.