Are induction hobs really better than gas hobs?
Are induction hobs really better than gas hobs?
Before discussing the merits of induction hobs, it’s worth explaining how they work:
Induction hobs use electromagnetism. Electricity is passed through a copper coil magnet which creates electromagnetic energy. This energy passes through the glass directly to the pan, producing a current. This current in turn releases heat.
Advantages of induction over gas
Greener
Induction hobs use approximately half the energy of gas. An induction hob will consume just 745kj of energy to bring a pan of water from 20c to the boil, a gas hob will use a whopping 1,340kj.
Quicker
Induction hobs are twice as fast as gas. A gas hob will take approximately 8 minutes to bring 2 litres of water to the boil, an induction hob will take just 4 minutes.
Cleaner
Anyone who has ever owned a gas hob will know how time consuming cleaning it is. Cleaning an induction hob takes a fraction of the time.
Safer
Because the glass on an induction hob never gets really hot, it’s almost impossible to burn yourself if you or your children touch it.
More Efficient
Because much of the energy a gas hob produces is lost around the sides of the pan, gas hobs are only 51% efficient. In contrast, an induction hob is 90% efficient.
Advantages of gas over induction
Cost less to buy
Gas hobs can cost up to 70% less to buy than induction hobs.
Cost less to install
Despite the recent emergence of Induction hobs that simply plug in to a normal plug socket, many still need to be connected separately to your RCD (fuse box) via a special cable. This has to be done by a Part P qualified electrician and will cost at least £150 – £200.
Don’t require special pans
It’s most likely that if you change from gas to induction, you will need to purchase induction compatible non ferrous pans. A decent set of these typically cost at least £100.
Suitable for all cultures
Some cultures, such as certain Asian cultures, require a naked flame to cook with.
More romantic
Many people find cooking with a naked flame very romantic.
Gas hobs are proven
Cooking with gas is tried & trusted. In contrast, as induction technology is so new, we don’t know how reliable it’s going to turn out to be.