If you're renovating or replacing a cooktop, the induction-versus-gas debate is one of the most common decisions Australian homeowners face. Both have genuine advantages. The right choice depends on your cooking style, kitchen design, existing infrastructure, and long-term running costs.
This guide covers the real differences — from day-to-day cooking performance to installation requirements and energy costs — so you can make the decision with confidence.
Gas cooktops burn natural gas or LPG through a burner to produce a visible open flame. The heat is immediate and the output is controlled by adjusting the gas flow. You can see and hear the flame, and you can cook on any type of cookware.
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic coils beneath a glass-ceramic surface to generate heat directly in the cookware (rather than on the surface). The cooktop itself stays relatively cool — only the cookware heats up. Induction requires cookware with a magnetic base (cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic bottom, and most modern pots and pans).
Induction wins on speed. Electromagnetic heating is significantly faster than gas for boiling water and bringing pans up to temperature. In practical terms, a large pot of water that takes 10 minutes on gas might take 6–7 minutes on induction.
This is where the debate gets interesting. Gas has the advantage of immediate visual feedback — you can see the flame size and adjust it intuitively. Professional chefs have used gas for decades for this reason.
Induction, however, offers more precise electronic temperature control. Premium induction models can maintain exact temperatures (crucial for sauces, tempering chocolate, or keeping food warm without overcooking). The control range is wider: induction can simmer at temperatures gas struggles to maintain without flickering.
For most home cooks, both technologies deliver more than enough control. For those who cook professionally or seriously, the preference comes down to whether you trust visual feedback (gas) or electronic precision (induction).
Gas has a traditional advantage for wok cooking because the curved flame wraps around the base of the wok, and the high heat exposure is even. Induction cooktops require a flat-based wok to maintain contact with the cooking zone. Some high-end induction models include a dedicated wok zone with higher power output, but gas still has the edge for traditional wok technique.
Induction is the safer technology for households with young children or elderly family members. There is no open flame, and the cooktop surface does not get hot (only the cookware does). Spills don't burn onto the surface immediately. Auto-off features are standard.
Gas involves an open flame and the risk of gas leaks. Modern gas cooktops include flame failure safety devices (FFDs) that cut the gas supply if the flame goes out — this is a legal requirement in Australia. But the inherent risk of gas leaks and open flames is present in a way that induction is not.
For kitchen safety, induction is the clear winner.
Induction is significantly easier to clean. The flat glass-ceramic surface can be wiped down with a soft cloth. Spills don't bake on because the surface doesn't get hot. There are no burner grates or caps to remove and clean separately.
Gas cooktops have removable grates and burner caps that require regular cleaning. Spills can bake onto the surface and around burner components, particularly if not cleaned immediately.
For low-maintenance kitchens, induction wins by a wide margin.
Induction is more energy-efficient than gas because the heat is generated directly in the cookware rather than heating the air around it. More of the energy used goes into cooking the food.
Gas prices vary significantly across Australia. In South Australia, where gas prices have risen considerably, induction connected to the grid (or a solar system) is often cheaper to run than gas over time.
The calculation depends on your specific gas and electricity tariffs. If your home has solar panels, induction during daylight hours can be effectively free to run.
Gas requires an existing gas connection at the cooktop location. If you're switching from induction or electric to gas, a licensed gasfitter must install the gas line — this is a significant additional cost. If you already have gas infrastructure, a like-for-like gas replacement is straightforward.
Induction requires a dedicated 240V electrical circuit. Most modern kitchens have this if they previously had an electric or ceramic cooktop. In some cases, the existing circuit may need to be upgraded still, depending on the electrical rating of the new induction cooktop selected.
If switching from gas to induction, a licensed electrician must install a dedicated circuit if one doesn't exist — again, an additional cost to factor in.
Both technologies require a licensed tradesperson for connection. The Appliance Group offers appliance installation in Adelaide for both gas and induction cooktops.
Induction wins on environmental grounds — particularly in South Australia, where the electricity grid has a high proportion of renewable energy. Running an induction cooktop on renewable electricity produces no direct carbon emissions.
Gas is a fossil fuel. Even modern efficient gas appliances produce CO₂ and other emissions. As the Australian grid continues to transition to renewables, the environmental case for induction strengthens.
Choose induction if:
You have young children or prioritise kitchen safety
Easy cleaning is important to you
You have or can add a suitable electrical circuit
You cook more Western food than Asian stir-fry
You want lower running costs, especially with solar
You're fitting a new kitchen or renovation where infrastructure can be added
Choose gas if:
You already have a gas connection and don't want to pay for new electrical infrastructure
You cook frequently with a wok
You prefer visual flame feedback for cooking
You're doing a like-for-like replacement and want to minimise installation cost
The Appliance Group stocks gas and induction cooktops from a wide range of brands. Some worth considering:
Smeg — premium Italian design across both gas and induction ranges
AEG — strong energy efficiency ratings, particularly for induction
Kleenmaid — reliable mid-range options for gas and induction
Euro Appliances — value-priced gas and induction models
Browse our full cooktops range — new and factory seconds available with manufacturer warranty.
Can I use my existing cookware on an induction cooktop? Induction requires cookware with a magnetic base. The easiest test: hold a magnet to the base of your current pot. If it sticks firmly, the cookware is induction-compatible. Cast iron always works. Many modern stainless steel pots work. Aluminium, copper and glass do not work on induction without a special adapter disc. If you're switching to induction, budget for replacing cookware that doesn't pass the magnet test.
Is induction more expensive to buy than gas? Induction cooktops at the entry to mid-range price points are comparable to equivalent gas models. At the premium end, high-power induction units can be more expensive. Factory seconds induction and gas cooktops are available through The Appliance Group at significant savings — browse current factory seconds stock.
Does induction work during a power outage? No — induction requires electricity and will not function during a power outage. Gas cooktops with electronic ignition may also be affected, but can typically be lit manually. If power reliability is a concern, this is worth factoring into your decision.
What's the difference between induction and ceramic cooktops? Ceramic cooktops have a similar glass-ceramic surface to induction but use radiant heat elements beneath the surface. They do not use electromagnetic fields. Ceramic is less energy-efficient and slower than induction, but works with all cookware (not just magnetic). Most new electric cooktops are now induction rather than ceramic.
Browse The Appliance Group's cooktops collection — gas, induction and ceramic from leading brands. New and factory seconds available. Adelaide customers can add professional cooktop installation to their order.
Call us on 0481 976 367 or contact us online if you'd like personalised advice before purchasing.
