At a Glance:
Comparing Induction vs Gas Ranges
How to Choose: Induction vs Gas Range
Professional chefs, foodies, and ambitious home chefs have long preferred gas ranges over electric, but a third option is on the rise: induction ranges. How do induction vs gas cooktops compare? Is induction better than gas, really?
In this article, we will break down the differences between induction vs gas ranges and examine the pros and cons of both options, including how they compare in price, energy usage, and cooking performance. Keep an eye out for some of our favorite gas and induction ranges from Aztec Appliance.
So, let's dive into the world of induction and gas cooktops and unravel the answers to your burning questions.
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See CooktopsInduction Cooking Explained
Induction cooking is an unfamiliar concept to many. An electromagnetic field under the glass cooktop transfers heat directly to your pot or pan. Instead of heating up an element, which heats up your pan, it is your pan itself that is being heated. You will need to make sure your cookware is magnetic and compatible with an induction cooktop. This may necessitate a few cookware swaps upfront, but you will be much less likely to injure yourself in the kitchen. Bye bye, burns!
Check out the Samsung Smart Rapid Heat Induction Slide-in Range with Air Fry & Convection+ which is powered by induction, paired with the powerful performance of convection oven cooking.
Shop this Samsung Induction Slide-In Range
→ Learn More: Cooking with Samsung - Best Samsung Ranges
Pros and Cons of Induction Ranges
When considering induction stove vs gas, it is important to consider the pros and cons of induction ranges.
Pros
✓ Faster cook times: Water boils faster and your meals will cook faster because the cookware, rather than the element it sits on, is the source of heat.
✓ Even and precise heating: Your food will be heated more evenly. You can control the temperature more precisely, moving from a boil to a simmer much more quickly and predictably.
✓ Energy efficiency: Induction ranges are a more energy-efficient choice. Induction cooktops transfer heat with 85% efficiency while gas transfers energy with only 32% efficiency.
✓ Easy cleanup: When comparing gas vs induction cooktops, a glass induction cooktop is much easier to clean. It cools quickly and you can easily wipe down its smooth surface.
✓ Safer: The dramatically decreased risk of burns and injuries makes induction ranges a safer choice, especially when cooking with kids.
Cons
✗ Swapping out incompatible cookware: Your pots and pans must be magnetic but checking them is as simple as seeing if a magnet will stick.
✗ Learning curve: Just like switching from electric to gas requires some adjustment, you will have to take time to get used to your induction cooktop. However, those who are interested in an induction range will likely be excited for the culinary challenge.
✗ Expense: Induction ranges tend to be more expensive than gas ranges. Aztec Appliance offers a wide selection of induction ranges and induction cooktops starting at just over $1,000 and around $800, respectively.
Check out the Bosch 800 Series Induction Cooktop featuring AutoChef® technology which maintains precise cooking for a faster, more efficient cooking experience.
Shop this Bosch Induction Cooktop
Gas Cooking Explained
Gas ranges are powered by natural gas or propane gas via a gas line or tank. Burners are heated by a flame, and you can adjust the flame level using burner control knobs on your range. With a gas cooktop, heat transfers from the metal of the burner to the metal of the cookware, and then heat is transferred to the food inside the cookware. Those who love gas enjoy the visual cues the flame provides and the level of temperature control they possess.
Check out this KitchenAid 36'' Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop features five individual burners including a powerful 20K BTU Dual Ring Burner that is among the most powerful in the industry.
Shop this KitchenAid Gas Cooktop
Pros and Cons of Gas Ranges
When deciding between a gas vs induction cooktop, it is important to consider the pros and cons of gas cooking.
Pros
✓ Flame cooking: Cooking over a real flame offers temperature control, and you gain further control by being able to gauge heat level based on the size of the flame.
✓ Cooking directly over the flame: You have the option to heat tortillas or peppers directly on the grates to create char and a smoky flavor.
✓ Burners cool down quickly: When you turn the flame off, burners cool down quickly. You have more control over the cooking process.
✓ Durability: The grates on a gas cooktop are virtually indestructible, and you can use a variety of cookware from nonstick pans to cast iron skillets.
Cons
✗ Air quality: Proper ventilation is crucial when cooking with gas. Homes with gas stoves have 50-400% higher concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) compared to homes with electric stoves, and this can be an issue for anyone with asthma or any other respiratory illness.
✗ Harder to clean: Food and grease can get down into the grates, and you need to disassemble the cooktop to get a thorough clean.
✗ Requires a gas line: If you don’t already have a gas line, it can be an expensive process to have one installed.
Check out the 30" Frigidaire Gallery Front Control Range which is packed with time-saving features like True Convection, a powerful 18k BTU Quick Boil Burner, Air Fry, and Steam Clean, making it a versatile option for the ambitious and adventurous home cook.
Shop this Frigidaire Freestanding Gas Range
Comparing Induction vs Gas Ranges
If you’re choosing between an induction or gas cooktop, there are several factors to consider, including price, energy usage, and cooking performance.
Price
Induction ranges tend to be more expensive, but if you are in the market for a professional or luxury-style stove, a gas range is a major investment as well. Gas cooktops, gas ranges, induction cooktops, and induction ranges come in a variety of prices. Remember that a range includes both the cooktop and oven and is, thus, more expensive. Here are the average price ranges for each selection:
- Gas cooktops: $650 - $3,000
- Gas ranges: $530 - $10,000+
- Induction cooktops: $800 - $6,000+
- Induction ranges: $1,100 - $10,000+
→ Learn More: Aztec’s Favorite Kitchen Range Brands [GE, Samsung, LG Ranges, and More!]
Energy Usage
Induction ranges are the clear winner here. They are more energy efficient because there is far less heat and energy lost in the cooking process. Because the heat is transferred electromagnetically and directly to the pan, heat and energy are transferred more efficiently. Induction ranges transfer energy over twice as efficiently as gas ranges. Additionally, an induction range doesn’t heat up your kitchen, so you can save on air conditioning costs and energy usage.
Cooking Performance
Both induction and gas ranges provide more temperature control than electric. You can cook your food more evenly, and move from low to high-temperature cooking, or vice versa, more quickly. Induction ranges heat up more quickly and can boil six quarts of water in under 15 minutes.
→ Learn More: Induction vs Electric Cooktops: Kitchen Appliance Face-Off
How to Choose: Induction vs Gas Range
Ultimately, the choice between induction vs gas is a personal preference. Induction and gas cooktops both offer unique advantages and considerations, which can make the decision-making process overwhelming. Understanding the key differences between these two popular cooking technologies is crucial in making an informed choice that aligns with your cooking style, preferences, and kitchen requirements.
If energy efficiency and faster cooking are more important to you, an induction range is the better option. If you are looking for a less expensive option, you will likely choose a gas range. Many professional and home chefs have decided to switch to induction cooking. Visit Aztec Appliance today and join them in making the switch.
FAQ
In this section, we aim to address the most commonly asked questions that arise when deciding between induction and gas cooktops. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an aspiring home cook, choosing the right cooktop for your kitchen can significantly impact your cooking experience.
Is induction just a trend?
Induction cooking is actually much more common in Europe. Americans have been slower to adopt the technology, but as costs come down and purchases qualify for potential rebates and incentives from federal, state, and electric utilities, they are becoming more accessible to American homeowners. The energy efficiency benefits are likely to garner popularity for induction ranges, as well.
Who should consider an induction range?
Energy-efficient and eco-friendly-minded buyers are excellent candidates for an induction range. Those who love to cook or want a luxury, high-end kitchen in their homes should also consider investing in an induction range.
Do chefs prefer gas or induction?
Professional chefs have long preferred gas over electric cooktops, but many are beginning to switch to induction. Safety features, temperature control, and faster cooking times are several reasons chefs are making the change.
Is it worth switching from gas to induction?
Yes! The energy-efficient features and improved cooking results make switching from gas to induction worth it for many.
Which is cheaper to run gas or induction?
Because induction ranges lose less heat and use less energy, they are cheaper to run. Your energy bills will be lower with an induction range.
Why Trust Aztec Appliance?
Since 1972, Aztec Appliance has been offering quality sales and service for name-brand appliances. Our mission is to not only help you achieve all your appliance dreams, but we also want to bring value to your home beyond materialistic amenities. Our team is an authentic group of people dedicated to our work, and we share the same undeniable passion for people and serving them the best we can. Suffice it to say, we know appliances.
Whether it's a first birthday, a backyard wedding, or a retirement celebration, our hope is to give you the opportunity to enjoy life's little moments. After all, memories are not consigned to the big moments — they exist within the little ones. And you can rest assured our inventory of top-performing kitchen, laundry, and outdoor appliances will help you spend less time keeping the home and more time with the people who make it home.
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Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop cooktops online for the guaranteed lowest price at Aztec. Check out Aztec Appliance reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you learn more about induction and gas range cooktops — whether you call us at 858-987-5777 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our Aztec Appliance San Diego showroom located at the heart of downtown. Visit us today!
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