One of the biggest decisions you will have to make regarding your kitchen is what type of stove are you going to get. The traditional gas stoves encountered some serious competition in the past year with the appearance of the induction cooktops. If you are struggling to decide which type of cooktop you should go for, know that you are not alone.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on what works best for you and your cooking style. But before you invest in one cooktop or another, you want to have all the information regarding the features of each type of stove and the advantages or disadvantages it can bring to your life.
The differences between a gas stove and an induction stove
| Gas stove | Induction stove | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat source | Cooking gas | Electromagnetic induction |
| Heat loss | High | Low |
| Cookware | Any cookware | Induction cookware |
| Extra features | Adjustable flame | Selectable temperature and cooking time |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 5-10 years |
The main difference between a gas stove and an induction one is the way they function. The gas stoves use a flame to cook or heat food while the induction stoves use an electromagnetic field for the same purposes. This difference makes the cooking process quite particular to each one of these cooktop types as well.
Also, gas stoves can work with any type of cookware that is resistant to the flame of the stove, while induction ones need special cookware that will be compatible with the electromagnetic field. You will discover that the induction cookware is a bit pricier than regular cookware too.
Due to these main differences, you will see that the pros and cons of each one of these cooktops are quite different as well. So, you want to understand the main aspects that separate the induction stoves from the gas stoves before you make up your mind regarding which one you need in your kitchen.
On top of the big differences between these two types of products, you will find that there are several models of each kind. So, a research is necessary to make sure you choose the stove that will meet all your cooking needs for several years to come.
Pros and cons of gas stoves
- You will notice right from the start the gas stoves are more budget-friendly compared to induction ones. While you can find products from all price ranges, overall, you will be able to get a quality gas cooktop without having to invest a fortune.
- Also, the heating is faster with the gas stoves compared to the induction ones. You will have the desired temperature as soon as you turn the heat on. And the fact that your heat source is not connected to electricity, gives you the option to prepare your meals even if there is a power outage.
- The lifespan of a gas stove will be longer than the lifespan of an induction stovetop. You can expect your gas stove to last up to 15 years, with proper maintenance.
- We have to add the benefit of a wide variety of cookware that is compatible with the gas cooktops.
- Safety-wise however, gas stoves are at disadvantage compared to the induction ones. They have a higher chance of causing burns or leaks during cooking, and they can be a bigger hazard for young children and nosy pets.
- Also, gas cooktops tend to be a bit more complicated to install, compared to induction ones. So, you will most likely need a specialist to assist you in that regard so you don’t take any unnecessary risks. However, if you already have a gas stove that you want to replace, most likely you will find it easy to connect the new one to the system you already have setup.
Pros and cons of induction stoves
- The induction stoves are fairly new on the market compared to the gas ones and therefore they are still gaining their place in the industry.
- These stoves tend to come in a more modern and simplistic design which will make your kitchen look better in terms of aesthetics. They are easy to work with and very efficient.
- They don’t expose you, your children, or pets to direct heat, which makes them safer cooktops.
- You will find it easier to clean an induction cooktop thanks to its flat surface that doesn’t get hot. All you have to do is wipe it with a clean kitchen cloth.
- Induction stoves require less ventilation during cooking as they will not produce as much heat. This will reduce your energy costs and make the entire cooking process more pleasant.
- One of the shortcomings of an induction cooktop is that it could be pricier than a gas stove. So, if you want a high-quality product, you need to be prepared to invest more into its purchase.
- Also, these stoves require specific cookware that is meant to be used with electromagnetic fields as a source of heat. So, you will have to also invest in different cookware if you change your stove from a gas one to an induction one.
- The lifespan of induction cooktops is significantly shorter compared to gas stoves as well. You can expect an induction stove to last about five years for a domestic model and eight to ten years for a commercial one.
Which one is right for you
When you decide which cooktop to purchase, you will have to consider your needs as well as your budget and kitchen system. Here are the main aspects that will help you decide between one type of stove or another!
Why should you choose an induction stove?
On top of the benefits that we mentioned about induction cooking, several reasons might determine you to go for such a device, rather than a gas one.
Increased precision
Besides its modern design and attractive heating system, the induction stove will bring you great cooking precision as well. You want to go for such a stove if you want to cook at exact temperatures and you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
The features of induction stoves are more intuitive
Certain cooktops that work on induction will allow you to set it up on different programs to cook your meals easier. You will be able to set the temperature and time and go on with your schedule until your meal is ready.
They facilitate preparing several dishes at the same time
You can cook different dishes simultaneously much easier on an induction stove. Its flat surface makes it comfortable to use as many pots as you want, according to the size of your cooktop. Plus, since these stoves don’t work with direct flame, they will not generate as much heat as gas stoves.
Easy to maintain and reduced long-term costs
Even if a high-quality induction stove will cost you more than a gas stove, you will save money and time. Your meals will cook faster, and a lot less heat will escape from the stove.
Maintaining your induction stove will also be easier and cleaning it is as simple as a summer breeze!
Why should you choose a gas stove?
On the other hand, if you are more interested in gas cooktops, you will not lack important reasons to get such a cooking device either!
Great cooking quality
Even if you will not be able to pre-set the cooking time or the temperature on all gas stoves, you will still have a great meal at the end of the cooking process, especially if you used such stoves before and are familiar with their features. Once you understand how the flame works and the intensity of heat it provides for your food, you will find it very easy to make the best of it.
You will not need to invest in any special cookware
Gas stoves are around for several decades, and they don’t require any special cookware. You can use them with any type of pot or pan, and such items tend to be more budget-friendly also, compared to the induction cookware.
Increased lifespan
We can’t end the list of reasons for purchasing a gas stove without mentioning the long lifespan of such devices. Your gas cooktop can last you well over a decade, and if you maintain it properly you can use it for close to 20 years.
Final thoughts
The final decision regarding the type of stove you want to purchase will have to be one that you can be comfortable with for the next several years. Your stove will be the main piece in your kitchen, and it has to be compatible not only with your system but also with your cookware and the cooking style that you prefer.
We recommend choosing an induction stove if you have a modern kitchen and a limited time to spend preparing complex meals. On the other hand, if you have a more classic kitchen design and you don’t mind investing your time in cooking delicious dishes for your loved ones, most likely a gas stove will be right down your alley. Plus, gas stoves are more appropriate for those who want to spend more time cooking per day, since they have a longer lifespan and are compatible with all types of cookware.
