Gas vs. Induction Cooktops

Gas vs. induction cooktop: which one is right for your kitchen? Read on to discover the pros and cons of these different kitchen appliances before making an investment.

How to Choose What's Right for You

If you're weighing whether to go with a gas vs. induction cooktop, you're in the same boat as many shoppers looking to overhaul their appliance setup. These two options are among the very best ranges you can buy. No matter what you pick, you'll have made a great choice for the long-term functionality and design of your kitchen. But which one is best?

We're here to help you narrow down your selection further so that you come away with the perfect piece of cooking equipment for your needs.

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Induction Ranges: What's the Big Deal?

First up in our showdown between gas vs. induction cooktops—the newer induction method. This modern technique is gaining a whole lot of traction in the kitchen appliance world, all because it gives the typical electric range a safe, high-tech upgrade. These ranges feature sleek, smooth-top elements beneath a flat heating surface, allowing for easy cleaning.

Important Detail About Induction Cooktops

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Important Detail About Induction Cooktops

So, how does it work? With induction, electromagnetic waves heat cookware rather than a gas flame. This means that when you touch it, you won't be burned. At the same time, your pots are able to heat up a lot more quickly and evenly, which saves you time and hassle in the kitchen.

Here are the pros and cons of this magnetic method:

Pro: Safety—Ideal for households with kids and beginner chefs, an induction range is a great option because it eliminates the risk for burns and other injuries since the cooktop stays cool.
Pro: Easy to Clean—The smooth, cool surface eliminates all the nooks and crannies, which means super easy cleaning.
Pro: Energy Efficiency—All the energy they generate goes towards food, so there's no unnecessaey waste. This results in a more efficient heating setup.
Con: Cost of Range—The cost-related cons are twofold. First, these are newer to the market and therefore tend to cost more than gas versions or traditional electric models.
Con: Cost of New Cookware—The second cost-related con has to do with your cooking equipment. You'll need to buy new compatible megnetic cookware and ditch those nice copper and Teflon pots you already own. Not sure if your cookware is magnetic? Check and see if a refrigerator magnet sticks to the bottom of your pots and pans. If they do, they're magnetic!

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Gas Stove Tops: A Classic in the Kitchen

As one of the original hard-hitters of the kitchen, the time-honored gas stove top will never be a bad choice. Among serious chefs, gas fuel has always been one of the preferred ways to make meals, thanks in part to the fact that it heats via an easily-controlled flame, so it's always simple to get the perfect amount of fire for the job.

Most likely, you already have experience working with a gas stove, so you probably don't need a lesson on how it works. The fact that it operates on natural gas, butane, propane or another fuel source is what makes it so great at its job, but this can be prohibitive because it requires special installation. It's gas vs. induction cooktops; learn more about these fiery cornerstones of the kitchen.

Here are some more pros and cons to gas stoves:

Pro: Cooking—Chefs often prefer this fuel because it provides you with precise temperature control and quick meal-making, requiring no time to heat up.
Pro: Reliable—Fire triumphs in the choice between gas vs. induction cooktops here because even if the power goes out, you can still use the stove. Plus, it's a time-tested technology that you know is reliable.
Pro: Cost—On the whole, gas stoves tend to ring up for less than induction ranges. Plus, they don't require you to buy new pots and pans.
Con: Safety—One of the biggest drawbacks of a gas range is that it uses fire. This can be a concern, especially if there are kids in the kitchen.
Con: Harder to Clean—All those removable pieces and parts on your gas cooktop make cleaning a chore and requires way more elbow grease.

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How to Choose the Right Range for You

So, gas vs. induction cooktop: which is the right option for you? It all comes down to your personal preferences, budget and the needs of your household. If you're all about the latest and greatest technology and want to see what the fuss is all about, definitely consider buying an induction range. On the other hand, if you prefer the classic and time-tested, a gas stove will serve you well. Both are fantastic options that are not likely to disappoint! If you'd like more information about how to choose one for your home, check out our comprehensive cooktop buying guide.