The gas vs electric cooktop debate has been running in Australian kitchens for decades. And now there's a third option — induction — that's changed the conversation entirely. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.
Gas Cooktops
Gas has been the preferred choice of professional chefs and passionate home cooks for generations. The instant, visual flame and responsive heat control make gas intuitive to cook on.
Pros of Gas
- Instant heat — No waiting for elements to warm up. Heat is immediate and visible.
- Precise control — Easy to adjust flame size in real time.
- Works during power outages — Gas continues working when electricity is cut (though electronic ignition needs power).
- Works with all cookware — Any pot or pan works on gas.
- Lower purchase cost — Gas cooktops are generally cheaper to buy than quality induction models.
Cons of Gas
- Higher running costs — Gas prices in Australia have increased significantly. Induction is now cheaper to run in most cases.
- Harder to clean — Grates, burner caps, and the area around burners trap food and grease.
- Indoor air quality — Gas combustion produces nitrogen dioxide. Research increasingly links gas cooking to respiratory issues, particularly in children.
- Requires gas connection — Apartments and newer homes may not have gas.
- Less efficient — Only 40–55% of gas energy reaches the pot. The rest heats the kitchen.
Electric Cooktops (Radiant/Ceramic)
Standard electric cooktops use ceramic glass surfaces with radiant elements beneath. They're flat, easy to clean, and don't require gas connections.
Pros of Electric Ceramic
- Easy to clean — flat glass surface wipes down simply
- No gas connection required
- Lower purchase price than induction
- Works with all cookware
Cons of Electric Ceramic
- Slow to heat and cool — Elements take time to reach temperature, and residual heat remains after you turn them off. This makes temperature control less precise than gas or induction.
- Less efficient than induction
- Elements can burn on accidental food spills
Induction Cooktops
Induction is the fastest-growing cooktop technology in Australia and for good reason. It uses electromagnetic fields to heat the cookware directly — not the cooktop surface — which makes it faster, safer, and more energy-efficient than any other technology.
Pros of Induction
- Fastest heating of any technology — Boils water faster than gas or electric ceramic.
- Most precise temperature control — Adjusts instantly like gas, without the lag of radiant elements.
- Safest option — The cooktop surface doesn't get hot (only the pot heats up). Significantly reduces burn risk, especially with children.
- Easiest to clean — Flat, smooth surface. Spills don't burn on because the surface stays cool.
- Most energy efficient — Up to 90% of energy reaches the pot. Much cheaper to run than gas.
- No combustion — Better indoor air quality than gas.
Cons of Induction
- Requires magnetic cookware — Cookware must be induction-compatible (cast iron, most stainless steel). Copper, aluminium, and some older stainless pans won't work. Check if a magnet sticks to the base of your pots.
- Higher purchase price — Quality induction cooktops cost more upfront than gas or electric ceramic.
- Needs electricity — Doesn't work in a power outage.
Our Verdict
For most Australian households in 2025, induction is the best choice. It's faster, safer, easier to clean, and cheaper to run than gas. The only reason not to choose induction is if you already have incompatible cookware and don't want to replace it, or if you have a strong personal preference for cooking with gas.
Gas remains a valid choice for passionate cooks who cook over wok heat or use specialist equipment that requires open flame.
Standard electric ceramic makes sense mainly as a budget-entry option for rental properties or low-use kitchens.
Find the Right Cooktop at Oceania Appliances
We stock gas, electric, and induction cooktops from leading brands including Electrolux, Westinghouse, Fisher & Paykel, and Bosch. We also carry freestanding and built-in cooker/oven combos.
Visit our showroom at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park, open 7 days 10am–8pm, or browse online: See all cooking appliances →
Call 0481 243 211 for expert advice.