Gas vs Electric Cooktop: The Complete Comparison
Choosing between a gas and electric cooktop is one of the most common questions we get at Oceania Appliances. Both have genuine advantages and the right choice depends on your cooking style, kitchen setup and priorities. Here’s an honest, detailed comparison.
The Main Types of Electric Cooktop
Electric cooktops come in two main types that perform quite differently:
- Induction: Uses electromagnetic technology to heat the cookware directly. The cooktop surface itself stays relatively cool. Fast, efficient and precise.
- Ceramic glass (radiant): Heats a ceramic glass surface using radiant elements below. Surface gets very hot. Slower to heat up and cool down than induction.
When people say ‘electric cooktop’ and are concerned about performance, it’s usually ceramic glass they're worried about. Induction is a different category entirely and performs comparably to gas for most cooking tasks.
Gas vs Induction: The Important Comparison
| Feature | Gas | Induction |
|---|---|---|
| Heat speed | Fast | Faster (boils water up to 50% faster) |
| Visual feedback | Flame visible | No visible heat |
| Temperature control | Good (manual adjustment) | Excellent (precise digital settings) |
| Surface temperature | Surround gets hot | Surface stays relatively cool |
| Safety | Open flame, gas leak risk | No flame, cool surface = safer |
| Cookware | Any cookware | Magnetic base required |
| Cleaning | Harder (grates, burner caps) | Easier (flat surface, spills don’t burn on) |
| Energy efficiency | Lower (heat lost around pot) | Higher (transfers directly to pot) |
| Running cost | Varies (gas price vs electricity) | Varies (electricity price matters) |
| Installation | Requires gas connection | Standard 15A or 3-phase electrical |
| Price range | $500 – $3,500+ | $600 – $4,500+ |
Gas vs Ceramic Glass: When Gas Wins
If you’re comparing gas to ceramic glass (not induction), gas wins on heating speed and responsive control. Ceramic glass is slower to heat up and slower to cool down, and is less popular in new kitchen installations. Ceramic glass is primarily attractive for its flat appearance at a lower price than induction.
The Wok Argument
Traditional gas burners can deliver more heat around the base and sides of a wok, which some Chinese cooking techniques require. High-BTU gas burners (found on 90cm freestanding cookers and commercial-grade models) are genuinely difficult to replicate with induction. For everyday stir-frying, however, a 4,600W induction wok zone is sufficient for most home cooks.
Running Costs in Sydney
Running costs depend on current gas and electricity prices. In 2025, Sydney electricity is approximately 25–35c/kWh, while natural gas is approximately 3–6c/MJ. For everyday cooking, the cost difference is small — annual cooking energy costs are typically $80–$200 regardless of fuel type for a typical household.
The Trend Toward Induction
The majority of new kitchen installations in Australia in 2025 specify induction. Architects, kitchen designers and renovation guides consistently recommend induction for safety (particularly with children), cleanliness and future-proofing (induction works with solar power; gas infrastructure is under regulatory pressure). First-time buyers often assume gas is better until they cook on induction.
Who Should Choose Gas?
- High-volume wok cooks who want the highest possible burner output
- Households with existing gas connections who want to minimise installation cost
- Buyers who prefer the visual feedback of a flame
Who Should Choose Induction?
- Most households installing a new kitchen
- Households with children (cooler surface, no flame)
- Buyers who want the easiest cleaning experience
- Households with solar panels (induction runs efficiently on solar)
Shop Cooktops at Oceania Appliances
We carry gas and induction cooktops from Bosch, Electrolux, Westinghouse, ILVE, Smeg, Miele and more. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park, call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.