Induction vs Gas Cooktop: Which Is Better for Australian Homes?

Induction cooktops are rapidly gaining popularity across Australia, while gas has long been the preference of serious cooks. Both have genuine advantages. Here's a straight comparison to help you decide which is right for your kitchen.

How Each Works

Gas Cooktops

Gas burners use combustion to generate heat directly under the pot. The flame is visible, heat control is immediate and intuitive, and gas doesn't require any special cookware.

Induction Cooktops

Induction uses electromagnetic fields to heat the base of the pot directly — the cooktop surface itself doesn't get hot (except from residual heat from the pot). Induction requires cookware with a magnetic base (cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base) — not all pots and pans are compatible.

Speed and Responsiveness

Induction is faster than gas. Water boils significantly quicker on induction than even a high-powered gas burner. Induction is also more precise — it responds to temperature changes almost instantly, with very fine control at low settings (excellent for chocolate, sauces and delicate cooking).

Winner: Induction

Energy Efficiency

Induction transfers about 85–90% of energy to the pot. Gas is about 40–50% efficient because much of the heat escapes around the sides of the pot. Induction is significantly more efficient and cheaper to run.

As Australia transitions away from gas, electricity from solar panels makes induction even more cost-effective for many homes.

Winner: Induction

Ease of Cleaning

Induction has a flat, smooth glass surface that's easy to wipe clean. There are no grates, burners or crevices to scrub. Gas has grates, burner caps and gaps that trap food and require regular scrubbing.

Winner: Induction

Safety

Induction is safer: the surface doesn't get dangerously hot (only from pot residual heat), and there's no open flame or gas leak risk. This is particularly relevant in homes with young children.

Winner: Induction

Cooking Performance

Gas has a natural advantage for high-heat wok cooking (intense direct flame) and for certain techniques like charring and open-flame toasting. Many professional chefs prefer gas for its "feel." However, modern induction can match or exceed gas performance for most everyday cooking tasks.

Winner: Gas (for wok cooking and professional preference), Induction (for most everyday cooking)

Installation and Infrastructure

Gas requires a natural gas connection — if your home doesn't have one, installation is expensive and complex. Induction only needs a standard 20-amp power point (or 32-amp for high-end 90cm models).

Winner: Induction (simpler installation)

Price

Gas cooktops can be found at all price points from about $400 upward. Induction cooktops start at similar prices, but good 90cm induction models are typically more expensive than equivalent gas.

Winner: Gas (slightly lower entry price)

Summary

Shop Cooktops at Oceania Appliances

We carry both induction and gas cooktops. Free Sydney delivery, 3–6 month warranty on every purchase. Browse online or visit our Wetherill Park showroom.