What Is a Gas Cooktop and Is It Right for Your Kitchen?

Gas cooktops remain popular in Australian kitchens despite increasing competition from induction. Here's what you need to know about gas cooking, its advantages and limitations, and how it compares with electric and induction alternatives.

How a Gas Cooktop Works

A gas cooktop burns natural gas or LPG to produce a direct flame beneath your cookware. The flame heats the pan and its contents. You control heat output by adjusting the gas valve, which changes the size of the flame.

Advantages of Gas

Instant and Responsive Heat

Gas provides instant heat and allows rapid, precise adjustments. Turn down the flame and the temperature drops immediately. This responsiveness is why professional chefs have long preferred gas.

Works with All Cookware

Unlike induction, gas works with any cookware — cast iron, copper, aluminium, stainless steel and even non-magnetic pots and pans that won't work on induction.

Visible Flame

The visible flame gives immediate visual feedback on heat level, which many cooks find intuitive.

Continues During Power Outages

Gas cooktops with manual ignition continue to work during power outages. Useful in areas prone to blackouts.

Disadvantages of Gas

Cleaning

Gas burners and grates are harder to clean than a smooth induction surface. Food spills can get into burner caps and ports.

Energy Efficiency

Gas is significantly less energy-efficient than induction. Only around 40–60% of the energy from a gas flame reaches the food; induction transfers over 80–90% directly to the pan.

Air Quality

Gas combustion releases nitrogen dioxide and other combustion byproducts. Research increasingly links gas cooking to indoor air quality issues. Good ventilation (a rangehood) is essential.

Requires Gas Connection

You need a gas line installed in your kitchen. If you don't have one, the installation cost (and in some cases the impossibility of installation) is a significant barrier.

Gas vs Induction

Induction has largely surpassed gas in energy efficiency, cleaning ease and speed. If you don't already have a gas line, induction is likely the better choice for a new kitchen. If you already have gas and prefer the cooking experience, gas cooktops remain excellent.

Shop Gas Cooktops at Oceania Appliances

We stock gas cooktops from Westinghouse, Bosch, AEG, Smeg and more. Visit our Wetherill Park showroom or shop online with free delivery across Sydney.