Induction or gas: which costs less?

An induction hob is far more efficient than a gas hob: it puts most of the energy into the pan, while a flame loses much of it into the air. But each kWh of electricity usually costs more than a kWh of gas. Which one wins depends on prices: this calculator starts from the gas you use for cooking today, works out how much electricity the same heat would need and compares the costs, along with the years needed to pay off the hob and pans.

It works in any currency: enter the prices from your bills.

How the calculation works

• Useful heat: the gas used for cooking times the hob efficiency, often around 30-40%.
• Electricity needed: the same heat divided by the induction efficiency, often around 80-90%.
• Saving: gas cost plus any standing charge you remove by closing the contract, minus the electricity cost.
• Years to pay off: cost of hob and pans divided by the annual saving.

If gas is used only for cooking, consumption is on your bill. If you also use it for heating and hot water, estimate it: often a few hundred kWh a year.

The electricity price decides

400 kWh of gas a year, 40% gas hob, 85% induction, gas at 0.10 per kWh, hob and pans at 600, gas contract kept:

With these figures induction uses less than half the energy, yet at 0.25 per kWh of electricity it already costs more than gas. Homes with solar power or a cheap electricity tariff have the advantage.

The real saving: closing the gas contract

Same data, electricity at 0.30 per kWh:

If gas is used only for cooking, switching to induction lets you close the contract and drop the standing charge: often that, more than consumption, makes the switch worthwhile.

The reading bands

• No saving: at the prices entered induction costs as much as or more than gas.
• Over 15 years: you save, but on energy alone the switch does not pay back quickly.
• 8 to 15 years: it pays off over a long time.
• 4 to 8 years: it pays off in a reasonable time.
• Up to 4 years: it pays off quickly.

Limits of the calculator

Efficiencies are indicative: they depend on the hob, the pans and how you cook. The calculator does not include electrical work or a higher supply capacity, nor the oven, which is a separate appliance. Cost is not the only factor: induction burns no gas in the kitchen, is easier to clean and heats quickly, but needs pans with a suitable base.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to cook with gas or induction?

It depends on prices. Induction uses less than half the energy, but electricity usually costs more than gas: with gas at 0.10 and electricity at 0.30 per kWh, in the example induction costs about 16 more a year.

How efficient is induction compared with gas?

Induction typically puts 80-90% of the energy into the pan, gas hobs 30-40%.

When is switching to induction worth it?

Mainly if you can close your gas contract and drop the standing charge, or if you have cheap electricity or solar panels.

How much gas is used for cooking?

Often a few hundred kWh a year, depending on how much you cook. If gas is used only for cooking, you will find it on your bill.

How do I convert cubic metres of gas to kWh?

Multiply the cubic metres by the calorific value given by your supplier, often around 10 kWh per m³.

Do I need new pans?

Only if their base is not suitable for induction: it must be ferromagnetic. A magnet that sticks to the base is a good test.

Do I need a bigger electricity supply?

Sometimes, because an induction hob can draw a lot of power. The calculator does not include this cost.

Does the calculator include the oven?

No, only the hob. The oven should be assessed separately.

Does it work in any currency?

Yes. Enter all prices in the same currency.