Gas versus electric cooktops
Deciding on a kitchen cooktop can sometimes feel more confusing than Christopher Nolan’s movie Inception. To narrow things down for you, there’s generally three options you can choose from: Electric induction, gas flame burners or electric ceramic cooktops. But, to keep things simple, let’s refer to our options as electric, gas and induction. If you’re still with us, let’s explore a little further exactly what to consider when choosing your kitchen cooktop.
Gas
Gas cooktops are a more traditional style of cooktop.
They use an electric ignition system, which gives you visual feedback on how high the flame is. Gas cooktops offer a charming, traditional aesthetic and come in a variety of designs and finishes. However, cast-iron trivets do make them tricky to clean.
They’re very responsive to heat and perfect for things like char-grilling and high-flame cooking, popular in many Asian restaurants.
Advantages:
Affordable
Instant heat
Very responsive
Charming aesthetic
Disadvantages:
Less safe due to open flame
Difficult to clean
Less efficient
Electric
Electric cooktops generally come in two options: a smooth top (which is usually ceramic glass) or a coil heat element on top. Coil burners heat rapidly, reaching the set temperature faster than ceramic. But heat is more concentrated on the ceramic burners, creating an efficient cooking process. Compared to induction, ceramic cooktops are slower to cook with because the element takes longer to heat up. In saying that, ceramic is more affordable than induction. Electric cooktops are also more energy efficient than gas and look sleek and modern.
Ceramic
Advantages:
Easy to clean flat surface
Stylish and elegant
Accommodates all cookware
Quite responsive to temperature changes
Disadvantages:
Not as energy efficient as induction.
Induction
Last but certainly not least is Induction.
Induction is the most modern and advanced cooktop option available. Technically, it’s electric as it utilises electricity as the fuel source, but the difference is the heating uses electromagnetism. Essentially, a metal coil hidden under the surface works via a magnetic field that turns the stovetop surface into a heating element.
Induction cooking has a few distinct advantages. Not only does it use less energy, but it’s also far safer than conventional gas stove cooking. Safer not only for your kids and family, but for the environment, too.
Advantages:
Faster and more efficient
Absence of flame makes it safer
Saves more energy
Easy to clean flat glass
Modern and stylish
Disadvantages:
Need specific cookware (magnetic)
Higher cost
Isn’t suitable for all types of cooking, e.g. woks
If you’re still struggling to decide what stovetop to choose, check out Omega’s gas, electric and induction range, available in a selection of elegant styles.