Induction gives you fast, precise heat and a cooktop that stays cool to the touch, but it needs magnetic cookware and a dedicated electrical circuit. Gas offers a visible flame, works with any pan, and suits traditional wok cooking, yet is less energy efficient and harder to clean. The right choice depends on your cooking style, existing services, and how much work you are prepared to do during the renovation.
01Cooking feel and control
Induction uses an electromagnetic field to heat the pan directly, so the glass surface stays relatively cool. Changes in temperature happen very fast, similar to gas. You can go from a hard boil to a low simmer in just a few seconds, and many induction cooktops have fine power steps that hold a very steady temperature for melting chocolate or slow cooking.
Gas gives you an open flame that many cooks find intuitive. You can see the heat level and adjust it by eye. The flame can also lick up the sides of a wok or pan, which is useful for stir frying and charring. Induction only heats the base where the pan touches the cooking zone, so traditional round-bottom wok cooking is harder unless you buy a flat-based induction wok.
02Energy efficiency and heat in the kitchen
Induction transfers almost all its energy into the pan, leaving very little waste heat in the room. This matters in Melbourne during summer, when a gas flame can make a kitchen feel hot and humid. A cooler cooktop surface also means less heat spreads to surrounding benchtops and kickboards.
Because induction is so direct, it often boils a pot of water noticeably faster than gas or electric ceramic. That speed comes from the technology, not from any difference in power input. Gas loses a lot of heat around the sides of the pan and into the air, which is why it feels less efficient even when the flame is roaring.
03Cleaning and day-to-day upkeep
Induction cooktops are flat glass-ceramic. Since the surface does not get as hot as radiant ceramic or gas trivets, spills are less likely to bake on. A wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent is usually enough, and a razor scraper can remove stubborn marks if used gently. Avoid abrasive creams that can scratch the glass.
Gas cooktops have burners, caps and trivets that need to be lifted off and washed separately. Food can fall into the drip trays below, and burnt-on grease around the burner ports can affect performance if not cleaned regularly. Gas is not hard to keep clean, but it always takes more time than wiping a flat induction surface.
04Cookware compatibility
Induction needs pots and pans with a magnetic base. Good quality stainless steel with a magnetic layer, cast iron and some enamelled steel work well. Pure aluminium, copper, glass and some non-magnetic stainless steel will not heat. A simple test is to hold a fridge magnet to the base: if it sticks firmly, the pan will work on induction.
Gas works with any cookware that can handle a flame, including cheap aluminium frying pans, traditional woks and stovetop coffee makers. If you have a collection of good copper or aluminium pans, factor the cost of replacing them into your decision. During a full kitchen renovation many people buy new cookware anyway, so the move to induction is often less painful than it first seems.
05Electrical and gas requirements
Induction cooktops draw significant electricity. Most models need a dedicated circuit, often 32 or 40 amps, plus an isolation switch near the cooktop. A licensed electrician must run the new cable and confirm your switchboard can handle the load. Older Melbourne homes sometimes need a switchboard upgrade, which is easier and cheaper to do while walls are open during a renovation.
Gas cooktops need a gas supply and must be installed by a licensed gasfitter. They also need adequate clearance from combustible surfaces and proper ventilation. If your kitchen does not have an existing gas point, running a new line can be disruptive. If you already have gas hot water or heating, adding a cooktop connection is usually straightforward. Both fuel types must comply with Australian Standards, so never cut corners with unlicensed work.
06Pairing with a rangehood
Gas cooking releases combustion by-products, moisture and heat, so a rangehood with higher extraction capacity is usually recommended. Ducted rangehoods are better than recirculating units for gas because they remove fumes and moisture from the house. Check the maximum airflow rating and the capture width to match your cooktop size.
Induction produces steam and cooking odours too, especially when searing or frying. A good ducted rangehood is still important, but extraction requirements are often lower because there is no flame. Wall-mounted or undermount hoods are commonly matched to the cooktop width, such as 600 mm, 750 mm or 900 mm. If you are comparing induction and gas in person, Baroco Interior Innovations at 21/105-111 Ricketts Road, Mount Waverley has both types on display along with rangehoods, so you can see the difference for yourself.
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Do I need a dedicated circuit for an induction cooktop?
Yes, most induction cooktops need a dedicated circuit and an isolation switch. A licensed electrician should check your switchboard and run the new cable if required. This is easier to do during a renovation when walls and floors are accessible.
Will I need to replace all my pots and pans if I switch to induction?
Not all, but any pan without a magnetic base will not work. Test with a fridge magnet. Cast iron, magnetic stainless steel and some enamelled steel are fine. Pure aluminium and copper will not heat unless you use an interface disc, which reduces efficiency.
Is gas more powerful than induction for high-heat cooking?
Induction often boils water faster and can hold a very steady low simmer. Gas gives visible flame heat and works better for traditional round-bottom wok cooking. Both can sear a steak well, but the feel and heat pattern are different.
Can I install a gas cooktop if my kitchen doesn't have gas?
You may be able to run a new gas line, but it must be done by a licensed gasfitter. The cost and disruption depend on where the gas main or LPG bottles are located. In some apartment buildings gas may not be available or permitted, so check before committing.
