Cooking Appliances: Comparison of Gas, Ceramic, and Induction Cooktops
In the midst of Australia's energy transition, many households are making the shift from gas to electric cooktops. This shift is not only driven by environmental concerns but also by the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of modern electric appliances. In this article, we will explore the key differences between gas, ceramic, and induction cooktops in terms of performance, ease of use, and maintenance.
Performance
Gas cooktops provide instant heat and excellent temperature control via visible flames, making them ideal for high-heat cooking like searing and precise simmering. However, they are slower to boil water and less energy-efficient compared to induction cooktops.
Ceramic cooktops use radiant electric heating elements beneath a smooth glass surface. They heat more slowly than gas and induction and respond less quickly to temperature changes. Heat is transferred from the surface to the cookware, so the cooktop remains hot for a while after use.
Induction cooktops heat fastest by generating heat directly in the cookware via a magnetic field, resulting in quick boil times and highly responsive temperature adjustment, comparable or superior to gas. The surface stays cool except under the pan.
Ease of Use
Gas cooktops offer immediate visual feedback from flames and straightforward dial controls, which many find intuitive. The grates allow smooth movement of pots but can be bulky to clean.
Ceramic cooktops have smooth flat surfaces with electronic or touch controls, but slower temperature response can make cooking adjustments less precise than gas or induction.
Induction cooktops typically feature touch controls with precise digital temperature and timer settings, allowing for sophisticated control modes like power boost and automatic shut-off. However, lack of visual heat cues and sensitive touch controls can be tricky for some users.
Maintenance
Gas cooktops require cleaning around burners and grates, which can trap food and spills; the exposed flame and parts also need periodic maintenance.
Ceramic cooktops have smooth glass surfaces that are easier to wipe but can suffer from baked-on spills and scratches; they require careful cleaning to avoid damage.
Induction cooktops are easiest to clean due to the flat, cool surface that prevents burnt-on spills. Most have continuous glass surfaces with few residue traps, making wipe-downs quick and effective.
Additional Notes
Induction cooktops require compatible cookware with ferrous (magnetic) bases and often need a dedicated electrical circuit with higher amperage. Gas cooktops are generally less expensive but less energy-efficient and slower to heat compared to induction. Ceramic cooktops occupy a middle ground in price and performance but lag behind induction in responsiveness and energy efficiency.
In summary, induction cooktops excel in speed, precision, and ease of cleaning but demand compatible cookware and higher initial cost. Gas cooktops offer great heat control and visual feedback but require more cleaning effort and are slower and less efficient. Ceramic cooktops are smoother and easier to clean than gas but slower to respond and can develop baked-on stains.
The recommended ratio for a cooktop to be recommended is based on its overall test score and ease of use, with higher requirements for induction cooktops. The main problems reported with cooktops include difficulty in cleaning and issues with the igniter/ignition.
In 2025, Fisher & Paykel, Smeg, Miele, Westinghouse, Chef, and Electrolux were the most reliable cooktop brands, with Fisher & Paykel and Smeg having the highest owner satisfaction. Miele was named the Best Brand cooktop for 2025.
However, it's important to note that the performance of specific product models may vary significantly. For instance, Haier, AEG, and Omega are on the lower end of reliability, with AEG and Haier owners being more likely to have had major problems with their cooktops.
Brand reliability is determined by surveying over 1100 members who own a cooktop about any problems they've encountered in the past 12 months. Customer satisfaction is based on a survey asking members how satisfied they are with their cooktop, even if it has a fault.
CHOICE no longer tests gas appliances due to environmental reasons and because modern electric appliances are safer, more efficient, and cheaper to run over time. This shift towards electric appliances is not only beneficial for the environment but also for household budgets and safety.
[1] Source: CHOICE (2022). Cooktops: Gas vs Induction vs Ceramic. [online] Available at: https://choice.com.au/electrical-appliances/cooking/cooktops/gas-vs-induction-vs-ceramic
[2] Source: Energy.gov (2022). Induction Cooking. [online] Available at: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/induction-cooking
[3] Source: CNET (2022). Induction Cooktops vs. Gas Cooktops: What's the Difference? [online] Available at: https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen/induction-cooktops-vs-gas-cooktops-whats-the-difference/
[4] Source: Consumer Reports (2022). Induction Cooktops. [online] Available at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cooking/induction-cooktops/
Food-and-drink preferences play a significant role in the lifestyle choices of households. For instance, those who opt for electric cooktops may be driven by environmental concerns, as observed in the energy transition, where many households are switching from gas to electric cooktops.
In terms of home-and-garden appliances, technology advancements have made modern electric cooktops safer, more efficient, and cost-effective compared to gas cooktops, making them an attractive choice for household needs.
