Whether you are moving house or simply renovating the kitchen area, you might be wondering if you should stick with a standard gas hob or upgrade to an induction one. This article will look at some of the pros and cons of both types of hobs to help you decide which is right for you.
Things to Consider When Choosing Your Hob
There are a few things you’ll need to take into account when deciding between a gas hob and an induction hob.
Your Pans
Not all pans will work with an induction hob. If you already have stainless steel or cast iron pans, these will be fine but other types of cookware such as ceramic, aluminium and copper won’t work unless they have a special induction plate built into the base. This means that if you do decide to switch to an induction hob you’ll need to take the opportunity to upgrade to a new set of induction pans.
Aesthetics
In terms of design, induction hobs are more sleek and streamlined meaning they can be easily adapted to any kitchen design and can look quite unobtrusive on your worktop whereas gas hobs have a more obvious and traditional appearance.
Cleaning
When it comes to which hob is easier to clean, induction hobs win hands down thanks to their smooth surface. Unlike the nooks and crannies of a gas hob, which can be difficult to clean properly without dismantling, an induction hob can easily be wiped down after cooking making it easier to keep your kitchen clean and hygienic.
Safety
Kitchens are one of the top hotspots for accidents in the home, with burns and scalds being major culprits. Fortunately, induction hobs can help with this as they’re incredibly responsive so when the heat is turned down or off, they cool very quickly. Many also come with a child lock feature to help prevent kitchen accidents, plus because it is the pan that gets hot – rather than the hob itself, induction cooking can be the safer option, particularly if you have children.
Installation
When it comes to ease of installation, however, it has to be said that gas hobs have the advantage over induction hobs. Most kitchens will already be set up for gas cooking but induction hobs use electricity, so you’ll need a qualified electrician to install your new induction hob.
Versatility
Gas hobs tend to be more versatile both in terms of which pans you can use and the type of cooking you can do. If you’re a home chef who spends a lot of time in the kitchen then you may prefer to stick to gas, which is better for cooking with a wok and also grilling.
Affordability
Induction hobs have higher initial set-up costs, meaning that gas hobs are more affordable to buy and install but as induction hobs are more efficient, they can save you money in the long term on your energy bills.
Environmental Impact
In terms of environmental impact, induction hobs are far more energy-efficient and use cleaner energy than gas hobs, which means they have less of an impact on the environment. So, if you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact and lower your carbon emissions, an induction hob is the way to go.
