Induction Hob vs Gas Hob: The Complete UK Comparison Guide

How Induction Hobs Work

An induction hob uses electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly. A copper coil beneath the glass surface creates a magnetic field that generates heat inside the base of the pan itself. The glass surface stays relatively cool because it is not the heat source — the pan is.
 
Induction hobs achieve around 85-90% thermal efficiency, meaning nearly all the energy goes directly into cooking your food. They require a suitable electrical supply (usually a 32-amp circuit) and induction-compatible cookware.

What About Ceramic Hobs?

Ceramic hobs sit between gas and induction in terms of performance. They use electric heating elements beneath a flat glass surface. They are cheaper than induction but slower to heat up, slower to cool down, and less energy-efficient at around 65-70% thermal efficiency. If you are choosing between the three, ceramic hobs are the budget option but offer the least control and efficiency.

Running Costs Compared (UK Energy Prices 2026)

This is the question everyone asks first, so here are the real numbers.
 
Under the Ofgem Q2 2026 price cap, UK energy rates are 24.67p per kWh for electricity and 5.74p per kWh for gas. That makes electricity roughly 4.3 times more expensive per unit than gas.
 
However, the raw unit price only tells half the story. You also need to factor in efficiency — how much of that energy actually heats your food.
 
When you account for the efficiency difference (40% for gas vs 85% for induction), the cost to deliver the same amount of heat to your pan looks very different:
 
Gas: To deliver 1 kWh of useful cooking heat at 40% efficiency, you need 2.5 kWh of gas. At 5.74p per kWh, that costs 14.35p.
 
Induction: To deliver 1 kWh of useful cooking heat at 85% efficiency, you need 1.18 kWh of electricity. At 24.67p per kWh, that costs 29.11p.
 
So gas is still cheaper to cook with — roughly half the cost per unit of useful heat delivered to your pan. For a typical UK household cooking daily, the annual difference works out at around £20-40 per year. That gap has narrowed significantly over the past few years as gas prices have risen relative to electricity.
 
If you are on a time-of-use electricity tariff or have solar panels, induction can actually become cheaper than gas because you can cook during off-peak hours or use free solar energy.

Cooking Performance: Speed, Control and Results

Induction hobs boil water significantly faster than gas. In independent tests, a standard induction zone boils 1.5 litres of water in around 3-4 minutes. A gas burner takes 8-10 minutes for the same amount. That speed difference adds up across every meal you cook.
 
Gas hobs provide visible flame feedback — you can see exactly how high the heat is. Many experienced cooks prefer this visual control. However, modern induction hobs offer precise digital temperature settings that are actually more accurate than judging a flame by eye.
 
For techniques like wok cooking that require very high heat and flame contact, gas still has an edge. The curved base of a wok sits directly in a gas flame, which is difficult to replicate on a flat induction surface (though induction wok adapters and concave induction zones do exist).
 
For everyday cooking — boiling, frying, simmering, sauces — induction matches or beats gas on performance. The precise temperature control makes tasks like melting chocolate or simmering stock easier because you can set an exact temperature and the hob maintains it automatically.

Safety Comparison

This is where induction pulls clearly ahead.
 
Induction hobs have no open flame, produce no carbon monoxide, and the glass surface stays relatively cool because only the pan heats up. If you remove the pan, the zone switches off automatically. Most models include automatic pan detection, child locks, overheating protection and residual heat indicators.
 
Gas hobs involve an open flame, which presents a fire risk near loose clothing, tea towels or curtains. Gas combustion produces carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which means adequate ventilation is essential. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that gas cooking without adequate ventilation can raise indoor nitrogen dioxide levels above WHO guidelines.
 
For families with young children or elderly household members, induction is significantly safer. The cool-touch surface and automatic shutoff features reduce the risk of burns and accidents.

Installation Requirements

Gas Hob Installation

A gas hob must be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer — this is a legal requirement in the UK. Installation involves connecting to the gas supply, fitting the hob into the worktop cutout, and testing for leaks. A standard gas hob installation costs £80-150 if you already have a gas supply point in the right position. If the supply needs extending or rerouting, costs rise to £150-300.
 
Your property needs an existing gas supply. If you live in a new build, some developments no longer include gas connections as standard.

Induction Hob Installation

An induction hob needs an electrical connection, typically a dedicated 32-amp circuit from your consumer unit. If your kitchen already has a suitable electrical connection for an electric hob or cooker, installation is straightforward — an electrician simply connects the hob to the existing circuit. Cost: £50-100.
 
If you are switching from gas to induction and do not have a suitable electrical circuit, you will need an electrician to run a new cable from your consumer unit to the hob location. This typically costs £150-300 depending on the distance and how the cable is routed.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Induction hobs are significantly easier to clean. The flat glass surface has no grates, burners or moving parts. Because the surface stays relatively cool, spills do not burn onto it. A wipe with a damp cloth after cooking is usually all that is needed.
 
Gas hobs require more maintenance. The pan supports, burner caps and burner bases need regular removal and cleaning. Spilt food burns onto the hot metal components and the surrounding surface. Grease builds up around burner rings over time.
 
For sheer convenience, induction wins easily on this point.

The Pan Question: What Works on Induction?

This is one of the biggest concerns people have when considering induction. The simple test: if a magnet sticks firmly to the base of your pan, it will work on induction.
 
Pans that work on induction: cast iron, most stainless steel (check with a magnet), enamelled cast iron (such as Le Creuset), carbon steel.
 
Pans that do NOT work on induction: pure aluminium, pure copper, glass, ceramic, some older stainless steel.
 
If you have a set of non-compatible pans, you have two options. You can buy an induction adapter disc (around £15-25) that sits on the zone and heats up like a hotplate, allowing any pan to work. Or you can replace your cookware — a decent set of induction-compatible pans starts at around £40-60.
 
Most new pans sold in the UK today are induction-compatible as standard. If you are buying new cookware anyway, this is a non-issue.

Which Is Best for Your Kitchen?

Best for Serious Cooks

Induction. The precise temperature control, instant response and speed make it the preferred choice in most professional kitchens across Europe. The only exception is if you do a lot of wok cooking with a traditional round-bottom wok — in that case, gas gives you the flame contact you need.

Best for Families with Young Children

Induction. No open flame, cool-touch surface, automatic shutoff and child locks make it significantly safer. The speed also helps when you are cooking under time pressure.

Best for Rental Properties and Landlords

Gas is often the simpler choice for rental properties because it avoids the need for tenants to have induction-compatible cookware. However, if you are fitting a new kitchen in a rental, induction is increasingly preferred because it reduces gas safety risks and maintenance requirements.

Best for New Kitchen Builds

Induction. If you are designing a kitchen from scratch, there is little reason to choose gas unless you specifically prefer flame cooking. Induction is the direction the UK market is heading — the government's push toward electrification means gas connections in new builds are becoming less common.

Our Top Hob Picks from Core Appliances

Best Induction Hob: SMEG 60cm Slider Touch Control Induction Hob (£899)

A premium 60cm induction hob with 4 zones, slider touch controls and 9 power levels. Features include a booster function on all zones, automatic pan recognition and a child safety lock. The slim profile and bevelled edge design give it a clean, modern look. A solid choice for anyone upgrading to induction.

Best Budget Induction Hob: Montpellier MINH59 59cm Plug-In Induction Hob (£190)

The Montpellier MINH59 is a 59cm induction hob that plugs into a standard 13-amp socket — no hardwiring or electrician needed. This makes it the simplest and cheapest way to switch from gas to induction. It has 4 zones with touch controls, a timer function and 9 power settings. Ideal for anyone who wants to try induction without the installation cost.

Best Gas Hob: SMEG Classic 90cm 5-Burner Gas on Glass (£889)

For those who prefer gas, this 90cm SMEG Classic offers 5 burners on a black glass surface — combining the cooking performance of gas with a more modern, easy-to-clean design than traditional steel gas hobs. The ultra-rapid burner delivers high heat for wok cooking, while the simmer burner gives precise low-heat control. Cast iron pan supports keep cookware stable.

Best Compact Option: Montpellier MINH29 29cm Induction Domino Hob

A 29cm plug-and-play domino hob with 2 induction zones. Perfect for small kitchens, studio flats or as an additional cooking surface alongside your main hob. Plugs into a standard socket with no installation required.

FAQ

Is induction cheaper to run than gas in the UK?

Not quite. Gas is still cheaper per unit of useful cooking heat in 2026, costing roughly 14p per kWh of heat delivered to your pan compared to 29p for induction. However, the gap is smaller than most people expect because induction is over twice as efficient. If you have solar panels or an off-peak electricity tariff, induction can work out cheaper.

Do professional chefs prefer gas or induction?

The industry is shifting. While gas has been the traditional choice, most new commercial kitchens in Europe now install induction. The precise temperature control, speed and safety advantages make it the preferred option for modern professional cooking. The main exception is high-heat wok cooking.

Can I switch from gas to induction easily?

Yes, but you may need a new electrical circuit installed. If your kitchen already has a 32-amp electrical supply (common if you previously had an electric cooker), the switch is straightforward. If not, an electrician will need to run a new circuit from your consumer unit, costing £150-300. The Montpellier MINH59 avoids this entirely by plugging into a standard 13-amp socket.

Will my existing pans work on an induction hob?

Use the magnet test — if a magnet sticks firmly to the base, the pan works on induction. Cast iron, most stainless steel and carbon steel pans are compatible. Pure aluminium and copper pans are not. If some of your pans are not compatible, an induction adapter disc (around £15-25) lets you use them until you replace them.

Is it worth switching from gas to induction in a rented property?

If you own the property and are fitting a new kitchen, induction is increasingly the better long-term investment. If you rent and cannot change the hob, this does not apply. For landlords, induction reduces gas safety compliance requirements and maintenance costs.

What happens during a power cut if I have an induction hob?

An induction hob will not work during a power cut because it requires electricity. A gas hob can still be lit manually with a match (though the electronic ignition will not work). If power cuts are a concern, consider keeping a portable camping stove as a backup — this applies to any electric cooking appliance, not just induction.