Ceramic vs gas vs induction cooktops: which is best for you?

Australians spent billions in residential renovations last year with a large portion focused on kitchen upgrades and appliances. One of the most important parts of the kitchen is of course the cooktop. There are three main types of cooktops that most people consider. Gas, induction and ceramic but what are the differences between them and which might be best for you? We reveal all.

Chefs have long preferred gas cooktops because gas can generate heat instantly and lets you make instant adjustments to heat temperature levels. The gas flame can also gives you a good visual guide of the level of heat you are using.

A gas cooktop can offer a modern and even industrial look to the space, which may be what you want. A gas cooktop is made up of a burner assembly attached to a gas valve that is connected to the main gas line. When you turn the knob, the gas enters a tube and the burner ignites it. Gas cooktops can function with propane or natural gas.

An induction cooktop uses a magnetic field to produce heat and cook food. Unlike a gas or electric cooktop, which uses a burner, an induction cooktop uses a metal coil underneath to create that magnetic field when you turn the power on.

An induction cooktop heats a pan with that magnetic field. As you lay it on the cooktop, the magnetic field will pass into the pan, generating heat. The heating element is now the pan, so the actual cooktop remains cool except for residual heat from the pan itself.

A ceramic cooktop has a tempered ceramic surface under which coils of metal elements are placed. You can heat these elements to the temperature you need. The coil will then heat the ceramic glass surface and whatever you lay on top of it.

One of the many benefits of a ceramic cooktop is that they are easier to clean and can provide even cooking zones.

Before you can make a decision on the cooktop you want for your home, it’s wise to compare the options. Let us look at the pros and cons each can offer.

Pros and cons of gas cooktops

A gas cooktop provides instant heat, offering instantaneous shifts in temperature. It can accommodate woks and special trivets and you can roast things directly on the burner.

A gas cooktop can also be less expensive to run than other options and it will still work if you lose power in your home.

It does require a supply of gas, however, and can be harder to keep clean than an induction cooktop. Because of the open flames, there is a higher risk of fire or combustion.

Pros and cons of induction cooktops

Induction cooktops are safer than other kinds of cooktops, making them ideal for homes with children. You also do not have to worry about the cooktop heating up your kitchen as you use it, an important advantage in those hot summer months. Similarly to gas cooktops, induction ones also respond quickly to changes in temperature and produce heat rapidly.

An induction cooktop will cook food in an even manner and will bring a pot of water to boil very quickly. It is also more energy-efficient than other options.

Induction cooktops are still the most expensive type of cooktop in Australia today. You also want to remember that not all types of pots and pans will work on them. Since these cooktops use magnetic fields, the pots and pans have to be made of metals that make this possible.

Pros and cons of ceramic cooktops

Ceramic cooktops have sensors that can tell you what sections of their surface are still too hot to touch and they are responsive to temperature changes, letting you get the exact degree of heat you need. Their flat surfaces make them very easy to clean.

You do have to remember that because the surface of a ceramic cooktop heats up, you will want to wipe up spills as soon as you can to avoid caked-on food.

If you want the highest level of control as well as safety, you have to go for an induction cooktop and not a gas one. However, you’ll likely have to pay more upfront to do so.

If you have a gas line in your home, the gas cooktop will likely be the most affordable option in terms of running costs (depending on the rates of your local suppliers). Usually, if budget is one of your main concerns when choosing a cooktop, it is best to go for gas.

Induction and ceramic both offer great temperature control, but if you are worried about safety, induction is best. Ceramic is less expensive, however, and you do not have to worry about purchasing pots and pans made of specific types of metal, like cast iron and stainless steel. This fact can put some people off induction altogether.

When choosing between ceramic and induction, the toss-ups are between safety, cookware and cost.

These are both reasonably affordable options which means price isn’t really a factor when making a decision. Gas cooktops are harder to clean than flat ceramic ones and there is a much higher risk of fire with them.

However, gas does give you faster and more responsive temperature control when cooking and you also get the visual aid of the flame. Many professionals only cook with gas and if you consider yourself among the elite in this respect then your decision might be an easy one.

With all the comparisons made between gas vs induction vs ceramic cooktops, you’ll hopefully have a better idea about the pros and cons of each. Taking into account your own household situation you should be well placed to choose the option that works best for you.

Related article: Plan your dream kitchen: a guide to renovation costs