Induction vs gas hobs: which one is better for cooking?
While setting up your modern kitchen, one of the questions you’ll need answers to is whether you need to use an induction hob or a gas hob. This decision may seem flippant but many things should be taken into consideration when making it. In this short brief, we discuss which one is better to go for depending on your requirements.
Induction hobs have been around since the 70s. They operate by using electromagnetism to heat up and cook. When it's turned on, a high-frequency alternating magnetic field is formed between the element and the pan. The electromagnetic field passes through the pan and generates a current within it making it heated in the process. In simpler terms, the whole hob will remain at a cool temperature and only the pan or pot you’re cooking with will heat up.
On the other hand, gas hobs are more common appliance even though its use has been declining over the past couple of years. When you turn the gas hob’s knob, gas is released through the burner holes and it can be ignited with a matchstick or lighter spark.
Three Factors To Consider When Making Your Decision
1. Heat Distribution
When choosing which one to go for, the most important thing to think about is how they fare when it comes to cooking. Many pro chefs and avid cooks usually opt for a gas hob as they believe nothing beats the good ol’ flames.
With a gas hob, it is easy to increase or decrease the amount of heat being supplied, but it is nearly impossible to determine the temperature of the flames, which means that you have to be very vigilant when using the gas hob.
An induction hob makes it easier to gauge cooking temperature and is also more controllable because the temperature can be set with the touch of a button.
Gas hobs heat things up faster than an induction hob does, but that doesn’t mean that food cooked with gas hobs gets done faster than those prepared with an induction hob. This is because induction hobs distribute heat more uniformly.
2. Cleanliness
Everyone shies away from cleaning the kitchen, especially after a lot of cooking has been done; however, it can’t be helped unless you plan to hire a cleaner. This is why many people need to factor this in when making a choice between a gas hob and an induction hob.
Thanks to its minimalist design, induction hobs always have a sleek look, and given how flat they usually are, they are a joy to clean. All the cleaning entails is rubbing down the hob after cooking, and since only the pan or pot gets hot, you won't have to worry about scraping off spilled foods.
3. Price and cost of usage
Gas hobs are usually cheaper than an induction hob. The induction hob costs about twice the price, and the yearly running cost is also about half as much. It can be expensive to install a gas supply in your home if you don’t already have one, but it is much more expensive to rewire your kitchen to accommodate an induction hob.
Good luck!
