If your kitchen is already wired for a conventional electric range, you likely won't need additional electric work. But if you're switching from gas to induction, it's important to have your gas line properly capped or removed.
There is no way to convert a gas or even electric-coil stove into an induction stove. They are completely different technologies. You would need to simply buy a new stove and recycle or try to sell the old one.
While induction cooking has many advantages, it is essential to consider the disadvantages of induction stoves as well. These include the need for induction-compatible cookware and a higher upfront cost compared to traditional cooktops.
Summary of costs
At the very minimum, you're looking at $1000 for a basic gas-to-induction conversion in your kitchen.
Chefs love induction cooking because of the extremely fast heating and precise heat control provided through a high-performance glass-ceramic surface. Also, induction technology warms the pan and not the surface or surrounding area, so very little heat escapes into the room.
There are many types of cookware that cannot be used on the Induction cooking surface. Aluminum or aluminum clad, copper or copper clad, aluminum foil, glass/ceramic and some stainless steel products (because these will not attract and hold a magnet) cannot be used.
A gas stove is more prone to leaks, which may trigger fire and breathing issues. Additionally, you cannot use the stove until the leak gets fixed, which means no home-cooked food, exposing you to the dangers that come with outside food. In contrast, an induction cooktop does not produce fire and never gets heated.
Have a gas plumber turn off the gas line, remove the stove, cap the gas line, turn the gas back on and relight pilot lights in all remaining gas-powered appliances. A licensed electrician should install your new electric stove.
These zones are controlled via knobs, a touchscreen, or a combination of the two. Unlike electric and gas stoves, the lifespan of induction ranges is measured in work hours, not years. On average, consumer-grade induction ranges are meant to last for 10,000 hours—which typically equates to a decade or more.
While portable induction cooktops can work with a standard 120-volt outlet, most induction ranges and stoves need a dedicated 220- or 240-volt circuit and 40 to 50 amps to operate. If you're replacing an electric range with an induction stove, your bases are most likely covered.
Common Issues
Another frequent problem is when the induction stovetop isn't heating correctly. This often happens with incompatible cookware, like aluminium pots or non-magnetic pans, which fail to create the magnetic field needed for direct heat. Error codes can also confuse users of induction cookers.
Electric ranges are overall more environmentally friendly since natural gas extraction and delivery methods tend to come from more harmful sources - two-thirds of natural gas in the United States is produced by fracking. Electric stoves are also better for indoor air quality.
Natural gas is known for its quick heating and precise temperature control, making it ideal for high-heat cooking methods such as sautéing, grilling and deep-frying. Gas also has a more natural feel to it, which some chefs prefer. It can be used with a wide variety of cookware, including cast iron and aluminium.
Because induction cooktops are glass, there is a possibility they can scratch or break. Look for silicone mats to safeguard the glass top and prevent pans from slipping.
Range or Stove, 13-15 years:
Gas stoves last longer than their electric counterparts by 2-5 years, on average. Good everyday care will help extend the useful life, such as cleaning the stove after every use and regularly checking the burners.
That probably depends on the manufacturer. The induction stove I most often use will switch itself off and has a table of how long the heat will stay on by power setting. If it boils dry, the pan may get very hot and the induction stove will detect that and switch itself off to prevent a fire.
Costs of the new stove and cookware
Switching from gas to electric could come with a few costs — as could switching from traditional ceramic electric to induction. Firstly there's the cost of the cooktop itself. Those reviewed by Choice range from under $700 up to over $4,000.
Induction is gaining ground, prompted by concerns about kitchen air quality and carbon emissions. But gas has lots of hold-outs: the same asthma study shows that 71 per cent of people who prefer gas say it's because they like cooking with it.
If you've been forgoing cast iron cookware because you have an induction burner, you need not worry. If you're looking for a quick answer: "Yes!" You can absolutely use a cast iron skillet on an induction burner. In fact, cast iron is one of the best materials for induction friendly cookware.
The heat transferred from the pan will only warm what is used because induction doesn't require a conventional external heat source. Because less heat energy is lost during induction cooking, the power consumption of induction cooktop is significantly low.
You can use stainless steel cookware on your electric stovetop. Induction stoves require magnetic materials like stainless steel, while electric stoves can either heat through coils or a smooth-top surface. Stainless steel's compatibility with induction, electric and gas stoves make it a versatile option.