At the very minimum, you're looking at $1000 for a basic gas-to-induction conversion in your kitchen.
This could cost around $400, give or take, depending on where you live and the length of wire you'll need. An electrician can handle this in a couple of hours.
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.
Induction cooktop installation requirements
When the old gas cooktop is removed, existing gas supply needs to be isolated and electrical wiring installed. Induction requires a separate electrical circuit for its higher energy usage which is on average 30 Amp - 42 Amp. This may in turn necessitate a switchboard upgrade.
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.
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.
Your pots and pans need to contain enough iron to generate a magnetic field. Copper, aluminum, and ceramic wares don't work. Every manufacturer I contacted (GE, LG, Samsung) confirmed that the concern over compatibility is a major reason for the slow growth.
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.
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.
You'll also need to get an electrician to install the hob. However, because induction hobs are energy efficient, they are cheaper to run than gas hobs. This can help you to offset the initial costs of buying the hob over the long term.
Since induction burners rely on a magnetic field to generate heat, they'll only work with cookware that's made of ferrous metals (that is, metals that contain iron). Cast iron and most stainless steel pans work well on induction, but copper or aluminum won't, unless it's been specially built to work with induction.
Is my Le Creuset cast iron compatible with induction hobs? Yes, all our cookware (except our stoneware range which should not be used on the hob top) is suitable for use on an induction hob. Just remember to keep to a low to medium heat, for durability and delicious results! Food is sticking to my cast iron casserole.
Induction appliances are up to three times more efficient than gas stoves, and up to 10% more efficient than conventional smooth top electric ranges. This improved efficiency performance can result in lower energy costs as well as lower rates of air pollution associated with energy generation.
The total cost of switching from a gas furnace to an electric furnace can range from $2,900 to $9,500 (CAD 3,879 to CAD 12,706), depending on the above factors. Fortunately, this is a one-time expense, some of which you could recoup through lower energy bills over time.
Induction cooking is safer
When you use a gas stove — when it ignites, while cooking, and even when it's off — harmful pollutants are released into your home. These pollutants are especially dangerous to children and our elders.
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.
Grant Crilly: Absolutely. The feedback from working chefs over seven years on the Control Freak has been that it has been the highest quality, most reliable, mobile workhorse they have in their arsenal. The only complaint I've heard is that it costs $1,500 and that is expensive.
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.
Upgrading any home appliance is a big decision. Depending on your budget, costs might outweigh features or the latest technology. Electric stoves are more affordable than induction. The average price for an electric stove is $700, while induction stoves average about $1,300.
It is unlikely that you will need a 3-phase connection to your house for an induction cooktop. A typical household single phase connection is adequate for most all-electric households.
How Long Does an Induction Cooktop Last? The lifespan of an induction cooktop is measured in operating hours rather than years. Consumer-grade induction cooktops are usually manufactured to operate for 10,000 hours, while commercial-grade induction cooktops are manufactured to operate for 30,000 hours.