Induction Hob or gas ?

[ncmurray]

I have cooked on gas since forever, and loved it for it's responsiveness and ease of use.

However, we had a new kitchen put in a couple of years back, and I went for an induction hob because I loved the look of them and how easy it is to clean, and ive not been disappointed.

Pros of induction: the responsiveness of the controls, how sleek it looks, how easy to clean, the fact that rising heat from the hob is not dispersing grease throughout the house, no heat radiating from it so not sweating over a hot stove, how comparatively safe it is with children around, and extra worktop space if you have a smaller kitchen.

Cons of induction: its not gas I can't quite put my finger on it, but induction doesn't quite perform the way gas does. This is very apparent if you use a wok a lot, as the only part of the wok that gets sufficiently hot is the base that is in direct contact with the hob. A good quality stainless steel or iron wok will work better, though.

Induction takes a little while to get used to. I have learned to slowly and thoroughly heat my frying pan... I usually put it on to heat before I even start prepping food, so I can just pump up the heat when I need it. I don't know why this makes a difference, but it does.

Also, I very rarely use the top level as it is just too powerful. From 1 - 10, I find level 7 is high enough to sear a steak on a well heated pan. Compared to gas, this was hard for me to get used to as I would usually use a very high heat on gas to sear a steak.

So, I guess it depends on your priorities... if you cook like a chef, you might be a little disappointed by the performance of an induction hob... but if you cook like a home cook, it will be more than enough

If I had to choose again, I would consider a gas hob but would probably go with induction again, as I love it for all the reasons above.

One thing I would do differently though... I have a siemens hob with fingertip sliding controls, and it drives me mad that it leaves all these fingerprints on the glass top! If I could choose again, I would get a Neff induction with the magnetic controller. I know... I overthink everything!

[ncmurray]

Forgot to say... cookware matters. Not all 'induction compatible' pans are the same.

Look for stainless steel pots and pans, and not just induction compatible, as these might just have a thin layer of steel to conduct the heat.

Cast iron works like a dream on induction. Non stick pans, even induction compatible are not great.

[Loopylooloo]

Induction! I was frightened to change from gas, but was super easy, and the easy clean is just fantastic compared to all those heavy racks. Quick wipe over with a damp cloth and done!
I would never go back.

[cornishfrogboy]

We swapped from gas to induction and it is much preferred.

We installed a Belling Induction hob, only 13 amp, yet more than adequate for our family of four.

[wanye]

i'm having our kitchen redone soon, and i'm sticking with gas.

i've tried induction a bunch of times at various cottages and places we've stayed at, and i *hate* it

maybe its because i do a lot of wok cooking, but every time i've tried induction cooking, i've ended up frustrated with it.

being easier to clean isnt really a selling point for me, i'd rather have a dirty hob and enjoy cooking on it than having something wipe clean that i hate using...

*edit*

just read the post above

Originally Posted by ncmurray

So, I guess it depends on your priorities... if you cook like a chef, you might be a little disappointed by the performance of an induction hob... but if you cook like a home cook, it will be more than enough

See more...

this is a very good description, and probably explains why i struggle with it so much

[shysarah]

Really interested in this thread. We are meeting with a kitchen designer on Saturday and looking to have a range installed. I’ve always used gas but may look at induction as another option.

[Loopylooloo]

Originally Posted by shysarah

Really interested in this thread. We are meeting with a kitchen designer on Saturday and looking to have a range installed. I’ve always used gas but may look at induction as another option.

See more...

If you get one with a magnetic’button’ to turn heat up and down, it feels almost the same as adjusting gas. Neff are a good brand.

[megaflyer]

Originally Posted by Loopylooloo

If you get one with a magnetic’button’ to turn heat up and down, it feels almost the same as adjusting gas. Neff are a good brand.

See more...

Mine is touch controls (so yes there are fine marks but I wipe down after every use anyway) and there is a way (or holding the button a little longer) to get boost which is enough for me to sear or use a wok in exactly the same way as gas. Apart form being selective on cookware I have been able to cook everything as well if not better on my induction (and although I be one cooking I am known to be a pretty decent fussy chef in my family and inner circle of friends)

[Bolto6]

Induction. We swapped from a range cooker in 2018 (gas hob, electric ovens,) when we had the kitchen done. No more mistakes leaving the gas on, did that once had accidentally knocked it on, went out for 5 hours, came back to a house full of gas, and had to open all the windows and doors at 10.30 at night in Winter 🤦

I love that it turns off if you remove the pan, mine has a child lock on it, so my 5 year old can’t accidentally switch it on. As mentioned in a previous post I find 6 or 7 out of 9 is what I use for most of my cooking, but do use full power if boiling spuds.

[Lisa123wm]

We’re having a new kitchen installed in a few weeks. We’re having a range cooker with gas hob.
Never had induction, so won’t ‘miss’ it so to speak and we like cooking on gas. Don’t like gas ovens though, so having electric there.
We had ceramic about 5 years ago and hated it, so happy to stick with gas.