Gas vs induction hob: which type is right for you?
Torn between a gas or induction hob for your kitchen? Our side-by-side comparison will help you figure out which is the better fit for your cooking needs and preferences.
Brits have long loved gas, and it's said to be the choice of professional chefs. However, induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular as a modern, efficient alternative. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference.
Our detailed side-by-side comparison will help you work out what's best for you.
Go straight to our top recommendations: see our best induction hobs, best gas hobs and best venting hobs.
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Gas and induction hobs compared
How do they work?
| Gas | Induction |
| Direct heat from a flame heats the pot. The heat source is visible, instant, and easy to control. | An electromagnetic field heats the pan directly, not the hob surface. The cooking surface stays relatively cool. |
Which cooks the quickest?
| Gas | Induction |
| Based on all the gas hobs we tested in 2023, the average gas hob takes 12.43 minutes to boil a large pan of water. | Induction is a lot quicker. It takes the average induction hob 4.57 minutes to boil a big pan of water. |
| The fastest gas model we've tested took nearly nine minutes to boil the water. That's why we rarely make gas hobs Best Buys: they're just too slow. | The quickest induction hob we've tested took just over three minutes – this is as fast as some kettles we've tested. |
Which is the easiest to use?
| Gas | Induction |
| Most gas hobs have dial controls, which some people find easier to use. | Most induction hobs have touch controls, which can be sleek but some find fiddly, especially when wet. |
| Cleaning can be a pain due to the raised burners and grates. | Cleaning is a breeze due to the smooth, flat surface. Just be careful not to scratch it. |
| Gas hobs offer immediate visual feedback on heat levels. | Very responsive temperature control, but no visual feedback from heating elements. |
Which is the most energy efficient?
| Gas | Induction |
| Not very efficient, as much of the heat is lost around the sides of the pan. But currently cheaper to run as gas is cheaper than electricity. | Highly efficient, as heat is generated directly in the pan base. More expensive to run currently. |
| Gas is a fossil fuel, so not a sustainable long-term option. | Better for the environment, especially when powered by renewable electricity. |
Which gives the best cooking results?
| Gas | Induction |
| Provides even heat for frying and searing. | Frying performance varies as some induction hobs have hot spots while others distribute heat very evenly. |
| Generally good at maintaining a steady low simmer | Variable performance – some induction hobs cycle on and off when simmering, which some people might find annoying. |
| Open flames allow techniques such as charring vegetables directly on the burner. | Flames not possible with induction. |
Which is the safest?
| Gas | Induction |
| Gas cooking appliances contribute to an increase in harmful pollutants in our homes, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and ultrafine particles. To mitigate the risks and improve air quality, good ventilation is key. | Using electrical cooking appliances does not adversely affect your home's air quality. |
| Open flames pose potential risks, especially with young children. | The surface gets hot, but only because the pan transfers heat back to it. Without a pan, the surface will not heat – making it safer around children. |
| Since 2010, gas hobs are required to have a flame failure safety device that ensures gas is cut off automatically if for any reason the flame goes out or becomes unstable. | People with pacemakers should consult their doctor, as induction hobs may interfere with these devices. |
Go straight to our gas hob reviews and induction hob reviews to compare individual lab-tested models.
Looking for another option? Our guide to the best ceramic hobs compares this hob type with induction.
Gas hob vs induction hob: which is cheaper to cook with?
Ruby Gordon, Which? scientist says:
'Gas hobs are significantly slower to heat up and on average, are roughly only half as energy efficient as induction hobs in our tests. But since gas is cheaper than electricity, gas hobs are currently cheaper to run.
'However, as a fossil fuel, gas is not an environmentally friendly choice and if we are to achieve the UK government's Net Zero target by 2050, we'll all need to do our bit.
'Which? encourages eco-conscious purchasing decisions wherever possible.'
Find out how much your appliances cost to run.
Making the switch from gas to induction
If you're used to cooking on a gas hob, you may find it strange to switch to induction at first. There are a few things to look out for.
- Induction hobs are quieter, lacking the characteristic flame sound of gas stoves. However, they often produce a faint buzzing or humming, especially at higher power settings. This is because of the way the electromagnetic field heats the pan, it's nothing to worry about.
- Induction cooking is generally faster, with near-instant temperature changes and quicker boiling times. The cooking zones can remain hot once you've switched them off. So, to avoid overcooking or burning, you may need to move the pot or pan to another part of the surface, which generally remains relatively cool.
- Induction hobs require compatible cookware, typically with ferromagnetic bases (stainless steel, cast iron, enamelled iron, or nickel). Aluminium cookware won't work on an induction hob. Our best non-stick frying pans and best saucepans are all induction-compatible.
Exclusive Which? data can help you find a hob that's worth the money. Find out which hob brand is the most reliable.
How we test gas and induction hobs
At Which?, we put all hobs through a rigorous set of lab tests to evaluate their speed of heating, ease of cleaning and ability to simmer and fry. Only the very best hobs across the board earn our Best Buy recommendation.
Our expert reviews ensure you pick the right hob for your cooking needs.
Read more about how we test hobs to find out everything you need to know.