What is an induction cooktop?

Induction cooktops heat cookware through magnetic induction. An electric current is passed through a coiled copper wider underneath the surface of the stove. This creates a magnetic current throughout the cooking pan to produce heat.

Cooking is often provided using gas cooktops in commercial and domestic kitchens. However, electric alternatives such as induction technologies, have significantly become more attractive and affordable.

Induction cooktops allow for a more healthier, efficient and cooler cooking experience due to the method of heat transfer. As induction doesn’t use a traditional outside heat source, only the pot or pan in use will become warm, with minimal energy losses with the ambient air. The stove will stay cool to touch before, during and after cooking.

From wok cookers to griddles, the range of induction equipment available has increased significantly in recent years, as has their popularity.

What are the key benefits?

Induction cooktops offer the following key benefits over other cooking methods:

• High efficiency, fast cooking time

• Precise temperature control

• No indoor pollutants

• Low operating costs

• Increased kitchen space

• Safer to use

• Easier to clean

More information:

Green Council Building Australia p. 23 - overview of electric alternatives for cooking (general), impacts and benefits and technical considerations.

Green Council Building Australia p. 23 - overview of electric alternatives for cooking (domestic and commercial), impacts and benefits, considerations and opportunities.

Foundation Paper p. 35 - overview of induction cooktops and key benefits.

Canstar - Meet induction cooktops - overview of what induction cooktops are, benefits, high level costs.

Choice - How to buy a great induction cooktop - explains how induction cooking works and the pros and cons.

Key questions to consider when looking to convert gas cooktops to induction cooktops:

• Is gas or other fuels used to provide cooking? What cooking style is normally used?

  If your cooktops are fueled by gas or other fossil fuels, then it’s time to start the process of making the switch! Whilst induction cooking provides a high level of versatility, some cooking styles such as charring (that requires an open flame) cannot be replicated with an induction cooktop.

• Would installing electrical cooking appliances increase annual peak electrical demand of the building?

  Induction cooktops have higher maximum current draw. So your electrician will need to advise you on whether your current circuitry is acceptable.

• Are the building users aware of the plan to transition to all-electric?

  It’s important that consideration is given to budling users or tenants and consider the impact on them. Engaging with existing or prospective tenants about switching to all-electric is an essential step.

More information:

Green Building Council Australia p. 23

Choice - Switching from gas to induction: Things to consider

Induction cooktops require ferromagnetic-compatible cookware to work properly. The only cookware that works on induction, is cookware that has plenty of iron in the base — either cast iron or steel.

It's easy to check if your cookware will work on induction — if a magnet will stick to its base, then it will almost certainly work on an induction stove.

More information:

Choice - guide to buying induction-compatible cookware

Choice - how to buy a great induction cooktop - overview of what type of pots and pans are needed for an induction cooktop.

Induction cooktops are generally more efficient than gas alternatives. Typical efficiencies of cooktops include:

• Gas: 30-50%

• Electric resistive: 75-80%

• Induction: 85-90%

Cooktops

Switching from gas to electric could come with a few costs. Firstly there's the cost of the cooktop itself. There are so many models available. Find one that works for your budget, space, and style. Those recently reviewed by Choice range from $500 to over $6,000. It depends on what features you want included in your cooktop.

See link below Choice - induction cooktop review (March 2023) for more information on which features are most important.

Compatible cookware

Only cookware that works on induction is cookware that has plenty of iron in the base — either cast iron or steel. So factoring in replacement cost of cookware is essential.

You may need to install new outlets or circuitry.

If you are switching from gas, you are likely to need an electrician, as it may not be okay to run the new stove from an existing circuit. Induction stoves are more efficient than other electric stoves, but they can have a higher maximum current draw. An electrician can advise you on whether your current circuitry is acceptable.

More information:

Foundation Paper p. 32 - provides an estimated costs as an indication only. Costs for technology supply only.

Green Building Council Australia p. 18 - provides gas and induction comparison for cooktops, deep fryers and griddles by a number of indicators such as power rating, energy consumption, energy cost, product cost, cooking efficiency.

Canstar induction cooktop review (May 2022)

Choice induction cooktop review (March 2023)

Reducing cooking appliance costs - Sustainability Victoria article focusing on costs of all elements of the kitchen.