Is an induction hob cheaper to run than a gas hob?

Induction hobs are more efficient than gas hobs, converting a higher share of the energy they use into heat for your food. But in the UK, electricity is priced much higher than gas per unit, so the running cost per meal is still higher for induction, even though it wastes less energy.

Induction hobs use less energy for the same meal

Induction hobs heat the pan directly by generating a magnetic field, so energy goes straight into your food instead of being lost to the kitchen air [1]. In a controlled study simulating real meal preparation, induction hobs averaged 80% thermal efficiency, compared to 48% for gas hobs (LPG) [3].

To put these efficiency numbers to work: if a meal needs 1 kWh of useful heat at the pan, you can estimate the induction hob will draw about 1.25 kWh of electricity, while the gas hob will use roughly 2.08 kWh of gas. These figures are derived estimates based on the study’s reported efficiencies, not direct measurements for each meal. The takeaway: for the same meal, an induction hob will use noticeably less energy overall.

Electricity costs more than gas in the UK

Higher efficiency from induction hobs only pays off if electricity is priced close to gas. But in the UK, official tariff data puts electricity well above gas per unit. For example, Ofgem’s January–March 2024 price cap lists direct debit rates at £0.28 per kWh for electricity and £0.07 per kWh for gas. Even where tariffs differ, the ratio holds—electricity hovers at about four times the price of gas per kilowatt-hour [Ofgem].

The result: at typical rates, a main meal cooked on induction—using 1.25 kWh—costs £0.35, while the same meal on gas—using 2.08 kWh—costs £0.15. The induction hob uses less energy, but the higher price of electricity tips the running cost higher than gas for each meal, even with the energy savings.

A worked example: Cooking a main meal

Suppose you cook a main meal that needs 1 kWh of useful heat—enough to boil pasta and simmer a sauce for a family dinner. Using the efficiency figures from [source], induction hobs deliver about 80% of their input energy to the pan, while gas hobs manage around 48%.

1. Induction hob

• To get 1 kWh of cooking heat, you use 1.25 kWh of electricity (1 ÷ 0.8).
• At £0.28 per kWh (UK typical rate), that’s £0.35 per meal.

1. Gas hob

• You need 2.08 kWh of gas (1 ÷ 0.48).
• At £0.07 per kWh, that’s £0.15 per meal.

Cooking this meal every day for a year means about £128 for induction and £55 for gas—using these rates and efficiencies. This example puts real numbers to the tradeoff: induction uses less energy per meal, but the higher price of electricity more than cancels out that gain at current UK tariffs. If your energy prices are different, or your cooking habits shift, the annual costs will move in step.

What can change the answer

The cost difference depends mostly on the price gap between electricity and gas. If electricity becomes cheaper, or gas becomes more expensive, induction hobs could become cheaper to run. In some countries with lower electricity prices or higher gas prices, induction might already be cheaper. Also, if you generate some or all of your own electricity (for example, with solar panels), the running cost of an induction hob could drop significantly.

Other factors that matter less for running cost but may matter for you:

• Cookware: Induction hobs need pans with a magnetic base [1].
• Air quality: Gas hobs release combustion gases into your kitchen, including nitrogen dioxide and benzene [2]. Induction hobs do not [1].
• Speed and control: Induction hobs heat up and cool down quickly and are easier to clean [1].
• Emissions: Induction hobs cut household emissions if the electricity supply is low-carbon [3].

Mistakes to avoid when comparing costs

1. Ignoring energy prices: Efficiency gains can be outweighed by higher electricity prices.
2. Not checking your tariff: Your actual cost depends on your own electricity and gas rates.
3. Assuming all electric hobs are as efficient as induction: Standard electric hobs are less efficient than induction [1].

Questions readers ask

How much does switching to induction save on energy use?

For the same meals, induction uses less delivered energy than gas. In a controlled study cooking typical South Asian dishes, induction stoves averaged 484 kWh of annual household cooking energy use, while LPG stoves used 905 kWh [3]. Induction also delivered the highest thermal efficiency in both water-boiling and real meal tests. The real-world cost saving, however, depends on your local gas and electricity tariffs, as the study notes that fuel price differences can shift the outcome.

Will my old pans work on an induction hob?

Only pans with a magnetic base—such as cast iron or some stainless steel—work on induction hobs. Aluminum or copper pans need a magnetic layer built in, or they will not heat up [1].

Is induction safer than gas for indoor air quality?

Yes. Induction hobs generate heat directly in the pan without burning fuel. This means no nitrogen dioxide, benzene, or methane emissions are released into your kitchen air, unlike with a gas hob [1,2].

How the numbers work

Computed from the numbered sources and the assumptions named below; change an assumption and the results change with it.

Sources

1. Induction cooking - Wikipedia
2. Gas stove - Wikipedia
3. Experimental investigation of use-phase efficiency, energy consumption, and emission scenarios for LPG, induction, and infrared stoves