Induction Vs. Electric Vs. Gas Cooktops: Which One Is Best?

Posted on 7.19.22

Finding the best cooktop can be complicated if you aren't sure what you are looking for. You can choose between electric cooktops, gas cooktops, and induction cooktops. However, what is the difference and what should you look out for? We will go over what the major differences are between the cooktops and how to choose the right one for your home.

Purchasing a New Cooktop

At DeWaard and Bode, we have various cooktops you can choose from online or in-store at our appliance store in Bellingham or Burlington locations. Our product specialists know the ins and outs of kitchen appliances and can get you acquainted with the perfect cooktop for your home design and needs.

What are Induction Cooktops?

Induction cooktops are a unique type of electric cooktop that generate power from induction technology and copper induction coils which are magnetic. This essentially means that it develops its energy from an electromagnetic field that is under the glass cooktop surface and transfers the current directly to magnetic cookware which results in it heating up.

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient cooktop that produces perfectly prepped food then induction is a great choice to go with. Induction cooktops have less energy consumption than other options in the market. Other benefits of induction stoves include built-in safety features, fast cook time, and easier meal prep.

According to Energy Star, “The per unit efficiency of induction Cooking Tops is about 5-10% more efficient than conventional electric resistance units and about 3 times more efficient than gas.”

What are Electric Cooktops?

Electric cooktops and induction cooktops are similar however the way the heat is generated makes them different. Under the glass or ceramic cooktop, there are metal coils that are heated with an electrical current. Once the coil is heated, it will start to glow and transfer the heat from the surface to the cookware and then to the food you want to heat. When it comes to induction vs electric efficiency, induction cooktops are considered by many people as efficient cooktops.

Electric cooktops are considered reliable with simple installation that doesn't take any particular equipment to set up which means there won't be much of a learning curve when you buy one. Another feature that many electric cooktop owners love is the ability to make use of the residual heat. The cooktop typically stays warm after it is turned off which helps you keep your food warm.

What are Gas Cooktops?

Gas cooktops are the most common types of cooktops that most people are familiar with. A gas cooktop is considered a standard and traditional cooktop that works with propane burners and natural gas. Many professional chefs and cooking masters prefer gas stoves due to their ability to produce quick temperature changes with a range of flame sizes and you are able to use almost any type of cookware on them.

Our Favorite Induction Cooktop, Electric Cooktop, & Gas Cooktop

Café™ 30" Smart Touch-Control Induction Cooktop

The Cafe Smart Touch-Control Induction Cooktop is a favorite among many customers looking to purchase a new induction stovetop. You can easily adjust the temperature and set different timers with WiFi Connect and use the Five Induction Elements all at once to become a master chef in your kitchen.

Get gourmet results with Guromet Guided Cooking which helps combine video-guided recipes from chefs with a system that automatically adjusts the temperature, time, and cooking pace for the best results. You are easily able to maintain a set temperature within one degree with Control Mode which makes temperature-sensitive cooking easy. One of our favorite features is the cooktop technology that senses the presence of cookware and will turn the burners off when the cookware is removed.

Whirlpool 4.8 cu. Ft. Electric Oven Range W/ Keep Warm setting

The Whirlpool electric range with Keep Warm setting is an optimal choice when it comes to affordability and buying a new electric cooktop. Whirlpool electric cooktops help you get dinner ready and provide a straightforward approach to cooking without all of the complicated features other ranges or cooktops come with. If you are looking for an electric cooktop that will get the job done then this is the electric cooktop for you.

The biggest feature of this electric stove is the Keep Warm setting that prevents your dinner from getting cold. You can easily make dinner early on in the day and the stovetop will keep it warm until you have to serve your meal. Other features you'll find on this affordable cooktop include a large oven window, closed door broiling, and control lock mode.

LG 5.8 cu ft. Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Fan Convection Oven Gas Range with Air Fry & EasyClean®

When it comes to a gas cooktop the LG Gas Cooktop with Air Fry is one you should look into. We picked the LG gas cooktop as one of our favorites because it has modern features like WiFi connectivity combined with the Air Fry feature all at an affordable price. In addition, it comes with a stainless steel option that makes it look slick. It's hard to beat!

The built-in air fryer provides the perfect crispy flavor you are looking for to make fries, wings, and more with no preheating necessary. So, if you currently have an air fryer taking up counter space just get a gas range that can really do it all like this one.

LG offers ThinQ Care which proactively provides smart alerts to make sure your kitchen appliances are running properly all year long. No more second guessing about what's wrong with your appliance. You'll get notifications on usage, maintenance, and diagnosis on your smartphone. If you are a messy cook you can keep your range immaculate with the easy to clean feature that gets your oven spotless in 10 minutes.

When it comes to the gas cooktop, this range has UltraHeat which is LG’s fastest burner with 20,000 BTU burners that boil water and any other liquid quickly.

Overall Verdict: Which Cooktop is the Best?

When it comes to which cooktop is the best, it can depend on the consumer, budget, and needs of what you are looking for. Many people wonder is induction really better than gas and the answer isn't so straightforward because everyone can have a different preference when it comes to their preferred method of cooking.

Either way, our product specialists at DeWaard & Bode have many kitchen appliances you can choose from. You can stop by at any of our convenient locations in Bellingham or Burlington, Washington near and Geneva, Ferndale, Custer. Our kitchen appliance store delivers to Whatcom County, Skagit County, and Island Counties.