Gas prices are rising. But if induction still feels unfamiliar: Don't stress. Most of us grew up cooking on a blue flame. Here's how more Australians are switching off gas to cut energy bills, improve indoor air quality and reduce household emissions.
The good news? You don't need to renovate your whole kitchen to start cooking confidently with electricity.
While cooking only constitutes about 5% of a home’s energy use, according to Renew, it is often the one area that keeps a home connected to the gas network.
In this guide we take a look at the process of switching from a gas stove to an induction stove.
Recent testing continues to show that induction cooktops are the most energy‑efficient option available.
According to CHOICE’s 2025 testing, induction cooktops transfer heat with around 85% efficiency, compared with roughly 75–80% for ceramic electric cooktops and just 32% for gas burners.
Energy Star’s 2026 Emerging Technology Award data supports this, noting that induction systems can be up to three times more efficient than gas because they heat the cookware directly rather than heating the air around it.
In practical terms, this means:
- Induction wastes very little energy and heats food the fastest
- Ceramic electric is moderately efficient but slower
- Gas loses most of its energy to the surrounding air
What actually changes when you switch?
The biggest shift isn’t flavour, it’s heat delivery.
Gas uses an open flame, whereas induction uses magnetic energy to heat the pan directly.
That means:
- Water boils faster
- Heat changes instantly when you adjust it
- The cooktop itself stays cooler
- Less heat escapes into the room
For many people, the surprise is how precise induction feels.
There’s next to no waiting for pans to heat up or cool down once you've adjusted the heat control.
There can be a short learning curve. But most home cooks adapt within days.
The main consideration for many is cookware: Induction requires magnetic-based pans.
However, don't be fooled into thinking you need to buy a whole new set of pans -most households find their existing cookware are perfectly fine with their new stove.
The great thing is that it's easy to check: If a magnet sticks to the bottom, it will work.
Can you still get a good sear?
Yes.
A common concern is that electric cooking can’t replicate high heat.
In reality, induction can reach and maintain searing temperatures very effectively.
The key is preheating your pan properly and avoiding overcrowding - just as it is when cooking with gas.
Because induction transfers heat directly into the cookware, it can maintain temperature even when food hits the pan.
For slow cooking or simmering, many people find electric more stable than gas.
You don’t need a full renovation to get started: 3 cheaper alternatives to a stove replacement
Fortunately switching off your gas cooker doesn’t have to mean ripping out your kitchen.
If you’re renovating, installing a full induction cooktop is a straightforward option.
But if you’re not ready for that, there are lower-commitment ways to experiment:
1. Portable induction cooktops
Affordable, plug into a standard powerpoint and ideal for renters.
2. Air fryers and benchtop ovens
Efficient for smaller meals and often faster than a conventional oven.
3. Electric pressure cookers or multi-cookers
Reduce cooking time and energy use for soups, curries and braises.
Many households start by using electric appliances more often, then decide whether to fully transition later.
Small shifts still reduce gas usage and bills.
What about energy costs?
Gas may once have been the budget choice, but after years of steady increases, and with regulators approving further price rises for 2025–26, gas is only expected to get more expensive.
Induction cooktops are more energy-efficient than gas because they transfer heat directly to the pan rather than losing warmth to the air.
If you’re also generating rooftop solar, electric cooking can become even more cost-effective during daylight hours.
For households trying to manage rising bills, electrification can be part of a broader strategy to reduce ongoing energy expenses.
Is it healthier?
Research has shown that gas cooktops can release nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants into indoor air.
Good ventilation reduces this, but removing gas altogether eliminates the source.
For families with asthma or respiratory concerns, this can be a factor worth considering.
If you’re renting or can’t remove gas
You’re not locked out of the transition.
Portable induction units, electric kettles, slow cookers and air fryers can significantly reduce how often you rely on gas.
Even shifting everyday tasks like boiling water or reheating leftovers to electric appliances reduces gas consumption.
Confidence comes from control. You don’t have to change everything at once.
Top 5 most asked questions answered
Do I need to buy new pans to use an induction cooktop?
Not necessarily. Most households find their existing cookware works fine. The easiest way to check is to hold a magnet to the bottom of your pan - if it sticks, it’ll work on induction.
Is induction cooking cheaper than gas in Australia?
In most cases, yes. Induction cooktops transfer heat far more efficiently than gas, which loses most of its energy to the surrounding air. If you also have rooftop solar, cooking during daylight hours can reduce the cost further.
Can renters switch to induction cooking?
Yes. You don’t need to replace a fixed cooktop to make the switch. A portable induction unit plugs into a standard powerpoint and costs as little as $40–$80.
It’s one of the easiest ways for renters to reduce gas use without any modifications to the property.
Is induction cooking safe?
Yes. Because the cooktop surface itself doesn’t generate heat - only the pan does - there’s no open flame and the risk of burns from accidental contact is lower than with gas.
It also eliminates the indoor air pollutants that gas burners can release.
How long does it take to get used to induction cooking?
Most home cooks adapt within a few days.
The main adjustment is that heat responds almost instantly when you turn it up or down, which is different from waiting for a gas flame to change.
Most people find they prefer it once they’re used to it.
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