Induction Cooktop vs Gas Burner Efficiency: Running Cost Comparison for Indian Homes

Choosing between an induction cooker and a gas stove impacts monthly expenses, cooking efficiency, and energy consumption. With electricity tariffs and LPG prices fluctuating regularly, understanding the true cost of each cooking method helps you make an informed choice that aligns with your budget and cooking habits.

Energy Efficiency: How Much Heat Actually Reaches Your Food?

The fundamental difference between induction and gas cooking lies in how efficiently energy transfers to your cookware.

Research says Induction cooktops are 90 per cent efficient at transferring energy directly to your pan, meaning only 10 per cent of the energy is wasted. Gas stoves, in contrast, operate at around 40 per cent efficiency, with over half the energy lost as ambient heat that warms your kitchen instead of your food.

An induction takes approximately 5 minutes to boil six cups of water, while a gas stove requires roughly 8 minutes. Faster cooking times mean less energy consumed per meal.

Gas stoves release heat into your kitchen, raising room temperature and potentially increasing air conditioning costs. Induction keeps your kitchen cooler because heat goes directly into cookware, not the surrounding air.

Flat-bottomed magnetic vessels (stainless steel or cast iron) maximise induction heat transfer, while gas works with any cookware material, including traditional aluminium and brass utensils.

Breaking Down the Running Costs

LPG Gas Stove Running Costs

As of December 2025, a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder costs approximately Rs. 853 in Delhi. For a household cooking 4 hours daily, monthly LPG expenses can reach approximately Rs. 1,818.

Most Indian families consume 1.5 to 2 domestic cylinders monthly, translating to Rs. 1,280 to Rs. 1,706 per month at current rates.

Induction Cooker Electricity Costs

Induction cooking power consumption varies by wattage, typically ranging from 1,200W to 2,000W for single burners. A 2,000W induction cooker running for 2 hours daily consumes 4 units (kWh) per day, or 120 units monthly.

At an average domestic electricity rate of Rs. 6 to Rs. 8 per unit in most Indian cities, monthly costs range from Rs. 720 to Rs. 960 for moderate usage. Induction cookers automatically modulate power based on temperature settings, reducing actual consumption in real-world cooking scenarios.

Real-World Cost Comparison

For a family cooking 2-3 hours daily:

• Gas Stove Monthly Cost: Rs. 1,280 to Rs. 1,818

• Induction Cooker Monthly Cost: Rs. 720 to Rs. 1,100

Induction can save Rs. 180 to Rs. 1,098 monthly, or Rs. 2,160 to Rs. 13,176 annually, depending on local electricity tariffs, LPG prices in your region, and cooking duration. Households in states with lower electricity rates see more substantial savings. For more insights on cost-effective cooking solutions, learn about made-in-India cooktops from Glen.

Initial Investment and Long-Term Value

A quality 3-burner gas stove typically costs Rs. 3,700 to Rs. 10,000, with premium models from Glen ranging higher based on features like auto-ignition and brass burners. Single induction cooktops start at Rs. 1,700 to Rs. 4,000, while multi-burner built-in units can cost Rs. 29,995 to Rs. 49,995.

Lower running costs offset the higher initial investment for induction. A household saving Rs. 500 monthly recoups a Rs. 6,000 price difference within 12 months.

Induction requires compatible cookware. If your kitchen usesaluminiumm or copper vessels, you will need magnetic stainless steel or cast iron alternatives, adding Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 8,000. For guidance on selecting quality cooktops, check why a good cooktop is important in an Indian kitchen.

Cooking Performance and Speed

Induction cooktops offer precise temperature control and instant heat adjustments. When you reduce the power level, the temperature drops immediately, preventing overcooking and improving results with delicate dishes.

Gas stoves provide visual flame indicators that many Indian cooks prefer. The open flame allows direct roasting of rotis, something induction cannot replicate. Dishes like phulkas, dosas, and appams cook better on gas due to direct flame contact and compatibility with curved cookware.

Explore how to make protein-rich paneer dishes in just 10 minutes using a cooktop to see practical cooking examples.

Compatibility with Indian Cooking Styles

Gas stoves work with all vessel types and shapes, from curved-bottom kadais to wide tawas. Induction requires flat-bottomed magnetic cookware, limiting options for traditional cooking methods.

For households preparing a mix of modern and traditional dishes, Glen offers both gas stoves and induction cookers, allowing you to choose based on specific cooking needs. Learn more about comparing cooktop options to find the best solution for your kitchen.

Power Dependency and Reliability

Electricity supply reliability varies across Indian regions. Induction cookers become unusable during power outages, while gas stoves operate independently of a power supply, ensuring uninterrupted cooking during grid failures.

For homes with frequent power cuts, gas remains more reliable unless paired with an inverter backup. Some households maintain both cooking methods, using induction for daily meals and gas as backup.

Safety and Maintenance

Induction cooktops feature automatic shut-off when cookware is removed, preventing accidental burns. The cooking surface remains cool except where the pan sits, reducing burn risks. There are no open flames or combustion byproducts.

Gas stoves require proper ventilation to disperse combustion gases. Regular maintenance includes cleaning burner ports, checking connections, and ensuring proper flame colour. LPG leaks pose safety risks, making periodic inspection essential. For kitchen setup guidance, read about the optimal placement of a kitchen chimney for maximum efficiency.

Cleaning induction involves wiping the smooth glass surface, while gas stoves require more intensive cleaning of burner grates and flame ports.

Environmental Impact

Induction cooking's environmental impact depends on how your region generates electricity. States with higher renewable energy integration offer greater environmental benefits. Gas combustion releases carbon dioxide and pollutants directly into your kitchen, affecting indoor air quality.

Higher induction efficiency means less total energy consumption per meal, reducing environmental impact regardless of the electricity source.

Final Thoughts

Induction offers superior efficiency, lower running costs, and faster cooking times, ideal for modern kitchens focused on energy savings. Gas provides reliability during power outages, compatibility with all cookware, and better performance for traditional Indian dishes.

Glen's range of gas stoves and induction cookers allows you to select the cooking method that best fits your needs while optimising energy expenses. For personalised guidance, contact Glen Appliances at 9266655555.

View Full collection of Induction and Gas Stoves.

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