Gas vs Induction vs Ceramic Cooktop: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?

Choosing the Right Cooktop Technology

Gas, induction, and ceramic cooktops are the three main cooktop technologies available in Australian kitchens. Each has genuine strengths and suits different households, cooking styles, and kitchen setups. This guide compares them clearly to help you make the right decision.

For detailed guides on each type, see our individual guides for gas cooktops, induction cooktops, and ceramic cooktops. You can also see our complete cooktop buying guide.

Gas Cooktops

How They Work

Gas cooktops use an open flame to heat cookware directly. The flame responds instantly to knob adjustments, giving the cook immediate, tactile control over heat levels.

Strengths

• Instant heat and immediate, intuitive response to adjustments
• Works with any type of cookware
• The visual feedback of a flame helps many cooks gauge heat intuitively
• High-output wok burners (up to 17 MJ/h) deliver intense heat ideal for stir-frying
• Continues to work during a power outage (with manual ignition)

Considerations

• Requires a gas connection (natural gas or LPG)
• Less energy efficient than induction: much heat escapes around the pan
• Gas combustion produces nitrogen dioxide; adequate ventilation and a rangehood are important
• Harder to clean than a smooth cooktop surface
• Gas installation must be carried out by a licensed gas fitter

Browse our gas cooktops.

Induction Cooktops

How They Work

Induction cooktops generate heat directly in the base of compatible cookware (iron or magnetic stainless steel) using electromagnetic energy. The cooktop surface does not heat up significantly; only the pan does.

Strengths

• Fastest cooktop technology for boiling and heating
• Most energy efficient: around 85 to 90% of energy goes directly into the food
• Precise temperature control
• Safest cooktop: surface stays relatively cool and has no open flame
• Easy to clean: the smooth glass surface doesn't burn spills onto itself
• No gas required

Considerations

• Only works with magnetic cookware (check with a fridge magnet — if it sticks, it works)
• You may need to replace non-compatible cookware
• Higher upfront cost than ceramic or entry-level gas
• Requires a dedicated electrical circuit installed by a licensed electrician

Browse our induction cooktops.

Ceramic Cooktops

How They Work

Ceramic cooktops (also called radiant electric cooktops) use electric heating elements beneath a smooth ceramic glass surface. The surface heats up and conducts heat into the base of the pan.

Strengths

• Works with any type of cookware, including aluminium, copper, and glass
• Smooth, easy-to-clean surface
• No gas connection required
• More affordable than induction at most capacity levels

Considerations

• Slower to heat up and cool down than gas or induction
• Less energy efficient than induction
• Surface retains heat for some time after switching off, which is a safety consideration
• Residual heat means spills can bake onto the surface if not cleaned promptly

Browse our ceramic cooktops.

Head-to-Head Summary

Which Should You Choose?

• You want the fastest, most efficient cooktop and don't mind replacing cookware: Induction.
• You love cooking on gas and have a gas connection: Gas.
• You want a smooth, easy-clean electric cooktop that works with all your existing pots: Ceramic.
• You cook a lot of Asian cuisine with a wok: Gas, with a high-output wok burner.
• You have young children and prioritise safety: Induction, which stays coolest.

Ready to Shop?

Browse our complete cooktops range, including gas, induction, and ceramic models, and our full kitchen appliance collection.