Kitchen hobs are an absolute necessity for cooking in Singaporean homes. However, after scrolling past the seemingly endless myriad of hobs, perhaps you are overwhelmed on which hob to purchase? What is the perfect kitchen hob for your family lifestyle? Well, read on to see the difference between the gas and induction hobs to make a decision!

Gas vs Induction Hobs

The two most common kitchen hobs in the market are the gas and induction hobs.

The gas hob, following its namesake, functions using gas. The gas travels up to the burner rings and is ignited when one turns the knob connected to the lighter spark. 

On the other hand, induction hobs operate using electricity. With copper coils underneath each zone, a high alternating magnetic field will be produced when the knob enabling electricity is switched on. These alternating magnetic fields or electromagnetic fields create a reaction between the cookware and the induction hob. It is to note that only specific cookware with magnetic bases will enable the electromagnetic currents produced to flow through the cookware’s bases to generate heat.

Now that we know the difference, read on to see their pros and cons.

Way of Heating 

Induction hobs are great for precision cooking as the heat produced could be adjusted down to the degree you desire. On the contrary, gas hobs are better for multiple styles of cooking. For example, if you are looking for that wok hei for your noodles or charring for your char siew, then the gas hobs will help you achieve it.

Energy Usage 

Gas stoves are less efficient than induction hobs in terms of converting energy into heat. For gas stoves, only about 38% of total energy is actually used to heat up cookware. For induction stoves, about 80 to 90% of the electromagnetic energy does go into heating. However, induction hobs use more electricity than gas stoves due to its use of electromagnetism. 

If your family cooks regularly, a gas hob will be more cost efficient as it consumes less electricity. On the other hand, if you only need the induction stove for very basic needs, an induction stove might be a better choice.

Cookware Suitability 

As aforementioned, induction stoves require cookware with magnetic material bases such as steel or iron in order for the electromagnetic currents to heat up the cookware. Cookware used with induction stoves requires a flat base to ensure it will be balanced and be heated thoroughly. It is also ideal that your cookware’s base is the same size as the heated zones on the induction hobs to ensure heat will be transferred effectively. 

 In contrast, the gas hob does not have such a restriction and is compatible with all cookware materials such as glass, aluminium and copper. It is also able to fit most cookware with its grips to fit both round and flat bases. 

Safety First!

Gas stoves have exposed flames when ignited which can be extremely dangerous for young, curious kids who are able to turn gas hobs on with just a twist of its knob. It can be dangerous as well for the elderly who are more prone to forgetting to switch off gas stoves completely during or after cooking.

Induction hobs in comparison are much safer with various functions such as its power turning off automatically when your cookware is removed from its surface. There are also smart timer systems in which you can set the time for cooking zones to be turned off automatically. Furthermore, the surfaces of induction hobs are cooled down quickly unlike gas stoves which will take some time. 

The induction hob is definitely worth considering with its child-friendly functions for wary parents with young children who are not always able to be at their stoves all the time. 

Ease in Cleaning 

Just from its look, gas hobs are much harder to clean as dirt and food dropped during cooking are trapped easily in the crevices between the jutting rings and gaps underneath burner rings. It is also easier for scratches to be left during the scrubbing and cleaning of your gas stoves, especially with steel gas hobs. 

Induction hobs with its flat surface and tempered glass facilitates effortless cleaning as it can be wiped down easily with no crevices for dirt to be stuck in. 

Aesthetics 

With its sleek and smooth look, the induction hob is definitely more aesthetically pleasing on first glance. It will be a delightful addition to your kitchen if you are seeking to have a minimalist aesthetic, a tremendously popular design trend among Singaporeans the past few years. However, that is not to say that there are no aesthetic gas hobs in the market. Gas hobs can look elegant and fashionable in your kitchens too. At the end of the day, it is up to your preference!

Conclusion

After reading and considering everything, maybe you have made your decision and are wondering which model of gas or induction hob would fit your house best. Fret not and speak to us at Rina Electrical at our Shaw Centre showroom or call us at 6737 4351. Check out our website to view our range of premium gas and induction hobs at https://rinaelectrical.com.sg/.