Induction hobs have emerged as the clear winner over gas hobs in four important categories, according to experts at Which?. The consumer group compared the two types of hob and found induction outperforms gas in safety, energy efficiency, speed and ease of cleaning.
Senior researcher Jamie Darlow explained that the quickest induction hobs can boil water as fast as some kettles, making them three times faster than the fastest gas models tested. This means less time waiting for food to cook, particularly when boiling pasta or rice.
In terms of efficiency, gas hobs waste heat around the edges of pans due to the gap between flames and cookware. Induction eliminates this by transferring thermal energy directly into the pan's base, making it a more sustainable long-term choice, even though gas remains cheaper to run at present.
Cleaning is also easier with induction hobs, as their flat surface allows quick wiping without the need to scrub around protruding components. Darlow recommended using a microfibre cloth or gentle sponge to avoid scratches.
Safety is a major advantage of induction hobs, as they have no flame and stay cooler to the touch, reducing risks for households with young children. However, the surface can become extremely hot, and the British Heart Foundation warns that people with pacemakers should keep a distance of at least 60cm from the hob to avoid electromagnetic interference.
