Why an Induction Stove Cooktop is Best When Renovating
An induction stove cooktop is quickly becoming one of the most practical and popular choices for homeowners planning a new kitchen. For years, the main decision was usually between electric and gas. But today, induction technology has changed the conversation completely.
At Craftbuilt Kitchens, we’re increasingly recommending induction cooktops to clients because they offer an excellent balance of performance, safety, efficiency, practicality and kitchen design flexibility. In many cases, induction now delivers these benefits for only a small increase in cost compared with traditional electric cooking.
If you are comparing electric vs gas vs induction cooktops, it helps to understand how each option performs in everyday use. Below, we break down the differences between traditional electric, gas and induction, and explain why induction is quickly becoming the preferred option in modern homes.
Traditional Electric Cooktops
Traditional electric cooktops use heating elements beneath a ceramic or glass surface. They have been common in Australian homes for decades because they are relatively affordable, widely available and simple to install.
Pros of Electric Cooktops
Electric cooktops can be a suitable option for homeowners who are working with a tighter budget or want a basic cooking solution.
They generally offer:
- Lower upfront cost
- Easy-to-clean flat surface
- Wide availability
- No gas connection required
Cons of Electric Cooktops
While electric cooktops are functional, they are not usually the best cooktop for kitchen renovation projects where performance, safety and long-term usability are key priorities.
Common drawbacks include:
- Slow heat-up and cool-down times
- Less precise temperature control
- More wasted heat energy
- Residual heat that can remain dangerous after cooking
One of the biggest safety drawbacks of traditional electric cooktops is how long they stay hot after being switched off. Even 15–20 minutes later, the surface can still cause burns, which can be especially concerning in homes with children or elderly family members.
While electric cooktops remain a budget-friendly option, they simply cannot match the responsiveness, efficiency or safety benefits of induction.
Gas Cooktops
Gas has long been viewed as the “chef’s choice” because of its visible flame, instant heat control and suitability for certain cooking styles.
Pros of Gas Cooktops
Gas cooktops can still work well for homeowners who enjoy flame-based cooking or want strong heat for specific cooking methods.
They offer:
- Instant visible flame control
- Compatibility with most cookware
- Strong performance for wok cooking
- Functionality during some power outages, depending on ignition setup
Cons of Gas Cooktops
When comparing an induction vs gas cooktop, gas has several disadvantages that are important to consider during a kitchen renovation.
Gas cooktops can be:
- Harder to clean
- Less energy efficient
- Hotter to cook around
- More restrictive for kitchen design
- Dependent on good ventilation
- A potential safety risk because of the open flame
One commonly overlooked issue with gas cooktops is the impact they can have on ventilation, cabinetry and kitchen layout.
Under Australian standards, gas cooktops generally require a larger clearance between the cooktop and overhead cabinetry or rangehood. This is often around 700mm minimum to the rangehood, compared with approximately 600mm for induction or electric. That extra height may not sound like much, but it can significantly affect the practicality of overhead cabinets.
With induction, wall cabinets can usually sit lower, making them easier to access for everyday storage.
Gas can also affect splashback and benchtop depth requirements. If you want a full stone splashback behind a gas cooktop, the benchtop may need to project further forward, commonly around 720–780mm deep instead of the standard 600–610mm depth used with induction or electric cooking. This can add cost and reduce walkway space in tighter kitchens.
There is also growing awareness around indoor air quality. Gas cooking releases combustion byproducts such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, particularly in poorly ventilated homes. Proper ventilation is essential, especially in enclosed kitchen spaces.
Why an Induction Stove Cooktop is Often the Better Choice
An induction stove cooktop uses electromagnetic technology to heat the cookware directly rather than heating the cooktop surface itself. This means the pan becomes hot, not the glass surface underneath it.
This is one of the biggest reasons induction has become one of the most appealing modern kitchen cooktop options for homeowners who want speed, safety and a cleaner kitchen design.
Once most people cook with induction, it is hard to go back.
Faster Heating
Induction is incredibly fast. In many cases, induction cooktops can boil water faster than gas because the energy transfers directly into the cookware instead of being lost around the sides like a gas flame.
This makes induction a practical choice for busy households, families and anyone who wants a more responsive cooking experience.
Superior Cooking Control
Modern induction cooktops offer extremely precise temperature control. In many cases, they can be more precise than gas because you can instantly reduce heat for simmering without waiting for an element to cool down.
This makes induction excellent for delicate cooking, sauces, slow simmering and everyday meals where temperature control matters.
Higher Energy Efficiency
Induction cooktops are typically around 85–90% energy efficient, while gas loses a significant amount of heat into the surrounding air.
Less wasted heat also means your kitchen stays cooler while cooking, which can make a noticeable difference in warm Australian homes.
Is an Induction Stove Cooktop Safer for Families?An induction stove cooktop is often a safer option because the cooktop itself does not directly generate heat. The glass surface only becomes warm from residual heat transferred back from the pot or pan.
In most cases, once the cookware is removed, the surface cools rapidly and is often safe to touch shortly afterwards. Many induction surfaces remain dramatically cooler than traditional electric or gas cooktops.
This makes induction an excellent option for:
- Families with children
- Elderly homeowners
- Investment properties
- Clients wanting safer kitchens
- Modern family homes
Most induction cooktops also include safety features such as:
- Automatic shut-off
- Pan detection
- Child locks
- Overflow protection
- Residual heat indicators
For many homeowners, these safety benefits alone make induction a compelling choice.
Easier Kitchen Design
Another major benefit of an induction stove cooktop is the flexibility it gives your kitchen designer.
Induction can allow for:
- Lower and more accessible overhead cabinets
- Standard-depth benchtops
- Cleaner minimalist kitchen designs
- Better storage outcomes
- More flexible splashback options
- Improved use of space in smaller kitchens
For many clients, this becomes a major advantage in compact kitchens where every millimetre matters. Lower overhead cabinets can make daily storage more practical, while standard benchtop depths can help preserve walkway space.
This is one reason induction is often the best cooktop for kitchen renovation projects where the goal is to improve both function and appearance.
Easier Cleaning
Induction cooktops are also much easier to clean than gas.
Because spills do not burn onto the surface as aggressively, cleaning is usually as simple as wiping down the glass after cooking.
There are no burners, trivets or baked-on grime to scrub around. For homeowners who want a sleek, low-maintenance kitchen, induction cooktops are a very practical choice.
What About Outdoor Cooking?
While we strongly recommend induction indoors, gas still has a fantastic place in outdoor kitchens.
At Craftbuilt Kitchens, we also design and build custom outdoor kitchens where gas BBQs, wok burners and outdoor cooking appliances can really shine.
Outdoor environments naturally provide better ventilation and are ideal for:
- BBQ cooking
- Entertaining
- High-heat searing
- Wok burners
- Smokers and grills
For many homeowners, the ideal setup is:
- Induction inside
- Gas BBQ outside
That gives you the best of both worlds.
Electric vs Gas vs Induction Cooktops: Final Verdict
When comparing electric vs gas vs induction cooktops, the right choice depends on your budget, cooking style, kitchen layout and long-term goals.
Electric Cooktops
Electric cooktops are affordable and functional, but they are slower, less responsive and can remain dangerously hot after cooking.
Gas Cooktops
Gas cooktops are still popular, especially for outdoor cooking and flame-based cooking styles. However, they are less efficient, harder to clean and more restrictive when it comes to modern kitchen design.
Induction Stove Cooktops
An induction stove cooktop is the modern winner for most indoor kitchens because it is:
- Faster
- Safer
- More efficient
- Easier to clean
- Better for storage outcomes
- More flexible for kitchen design
- Excellent for precise cooking control
And because induction cooktops have become far more affordable than they were a few years ago, the price gap between traditional electric and induction is often surprisingly small.
Choosing an Induction Stove Cooktop for Your Kitchen Renovation
If you are planning a renovation and want the best cooktop for kitchen renovation outcomes, an induction stove cooktop is well worth considering. It supports a cleaner design, improves everyday safety, makes cooking faster and gives your kitchen designer more flexibility with cabinetry, benchtops and storage.
For homeowners comparing modern kitchen cooktop options, induction offers a strong balance of practicality, performance and long-term value.
If you are planning a kitchen renovation and want help designing a kitchen around the way you actually live and cook, the team at Craftbuilt Kitchens would love to help. An induction stove cooktop could be the right choice for creating a safer, smarter and more functional kitchen for your home.
With over 21 years of extensive experience in cabinetmaking and home renovations, Corey Cameron leads Craftbuilt Kitchens as its Director. Corey’s deep knowledge and expertise are rooted in decades of hands-on work, ensuring the highest standards in kitchen and home renovations for every home they work on.
