INDUCTION VS. GAS COOKTOPS: IS INDUCTION BETTER THAN GAS?
Induction and gas cooktops are both reliable and durable options for your kitchen, but they have different advantages and features. The main difference between the two is that gas cooktops require a gas line and use an open flame, while induction cooktops use electromagnetism to turn compatible cookware into its own source of heat. Read on to learn more about induction cooktops vs. gas cooktops and decide which option is right for you.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDUCTION VS. GAS COOKTOPS?
The main difference between gas and induction cooktops is the way they generate heat to cook food. Gas cooktops heat cookware using an open flame, while induction cooktops generate heat using electromagnetism, and turn your cookware into its own source of heat.
INDUCTION COOKTOPS
Induction cooktops use electromagnetism to directly heat induction-compatible cookware, such as stainless steel or cast iron. Induction cooktops house a copper coil beneath a ceramic-glass surface and generate an electromagnetic charge that creates heat directly within pots and pans. They often resemble electric cooktops at first glance, but they do not have traditional burners.
Induction cooktops stay cooler than other cooktops because the cookware is the source of heat, which can result in less burnt-on spills and splatter. They can be easy to clean up, as they feature a smooth, flat surface. Induction cooktops are plugged into electrical outlets and do not require gas hookups.
SHOP MAYTAG® INDUCTION COOKTOPS
Get dinner done quickly and conveniently with Maytag® induction cooktops. Maximize your cooktop surface with the XL Cooking Zone on select cooktops, an extra-large element, designed to evenly heat even your largest cookware, like oversized pans and griddles. Plus, you can mix and match two smaller pans as needed. Power Boost on select Maytag® induction cooktops is designed to deliver maximum power so you can reach a boil 2x faster than gas or electric.1
GAS COOKTOPS
Gas cooktops utilize an open flame produced by natural gas or propane under grates, and therefore require both an electrical outlet and a gas hookup. They are a popular and easy-to-use choice because they are compatible with all types of cookware, and they allow you to use the open flame burners to try different cooking techniques such as charring or flambéing.
SHOP MAYTAG® GAS COOKTOPS
Maytag® gas cooktops offer responsive heat and powerful burners for cooking you can control. The Power™ Burner allows for a slow, even saute and the intense heat for a seared, juicy steak. Plus, dishwasher safe DuraClean™ Continuous Cast-Iron Grates on some models let pots and pans smoothly slide around the cooktop for fewer spills and easier transitions from burner to burner.
COOKING WITH INDUCTION VS. GAS: WHAT TO EXPECT
Cooking may be different depending on the type of cooktop you use. When cooking with induction, the cookware generally heats up more quickly, so the total cook time may be reduced. You will want to monitor your food to avoid overcooking.
When cooking with gas, the open flame allows you to try new and different methods of cooking. For instance, you might try charring peppers or tortillas or roasting marshmallows for s’mores directly on the open flame. Gas cooktops work with just about any type of cookware and the flame can easily reach the sides of woks and stir-fry pans.
INDUCTION COOKTOP VS. GAS COOKTOP ADVANTAGES
You can’t go wrong with either choice, but both induction and gas cooktops have unique advantages depending on your priorities and cooking needs.
INDUCTION COOKTOP ADVANTAGES
- Sleek, quick-cooling top makes for easy cleanup
- Quick heating and cooldown
- Thorough, even heating
- Doesn’t require existing gas hookup
- Little-to-no heat loss from the stovetop to cookware
GAS COOKTOP ADVANTAGES
Ability to manipulate the open flame
Flame is able to reach all sides of cookware, such as woks and stir-fry pans
Great for experimenting with cooking styles, such as charring and flambéing
Compatible with all cookware
Maytag® cooktops
One cook space, full-meal power
Whether you’re working with a small space or just want more room for cooking, Maytag® cooktops offer power, durability and performance for every meal
INDUCTION OR GAS COOKTOPS: WHICH HAS BETTER EFFICIENCY?
Induction cooktops can be three times more energy efficient than gas cooktops according to ENERGY STAR®. With induction cooking, less energy is lost to the surrounding air because the cookware itself becomes the source of heat, and the workload of the HVAC system overall is reduced. Learn more about ENERGY STAR® certified appliances and Energy Guide labels.
INDUCTION VS. GAS COST: WHAT ARE THE CONSIDERATIONS?
Cooktops come in a wide range of styles, features and price points to fit your cooking needs and your budget. Maytag® gas cooktops range in price from about $850 - $1,200, while induction cooktops range from about $1,000 - $1,500.
INDUCTION COOKTOPS VS. GAS: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Deciding between a gas or induction cooktop will depend on your cooking preferences and kitchen layout. Induction cooktops provide a somewhat new approach to cooking but may require you to replace your non-compatible cookware.
Some models—like select Maytag® induction cooktops—simplify your upgrade to an induction cooktop by including a complete set of compatible magnetic cookware. Some models of induction cooktops may also offer a bridge function that lets you combine elements into larger cooking zones to accommodate cookware like griddles or wider pans.
Gas cooktops allow you to experiment with different cooking styles, may often have easy-to-remove grates to allow for a simple cleanup, and require access to both a gas and electrical hookup.
How does induction cooking work?
Installing a cooktop?
EXPLORE MAYTAG® COOKTOPS AND RANGES
If you’re ready to choose a cooktop or range that fits your needs and preferences, check out durable and dependable options from Maytag brand. The Power Simmer Dual Stacked Burner on select Maytag® gas cooktops gives you precise control over your cooktop, allowing you to boil water rapidly or gently hold low temperatures to simmer sauces—all with one burner. Or, experiment with Grill Mode on select Maytag® electric ranges, which lets you simply insert the grill accessory, then be on your way to that delicious grilled taste right from the convenience of your kitchen—no backyard needed.
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