Many kitchen renovations now start with one question. Should the cooktop be gas or induction? The answer affects more than cooking. It changes the benchtop cutout, the power supply, the cookware and how the room feels to work in.
This guide looks at induction from a kitchen design point of view. It draws on information from state and territory energy agencies. It covers how induction works, what it needs and how to plan the space around it.
How induction works
An induction cooktop has copper coils under a ceramic glass surface. The coils create a magnetic field that sends pulses into the pan. The pan itself heats, not the glass. Ceramic electric cooktops work differently, with coils that heat the glass, which then warms the pan.
Because the energy goes straight into the cookware, little is wasted. The ACT Government’s page on electric stovetops and ovens says induction transfers over 90 percent of its energy to the cookware. It puts gas at about 50 percent, based on 30 minutes of cooking on two burners. It also says induction can boil a large pot of water faster than the best gas stovetops.
Induction or ceramic electric
Induction is not the only electric option. Ceramic cooktops also have a smooth glass top and drop into the benchtop the same way. The ACT Government notes both types are easy to wipe clean. The difference is in how the heat reaches the pan, which affects speed and efficiency.
Some models include extra safety features. The ACT Government mentions models that switch off after a spill or when an empty pot is left on a zone. Compare these features when you shortlist appliances. The ACT Government’s Home Energy Support Program covers upgrades from gas to efficient electric cooktops, so check what support is available where you live.
Planning the power supply
The biggest design change is often hidden in the wall. The ACT Government notes that a cooktop needs a dedicated circuit rated to its power draw. Some induction models draw up to 40 amps. That can mean an upgrade to the electricity connection, especially in homes with single phase power.
Raise this with an electrician early in the design. An electrician must install the unit to Australian Standards. If you are removing a gas cooktop, you may also need a licensed gas fitter. Licensing rules differ between states and territories, so check what applies where you live.
Induction runs entirely on electricity. Solar Victoria notes that with solar panels and a battery, you can power it from your own energy. If you are still deciding on panels, look at the financial feasibility of a solar energy system alongside the kitchen plan.
Benchtop and layout choices
Electric cooktops drop into a correctly sized hole in the benchtop. The cutout size comes from the manufacturer’s installation guide, so choose the model before the benchtop is cut. A flat glass top sits low and neat, which suits simple kitchen lines. It also gives a smooth surface you can wipe in one pass.
Layout still matters as much as the appliance. Leave enough bench space on both sides of the cooktop for setting down hot pans. Think about the path between the fridge, sink and cooktop. Many common kitchen design mistakes come from squeezing these zones too close together.
Bench height affects comfort too. The same thinking behind ergonomic office furniture applies at the stove. A cooktop at a comfortable height means less bending during long cooking sessions. Discuss heights with your designer before the cabinets are ordered.
Cookware and storage
Induction only works with certain pans. Solar Victoria’s induction guide says cast iron and most stainless steel and clad pans are fine. Aluminium, pure copper, glass and ceramic pans will not work. The simple test is to hold a fridge magnet to the base, and if it sticks the pan should work.
You may not need to replace everything. Sort your pans before the renovation and plan storage around what you keep. Deep drawers near the cooktop suit heavy cast iron. Some councils lend portable induction cooktops through their libraries, so you can try one before you commit.
Safety and everyday use
Induction has no open flame. Solar Victoria notes there are no knobs that can be bumped on, and the cooktop only works with suitable cookware on it. The ACT Government adds that it cannot be accidentally left on once the pan is removed. Child safety features vary between models, so compare them when you shortlist.
Cooking feels different at first. Induction heats faster than gas, so Solar Victoria suggests starting on a lower setting than you are used to. You also lose some visual cues, such as slow bubbles forming. Once the pan reaches the set temperature, it holds that heat steadily.
Ventilation and indoor air
Burning gas indoors can affect air quality if the space is not properly ventilated, according to the ACT Government. Moving to induction removes that combustion from the kitchen. A rangehood is still worth including, since cooking itself produces steam, smoke and smells. Size and position it to suit the cooktop width and the room.
Cleaning and upkeep
A flat glass top has no grates or burners to scrub. Solar Victoria notes that food burns less often because heat spreads evenly. It lists dish soap, baking soda, vinegar and ceramic cooktop cleaners as safe, but check your manual first. Parchment paper or silicone mats under pans can also cut down on spills.
Budget and the wider renovation
Solar Victoria puts entry level induction models at around $300 to $750. It describes that as comparable to gas and electric stoves. Allow separately for any electrical work and for removing an old gas cooktop. A cooktop change often sits within a bigger project, and the planning steps in our guide to modern bathroom renovation apply to kitchens as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new power circuit for induction?
Often, yes. The ACT Government says a cooktop needs a dedicated circuit rated to its power draw. An electrician can check your supply and switchboard.
Will my pans work on induction?
Try the magnet test first. If a fridge magnet sticks to the base, the pan should work. Cast iron and most stainless steel usually pass.
Is induction faster than gas?
Government energy agencies say it is. The ACT Government says it can boil a large pot faster than the best gas stovetops. Start on lower settings until you get used to it.
Do I still need a rangehood?
Yes, in most kitchens. Cooking still produces steam and smells without a flame. Check the manufacturer’s advice on sizing and placement.
This article is general information only. Electrical and gas work must be done by licensed trades, and requirements differ between states and territories.
