Is induction really faster than gas?

Yes — consistently so. A 1,800W induction burner brings 6 quarts of 70°F water to a rolling boil in roughly 5 min 30 s, versus 8-10 min on a 15,000 BTU gas burner. Induction transfers 85-90% of its energy into the pan; gas delivers only 40-50%.

Do I need new pans for induction?

Only if yours are non-magnetic. Put a kitchen magnet on the base of your existing cookware — if it holds, it's induction-compatible. Cast iron, most stainless steel and enameled cast iron work. Aluminum, copper and glass don't, unless they have a ferromagnetic disk bonded to the base.

How much does cooktop installation cost?

Expect $250-$600 for a drop-in electric, induction or ceramic cooktop, $400-$900 for gas (plus gas-line work), and up to $1,500 for a downdraft or pro-style model requiring circuit upgrades or venting.

Can I replace a gas cooktop with induction?

Yes, but you'll need a licensed electrician to run a dedicated 240V / 40-50A circuit, and a plumber to cap the gas line. Budget $500-$1,200 on top of the appliance itself.

Independent editorial SINCE 2024

The cooktop, decoded for the kitchen that matters.

Induction, gas, electric. Boil times, simmer precision, fan noise, installation gotchas. Long-form, data-backed reviews from a working test kitchen — not a spec sheet rewrite.

Best induction 2026 About Marc

VOL. 3 No. 42

Montréal · test kitchen

Three technologies

One editorial standard.

tested side-by-side

01 8 guides

Induction cooktops

Fast, precise, and now the benchmark. Buying guides, physics and real-world boil tests.

Explore →

02 9 guides

Gas cooktops

Blue-flame tradition, BTU ratings, burner geometry and why pros still insist on them.

Explore →

03 1 guide

Electric cooktops

Coil, radiant, ceramic — what still works in 2026 and when to skip it.

Explore →

Induction vs Gas vs Electric: Ultimate Energy Efficiency & Real Cost Showdown

Induction, gas or electric cooktop: which type is actually most efficient and cheapest to run? Real figures, performance tests, and a clear verdict for 2026.

Cooktop Hunter

Read the guide →

The magazine

Latest guides

See all articles

The Hidden Dangers of Gas Stoves: What You Need to Know Abou

Gas May 28, 2026

The Hidden Dangers of Gas Stoves: Indoor Air Quality & Health Risks

Gas stoves release NO2, CO, and benzene into your home. Learn the real health risks, exposure data, and practical steps to protect your family's indoor air quality.

Read the full guide

Hands repairing a gas cooktop burner with a cleaning brush and burner cap removed showing the igniter and gas ports

Gas May 10, 2026

Fix Gas Cooker: Complete Repair Guide for the 9 Most Common Failures

Fix gas cooker problems — clicking but not lighting, low flame, gas smell, weak burner, dirty igniter and more. Step-by-step DIY repair guide and when to call a pro.

Read the full guide

Perfectly cooked ribeye steak being sliced on a cutting board with a meat thermometer showing 130 degrees medium rare

Techniques May 10, 2026

Steak Cooking Chart: Time, Temperature & Technique for Induction & Gas

Complete steak cooking chart with internal temps, sear times and pan-by-pan technique for induction and gas cooktops. The exact numbers for rare to well-done.

Read the full guide

Six pan-seared sea scallops with deep golden brown crust arranged on a slate plate with a small herb garnish

Techniques May 10, 2026

How to Cook Scallops: Searing Scallops on Induction & Gas Cooktops

How to cook scallops perfectly — restaurant-grade golden crust, tender translucent center. The exact technique for induction and gas cooktops with cooking times and temperatures.

Read the full guide

Pan-seared salmon fillet with crispy golden skin being cut to show pink medium center on a slate plate

Techniques May 10, 2026

Salmon Cooking Temperature: Internal Temp Guide for Induction & Gas

Salmon cooking temperature guide — safe internal temps for fillet, side, and whole salmon, plus the exact pan technique on induction and gas for crispy skin every time.

Read the full guide

Bone-in pork chop being sliced on a cutting board showing pink interior with thermometer reading 145 degrees medium

Techniques May 10, 2026

Pork Cooking Temperatures: Internal Temp Chart & Cooktop Technique

Pork cooking temperature guide — safe internal temps for chops, tenderloin, ground, and shoulder, plus the cooktop technique to hit each target without drying out.

Read the full guide

Editorial promise

Measurement-grade writing, not content marketing.

Primary sources, real data

Every number on this site comes from the test kitchen, a manufacturer service manual, or a government agency we name. Blog posts are not evidence.

Updated, not abandoned

Cooktop lineups change yearly. Firmware ships. Prices move. Every guide carries a dated revision note and gets re-tested when the underlying model does.

Plain language, physics respected

Induction is electromagnetism, gas is combustion chemistry, and neither deserves hype. We explain the physics, then tell you what it means at the counter.

The Simmer

One email per month. Zero fluff. Only the best new cooktops and guides.

Get fresh reviews, price-drop alerts and unpublished buyer notes from the Cooktop Hunter team. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.

We never share your email. Read our privacy policy.

FAQ

Questions we hear every week.

Is induction really faster than gas?: Yes — consistently so. A 1,800W induction burner brings 6 quarts of 70°F water to a rolling boil in roughly 5 min 30 s, versus 8-10 min on a 15,000 BTU gas burner. Induction transfers 85-90% of its energy into the pan; gas delivers only 40-50%.
Do I need new pans for induction?: Only if yours are non-magnetic. Put a kitchen magnet on the base of your existing cookware — if it holds, it's induction-compatible. Cast iron, most stainless steel and enameled cast iron work. Aluminum, copper and glass don't, unless they have a ferromagnetic disk bonded to the base.
How much does cooktop installation cost?: Expect $250-$600 for a drop-in electric, induction or ceramic cooktop, $400-$900 for gas (plus gas-line work), and up to $1,500 for a downdraft or pro-style model requiring circuit upgrades or venting.
Can I replace a gas cooktop with induction?: Yes, but you'll need a licensed electrician to run a dedicated 240V / 40-50A circuit, and a plumber to cap the gas line. Budget $500-$1,200 on top of the appliance itself.