gas cooktop

Induction vs Gas vs Electric Ranges in 2026

Typical price ranges

Range TypeAverage PriceBudget EntryPremium Models
Electric$500 – $1,000~$500$1,500
Gas$700 – $1,500~$400$2,500+
Induction$1,000 – $3,500~$1,000$4,000+

Electric ranges are typically the cheapest to buy, while induction is the most expensive due to advanced components and magnetic heating tech.


Installation Cost

Range TypeInstall FactorsTypical Cost
Electric240V outlet$0 – $200
GasGas line + venting$200 – $800
Induction240V + panel upgrade possible$200 – $1,000

Gas often costs more to install because of plumbing and ventilation requirements.

Induction may require electrical panel upgrades in older homes.


induction cooktop

Energy Efficiency (Operating Cost Driver)

Range TypeEfficiency
Induction~85 to 90%
Electric~70 to 75%
Gas~35 to 45%

Gas loses a large portion of heat to the air, while induction transfers energy directly into cookware.

Induction can be up to three times more efficient than gas.


Annual Operating Cost

Estimated household cooking usage:

Range TypeYearly Cost
Gas~$7 – $30
Induction~$8 – $40
Electric~$15 – $60

Example testing shows induction slightly above gas but below electric depending on utility rates.

Gas can be 10 to 30 percent cheaper to operate than electric in some markets.

Key variable: local gas vs electricity pricing.


Speed and Performance Cost Impact

Induction reduces cooking time:

• Boils water 2 to 4 minutes faster
• Transfers heat instantly
• Less wasted ambient heat

Faster cooking means less total energy used per meal.


Maintenance and Repair Costs

Range TypeMaintenance
ElectricLowest
InductionLow
GasHighest

Gas ranges include:

• Igniters
• Valves
• Gas lines
• Vent systems

Induction has fewer mechanical components and often lower repair frequency long term.


Ventilation and HVAC Cost Impact

Gas produces combustion heat and fumes, requiring stronger vent hoods.

Induction produces minimal ambient heat, reducing kitchen cooling loads and ventilation requirements.

This can indirectly lower HVAC costs in hot climates.


Cookware Replacement Cost

Range TypeCookware Requirement
ElectricAny
GasAny
InductionMagnetic cookware only

Induction may require replacing aluminum or copper cookware with induction-compatible sets.


10-Year Total Cost of Ownership (Typical)

Cost CategoryElectricGasInduction
Purchase$800$1,100$2,000
Install$100$500$400
Energy$500$350$300
Repairs$400$700$300
10-Year Total$1,800$2,650$3,000

Ranges vary widely, but induction’s higher upfront cost is offset by efficiency and lower maintenance over time.


Manufacturer Links

Induction Range Brands

• Samsung → https://www.samsung.com/us/home-appliances/ranges/induction/
• LG Electronics → https://www.lg.com/us/ranges/induction-ranges
• Frigidaire → https://www.frigidaire.com/en/kitchen/ranges/induction-ranges
• Bosch → https://www.bosch-home.com/us/products/cooking-baking/induction-ranges

Gas Range Brands

• GE Appliances → https://www.geappliances.com/ge/ranges/gas-ranges.htm
• KitchenAid → https://www.kitchenaid.com/major-appliances/ranges/gas-ranges.html
• Whirlpool → https://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen/cooking/ranges/gas.html

Electric Range Brands

• Maytag → https://www.maytag.com/kitchen/cooking/ranges/electric.html
• Amana → https://www.amana.com/kitchen/cooking/ranges/electric.html


Real Cost Verdict

Cheapest upfront: Electric
Cheapest to operate: Gas or Induction (depends on utility rates)
Most energy efficient: Induction
Best long-term value: Induction for heavy cooks

Cooktops 2006

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