Induction vs Gas Cost Guide
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly, making them about 85% energy-efficient — compared to roughly 40% for gas burners. This calculator helps you estimate monthly electricity costs for your induction cooktop and compare them against your current gas cooking expenses.
The formula is straightforward: wattage × daily hours × 30 days ÷ 1,000 = monthly kWh. Multiply by your utility rate to get your monthly cost. For a 1,800W cooktop used 1 hour daily at $0.13/kWh, that's just about $7 per month. Most US households spend $30–$60/month on gas for all cooking.
Note that US gas rates vary significantly by region. If your gas bill includes heating or water heating, separate out just the cooking portion (roughly 20–30% of the total for heating households) for a fair comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — induction requires magnetic cookware. Cast iron and most stainless steel work fine. Aluminum, glass, and copper pots won't work unless they have a magnetic base. Look for the induction-compatible symbol on your cookware.
In many states, natural gas remains cheaper per BTU than electricity. However, induction's higher efficiency often closes the gap. At US average rates (electricity $0.13/kWh, gas $0.01/BTU), actual cooking costs are often comparable.