Electricity per unit sounds cheap, an LPG cylinder sounds expensive, and everyone has an opinion about which is better for the monthly budget. The honest answer depends on efficiency, because what matters is how much heat actually reaches your pan, not how much energy you buy.
Efficiency is the whole story
An induction cooktop uses a magnetic field to heat the pan itself, so most of its energy, often around 80 to 90%, ends up in the food. A gas burner heats the air around the pan too, and a large share of its heat escapes past the sides. Typical gas stoves deliver roughly 40 to 60% of the fuel's energy to the pan.
Work it out for your home
Enter what you pay for a cylinder, how long one lasts in your house and your electricity tariff. The calculator converts your gas use into the equivalent induction electricity.
Other differences that matter
| Induction | LPG | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast for boiling | Fast, instant visual control |
| Kitchen heat | Much less heat released into the room | Heats the kitchen noticeably |
| Indoor air | No combustion fumes | Produces combustion gases; use an exhaust fan |
| Cookware | Needs magnetic-bottom pans | Works with anything |
| Power cuts | Stops without power | Works independently |
| Rotis and tadka | Possible with flat tawa; flame-style cooking is harder | Traditional favourite |
The smart combination
Many households now use both: induction for boiling, pressure cooking and reheating, and gas for rotis and dishes that need a flame. This reduces cylinder use, keeps the kitchen cooler in summer and keeps a backup during power cuts. With rooftop solar, daytime induction cooking can be nearly free.
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does an induction cooktop use?
Most are rated around 1.5 to 2 kW at full power, but they cycle and run at lower settings for much of the time. An hour of mixed cooking might use around 1 to 1.5 units.
Is induction safe?
Yes, when used with suitable cookware. The surface stays cooler than a gas burner, there is no open flame and many models switch off automatically.