Induction vs. Gas: Why We Made the Switch
We first worked with induction while retrofitting a carriage house for energy efficiency, and we’ve been converts ever since. Faster boils, precise control, a cool-to-the-touch surface and no combustion in your kitchen.
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What Exactly Is Induction?
A regular electric stove heats a coil, which heats the glass, which finally heats your pan. Induction skips the middleman and turns the pan itself into the heat source.
- The coil: Current flows through a copper coil under the glass.
- The field: This creates a rapidly changing magnetic field.
- The pan: The field induces currents inside a magnetic pan.
- The heat: The pan heats instantly and precisely.
Why Make the Move?
1. Better indoor air
Gas burners release combustion by-products like nitrogen dioxide into your kitchen. Induction has no flame, so there’s nothing burning.
2. Efficiency and speed
Induction sends most of its energy straight into the pan, often around 85% to 90%, compared with roughly 40% for gas. Water boils remarkably fast.
3. Safety
The glass stays relatively cool, and with no pan there’s no heat. That’s a big plus with kids around.
The Quirks (Honestly)
- Boil-overs can trigger an automatic shutoff.
- Wet or greasy surfaces can confuse the touch controls.
- You may hear a faint hum at high power.
- You’ll need magnetic cookware. Cast iron and most stainless steel work great.
For us, the trade-offs are well worth it.
Electrical Requirements
- 240-volt dedicated circuit: Typically 40 to 50 amps for a range or cooktop. Always follow the manufacturer’s specs.
- Switching from gas: Gas ranges only need a 120-volt outlet, so you’ll almost always need a new circuit run from your panel.
- Older wiring: If your home has aluminum branch wiring or an older panel, have an electrician assess it first.
- Permit: New circuits need an electrical permit in Calgary.
Popular Models by Size
- 36-inch: Wolf, JennAir and Samsung offer premium models with powerful boost settings.
- 30-inch: Bosch Benchmark for smart features; Frigidaire for excellent value.
- 24-inch: Miele and Empava make compact cooktops for smaller kitchens and suites.
Is Your Electrical Panel Ready?
Switching to induction?
We run the 240-volt circuit, check your panel capacity and handle the permit so your new cooktop or range is ready to cook.
What Calgary Customers Are Saying
