The Costly Downside Of Switching From A Gas To Induction Stove You Should Consider

Since their introduction in the 1800s, gas-powered stoves have made cooking more convenient and productive, and have been an important development in food preparation by removing the need to gather firewood to cook. Capable of accurate heat control and able to be used with a majority of cookware, gas-powered stoves are practical appliances, with an estimated 40 million homes using them in 2023. For more contemporary kitchens, a more environmentally friendly and energy-saving alternative is the induction range, which is gaining popularity but is also more expensive to purchase and can be costly to install if additional work is needed. 

Using electricity as its power source, induction stoves work by converting the electromagnetic energy generated by the metal coils into heat. This heating process makes induction stoves more energy-efficient than gas-powered stoves, cooking food faster and more safely, providing time savings and efficiency. These benefits, however, have certain requirements, as induction stoves need a specific circuit breaker, power supply, and specialized high-voltage outlet. 

These electrical necessities are essential to ensure the proper operation of the stove and to safeguard against short circuits and overheating that may cause a fire. In an interview with Apartment Therapy, Wael Kanj, a senior research associate at Rewiring America, shared that, if considering a shift from gas stoves to induction, the first thing to check is the existing electrical wiring in your house. Most houses in the U.S. have 120-volt outlets, which aren't compatible with induction stoves, which run on 220, 240, or 250 volts. Additionally, Kanj also suggested a circuit breaker rated at least 40 amps, as well as a dedicated power line and outlet, along with other electrical components, may need to be installed, which can cost a considerable amount to complete. 

Potential costs for switching to an induction stove start with its acquisition cost, with entry-level models costing from $899.00 to as much as $6,099.00 for the larger and more advanced variants. Next, the installation of the various electrical components depends on the amount of work. The electrical permits are also pricey, ranging from $100.00 to $500.00, and the installation itself is from $550.00 to $970.00. For the dedicated 240-volt circuit, it can cost from nearly $2,000 to over $3,500, while for the outlet, the average expense is $229.00. Lastly, for the circuit breaker, inspection fees are between $100.00 and $400.00

It is important to note that not all of the electrical work may be needed, as some houses have an existing dual-pole electrical breaker. Additionally, if the main panel is capable of supporting the voltage, the house would require only the addition of a new breaker or installation of a dedicated 240-volt line. Due to this large expense, a cheaper option to consider is using a portable single-burner induction stove, which can be used with a 120-volt outlet. Another low-cost alternative, powered by 120 volts, is the electric cooktop, which is available in a built-in design, making it resemble an induction stove.

More versatile and safer, induction stoves are among the best cooking appliances available, but require a considerable investment. Along with its price and installation costs, the pros and cons of induction stoves should be understood before deciding to purchase. While there are advantages to electric stoves compared with gas stoves, the amount of time, money, and work needed to install and use them may not be suitable for everyone.