The induction vs gas hob debate is louder than ever, with electricity prices, gas boiler bans and induction technology all shifting fast. Add ceramic electric to the mix and there are three very different ways to boil the kettle. If you are choosing a hob for a London kitchen in 2026 (or replacing one after a gas isolation for a boiler upgrade), the honest comparison across cost, cleaning, safety and cooking style matters more than ever. This guide draws on what our engineers see across thousands of London homes.
Quick answer
Induction is the fastest, most energy-efficient and easiest hob to clean, but needs induction-compatible pans and a strong electrical supply. Gas is versatile and independent of power cuts but slower and harder to clean. Ceramic electric is cheapest to buy but slowest and least efficient.
How each hob heats the pan
Induction
Copper coils under the glass generate a magnetic field that induces current in the pan base. The pan itself heats; the hob surface stays cool except for radiated heat. Response is faster than gas: full-boost boils water in about half the time of a gas ring.
Gas
An open flame from the burner heats the pan base directly. Response is instant but a lot of heat escapes around the pan. Wok burners at 3.5-5 kW give real power that induction only just matches at boost settings.
Ceramic electric
A radiant element beneath a glass ceramic surface glows red. Heat conducts up through the glass into the pan. Slower to heat and slower to cool.
Read also: How to clean an induction hob
Running costs compared
Efficiency of the transfer from energy to pan is roughly:
- Induction: 85-90 per cent.
- Ceramic electric: 65-70 per cent.
- Gas: 40-55 per cent.
Gas has been cheaper per kWh, but the gap has narrowed. In many homes with modern induction and typical use, induction now beats gas on cost per meal, especially once you factor in slower boiling with gas. Time-of-use electricity tariffs like Octopus Agile can push induction further ahead if you cook off-peak.
Cleaning and everyday practicalities
Cleaning is where induction really wins. Because the surface stays close to pan temperature rather than red-hot, spills wipe off with a damp cloth. Gas hobs have pan supports, burner caps and knobs that all need separate attention. Ceramic hobs need a dedicated ceramic cream and easily scratch.
Read also: How to clean a gas hob
Cleaning time per week (typical family)
- Induction: 5-10 minutes.
- Ceramic: 10-15 minutes.
- Gas: 20-30 minutes.
Cooking control and versatility
Chefs traditionally love gas for its visual flame and instant response. Induction has closed the gap dramatically and now offers precision simmer, pause functions and boost settings that gas cannot match. However, gas still wins for:
- Wok cooking with rounded pans.
- Charring peppers directly on the flame.
- Cooking during power cuts.
- Very large pans on a single big burner.
Ceramic electric struggles in both cooking control and speed.
Pan compatibility
Induction only works with ferrous pans; if a magnet does not stick to the base, the pan will not heat. Cast iron and most stainless steel work; pure aluminium and copper do not (unless they have a bonded ferrous plate). Budget 200-500 GBP to upgrade pans if you switch to induction from gas.
Safety differences
Induction: the coldest, safest option. Only the pan gets hot; the surface warms only from residual pan heat.
Gas: open flame, gas supply, carbon monoxide risk if the flue is blocked. Requires an annual Gas Safe inspection in rented homes.
Ceramic: retains heat long after switching off, indicator light warns of residual heat.
For families with young children, induction has a clear edge on scald prevention. It also has an auto-cutoff if a pan boils dry, which gas hobs still lack.
Installation requirements
Induction needs a strong ring circuit; most hobs draw 7.2 kW and require a dedicated 32 A supply. A qualified electrician must install it. Some newer larger hobs need 45 A supplies and a spur upgrade in older London flats.
Gas needs a Gas Safe registered engineer for both connection and any relocation. Under Building Regulations Part J, new gas installations in some London boroughs may need ventilation review.
Ceramic sits on a standard 32 A cooker circuit and is the easiest to swap in for an old ceramic or solid-plate hob.
Read also: Best ovens to buy in 2026
Which should you choose?
- New-build or full kitchen renovation: induction is the future-proof choice.
- Serious wok cook or heavy grill user: gas keeps its edge.
- Budget swap: ceramic remains the cheapest to install.
- Rented flat, letting the tenant pay energy: induction wins on efficiency.
- Off-grid or frequent power cuts: gas is more resilient.
Conclusion
Whichever hob wins your argument, correct installation matters more than the choice itself. Our gas cooker installation service in London covers gas connection and disconnection to Gas Safe standards, and we can advise on cooker changes across all three hob types. See our prices and coverage pages.
