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Cooking with Gas

Gas cooktops expose residents to formaldehyde and particles. Good Architect recommends induction cooktops for health, sustainability and cost.

Cooking with Gas
Shea Cullen, Registered Architect at Good ArchitectShea CullenNSW Registered Architect 9748 · Updated 10 July 2026

Cooking with Gas?

If you're trying to decide between induction cooking and cooking with gas, reading the information below will allow you to make the right decision to cook the most delicious meals, save time and money as well as doing the best thing for your families health.

Safety and health:

Gas cooktops expose us to harmful contaminants such as formaldehyde and small particles that that can cross into the bloodstream. It is estimated that gas cooktops contribute to 12% of childhood asthma, which is similar to smoking in the home. If you wouldn't smoke in the home you shouldn't have a gas cooktop. And if you have children or anyone with asthma in your life, it is a good idea to use a plug in induction cooktop while they are in your home.

Induction is faster:

While gas has been very successful marketing itself with the slogan "gas is best", that is all it is: a slogan. Choice magazine has conducted a boil time test, to see which cooktop could boil one pot of water the fastest. The fastest was induction, then gas, then ceramic. the fastest gas cooktop took four minutes longer to boil than the fastest induction. If you want to have control of your kitchen to get delicious meals cooked faster, induction is the way to go.

Energy Efficiency:

Induction cooking is a remarkable leap forward in energy efficiency when compared to gas stoves. Gas stoves lose a significant portion of their heat, as flames are susceptible to escaping around the sides of pots and pans, leading to wasted energy. In contrast, induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to directly heat the cookware, ensuring virtually no energy loss. This direct transfer of heat means that induction cooktops can boil water and cook food faster than their gas counterparts, ultimately reducing energy consumption and cutting down utility bills.

Environmentally Friendly:

Induction gas can be an environmentally friendly choice if you have renewable energy, gas will always cause more emissions and contribute to global warming. This shift to induction is a small yet significant step towards building a more sustainable and ecologically responsible home.

Space saving and Sleek Design:

For architects and designers who prioritise aesthetics and space efficiency, induction cooktops are a dream come true. The flat and sleek surface of an induction cooktop seamlessly blends into any modern kitchen design, allowing for a clutter free and contemporary look. Additionally, induction cooktops can be installed flush with the countertop, saving valuable kitchen space and creating a smooth, seamless surface that can be used as additional bench space.

Precision Cooking:

Induction cooktops provide unparalleled precision when it comes to temperature control. With instant heat adjustments and precise temperature settings, clients can achieve the perfect cooking results every time. Whether it's a delicate simmer or a rapid boil, induction technology allows for swift and accurate adjustments to meet diverse culinary needs.

What does Good Architect Recommend?

Good Architect unreservedly recommends that clients use induction cooktops, for their health, as the most sustainable option, lowest ongoing costs and the best for cooking.

Going all electric is one piece of a bigger picture. See my efficient electric home on the Central Coast for the rest of the house, and passive design on the Central Coast for how the building itself can do most of the heating and cooling for free.

Sunlit architectural kitchen with a curved timber ceiling and marble island

This article was heavily influenced by this Choice article and a podcast on 99% invisible.

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