In short: When buying the best cooker for your needs, you choose between gas, induction or ceramic (hob). Induction heats fastest, is safest and uses the least energy. Gas responds instantly but requires a gas connection. Ceramic is the most affordable entry point but heats more slowly. The right choice depends on your connection, budget and cooking style.
Gas, induction or ceramic: the three types explained
Anyone looking to find the best cooker quickly faces the same question: which type suits me? The three most common options are a gas cooker, an induction cooker and a ceramic (electric) cooker. They differ fundamentally in how they generate heat, which has implications for speed, safety, cost and maintenance.
A gas cooker burns natural gas or propane and heats the pan directly via a flame. You see the flame and adjust it instantly. Downside: you need a gas connection – and in a growing number of new-build homes, that connection is no longer available.
An induction cooker uses electromagnetic fields to heat the pan itself. The cooking zone stays cool; only the pan heats up. This makes induction fast, energy-efficient and safer for children.
A ceramic cooker works electrically via heating elements beneath a glass-ceramic plate. Heat transfer is slower than with induction, but the appliance is cheaper to buy and works with any type of pan.
Which cooker uses the least energy?
Induction is the most energy-efficient type. Because heat is generated directly in the base of the pan – without first having to pass through a burner or heating element – almost no energy is lost. Gas performs worse due to heat loss around the pan. Ceramic sits between the two, but also has a longer warm-up and cool-down time, resulting in extra electricity use.
In figures: induction achieves an efficiency of around 85–90%, gas around 40–55% and ceramic around 65–70%. You'll notice this difference on your energy bill with daily use.
Comparison table: gas, induction or ceramic — which is the best cooker?
| Criterion | Gas | Induction | Ceramic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating speed | Fast | Very fast | Slow |
| Energy efficiency | Low (±50%) | High (±88%) | Moderate (±67%) |
| Safety | Lower (open flame) | High (cool surface) | Medium (warm surface) |
| Required connection | Gas supply essential | Socket (220–240 V) | Socket (220–240 V) |
| Pan requirement | All pans | Magnetic base required | All pans |
| Purchase price | Mid-range | Higher | Low to mid-range |
| Maintenance | Cleaning burners | Flat surface, easy | Flat, but stain-prone |
| Suitable for small spaces | Limited | Yes (also as standalone hob) | Yes (also as standalone hob) |
No gas connection? Then induction or ceramic is your only option
In a growing number of homes – particularly new builds and renovated flats – there is no gas connection. In that case, gas simply isn't an option. You then choose between induction and ceramic, and on almost every measure induction delivers the better user experience.
Already have induction pans at home? Then switching to induction makes perfect sense. If you only have aluminium or copper pans, these won't work on induction – you'll need to replace them or go for ceramic instead.
Living in a student room, small studio or temporary home? A standalone electric hob may be a more flexible and affordable alternative to a fixed cooker.
When does a gas cooker still make sense?
Gas still has its fans – and for good reason. Cooks who frequently wok on high heat appreciate the direct visual control of a flame. Gas also works during a power cut. And if you already have a gas connection and your current cooker is past its best, a new gas cooker is a familiar replacement without extra installation costs.
Bear in mind, though: European policy is moving towards electrification. In some cities and districts, gas connections will be switched off in the coming years. Investing in a gas cooker now could mean additional costs in five to ten years' time.
Buying an induction cooker: what to look for?
When choosing an induction cooker, four things matter: the number of zones, the power per zone, the presence of a boost function and the controls (touch or dials). A booster lets you temporarily draw the maximum power from a zone – useful for bringing water to the boil quickly.
Also check whether your fuse box can handle the total wattage. A freestanding induction cooker with four zones typically requires a dedicated circuit of 16 or 20 amps. This applies to powerful electric hobs as well.
Compact alternative: standalone electric hob
Not everyone needs a full cooker. A standalone hob – induction or ceramic – provides the same cooking capability in less space and for less money. It's also the most flexible solution for renters, people in temporary accommodation or anyone who needs an extra cooking zone during a renovation.
A standalone induction hob with 2500 W has enough power for daily family cooking. Pair it with a compact oven and you have a complete kitchen setup without any fixed installation.
Which is the best cooker for you?
- No gas connection: choose induction for speed and efficiency, or ceramic if you're on a tighter budget.
- You have gas and love cooking on a flame: a gas cooker remains a trusted choice – but check whether your connection is future-proof.
- Children in the home or limited space: induction is safest; the cooking zone stays cool.
- You want flexibility without a fixed installation: a standalone electric or induction hob is simpler and more affordable.
- You have non-magnetic pans: ceramic or gas works with any pan type.
What does it cost to install a cooker?
Installing a gas cooker requires a qualified engineer; this typically costs between £100 and £300 (or the local equivalent), depending on the situation. An electric or induction cooker needs a socket on the correct circuit. If your fuse box is already suitable, installation is straightforward. If a new circuit is needed, factor in additional electrician costs.
A standalone hob running on 220 V plugs into a standard socket – no engineer needed, no extra costs.
---Going for a compact kitchen setup?
Not every household has the space or budget for a full cooker. A compact electric hob combined with a Mini-Oven gives you all the freedom of a complete kitchen without fixed installation costs. bakeVIA sells both standalone hobs and Mini-Ovens that can be used together as a complete kitchen solution.
Browse the bakeVIA hobs for an overview of available models – from a compact single hob to a powerful double hob with 2500 W.