Gas vs Electric vs Induction Stove Cost Calculator

Cooking Technologies

Modern kitchens offer three dominant stove technologies. Gas stoves burn natural gas or propane to produce an open flame. Electric coil stoves pass current through resistive elements that glow red-hot. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to directly heat compatible cookware. Each method converts energy into heat with different efficiencies and fuel costs, which this calculator models to reveal the annual expense of operating and owning each appliance.

Energy Consumption Formulas

Energy use depends on power draw and efficiency. For gas stoves the hourly fuel requirement can be estimated with $F_g = \frac{B}{100000 \times \eta_g}$ , where $B$ is burner output in BTU/hour and $\eta_g$ is efficiency. The result $F_g$ expresses therms of gas used per hour. Electric and induction stoves draw power in kilowatts, so hourly electricity use is $E = \frac{P}{\eta}$ , dividing appliance wattage $P$ by efficiency $\eta$ .

Annual Operating Cost

If you cook for $h$ hours per day, annual energy use is multiplied by $365$ . The cost formulas become $C_g = h \times 365 \times F_g \times p_g$ for gas and $C_e = h \times 365 \times E \times p_e$ for electric or induction, where $p_g$ and $p_e$ are fuel prices. These computations show how even small differences in efficiency or fuel price compound over a year of daily cooking.

Capital Costs and Depreciation

Up-front purchase and installation costs matter because stoves last many years. To compare options fairly we annualize equipment cost by dividing total outlay by the expected years of use: $A = \frac{Price}{years}$ . This yields a yearly ownership cost that is added to energy expenses.

Sample Comparison Table

The following table illustrates a hypothetical household that cooks two hours daily. Assume the gas stove outputs 15,000 BTU/h at 55% efficiency, the electric stove draws 3 kW at 75% efficiency, and the induction unit uses 2.5 kW at 85% efficiency. Gas costs $1.40 per therm and electricity costs $0.15 per kWh. Equipment prices with installation are $1,200 for gas, $800 for electric, and $1,500 for induction, with a ten-year lifespan.

Stove Type	Annual Energy Cost	Annualized Purchase Cost	Total Annual Cost
Gas	$111.76	$120.00	$231.76
Electric	$87.60	$80.00	$167.60
Induction	$64.50	$150.00	$214.50

Interpreting the Results

Despite higher purchase cost, induction's efficiency and rapid heating may offset long-term energy spending. Gas offers tactile flame control but wastes heat and may require venting upgrades. Electric coil stoves are cheap but slow to respond. The calculator combines these trade-offs into a single annual figure so you can evaluate which technology best aligns with your cooking habits, energy prices, and budget.

Health and Environmental Factors

Beyond cost, each stove carries externalities. Gas combustion emits nitrogen dioxide and small amounts of carbon monoxide, prompting concerns about indoor air quality. Electric and induction stoves avoid combustion by-products and can leverage renewable electricity. Induction is particularly efficient because it generates heat in the cookware itself, reducing wasted energy in the kitchen. While the calculator focuses on cost, these qualitative factors may influence your decision.

Flexibility and Cookware Considerations

Induction requires magnetic cookware and may necessitate replacing incompatible pots. Electric stoves accept any cookware but deliver uneven heating compared to induction. Gas works with all cookware and remains functional during power outages but relies on a gas supply. Assessing replacement costs and practicality may shift the balance.

Using the Calculator

Enter your daily cooking hours, fuel prices, stove efficiencies, power ratings, equipment costs, and expected lifespan. The script computes annual energy and ownership costs for each option and highlights which is cheapest. Copy the results to compare scenarios with different assumptions, such as rising energy prices or increased cooking frequency.

Limitations

Real-world performance varies with burner settings, cookware material, and user habits. The efficiency percentages are averages that may not reflect your actual usage. Installation costs can fluctuate based on local building codes and the need for electrical or gas line upgrades. Still, the calculator offers a framework for thinking about long-term operating expenses.