Table of Contents
1. Basic working principle
1. Induction Cooker
- How it works:
The eddy current is generated by electromagnetic induction.
When alternating current passes through the copper coil, an alternating magnetic field is generated, causing the molecules at the bottom of the ferromagnetic cookware to rub violently and generate heat.
It is only effective for magnetic metal pots (such as iron pots, stainless steel pots), and non-magnetic pots (aluminum pots, glass pots) cannot be heated. - Temperature control:
The power is adjusted through electronic circuits to accurately control the heating temperature (usually with multi-stage firepower adjustment, and some models support constant temperature function).
2. Gas stove
- How it works:
Burning natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) produces an open flame, which directly transfers heat energy to the cooker.
Applicable to cookware made of all materials (including ceramic, copper, aluminum, etc.), without considering magnetic conductivity. - Temperature control:
Manually adjust the gas valve to control the firepower, which depends on the user's experience (such as "low heat" or "high heat").
2. Comparison of Energy Efficiency
1. Induction Cooker
- Thermal efficiency:85%-93%
The heat energy is almost completely transferred to the pot, with little loss (because the heating is limited to the contact surface of the pot bottom). - Energy consumption calculation:
When operating at 2000W for 1 hour, the power consumption is 2 kWh.
If the electricity price is 3 yuan per kilowatt-hour, the cost per hour is about 6 yuan.
2. Gas stove
- Thermal efficiency:40%-55%
The combustion process generates heat energy that is lost (the heat outside the flame is not absorbed by the pot). - Energy consumption calculation:
Assuming that 0.15 kg of liquefied gas is consumed per hour and the price of gas is 50 yuan per kilogram, the cost per hour is about 7.5 yuan.
in conclusion:
Induction cookers have higher energy conversion efficiency and lower long-term operating costs, but the actual cost is affected by regional energy prices.
3. Heating speed and cooking effect
1. Heating speed
- induction cooker:
It heats up instantly and can reach high temperature within 3-5 seconds (depending on the power).
High-powered models (over 2200W) usually boil water faster than a gas stove. - Gas stove:
It needs to be ignited and the temperature rises gradually. When heated at full power, the speed is similar to that of an induction cooker, but it is greatly affected by the gas pressure.
2. Cooking effect
- induction cooker:
- Advantages: Precise temperature control, suitable for cooking that requires a constant temperature, such as stewing and frying steak.
- Disadvantages: The "wok-frying" technique cannot be implemented (because the heating range is fixed), and the "wok aroma" effect required for some traditional Chinese dishes is difficult to achieve.
- Gas stove:
- Advantages: The flame can cover the pot body, which is suitable for cooking methods that require even heating, such as stir-frying and frying.
- Disadvantages: Fire control depends on experience, and novices are prone to overheating or insufficient fire.
4. Security Analysis
1. Induction Cooker
advantage:
- No open flames, reducing the risk of fire (especially suitable for homes with children or pets).
- Automatic power off function (overheat protection, pot detection).
- There is no combustion exhaust gas, and the indoor air quality is better.
shortcoming:
- Electromagnetic radiation issues (models that meet safety standards have little impact, but pregnant women or people using pacemakers need to keep a distance).
- High power usage may cause circuit overload.
2. Gas stove
advantage:
- It can still be used normally during power outage.
- No electromagnetic wave concerns.
shortcoming:
- Risk of gas leakage (pipelines need to be checked regularly and gas detectors installed).
- Combustion consumes oxygen, and confined spaces may cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Open flames may ignite surrounding items (such as papers, curtains).
5. Comparison of usage costs
1. Initial purchase cost
- induction cooker:
Entry-level price: 500-2,000 yuan
High-end model (IH frequency conversion, multiple burners): 2,000-5,000 yuan - Gas stove:
Taiwan-made single-burner furnace: 1,000-2,500 yuan
Imported embedded double-burner furnace: 3,000-15,000 yuan
Note: Installation fee and gas tank/pipeline fee are required
2. Long-term use costs
Induction cookers have lower long-term costs, but if you frequently use high-power functions (such as continuous high-fire stir-frying), your electricity bill may increase significantly.
6. Environmental Impact
1. Induction Cooker
- Carbon Footprint:
Depending on the source of electricity, carbon emissions can be close to zero if renewable energy (such as solar energy) is used.
2. Gas stove
- Carbon Footprint:
Burning 1 kg of liquefied petroleum gas emits approximately 3.15 kg of CO₂.
Another thing to consider is methane leakage during the mining and transportation process (which has a stronger greenhouse effect than CO2).
in conclusion:
If the power grid is clean, induction cookers are more environmentally friendly; on the contrary, if it is highly dependent on coal-fired power generation, the carbon emissions difference between the two may narrow.
7. Maintenance and durability
1. Induction Cooker
- Daily maintenance:
The glass panel is easy to clean, but avoid scratching it with sharp objects.
The cooling fan needs to be cleaned regularly (to prevent dust accumulation from affecting performance). - life:
The average lifespan is 5-8 years, and high-end models can reach 10 years.
Electronic components (such as IGBT chips) are the main loss parts.
2. Gas stove
- Daily maintenance:
The stove top is prone to grease accumulation and needs to be disassembled and cleaned to prevent clogging.
Metal parts may rust (especially in humid coastal environments). - life:
The structure is simple and the average service life is 10-15 years.
Common problems are igniter failure or aging of the gas valve.
8. Applicable scenario analysis
1. Situations where induction cookers are recommended
- Small families in urban areas (limited space, need to clean quickly)
- Renters (no construction or installation required, can move with you)
- Families that value safety (young children and elderly living together)
- Dishes that require precise temperature control (such as French desserts, low-temperature soufflés)
2. Situations where a gas stove is recommended
- Traditional Chinese chef (pursuing wok flavor and wok-frying skills)
- Areas with frequent power outages (such as remote mountainous areas)
- Commercial kitchen (requires long hours of high-power operation)
- People with limited budgets and occasional cooks (low initial purchase cost)
IX. Future Development Trends
1. Innovation of induction cooker technology
- IH frequency conversion technology：Improve energy efficiency and heating uniformity
- Smart networking function: Combined with the recipe APP to automatically adjust the heat
- Wireless power design：Solving the limitation of wire material (experimental stage)
2. Gas stove improvement direction
- Hydrogen mixed gas: Reduce carbon emissions (such as the 30% hydrogen mixed gas promoted by TOKYO GAS in Japan)
- Automatic fire control：Precise temperature control through sensors
- Security Enhancement：AI detects abnormal combustion and automatically shuts off the gas source
10. Comprehensive Evaluation Table
| Evaluation Project | Advantages of induction cooker | Gas stove advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Energy efficiency | ✅ Thermal efficiency 85% or above | ❌ Thermal efficiency is lower than 55% |
| Cost | ✅ Long-term lower electricity bills (depending on regional electricity prices) | ❌ Gas costs fluctuate with international prices |
| Security | ✅ No open flame, automatic power off | ❌ There is a risk of gas leaks and carbon monoxide |
| Cooking flexibility | ❌ Limited pot material and heating range | ✅ Suitable for all pots, intuitive fire adjustment |
| Environmental impact | ✅ Based on electricity source (renewable energy is best) | ❌ Direct Carbon Emissions |
| Power outage response capability | ❌ Completely dependent on electricity | ✅ Not affected by power outages |
11. Conclusion and purchase suggestions
- Pursuit of efficiency and safety: Induction cookers are the first choice for families in urban areas (it is recommended to be used with variable frequency models).
- Traditional cooking needs: If you often need to stir-fry or deep-fry, gas stoves should be given priority (ventilation design needs to be strengthened).
- Budget-constrained people: A single-burner gas stove has the lowest initial cost and is suitable for people who cook occasionally.
- Environmental considerations: If your home has solar panels installed, an induction cooker is a more sustainable choice.
Final decision key:
It is necessary to comprehensively evaluate personal cooking habits, budget, living environment (such as kitchen ventilation conditions) and long-term costs. There is no absolute advantage or disadvantage, only the most suitable choice.
Further reading:
