How does an induction cooktop work?

An induction cooktop uses electromagnetic energy to heat your pots and pans directly, rather than heating a burner or element beneath them. A copper coil beneath the glass surface creates a magnetic field. When you place a pot made from magnetic metal (like cast iron or most stainless steel) onto the cooktop, the magnetic field generates heat directly inside the pot itself. The glass surface doesn't get hot on its own — only the cookware does. This is why induction is so much faster and more efficient than gas or ceramic electric cooktops.

Is induction cooking better than gas?

For most New Zealand households, induction is the better choice on efficiency, safety, speed, and health. Induction cooktops operate at around 85–90% energy efficiency, compared to roughly 30–40% for gas. Induction also boils water 20–40% faster than gas, produces zero indoor air pollutants, and the cooktop surface stays cool enough to touch within seconds of removing a pan. FlexiZone cooking areas and high temperatures even allow searing peppers or cooking flatbreads. For most things, induction outperforms gas.

Do I need an electrician to install an induction cooktop?

Yes. In New Zealand, induction cooktops must be hardwired by a licensed electrician. They cannot simply be plugged into a standard wall socket (unlike portable induction hotplates, which can). If you're replacing a ceramic electric cooktop, the existing electrical connection may be sufficient. If you're replacing a gas cooktop, you'll need new electrical wiring installed, and potentially a switchboard upgrade. You'll also need a registered plumber to disconnect and cap the gas line.

Can I use a wok on an induction cooktop?

Yes. Flat-bottomed woks work well on standard induction cooktops and can reach very high temperatures quickly — induction easily achieves the intense heat needed for stir-frying. Some induction cooktop models also include a concave wok zone designed specifically for traditional round-bottomed woks. If you love Asian-style cooking and are considering the switch to induction, look for models with a dedicated wok burner or high-powered boost zone.

Does gas cooking cause asthma?

Research increasingly links gas cooktop use to respiratory health impacts, particularly in children. A peer-reviewed study published by researchers at Stanford University found that 12.7% of childhood asthma cases in the United States were attributable to nitrogen dioxide exposure from indoor gas cooktops. Gas cooktops release nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and fine particulate matter every time they are used — even with a rangehood operating. In New Zealand, where around half of households still cook with gas, switching to induction is one of the simplest ways to improve indoor air quality.

Is induction cooking bad for your health?

No. Induction cooking is considered one of the healthiest ways to cook. The electromagnetic fields produced are low-frequency and at levels considered safe for everyday use. In fact, the proven health risk runs in the opposite direction: gas cooktops release nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and fine particulate matter into your kitchen air every time you cook. Research has linked gas cooktop use to increased rates of childhood asthma. Induction produces zero combustion byproducts.

Do induction cooktops affect pacemakers?

Induction cooktops produce a low-frequency electromagnetic field that is strongest within about 60cm of the cooking surface. Some pacemaker manufacturers recommend maintaining a distance of at least 60cm from an induction cooktop while it is operating. If you or someone in your household has a pacemaker or implanted medical device, consult your doctor and the device manufacturer for specific advice before purchasing. For most people without implanted devices, the electromagnetic field from an induction cooktop poses no known health risk.

What is the difference between induction and ceramic cooktops?

Induction and ceramic cooktops look almost identical — both have a flat glass-ceramic surface. But they heat food in completely different ways. A ceramic (radiant electric) cooktop uses a heating element beneath the glass to heat the surface, which then heats your pot through contact. An induction cooktop uses electromagnetic energy to heat the pot directly. Induction is roughly three times faster to heat than ceramic, responds to temperature changes almost instantly, stays cooler and safer to touch, and uses less energy. Ceramic cooktops are typically half the purchase price of induction.

Are portable induction cooktops worth it?

Portable plugin induction hotplates are an excellent way to try induction cooking before committing to a full cooktop installation. Unlike built-in models, portable induction cooktops plug into a standard wall power point, making them suitable for renters, small kitchens, campervans, and boats. Single-burner models start from around $100–$200 in New Zealand. If you're curious about induction but not ready to replace your existing cooktop, a portable unit is a low-risk way to experience the technology firsthand.

Is induction better for the environment than gas?

Yes. Induction cooking produces significantly lower carbon emissions than gas in New Zealand. This is because New Zealand's electricity grid is approximately 80–85% renewable (predominantly hydro, geothermal, and wind). Gas cooktops burn fossil fuel directly, releasing carbon dioxide and methane. EECA estimates that switching from gas to an induction cooktop can save around 2,000 kg of emissions over 15 years. Beyond carbon, induction also eliminates the indoor release of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other combustion byproducts.

The Complete Guide to Induction Cooktops

Q: Should I switch from gas to induction in New Zealand?

For most New Zealand households, the answer is yes — particularly if you're already planning a kitchen renovation or your gas cooktop is nearing end of life. The case for switching rests on five factors: better indoor air quality (no combustion pollutants), greater energy efficiency (85–90% versus 30–40% for gas), faster cooking times, improved safety (no open flame, cool-to-touch surface), and lower long-term costs — especially if the cooktop is your last gas appliance. New Zealand's electricity grid is approximately 80–85% renewable, making induction significantly lower-carbon than fossil gas. EECA estimates switching saves around 2,000 kg of emissions over 15 years.

You've decided to make the switch to induction. Find out everything you need to know about getting set up.

By Carolyn Cox · Sustainability Expert, 25+ years · Updated 27 October 2026

60cm

Standard size - fits most NZ kitchens. 4 cooking zones. Widest range of options.

90cm

Large format - for bigger kitchens and serious entertainers. 5 cooking zones. More bench space needed.

90%

energy is transferred to food (vs 40% for gas)

EECA

$9,188

Eliminate the unseen health costs of gas cooking in your home.

EECA research

Should I switch from gas to induction in New Zealand?

For most New Zealand households, the answer is yes - especially if you're planning a kitchen renovation or your gas cooktop is nearing end of life.

Six reasons to switch

Better indoor air quality (no combustion pollutants)Gas cooktops release nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and fine particulate matter every time they are used, even with a rangehood operating.
Greater energy efficiency (85–90% versus 30–40% for gas)No fossil fuel combustion = greater efficiency.
Faster cooking timesMine has a boost mode that boils the kettle super quick!
Improved safety (no open flame, cool-to-touch surface)Most come with built in safety features including auto pan detection, spillage shutoff, child locks and a residual heat indicator. Mine reduces the temperature setting once the pot contents are boiling.
Lower long-term costs - especially if the cooktop is your last gas appliance. On gas? Check what you're paying. Some NZers are paying almost $1,000 a year in gas line charges before they use any gas.
New Zealand's electricity grid is approximately 80–85% renewable, making induction significantly lower-carbon than fossil gas. EECA estimates switching saves around 2,000 kg of emissions over 15 years.

Are induction cooktops safe?

Induction cooktops are widely considered the safest cooking technology available for homes.
There is no open flame, no gas combustion, and no hot surface — the cooktop only heats when magnetic cookware is placed on it, and cools rapidly once the pan is removed.
Most induction cooktops also include automatic shut-off if no pan is detected, child safety locks, and pan-size detection. For households with young children, this is a significant safety advantage over both gas and ceramic electric cooktops.

Will my pots and pans work on induction?

Most New Zealand households already own several induction-compatible pots and pans. Before purchasing anything new, test all your existing cookware with a fridge magnet.

Two quick ways to check:

Magnet Test: hold a fridge magnet to the bottom of your pot or pan. If the magnet sticks firmly that cookware is induction-compatible.
Induction Symbol: Look for the induction symbol on cookware packaging or stamped on the base of the pan. A coil inside a circle means your cookware is induction-compatible.

Stainless steel saucepans and cast iron skillets — common in NZ kitchens — are typically induction-compatible. You may need to replace one or two, but you may not need a completely new set.

What does the induction symbol look like?

The induction compatibility symbol is a coil icon - it looks like a zigzag or spring shape, sometimes with a horizontal line above it representing a pot. It varies a bit from brand to brand. You’ll normally find it on the base of the pan, on the packaging, or in the product description when shopping online. Look for the words "induction compatible," "induction ready," "suitable for all cooktops including induction," or "all hob types."

I’m pretty infamous for buying second hand. My partner took on this task, grabbed a small magnet and set off for the op shops and pretty quickly assembled a full set of pots, and pans, that looked virtually new - at a fraction of the cost.

Pot of water boiling on an induction cooktop. Woman wearing read top and pink trousers hots lid above pot. — Carolyn's preloved pot in action. · Goes Electric

What about scratching the glass cooktop?

The most common cause of scratches on induction cooktop glass is grit or debris trapped between the pan base and the surface. To prevent scratches: wipe the cooktop and pan base before cooking, lift pans rather than sliding them (especially cast iron), keep pan bases clean and smooth, and wipe up any salt, sugar, or grit spills immediately.

What if my pan makes a buzzing or humming noise on induction?

Some buzzing or humming on induction is normal, particularly at higher power settings. It is caused by the interaction between the electromagnetic field and the pan's metal construction. The noise is typically louder with thinner, lighter or lower quality pans. Using heavier, flat-bottomed cookware can reduce the sound.

Compare Induction, Gas and Ceramic Cooktops

Save $650-$1,000/yr

Gas looks cheap at ~$42/yr fuel. But if it's your last gas appliance, you're paying $1.25–$2.76/day in fixed connection charges. Disconnect gas entirely and that cost disappears.

Source: ArchiPro, NZ gas provider data

Time to Boil ~2 min

Consumer NZ's fastest induction model boiled 1L in 2 min 15 sec. The fastest ceramic took 5 min 43 sec. EECA confirms induction is 20–40% faster than gas.

Source: Consumer NZ, EECA

How much does an induction cooktop cost in New Zealand?

Induction cooktops typically range from around $600 for a basic 60cm model to $4,000 or more for premium brands with features like full-surface flexibility or integrated ventilation. According to EECA, the average cost including purchase and standard installation is about $2,980.

Installation costs vary depending on whether your kitchen already has a suitable electrical connection - if you're replacing a gas cooktop, you'll need an electrician to install the new circuit and potentially a plumber to disconnect and cap the gas line.

Bench alterations, or differing cut out sizes will also impact your costs.

How much does it cost to run an induction cooktop in NZ?

Induction cooktops are significantly cheaper to run than gas or LPG. The annual running cost for cooking alone is relatively modest - EECA estimates an average household saving of around $17 per year compared to a ceramic electric cooktop.

Can I get a rebate or grant for switching to induction in NZ?

No. But many New Zealand appliance retailers do offer interest-free finance periods on cooktop purchases and if you are doing a series of electrification or energy efficiency improvements at the same time you could look at a 0-1% interest green energy home loan. While cooktops aren’t normally considered to have enough energy savings to qualify if they form a key part of your gas disconnection or energy efficiency measures they may be considered. Talk to a mortgage broker for more details.

The strongest financial incentive for switching is if you are currently on gas. If you can eliminate gas from your home entirely (cooktop, hot water, and space heating), you remove the daily fixed gas connection charge, which in New Zealand typically ranges from $1.25 to $2.76 per day - saving $650 to almost $1,000 per year.

Goes Electric Top Picks

Our induction cooktop picks for gas switchers

Three brands chosen as the best in each size format and easiest wiring.

Ikea Tillreda

Low cost plugin portable

$65

inc GST

Width:: 27cm
Zones:: 1
Total power:: 2 kW
Current:: 10A
Controls:: Touch with electronic display
Finish:: Black glass white casing
Weight :: 2.61 kg packaged
Electrical required:: Plug in
Best for:: 2 Year Warranty

View all plugin models

Haier 600 Series HCI905MFTB4

Best 90cm

Width:: 90cm
Zones:: 5 (dual flexi zone)
Total power:: 11 kW
Current:: 46A
Controls:: Touch + Slide
Finish :: Black glass
Made in:: China
NZ retailers:: Haier, Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming

Fisher & Paykel Series 5 CI604CTPB1

Easiest Wiring

Width:: 60cm
Zones:: 4
Total power:: 4.4 kW
Current:: 19.1A
Controls:: Touch + Slide
Finish :: Black glass
Made in:: China
NZ retailers:: Fisher & Paykel NZ, Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming

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