The induction cooktop energy savings calculator compares the real annual cost of cooking on induction, gas, electric coil, and radiant electric stoves. Induction is 90% efficient — more than double the efficiency of gas — but electricity costs more per unit than gas in most areas. Enter your local rates to find out which cooktop actually saves you money.
Cooking Usage
Typical: 5-7 hrs/week for a family of 4
US average: $0.13/kWh. Check your utility bill.
US average: $0.88/therm. Check your gas bill.
Annual Savings vs Gas Cooktop
Annual Cost Comparison
Environmental Impact
How to Calculate Induction Cooktop Energy Savings
Switching from gas to induction is one of the most talked-about home electrification upgrades — but the financial case is more nuanced than the efficiency numbers suggest. This induction cooktop energy savings calculator gives you the real annual cost comparison for your specific electricity and gas rates.
The Efficiency Difference
Induction cooktops are 90% efficient — the magnetic field generates heat directly inside the pot, with virtually no waste. Gas stovetops are only 40% efficient; all that visible flame and heat radiating around the burner represents wasted energy. Electric coil is 74% efficient, and radiant electric (smooth glass) is 80% efficient.
Why Cheaper Energy Doesn't Always Win
Even though induction uses far less energy to cook the same meal, electricity costs significantly more per unit of heat than natural gas in most US markets. A therm of gas contains about 29.3 kWh of energy. At $0.88/therm, that's about $0.03/kWh equivalent — while electricity averages $0.13/kWh. This cost gap narrows induction's efficiency advantage considerably in gas-friendly markets.
Where Induction Wins Financially
In states with high gas prices (California, Northeast) or cheap electricity (Pacific Northwest hydropower, states with net metering solar), induction frequently wins on pure cost. At $1.50+/therm gas and $0.12/kWh electricity, induction can save $80-150/year for a typical family. At $0.88/therm gas and $0.25/kWh electricity (Hawaii, California), gas wins the cost comparison despite being less efficient.
Step 1: Find Your Rates
Check your electricity bill for your rate in $/kWh — US average is about $0.13. Check your gas bill for cost per therm — US average is about $0.88. These vary significantly by region and season. California electricity averages $0.25-0.30/kWh; Pacific Northwest averages $0.09-0.11/kWh.
Step 2: Estimate Weekly Cooking Hours
A family of 4 cooking most meals at home typically uses the stovetop 5-8 hours per week. Singles or couples eating out frequently might use it 2-4 hours. The calculator uses this to compute total annual cooking energy consumption for each cooktop type.
The CO2 Equation
Gas combustion produces about 11.7 lbs CO2 per therm. Electricity generation produces an average of 0.92 lbs CO2 per kWh nationally (varies from near-zero in hydro-heavy grids to 1.5+ lbs in coal-heavy grids). Even accounting for generation losses, switching to induction typically reduces cooking-related CO2 by 40-60%.
FAQ
Is this induction cooktop calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations run locally in your browser.
How much more efficient is induction than gas?
Induction is 90% efficient — nearly all the energy goes into your food. Gas stovetops are only 40% efficient; 60% of the energy is lost as waste heat around the pot. This means induction uses about 44% less energy than gas to cook the same meal, even though electricity often costs more per BTU than gas.
Will switching to induction save me money?
It depends on your local electricity and gas rates. In areas with cheap electricity (under $0.12/kWh) and expensive gas, induction almost always saves money. In areas with expensive electricity ($0.20+/kWh) and cheap gas ($0.60/therm), gas may be cheaper despite its lower efficiency. This calculator shows the real comparison for your exact rates.
How much CO2 does induction save compared to gas?
Gas combustion releases about 0.12 lbs CO2 per kBTU. Even accounting for electricity generation emissions, induction typically reduces cooking CO2 by 40-70% in most US grids. As the electrical grid gets greener, induction's advantage grows over time. Our calculator shows estimated CO2 savings based on average US grid emissions.
What is the efficiency of induction vs electric coil?
Induction is 90% efficient. Electric coil (traditional resistance burners) is 74% efficient. Radiant electric (smooth glass top with resistance heating) is about 80% efficient. Induction is faster because it generates heat directly in the pot through electromagnetic induction, rather than heating a burner that then transfers heat to the pot.
How much does a typical household spend on cooking per year?
A typical US household cooks about 5-7 hours per week. At national average rates ($0.13/kWh for electricity, $0.88/therm for gas), annual cooking costs range from $80-180 depending on cooking style and cooktop type. Heavy cooks (7+ hours/week) with gas stoves spend $150-300/year on cooking gas alone.