A couple of factors have contributed to many families reconsidering their cooking options: the rising cost of fuel and the recent concerns about the availability of LPG (cooking gas). With many families now using induction cooktops, one of the most common questions that consumers are asking is: Which is cheaper; LPG or induction? The answer to that question depends on efficiency, cost of electricity, and the cooking habits of the user.
LPG Prices Rising, Triggering the Debate
With prices increasing periodically in India for cooking gas, there has been an increase in the price of domestic LPG cylinders by about ₹60 recently, which adds considerably to the household food bill.
Due to the reports of LPG supply interruptions in certain parts of India, many consumers and businesses are looking for alternative cooking methods/cooking appliances (induction cooktops) to use in their kitchens. When these problems occurred with supplies of LPG cooking gas, there was a tremendous increase in demand for induction stoves, and many stores were completely out of stock.
The aforementioned developments have intensified the debate on how cost-effective and efficient electric cooking methods will be in the long run.
Read also: BPCL Assures Citizens of Efforts to Ensure Smooth LPG Imports Amid
Efficiency: Induction Has the Edge
One of the biggest differences in using LPG versus induction cooktops is their efficiencies. With most gas stoves, (only about) 40%-55% and with induction cooktops, 90% efficiency when cooking food, gas stoves are not nearly as efficient as induction cooktops.
Due to their higher efficiency, induction cooktops will use less energy for an identical recipe than a gas stove top will require to heat the same pot or pan. The following comparison shows the energy cost associated with using an LPG stove as opposed to an induction cooktop (in terms of monthly costs).
The average cost of a 14.2-kg LPG gas cylinder in India costs between ₹900–₹1,000 per month in various Indian cities.
An induction cooktop uses approximately 78 units to produce the equivalent amount of cooking heat compared to LPG. Therefore your estimated average monthly expenses using electricity to produce the equivalent amount of cooking heat with an induction cooktop will be approximately ₹624/-. Assuming you use the same amount of power, your savings (under normal operating conditions) would be approximately ₹300/month if you switched to an induction cooktop.
Based on other studies, it is estimated that the higher efficiencies of induction stoves will lead to annual cost savings of between ₹3,000–₹4,000 for the average Indian household.
Hidden Costs and Limitations
Despite the savings benefit of induction cooking, it has a number of limitations:
- Electricity tariffs: In areas with high electricity rates, induction cooking may not be less expensive than cooking with LPG.
- Billing slabs: Due to the increase in electricity usage associated with induction cooking, households may also be pushed over to a higher tariff slab and billed at a higher rate.
- Power outages: Since induction cooktops rely entirely upon electricity, they may be unreliable during power outages; therefore, if you live in an area with frequent power outages, you will likely want to consider LPG as your primary cooking fuel source.
- Cookware compatibility: You may only use cookware that is compatible with induction cooktops.
Due to these considerations, many households are now affecting a hybrid configuration of induction and LPG cooking for smaller tasks with induction, while cooking food that requires more cooking time and heat with LPG.
Read also: India’s LPG Production Increases by 25% Following Government
Bottom Line
In most cities with mid-range electricity prices, induction cookers generally turn out to provide better value for money and greater energy savings than LPG. Again, total savings will vary depending on how much you pay for electricity, how often you cook on an induction cooker, and how often the power goes out in your area.
For many families, the answer is probably going to be that the best approach is to use a combination of both LPG and induction cooking. The goal would be to strike a balance amongst value for money, convenience and reliability.
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