Induction vs gas, running costs

ispookie666

Induction always for me.  But I do miss using gas!  especially with heavy cast iron or carbon steel, I can never get it perfect.  

1961Nick

I've noticed that our induction hob works well with solar but not so well with batteries because of the on/off power demand which results in some import. The additional running cost compared to gas is probably more than offset by the savings in cleaning materials though.  

Solarchaser

Yeah induction doesn't get on with batteries due to their pulsing nature, but they are better than gas and more efficient 

Coastalwatch

Solarchaser said:

Yeah induction doesn't get on with batteries due to their pulsing nature, but they are better than gas and more efficient 

Yes, the pulsing nature is an issue when running with batts. It's a shame there isn't some way of mitigating the effect.

Any ideas, anyone?

Solarchaser

I try and start two rings 5 seconds apart, it's better, but it doesn't fully resolve the issue

Coastalwatch

Cheers @Solarchaser that's a grand suggestion but have no idea on what the pulsing frequency of our's might be. It's a Bosch and from the brochure I understand the rings pulse at differing times so as not to exceed the 13 amp connection. Although if I'm ever let loose on there it's usually just the one ring, for a frying pan. Can't cope with multitasking.

Exiled_Tyke

Ok so time to stick my oar in - although I pretty much agree with everything said so far. 


1. I'm not convinced the 'proof' of relative costs of gas and electric are scientific.  When I converted over last year I was concerned about how much extra the induction hob would cost to run.  I haven't noticed a significant difference (equally scientific I know) 
2. As others have said the induction is nice and easy to keep clean. A quick wipe over after frying food is far far better than messing around with greasy (whatever they are called) pot stands on a gas hob. 
3. The lack of wasted heat with the induction is noticeable.  Gas used to heat the kitchen.  This makes it far more comfortable when cooking in the summer months.  
4.  Having worked as a chef I thought I had to have gas for the controllability.  I find Induction is easier to control.  I particularly like being able melt chocolate on a raw heat without a Bain Marie on the lowest setting.  
5. With PV in the summer I'm pretty sure it works out cheaper to run for me
6. I don't seem to have the pulsing issue although the hob is 7kW so perhaps a different set up? 

So for me a no brainer: induction wins. 

As an aside I also changed the microwave last year.  As they all were, my previous one would cut on and off to get to the desired power level and so was not really compatible with PV. My new one seems to work at the power levels specified.  i.e. 50% appears to run at around 500w constant (plus a few watts for the running (may be 600w in total) I haven't checked exactly) 

waqasahmed

Exiled_Tyke said:

Ok so time to stick my oar in - although I pretty much agree with everything said so far. 


1. I'm not convinced the 'proof' of relative costs of gas and electric are scientific.  When I converted over last year I was concerned about how much extra the induction hob would cost to run.  I haven't noticed a significant difference (equally scientific I know) 

As an aside I also changed the microwave last year.  As they all were, my previous one would cut on and off to get to the desired power level and so was not really compatible with PV. My new one seems to work at the power levels specified.  i.e. 50% appears to run at around 500w constant (plus a few watts for the running (may be 600w in total) I haven't checked exactly) 

That's amazing if you've not noticed a real difference. I have thought of buying those induction standalone hobs, and doing a bit of an experiment which is slightly more scientific

What microwave did you move from and to? I've got a Sharp R860SLM microwave

Screwdriva

waqasahmed said:

What microwave did you move from and to? I've got a Sharp R860SLM microwave

Following with interest, especially if its built in!

waqasahmed

Screwdriva said:

waqasahmed said:

What microwave did you move from and to? I've got a Sharp R860SLM microwave

Following with interest, especially if its built in!

Ie: the microwave? I too would love to know.