Electric stovetops and ovens
Having an efficient electric stove top can help you reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Gas stove tops and ovens are one of the least efficient of all common household appliances.
Why it’s important
The open flame of a gas stove top can present a potential safety concern for burns, while combusting gas inside your home can also cause air quality issues indoors if not properly ventilated. The Climate Council has found the effect of gas cooking in the home is comparable to the effect of smoking indoors on childhood asthma.
The ACT is powered by 100% renewable electricity and is also preparing to transition away from the use of fossil fuel gas by 2045. You can save money by transitioning at a time that is right for you, like when your appliances are due for replacement.
The last step in your transition to an all electric household is to abolish or disconnect your gas connection. While it is an individual household choice, the safest option is for you to abolish your connection. You will save money on your annual supply charge. Learn more about switching off your gas connection.
Selecting an electric stove top
Electric stove tops use coils to heat the surface of the stove top to transfer heat directly into the cookware. They heat evenly and quickly without the use of an open flame, ensuring more heat is used directly in cooking, with much less risk of burns or fires. There are two types of stove tops available through the Home Energy Support Program:
- Induction stove tops and
- Ceramic stove tops.
The table below shows comparisons between the two:
| Induction stove top | Ceramic stove top | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Induction stove tops use electromagnetic coils beneath a ceramic glass surface and transfer energy directly into metal cookware. The cookware itself becomes hot, not the stove top, resulting in excellent efficiency and safety. | Ceramic stove tops use coiled metal elements that sit under a smooth top made from tempered ceramic glass. The coils heat the ceramic glass surface which warms the pan. |
| Features and benefits | Excellent energy efficiency, as over 90% of energy is transferred as heat to the cookware, in comparison to about 50% for gas (based on 30 minutes of cooking using two burners). Cooking is incredibly fast and will bring a large pot of water to the boil faster than the best gas stove tops due to their direct method of heating. They are very safe. It is impossible to accidentally leave your induction stove top switched on after you’ve removed the cookware. They have a smooth, flat surface that makes them easy to clean. | They have a smooth, flat surface that makes them easier to clean. Safety features such as pause and lock buttons makes ceramic stove tops much safer, especially around children. |
| Worth noting | Induction stove tops do require certain types of cookware to work with the electromagnetic fields. | Some models will turn the heat off when there is a spill, or an empty pot is sitting on a cooking area to reduce burn risk and increase safety. |
Did you know: You can test your existing cookware with a magnet to see if it will work with induction. If the magnet sticks to the base of the pan, it should work on an induction stove top.
Other things to consider
Electric stove tops simply drop into an appropriately sized hole in your kitchen benchtop.
There may be different installation requirements than a gas stove top and your electrician will ensure the stove top is installed in accordance with Australian Standards.
Removal of a gas stove top may require both an ACT licenced plumber/gas fitter and electrician.
Electric stove tops need a dedicated electrical circuit rated to the power requirements of that stove top, which can be up to 40 amps for some induction stove tops. This may be a significant amount of power for homes connected to single phase and could require electricity connection upgrades. Your installer will be able to inform you on any of these requirements.
Home Energy Support Program product requirements
Electric stove tops under the Program must meet the following requirements:
- You must be upgrading from an existing gas or inefficient electric stove top to an efficient electric ceramic or induction stove top.
You can upgrade a combined gas or inefficient electric top/oven to a combined efficient electric stove top/oven. Range hoods are not included.
Choose the best plan for you
Make sure that you are on the best electricity plan for your needs. Contact energy retailers to find out what plans and discounts are available.
We also encourage you to speak to your energy provider about any additional discounts or supports they may have on offer for energy efficient home upgrades.
Contact Us
We are here to help. If you need some help with forms or have any questions, please get in touch with the Sustainable Household Advice Line:
Phone: 1300 141 777
Email: homeenergysupport@act.gov.au
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
