Upgrade to induction cooking

Enjoy the benefits of healthy, safe cooking by switching to induction

Make your go-electric plan Get free quote for induction cooktop Subsidies for Yarra residents

Induction cooktops are a healthy, safe choice for cooking in your home. They heat up faster than gas stoves, have great temperature range, include a number of child safety features and are easy to clean.

And there are real health benefits from removing gas from your kitchen.

According to the National Asthma Council, scientists have found that around 12% of childhood asthma in Australia can be attributed to the use of gas stoves for cooking. A more recent US study found similar results.

Doctors for the Environment Australia are encouraging people to switch to induction cooktops and remove gas heating.

Where do I start?

Switching to induction cooktops is relatively straightforward. An article from Choice tells you all you need to know about the benefits of induction cooking, and what to look for. A buyers' guide from Choice goes into the detail of current models.

If you don’t want to replace your whole set up, you can cover your gas burners and install a portable induction cooktop over the top as seen in this article in Renew.

Posts about induction cooktops in the "My Efficient Electric Home" Facebook group will find many stories and recommendations like this.

You can also buy single or twin plate portable induction cooktops that can be placed on top of a benchtop and plugged into a power point. These can be a good option for renters, smaller households, for additional hotplates, or where you’re considering a move to induction but want to trial the technology first. Portable models are typically priced between $50 and $250.

Try before you buy

You can now borrow a portable induction cooktop at Yarra Libraries’ Library of things. You can test your cookware and see how fast and efficient this technology is. Available to all Yarra Library members.

Upgrade with Solar Savers

We have partnered with Solar Savers, a council-backed initiative that has already done the hard work when buying.

Solar Savers offers a number of different brands of induction cooktops available. View the estimated prices.

Register through the Yarra Solar Savers page and receive up to three quotes from trusted, accredited suppliers. They can also arrange installation if you’ve already purchased a cooktop.

What you need to know

Electromagnetic technology is used in induction cooktops, so they do need cookware with a ferrous base (steel or containing iron). Most new cookware will work with induction, including stainless steel and cast iron, but glass, aluminium and copper cookware are not suitable. You can test your cookware with a magnet – if it is attracted to the magnet, it will work on an induction cooktop.

Read this article where Australian cook Adam Liaw explains why wok cooking can work well with induction cooktops.

If you’re moving from gas to induction, you may need an electrician to put in a dedicated electric circuit, so consider building that into any other electrical upgrades.

Electric home webinars

Our webinars cover a wide range of topics, see below: