When You Have a Gas Range But Want Induction

We really like the range we selected during our kitchen remodel, but despite my over-thinking and intense research for a range, I have a regret.

We knew we wanted an induction range years and years ago. But when it came time to pick out a cooktop for our kitchen, we didn’t do induction. But I wish we had one.

I explained why we didn’t buy an induction here. The TLDR is the new induction units have an environmental impact too. We decided to buy a scratch-and-dent dual fuel model that was local and we saved $6k that we can invest in other environmental causes beyond our individual action. We chose one with a electric ovens (including a small extra-efficient one) and an electric griddle to do baking and cooking powered by the sun (we have solar panels on our roof) and we’d been pleased with our purchase.

Despite my TLDR summary above, I do encourage reading that old blog post because I link to some other sources about environmental impacts and the health of cooking at home. Do give it a skim.

But, here we are a few years later, hyper aware of our daughter’s health, and wishing we didn’t run a gas line into our home.

So I ventured back into the world of induction ranges to consider a replacement. Ours is 48 inches wide which means we’d have to replace it with a 48” unit, or get a 36” range (which are cheaper and more available) then make a custom chopping block and/or cookbook storage with the remaining 12” of space. In the world of 48” induction ranges, there are only a couple available in the US. And they cost over $9,000. For something we use multiple times a day, some might say it’s a worthwhile investment, but I’d rather put $9k toward something else that benefits our family’s health/future or our climate crisis. Unfortunately, 36” ranges are still super costly so there isn’t even a savings going narrower.

So, Ross suggested getting a small induction cooktop for the counter. I was admittedly not into it at first. I feared it would be a bulky thing taking up space and it felt like an admission of a regret. But I was wrong.

We got this induction cooktop for $100 and we use it daily as our primary burner. It works great, it doesn’t take up any extra space, and it boils/heats so fast! We only ever use one of the gas burners when we have a meal requiring multiple pots at once and the induction is occupied - but that’s rare. With the electric ovens, electric griddle, and the electric induction cooktop, we’re basically only doing electric cooking! And only for an extra $100.

The new cooktop used to live on the counter next to the range, but it fits snuggly on the grates and is barely noticeable as an addition (unless you photograph it and make people look at it like I’m doing now), so it’s better than I imagined it would be. We ensure the burner beneath it is never turned on - you know, usual cooking safety common sense.

We’ve been using this set up for about 6 months now and think it’s a great, simple, solution. Sure, I still have eBay alerts to let me know if a discounted 48” AGA induction range pops up (one is available for $6,200). But, I’m happily enjoying the lil’ induction burner - either as a permanent solution, or while I wait for the cooking appliance industry to get with the program. Hey appliance brands, we need more induction appliances and more importantly, need to make them affordable and accessible for all!