Which Type of Hob Is the Cheapest to Run

With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, many households are reassessing how they cook. One of the most common questions is: which hob is the cheapest to run? Whether you’re building a new kitchen or replacing an old appliance, understanding the energy efficiency and running costs of different hob types can help you save money long-term.

This guide compares gas, induction, ceramic, and solid plate hobs—looking at their energy use, costs, and practical pros and cons.

Types of Hobs Explained

Each hob type works differently and uses energy in unique ways. Here’s a quick overview:

• Gas Hobs

Gas hobs use open flames to heat pans. They’re known for quick heat control and are common in UK kitchens. However, they lose a lot of heat around the pan.

• Induction Hobs

Induction hobs use electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly. This makes them extremely efficient—almost no heat is wasted. They require compatible (magnetic) pans.

• Ceramic Hobs

These electric hobs use heating elements under a smooth glass surface. They’re simple and modern but slower to heat and cool compared to induction.

• Solid Plate Hobs

The traditional electric option, solid plate hobs are cheap to buy but slow and inefficient. They’re being phased out in favour of newer technologies.

Running Cost Comparison (2025 Estimates)

This table breaks down energy usage, average UK unit costs, efficiency rates, and estimated costs per use and annually for each hob type.

Hob Type	Avg Energy Use (kWh per hour)	Energy Cost (per kWh)	Efficiency	Cost per 10 mins use	Est. Annual Cost* (1 hour/day)
Gas	2.0 kWh	£0.07–£0.10	40–60%	£0.07–£0.10	£100–£150
Induction	1.5–2.0 kWh	£0.28–£0.32	85–90%	£0.10–£0.12	£110–£130
Ceramic	1.8–2.2 kWh	£0.28–£0.32	60–70%	£0.12–£0.14	£130–£160
Solid Plate	2.2–2.5 kWh	£0.28–£0.32	50–60%	£0.14–£0.16	£150–£180

*Estimated annual cost based on using the hob for 1 hour per day, 6 days a week.

What Affects Hob Running Costs?

It’s not just the hob type that matters—these factors also influence energy use:

Pan size and material (thicker, flat-bottomed pans work best)
Cooking style (frequent high heat = higher cost)
Residual heat use (induction and ceramic retain heat)
Energy tariffs (gas vs electricity rates)
Ventilation (gas hobs need extractor fans for safety)

Installation & Upfront Costs

It’s worth balancing running costs with purchase and setup fees:

Hob Type	Typical Price Range	Installation Notes
Gas	£200–£400+	Needs Gas Safe engineer
Induction	£200–£400+	Standard plug or hardwired
Ceramic	£170–£300	Hardwired
Solid Plate	£140–£200	Hardwired, simple but outdated technology

Pros and Cons Summary

Feature	Gas	Induction	Ceramic	Solid Plate
Running Cost	£	££	£££	££££
Heat Control	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆
Energy Efficiency	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆
Safety	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆
Eco-Friendliness	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	★☆☆☆☆
Upfront Cost	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★

So… Which Hob Is Cheapest to Run?

If you’re looking purely at cost per use, gas hobs are still the cheapest to run in most UK homes, especially if you’re on a competitive gas tariff.

However, if you’re thinking long-term savings, induction hobs are worth the higher upfront cost thanks to:

Superior energy efficiency
Faster cooking times
Minimal heat loss
Lower overall electricity waste

Recommendations

On a tight budget? Stick with gas (if already installed).
Want long-term energy savings? Invest in an induction hob.
Occasional cook? Ceramic hobs offer balance without breaking the bank.
Landlord or renovator? Induction has the broadest appeal and modern look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Induction is more efficient but not always cheaper per use. However, over time, the energy savings and faster cooking can offset higher electricity costs.

Not necessarily. Because it heats quickly and directly, it often uses less total energy per cooking session than a ceramic or solid plate hob.

Induction hobs are the most energy-efficient, with over 85% of energy used to directly heat the pan.

New-build regulations are shifting away from gas, but existing homes can still install gas hobs. The focus is on moving towards more electric and renewable solutions.