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Few topics divide home cooks like gas versus electric. Whether you are building a new kitchen, renovating, or just tired of your current cooktop, here is an honest breakdown of both options — and what it actually takes to make the switch in Auckland.
Gas Cooking: The Case For It
- Instant, controllable heat: Gas responds immediately when you turn it up or down. Searing, stir-frying, and simmering are easier to control with a live flame.
- Works in a power cut: As long as the gas supply is on, a gas cooktop works regardless of what the power grid is doing.
- Lower running costs for heavy cooks: Gas is generally cheaper per unit of energy than electricity in Auckland for high-output cooking. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has useful comparisons on running costs.
- Any cookware: Gas works with all pots and pans — cast iron, copper, everything.
Electric Cooking: The Case For It
- No gas required: Works anywhere — no need for a gas connection or LPG.
- Easier to clean: Especially induction and ceramic cooktops — flat surfaces with no burner grates to scrub.
- Induction is fast and efficient: Induction cooktops heat the pan directly, not the air around it. They are faster than gas for boiling water and more energy-efficient overall.
- No combustion gases: No carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide produced in the kitchen — better indoor air quality.
- Safer around children: Induction surfaces do not get hot themselves — only the pan heats up.
Switching from Electric to Gas
This is the more involved switch. Here is what it requires:
Do You Have Gas?
First question: is your property connected to natural gas, or do you have LPG? If you have no gas at all, you need to either connect to the natural gas network (if it is available on your street) or set up an LPG supply.
- Natural gas connection: Vector Gas can advise on availability and connection costs. A new gas meter installation typically costs $500 to $1,500 through your retailer, plus the internal pipework.
- LPG: A gas bottle or bulk LPG tank can be set up quickly for properties off the natural gas network.
Running a Gas Line to the Kitchen
A licensed gasfitter needs to run a gas pipe from your gas meter to the kitchen. The cost depends on the distance and route:
- Gas meter already in or near the kitchen: $200 to $500
- Meter at the other end of the house, or requiring work through walls/floor: $600 to $1,500
Gas Compliance Certificate
All gas work — including connecting a cooktop — requires a gas compliance certificate. This is a legal requirement and must be issued by the licensed gasfitter who does the work.
Ventilation
Gas cooking produces combustion byproducts. A range hood that vents to outside (not a recirculating filter hood) is important for kitchen air quality when cooking with gas.
Switching from Gas to Electric (or Induction)
This is the simpler switch from a gasfitting perspective — but requires an electrician:
- The old gas connection is capped off (a licensed gasfitter must do this and issue a compliance certificate for the gas work)
- An electrician installs a dedicated power circuit for the new cooktop (most electric cooktops need a 20-amp dedicated circuit)
- The new cooktop is connected
Note that induction cooktops require induction-compatible cookware (magnetic base). Most modern stainless and cast iron is compatible, but some older aluminium or copper pans are not.
What Does It Cost Overall?
- Electric to gas (existing gas nearby): $400 to $900 gasfitting + cooktop cost
- Electric to gas (no existing gas, new connection needed): $1,500 to $4,000+ including gas network connection + gasfitting + cooktop
- Gas to electric/induction: $300 to $700 gasfitting (to cap gas) + electrician cost + cooktop cost
See our rates page for our standard hourly pricing.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose gas if: you cook frequently, want instant heat control, already have gas, and use a range hood vented to outside.
Choose induction if: you want fast, efficient cooking, easy cleaning, no combustion gases, and are happy to check cookware compatibility.
Choose standard electric ceramic if: budget is the priority and induction is not necessary.
If you are renovating, it is also the ideal time to think about your hot water system — switching to a gas continuous flow unit while a gasfitter is already on site can save on labour costs.
Thinking About Switching?
Water and Gas Worx handles gas cooktop installations and connections across Auckland. All our gasfitters are registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. We can advise on gas availability at your address and manage the full gasfitting side of the job.
Call 0800 322 322 for a free quote or email service@wgw.co.nz
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a gas cooktop myself?
No. All gas connections in New Zealand must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter. This is a legal requirement and a gas compliance certificate must be issued for the work. DIY gas work is illegal and dangerous.
How much does it cost to run a gas line to the kitchen?
If the gas meter is already near the kitchen, expect $200 to $500 for the gas pipe run. If the meter is at the other end of the house, it can be $600 to $1,500 depending on the route and access. We provide a quote before starting.
Is gas or electric cheaper to run for cooking?
Gas is generally cheaper per unit of energy for high-output cooking. Induction is more energy-efficient overall because it heats the pan directly with less heat loss. For most households, the running cost difference is modest — choose based on cooking preference rather than running cost alone.