Gas Cooker vs Electric Cooker: Which Is Cheaper to Run?

With energy prices rising every year, many households are looking for straightforward ways to lower their bills. One of the most common questions is whether a gas cooker or an electric cooker is cheaper to run. Since we use both the oven and hob daily, even small differences in energy use can add up over time.

In this guide, we compare gas, electric, and induction cookers to see which option is truly more cost-effective. We’ll cover running costs, energy efficiency, pros and cons, and also highlight a few recommended models.

Gas Cookers

How Do Gas Cookers Work?

Gas cookers use a flame to heat both the hob and the oven. Turning the control dial releases gas to the burners, where it mixes with air and is ignited. Inside the oven, a thermostat controls the flow of gas to maintain a stable temperature.

Pros of a Gas Cooker

Lower Running Costs

Gas is cheaper per kWh than electricity, so both the gas hob and gas oven are generally more affordable to run day-to-day. This is especially noticeable for larger households.

Instant Heat and Flame Control

Gas hobs react instantly, giving quick changes in heat, while gas ovens warm up faster than many electric ones. This responsive flame control makes gas great for simmering, frying, or searing.

Good for Fast Cooking

A gas hob reaches high temperatures very quickly, making everyday tasks like boiling water or reheating food faster.

Cons of a Gas Cooker

Lower Energy Efficiency

Gas hobs lose a lot of heat around the sides of the pan, and gas ovens also tend to waste heat compared to electric or fan-assisted ovens.

Requires Professional Installation

Both gas ovens and hobs must be installed by a Gas Safe engineer.

Produces Moisture & Combustion Gases

Gas cooking produces steam and small amounts of CO₂ and NO₂, so good ventilation is important for both hob and oven use.

Electric Cookers

How Do Electric Cookers Work?

Electric cookers use heating elements to warm both the hob surface and the oven compartment. The hob transfers heat into the pan, while the oven uses electric elements to maintain a steady internal temperature.

Types of Electric Cooking

Solid Plate Hobs

• Simple cast-iron plates

• Slow to heat and cool

• Very durable

Ceramic Hobs

• Smooth glass surface

• Heats faster than solid plates

• Easy to wipe clean

Induction Hobs (Most Efficient)

• Heat the pan directly using electromagnetism

• Hob surface stays cooler

• Extremely energy-efficient for daily cooking

Pros of an Electric Cooker

Higher Efficiency

Electric ovens — especially fan-assisted models — convert more energy into usable heat, making them more efficient than gas ovens.

Even, Consistent Cooking

Electric ovens spread heat more evenly, while fan ovens circulate hot air for perfect cooking results on every shelf.

Easy to Clean

Ceramic and induction hobs are smooth and simple to wipe down. Electric ovens often include easy-clean coatings or self-cleaning features.

Cons of an Electric Cooker

Higher Cost per kWh

Electric hobs and ovens cost more per kWh to run, even though they’re more efficient.

Slower Heat-Up Times (Non-Induction)

Solid plate and some ceramic hobs take time to reach full heat, and electric ovens generally take longer to preheat than gas.

Running Cost Comparison: Gas vs Electric vs Induction

Two things affect running costs most:

1. The price of the energy

2. How efficiently the cooker uses it

UK Average Energy Prices

• Gas: ~7p per kWh

• Electricity: ~28p per kWh

Efficiency Comparison

In ovens:

• Gas ovens are less efficient but cheaper to run.

• Electric fan ovens are more efficient but cost more per hour of use.

This is why the “cheaper to run” answer depends on how often you use the hob vs the oven.

Summary

• Gas cookers (hob + oven) are usually cheaper to run overall because gas costs far less per kWh.

• Electric cookers offer more consistent oven results and are easier to clean, but cost more per hour.

• Induction hobs are the most efficient option and can even rival gas for speed, though they cost more upfront.