How gas and electric compare on cost, performance and convenience, from cooktops to hot water.
You’re standing in the appliance store, or halfway through a renovation quote, and the same question comes up: gas or electric? The gas vs electric appliances debate comes up in almost every Australian kitchen, and the right answer depends on how you cook and how you use energy.
Key highlights
- Gas cooktops: instant, visible heat control
- Induction: ~85–90% efficient vs 30–50% for gas, boiling water in about half the time
- Ovens: a closer contest
- Hot water is around 25% of home energy use and usually the biggest gas load
- Going electric can happen gradually
What does choosing between gas vs electric appliances look like?
Before comparing models, work out which appliance you’re replacing and how your household actually uses it. The answer for a cooktop may be different to the answer for hot water.
Your action checklist
- List the gas and electric appliances in your home and their age
- Note which ones need replacing soonest
- Compare your actual gas and electricity bills, not rules of thumb
- Check the efficiency of the specific models you’re considering
- Decide whether to switch all at once or one appliance at a time
Why the gas vs electric question is changing
Electric heat pump hot water systems typically deliver 300–400% efficiency (3–4 units of heat per unit of electricity), compared with around 70–85% for gas systems, which is changing the equation for many households compared with older gas systems.
Example scenario: a household with an ageing gas hot water system replaces it with an electric heat pump first, keeps the gas cooktop for now, and plans to move to induction when the cooktop needs replacing.
Is going electric doable?
Key takeaways
- There’s no single winner; it depends on usage, efficiency and your plan
- Hot water is often where the biggest difference lies
- Switching can be gradual as appliances need replacing
Gas vs electric appliances, side by side
| Appliance | Gas | Electric |
| Cooktop | Instant, visible heat control | Faster heating, precise temperatures, easier cleaning (induction) |
| Oven | Moister heat (combustion releases water vapour), often preferred for roasting | Holds consistent temperature, good for baking |
| Hot water | Around 25% of home energy; usually the biggest gas load | Heat pumps run at 300–400% efficiency vs 70–85% for gas |
| Running costs | Depends on usage, efficiency and plan | Depends on usage, efficiency and plan |
Gas vs electric: what’s next?
If you’re considering moving fully electric, it doesn’t need to happen all at once. Many households start with hot water or cooktops and transition other appliances over time. Whichever way you go, compare your real bills and choose what works for your kitchen.
About CovaU Energy
CovaU Energy is a 100% Australian-owned company providing electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Australia. We offer competitive energy plans, top-rated 24/7 customer service, and no lock-in contracts. We also have incredible rewards for our new and existing customers. For more information about our electricity and gas plans, call 1300 111 688 to talk to our energy specialists or request a quote for the rates in your area. You may also compare plans and sign up here directly.
