Converting Electric Cook-Top to a GAS Cook-Top

mohaymens on 08/09/2020 - 19:14

Hi Guys,

I am looking to buy our First Home (Established, Non-Strata, House), I am finding that that there are way too many established properties with Electric Cook-Top in the kitchen. My wife not even looking at these properties, regardless of how good the property actually is. She is only looking at properties with a GAS Cook-Top. I have a feeling I am missing out on lots of good properties because of this.

My questions are:

  1. Is it possible to convert an electric cook-top to a GAS one?
  2. How expensive is i to convert (Cost of the Cook-top Plus Labor/Installation Cost)
  3. Is it a messy process or a simple one?
  4. Can you guys please provide some suggestion insight?

Thanks in Advance!!!!

Home & Garden

Comments

  • jaybraykay on 08/09/2020 - 19:30
    +5

    Yea it's possible.

    Its gonna be a pretty simple process, the size for the cutout for most gas cookers is a similar size for most electric cooktops. Might be minor differences between brands but I'm sure you can find something that fits the cutout. It might get more difficult if its a stone benchtop that needs to be modified, or if the hole needs to be made smaller.

    You are absolutely missing out on houses if you don't consider electric cooktops though.

    The price will likely depend on if you already have gas hooked up to the house, if there was previously a gas cooktop, and all the other small things that can change the number.
    I'd say look at other houses, and if you love something, BUT it has an electric cooktop, ask the real estate agent to get a tradesman through to quote the job! Easiest way to get a super accurate number.

    If you're lazy like me, Id go with the assumption that a new cooktop will cost you a couple thousand, and go from there. If you want more specific numbers, give a tradesman in your area a call and have a chat :)

    It's also worth noting not all electric cooktops are created equal, some of the higher end induction ones are arguably better than the gas ones :)

  • oO0Dam0Oo on 08/09/2020 - 19:35
    +1

    Also important to distinguish standard electric hotplate from induction stove top which are far more efficient. Granted they are not gas but very good to cook on once you have the experience.

  • ozbaragan on 08/09/2020 - 19:38
    +2

    I heard from someone that it depends whether there is a gas connection to the house. Some old houses don't have gas connection and it is expensive to get it lined up. Just get alfresco kitchen. Buy a high pressure burner to cook outdoor. Less cleaning.

  • yogihogi on 08/09/2020 - 19:49
    +4

    Induction stove top would be another option as they are much better than halogen or normal electric tops. I’ve used induction for 20 years ( I am a chef), they are better than gas imho. Apart from a wok burner. Cost for both would be similar ( around $1200) as gas cooktops are cheaper but more expensive to install.

    • scrambledeggs on 09/09/2020 - 08:49
      -3

      No actual chef would ever say induction is better than gas.

      • yogihogi on 09/09/2020 - 18:13

        Oh can you temper chocolate Without a water bath on gas… sous vide on gas… Keep food at a gentle simmer on gas… you Can do all these and more on induction

  • JimmyF on 08/09/2020 - 20:42
    +1

    I have gas and wouldn't go gas again. Induction cooktop all the way!!!

    The first you should do, is rip out whatever electric cooktop they have and put in a decent induction, your wife will thank you!

  • skid on 08/09/2020 - 21:15

    Most houses with a gas connection would have a gas cooktop. Rather than converting a house to have a gas cooktop, it'd be easier to look for a house in a different location which already has a gas cooktop.

    Or are you thinking of buying LPG bottles and hooking those up to a LPG stove?

    Don't think of it as missing out on great properties. Your wife has a "deal breaker" so keep on looking until you find that perfect home. It's out there.

  • Peter Enis on 08/09/2020 - 21:43
    +1

    It's not the installation cost you should be concerned about, but the ongoing gas service charges you will be paying. Unless you have other gas appliances like hot water or heating, it really isn't worth it. Alternatively you go with 9kg gas bottles which is what we have, one bottle lasts us about 3-6 months for cooktop only.
    But I'd much prefer induction.

  • SF3 on 09/09/2020 - 01:11

    Agree with others - get an induction cooktop. They are more pricey and may cost a lot more to repair, but "safer" than gas. As most have safety to auto switch off.

    Unless, your wife needs to cook with gas for pots/pans that ain't metal (eg. "old school" clay pots), than induction may not be an option.

  • BOGOF on 09/09/2020 - 07:47

    I have an electric oven and a gas cooktop, connected to 2 X 9kg gas bottles. Conversion is not difficult but you will need to use both an electrician and a gasfitter (or plumber/gasfitter).

    One other point to make, is the distance between the cooktop and the rangehood. For electric, regulations state it must be a minimum of 600mm, whereas for gas it must be a minimum of 650mm. If you are converting from an electric to gas cooktop you may need to relocate your rangehood.

  • Keplaffintech on 09/09/2020 - 08:28
    +2

    Look for the things you can't change in a house, not the things you can change with like $2000.

    Location, land size, views etc.

    Besides, induction is just as good as gas, and better at holding low temperatures. If you've never tried it you're missing out.

    • Euphemistic on 09/09/2020 - 18:48

      This. Don’t rule out a house you live because of one little thing.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 09/09/2020 - 09:11
    +2

    Not sure why you'd want to swap for gas….I'm about to do the reverse. Swap out gas for an induction cooktop.

  • roonie on 09/09/2020 - 09:26

    I’m a gas kinda guy. Went to a mates place who had an induction top and I said, shame it’s not gas. To which there was a chorused reply of “Nooo. Induction is great”. I have no personal experience with them, and I know that you need to have specific cookware, but I’ve only heard good things about them.
    With regard to swap over (regardless of the target cooktop), keep in mind that every cutout is different- it’s not like wall ovens. Ours, installed within a granite bench top, was a PITA to find a replacement. It was a (then) popular brand but a boutique 650mm wide. Agh. And cutouts vary enormously for a given size (600/750/900]. I’m convinced that they get school kids to design them. We had a choice between Ariston and asko (only).

  • Peter Enis on 09/09/2020 - 10:45
    +1

    Is your wife going to be the one who cleans the gas cooktop? Because for me that is the worst part about gas cooktops, they are constantly covered in food and a pain to clean properly because you have to take all the bits off to do it properly.

  • Euphemistic on 09/09/2020 - 18:50

    If you MUST have gas, check if the property is connected first, or if there is gas in the street.

    Next, is there opportunity to get gas into the kitchen fairly easily. Ie up through the roof cavity or close to an external wall. Installing the gas is where the bulk of the cost is. Installing The cooktop into the bench is the easy part.

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