A 2022 Harvard study revealed that gas stoves, a fixture in most Filipino households, may be more toxic than we previously thought. Even when turned off, gas stoves can leak hazardous fumes into the air, which other studies have linked to increased risk of respiratory illnesses.
What do we do? You can keep using your gas stove—just with more caution. Or take this as a sign to finally convert to an induction stove.
As former gas stove owners turned everyday induction users, trust us: You’re going to be OK. Here’s five reasons to consider switching to induction stoves:
Induction stoves are safer
Unlike gas stoves, induction stoves do not produce flames. No open flames = zero risk of catching anything on fire, accidentally causing gas leaks, or getting carbon monoxide poisoning.
To echo Harvard's study, stoves using natural gas have been linked to indoor pollution. Imagine living with a someone who smoked indoors—then replace that smoker with a gas stove.
The problem gets worse with older models. If your gas stove has been around for generations, you may want to replace it soon.
Induction stoves heat up faster
Induction stoves have shown to heat up 50% faster than gas stoves. This is because induction stoves use electromagnetic energy to directly heat up the pan, unlike the flames from a gas stove that heat up the air around it.
That bullseye-precision from electromagnetic energy also means greater control over cooking temperature. No more under- or over-cooked food!
Induction is easy to clean
Real talk: Have you ever cleaned your gas range? Most people find it easier not to. A traditional gas range’s design opens it up to stubborn gunk and rust that’s way easier to deny the existence of than actually clean.
In comparison, cleanup with an induction stove is a breeze. Just wipe it down with some dish soap with a soft cloth—that’s it!
Gas might eventually be banned anyway
In the US, several jurisdictions already prohibit gas hookups in newly built houses. With multiple studies on the negative effects of natural gas on the climate and our health, it might be a matter of time before laws come in to sunset natural gas for safer alternatives.
Why do you need gas?
Cooking without fire may feel like showering without water. But despite the lack of open flames, an induction stove cooks your food just as well as your gas stove. Chefs like Alison Roman and Jon Kung have adopted induction stoves in their homes—and love it!
So imagine a stove that works just like the one you have now: only easier to clean, more energy-efficient, twice as precise, and safer to use. The obvious upsides to induction may be worth sacrificing roasted stovetop eggplants for tortang talong. (Tip: Use an oven!)
Thank you to Oppein Manila for making this helpful article happen. Check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
Building a new kitchen? Check out our guide on How to Build your Kitchen in the Philippines.
And if you're looking for suppliers, check out our Top 10 Modular Kitchen Suppliers in the Philippines.
