Induction Cooktop vs Electric Stove Burner: Which Costs Less to Run?
Both run on electricity; only one turns most of it into heat inside the pan.
Induction Cooktop · per month
$7.79
1 hour/day · 1,200–1,800 W
Electric Stove Burner · per month
$8.34
1 hour/day · 1,000–3,000 W
Verdict
Induction wins: roughly 85–90% of energy reaches the food versus ~70–75% for radiant coils, and its speed reduces total cooking minutes. The savings are modest in dollars — cooking isn't a huge bill line — but induction also wins on control, safety, and summer kitchen heat. Radiant's only win is upfront price and no cookware requirements.
Side by side
| Induction Cooktop | Electric Stove Burner | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical power | 1,200–1,800 W | 1,000–3,000 W |
| Typical usage | 1 hour/day | 1 hour/day |
| Energy per month | 43 kWh | 46 kWh |
| Cost per month (US avg) | $7.79 | $8.34 |
| Cost per year (US avg) | $93.51 | $100 |
| Cost per month in Hawaii | $20.43 | $21.89 |
Rates as of July 2026. Adjust the assumptions on each appliance's page: Induction Cooktop · Electric Stove Burner.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to run: a induction cooktop or a electric stove burner?
At typical usage and the current U.S. average rate (18.3¢/kWh), the induction cooktop is cheaper: about $7.79/month versus $8.34/month for the electric stove burner — a difference of $0.56 per month.
How much could I save per year by choosing the induction cooktop?
About $6.68 per year at typical usage and average rates. In Hawaii (48¢/kWh) the annual gap grows to roughly $17.51.
Do these numbers apply to my state?
The ratio between the two stays the same everywhere, but the dollar gap scales with your rate — from Louisiana at 12.7¢/kWh to Hawaii at 48¢/kWh. Open each appliance's page for the exact cost in your state.