Electrical
Electric Cooking vs Gas vs Induction: Which Is Cheaper in Kenya?
Short answer
Induction cookers convert about 85% of their electricity into heat in the pot, while gas converts roughly 40%. With electricity at an illustrative KES 25 per kWh, induction cooking costs about KES 29 per useful kWh, which matches LPG at roughly KES 150 per kilogram. Check your own gas and electricity prices to see which is cheaper for you.
The arithmetic
Useful heat per kWh of electricity: induction about 0.85 kWh. LPG contains about 12.8 kWh of energy per kg; at about 40% efficiency, 1 kg delivers roughly 5.1 kWh of useful heat.
Cost per useful kWh: electricity at KES 25 ÷ 0.85 ≈ KES 29. Gas at KES P per kg ÷ 5.1. They break even when P is about KES 150 per kg.
Efficiency figures are typical, not exact. Prices change, so substitute yours.
Comparison
| LPG gas | Induction | Electric coil or hotplate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical efficiency | About 40% | About 85% | About 70 to 75% |
| Speed | Fast | Very fast | Slow |
| Works in a power cut | Yes | Only with backup | Only with backup |
| Needs special pots | No | Yes (magnetic base) | No |
| Safety | Gas leak risk, needs ventilation | No flame, cool surface | Hot surface |
Cooking with solar
An induction hob draws about 1.5 to 2 kW. It suits daytime solar cooking, but running it from batteries uses a lot of energy. Plan the inverter and battery accordingly. See what a 3 kW system can run.
Wiring
Cookers need their own circuit with suitable cable and protection. See electrical planning checklist.
Common questions
Is induction really cheaper than gas?
It depends on local prices. At the break-even above, induction wins when gas is dearer than about KES 150 per kg and electricity is about KES 25 per kWh.
Can I cook on solar at night?
Only with a battery sized for the energy. Cooking is a large load.
Do I need special pots for induction?
Yes, pots with a magnetic base, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel.