LPG crunch sparks induction cooker rush: Should you buy one now?

As fears of an LPG shortage ripple across India, many households are looking for a backup plan for the kitchen. One appliance that is suddenly flying off the shelves is the induction cooker.

Retailers say sales have jumped sharply in the past few days as people prepare for the possibility of cooking gas becoming harder to access.

“Usually we sell around 35 to 40 induction cookers. Now the numberhas gone up to nearly 150,” said V A Ajmal, head of the Ajmal Bismi showroom chain.

The surge is visible online as well as in electronics stores. Retail chains say enquiries have spiked since the weekend.

“We have seen a rise in enquiries at our showrooms too,” said Ratheesh, a sales representative at MyG.

The rush has also lifted appliance company stocks, with firms such as Borosil, Bajaj Electricals, TTK Prestige and Hawkins seeing gains in the market.

For many home cooks, the question now is simple: Is it time to buy an induction cooker?

Before making the switch, here is a practical guide to what induction cooking involves and whether it makes sense for your kitchen.

First things first: Do you really need one?
For most households, domestic LPG supply remains stable. The current shortage is largely affecting commercial cylinders used by restaurants.

So there is no need to panic-buy appliances.

However, an induction cooker can still be useful as a backup cooking option, especially in homes that rely entirely on a single LPG cylinder.

It is also handy during cylinder refills, late-night cooking or in small kitchens where using the gas stove is inconvenient.

What exactly is an induction cooker?
An induction cooker is an electric appliance that heats cookware using electromagnetic energy rather than an open flame.

Instead of heating the surface first and then the pan, the heat is generated directly in the vessel. This makes cooking faster and more energy efficient for certain dishes.

Most induction cookers are portable and plug into a standard power socket.

What kind of induction cooker should you buy?
If you are planning to get one, keep a few things in mind.

1. Look for adjustable wattage
   Most models range between 1200W and 2000W. A higher wattage model heats faster and handles heavier cooking.
2. Choose simple controls
   Touch panels look sleek, but many home cooks prefer models with basic buttons for easier operation.
3. Check the cooking modes
   Some models come with preset modes for boiling milk, frying or cooking rice. These are convenient but not essential.
4. Buy a sturdy surface
   Induction cookers with thicker glass tops usually last longer and handle heavier vessels better.

The most important thing: Your vessels
Not all cookware works on induction.

Induction cooking requires magnetic cookware, usually made of stainless steel or iron.

If you are buying new vessels, it is best to choose flat-bottom pans that work on both gas stoves and induction cookers. Many cookware brands now label products as “induction compatible”.

Useful options include:

• Stainless steel saucepans
• Flat-bottom kadais
• Cast iron tavas
• Induction-friendly pressure cookers

Aluminium vessels typically do not work unless they have an induction-compatible base.

What about electric cooktops?
Electric cooktops are another alternative that some households consider.

Unlike induction cookers, these use heating coils or ceramic plates to generate heat. The vessel sits on the hot surface.

They are generally slower and consume more electricity than induction cookers, but they can work with a wider range of cookware.

For most homes, induction cookers are the more popular choice because they are faster and more portable.

Will it increase your electricity bill?
Induction cooking does use electricity, but the impact on your bill depends on how often you use it.

For occasional tasks like boiling milk, making tea or reheating food, the cost difference is usually small.

Heavy cooking such as frying or long simmering dishes may increase electricity usage.

Many households end up using induction cookers mainly for quick tasks, while reserving the gas stove for larger meals.

Best uses for an induction cooker
Induction cookers work especially well for:

• Boiling water
• Making tea or coffee
• Cooking noodles or pasta
• Preparing quick stir-fries
• Reheating leftovers
• Cooking rice in a small pot

Some people even use them as an extra burner during large family meals.

A practical kitchen backup
The sudden surge in induction cooker sales reflects how quickly households respond when kitchen essentials feel uncertain.

Retailers say the interest has grown sharply in just a few days as LPG concerns spread.

Still, most experts say the best approach is not to panic but to think of induction cookers as a useful backup rather than a full replacement for gas cooking.

In many Indian homes, the future kitchen may well include both: the familiar gas stove for everyday meals and a small induction cooker ready for when the cylinder runs out or the power of electricity proves more convenient.