Goodbye to gas cookers, from the EU the obligation to switch to induction ones

In Italy, the diffusion of the use of gas in the kitchen is still widespread in most homes, both through a stove connected to the city’s gas network and through other private systems. Conversely, the use of the induction cooker is much less widespread. However, this may soon change due to pressure from the European Union.

The EU is aiming for the transformation of kitchens

The goal is to encourage the energy saving plan, as well as to have a cleaner environment, in line with the new world standards. This proposal integrates perfectly with the obligation to renovate residential buildings to achieve a higher energy class, i.e. homes that allow for greater energy savings. In the past, this transformation has been done gradually, and this approach could also be applied to kitchens. However, there are currently no official indications on the matter, and experts are trying to anticipate the intentions of the European Union by analyzing some clues.

The change towards induction cookers: costs and practicality

The difference between gas cookers and induction cookers is that electricity is used in the latter. Beyond the debates about the expense, the raises and all the perks or conveniences involved, Europe has decided to impose an important change.

Which is not only connected to the outlay necessary for the replacement in the kitchen, but also to a different practice which for many could be inconvenient. As far as costs are concerned, even where they are equal in terms of consumption, an additional expense would in any case be implied. An average quality induction cooker costs at least 300 euros, not counting the installation.

The challenge of the EU: The replacement of gas cookers

Furthermore, many induction hobs do not allow you to cook with classic pans. There would therefore be a need for special ones or a reducer, with a consequent additional expense. All of this is likely to be complex. Not to mention the actual habits of the population: just think of how particularly complicated this step could be for an elderly person who has never used this type of solution.

Yet the EU seems convinced that it wants to move towards the end of gas cookers, thus forcing everyone to have to make the change. It is a decision that aims to reduce waste and which is part of a very broad package of measures to combat consumption.

Operation and advantages of induction cookers

But how do induction cookers work? These are appliances that do not use gas as fuel to generate the flame, but thanks to the glass ceramic plate made up of coils resting on a ferrite core, they activate the fire. The ignition takes place via the electric current, which activates prepares a magnetic field that heats the pan positioned above the plate. This mechanism allows the cookers to overheat very quickly, which allows the water to boil quickly, faster than in gas cookers. This means that even cooking will become faster, with consequent savings in terms of consumption, both of gas and electricity.

The example of the United States

Supporting the new EU law on the obligation to transform gas cookers into induction cookers comes a new clue directly from the USA. After a long time and many discussions, in fact, according to the latest news, New York is the first US state to pass a ban on gas stoves starting in 2026.

This is a novelty that will have an impact on both private citizens and restaurant owners, since cooks and kitchen workers will have to be well trained in the use of new cooking technologies, such as induction hobs. This event strengthens the momentum towards induction and provides further support to the European Union’s proposal.

Zero emission buildings

The new rules come as part of the European Union’s ambitious plan to bring all the residential buildings to energy class E by 2030 and then achieve zero emissions in 2050. Renovation of buildings, thermal coat, installation of new boilers and photovoltaic systems are some of the planned interventions. The directive containing the new rules has just begun its process in the European Parliament. It will then be the subject of a negotiation between Parliament, the European Commission and the Council.

The EU’s green goals for energy saving

The European Union has announced new tenders that make solar panels mandatory for all public and commercial buildings of a given size from 2026. The EU’s goal is to double European photovoltaic capacity and install 600 new gigawatts by 2030 The initiative will be developed in several phases:

• By 2026all new commercial and public buildings with a useful area exceeding 250 m2 will have to be equipped with solar panels.
• By 2027the obligation will also extend to existing buildings of the same type.
• Dal 2029the installation of solar panels will be mandatory for all new residential buildings.

The initiative is expected to generate about 19 terawatt hours of solar energy a year, rising to 58 terawatt hours by 2025.

Furthermore, the EU intends to put a stop to the installation of gas boilers to save energy and improve the environment. Based on the draft of regulation 813/2013/EU (the so-called Ecodesign), starting from 1 January 2029 it will be necessary to remove the current gas boilers from the European market, as well as the traditional ones that also use other energy sources, such as hydrogen. It will therefore be essential to speed up the process of replacing these boilers. The main solutions will remain electric heat pumps and hybrid appliances, which combine a heat pump with a gas boiler.