A kitchen remodel is the best time to decide how you want to cook, because it is the only time the walls are open for new wiring, gas lines and ventilation. More Richmond homeowners are asking Kitchen and Bath Experts about induction, and many serious home cooks still want gas. Both are good choices. Here is a practical comparison, plus an update on rebates and tax credits, since some of what you may have read no longer applies.
Updated November 2026.
How induction works
An induction cooktop uses a magnetic field to heat the pan itself rather than the glass surface. The result is fast, precise heat and a surface that stays cooler than a traditional electric or gas burner.
Side-by-side
| Induction | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast; boils water quickly | Fast |
| Control | Precise, including very low simmer | Visual flame, instant response |
| Cookware | Must be magnetic (cast iron, most stainless) | Any |
| Cleaning | Flat glass, easy to wipe | Grates and burners to clean |
| Safety | Surface stays cooler; turns off when pan is removed on many models | Open flame |
| Wok cooking and charring | Limited | Excellent |
| Works in a power outage | No | Burners usually can be lit manually |
| Upfront cost | Usually higher | Usually lower |
The magnet test: if a fridge magnet sticks firmly to the bottom of a pan, it works on induction. Aluminum, copper and glass pans do not, unless they have a magnetic base.
What switching to induction takes in a remodel
- A 240-volt circuit sized for the appliance. Many 30-inch induction ranges call for a 40- or 50-amp circuit; always follow the manufacturer's installation guide.
- Panel capacity. Older Richmond homes with smaller electrical panels may need a panel upgrade or a load calculation before adding an induction range. We check this early, because it can change the budget.
- Capping the gas line if you are removing a gas range, done by a licensed professional.
What going with gas takes
- A properly sized gas line and shutoff at the range location.
- A real range hood ducted to the outside. Gas burners produce combustion byproducts and moisture as well as cooking smoke, so ventilation matters even more. A recirculating hood that only filters grease does not remove them.
Ventilation matters either way
Cooking itself produces smoke, grease and moisture. Every range we install gets a hood sized to the cooktop and ducted outdoors where the house allows it. A hood that is slightly wider than the cooktop and mounted at the manufacturer's recommended height captures far more than a microwave over the range. See our kitchen lighting guide for hood lighting too.
Rebates and tax credits: what changed
- The federal 25C home energy improvement tax credit has ended. Under the 2025 federal tax law, the IRS says the credit is not allowed for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Some articles online still describe it as available.
- Virginia's Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) have not launched yet. As of Virginia Energy's October 2026 update, the program is waiting for federal approval and has no launch date. The proposed program includes up to $840 for an electric stove, cooktop, range or oven, up to $4,000 for an electrical panel upgrade and up to $2,500 for wiring, for households that meet income limits. The rebates cannot be claimed retroactively, and the Department of Energy recommends waiting until the program launches before starting a project that you hope will qualify.
If a rebate is part of your decision, check Virginia Energy's Home Energy Rebates page for the current status before you buy. We are not tax advisors; for tax questions, talk to your accountant.
How to decide
- Cook on both. Try an induction demo at an appliance showroom before you commit.
- Check your cookware. Replacing a full set of pans adds to the cost of switching.
- Ask about your electrical panel at the design stage.
- Think about resale. Both are well accepted by Richmond buyers. A quality range and a proper hood matter more than the fuel. See our remodel before selling guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is induction better than gas? It is faster, easier to clean and keeps the kitchen cooler. Gas is better for wok cooking, charring and power outages. Neither is wrong.
Do I need a new electrical panel for induction? Not always. It depends on your panel's capacity and what else is on it. We check before you choose.
Can I get a tax credit for an induction range in 2026? The federal 25C credit ended for property placed in service after 2025. Virginia's state rebate program has not launched yet. Check Virginia Energy for updates.
Plan your cooking zone with us
We will check your electrical and gas service, help you choose a range and hood, and include everything in one fixed price. Schedule a free in-home consultation.