Induction vs Infrared Cooker
Intro
Electric cooking is becoming common in Pakistan, especially where gas shortages and high LPG prices are everyday problems. But now there’s another challenge—electricity cost is very high (Rs. 70–80 per unit). So choosing the wrong cooker can seriously increase your monthly bill.
Two popular options are induction cookers and infrared cookers. Both look similar, but they work very differently. That difference directly affects your electricity consumption, cooking speed, and long-term cost.
Let’s break it down in a simple and practical way.
Induction Cooker
What is Induction Cooker
An induction cooker is a modern electric stove that heats the utensil directly instead of heating the surface. It uses electromagnetic energy, which makes cooking faster and more efficient.
How Induction Works
Inside the cooker, a coil creates a magnetic field. When you place a steel or iron pot on it, the energy converts into heat inside the utensil.
So instead of:
- Heating stove → air → pot
It becomes:
- Heating pot directly
That’s why induction is faster and wastes less energy.
Power & Electricity Use (Induction)
- Power: 1800W – 2200W
- Efficiency: 85% – 95%
- Monthly usage: 80 – 100 units
Cost (at Rs. 70–80/unit)
| Units | Cost |
|---|---|
| 80 units | Rs. 5,600 – 6,400 |
| 100 units | Rs. 7,000 – 8,000 |
Even at high rates, induction still saves electricity because it cooks faster.
Pros (Induction)
- Very energy efficient
- Fast cooking (saves time & units)
- Safer (surface not too hot)
- Precise temperature control
- Lower long-term electricity cost
Cons (Induction)
- Only works with magnetic utensils
- Slightly expensive upfront
- No heat after turning off (no “dum” cooking)
- Needs stable electricity
Uses (Induction)
Best for:
- Tea, eggs, noodles
- Daily quick cooking
- Frying and boiling
- Small families / apartments
Price in Pakistan (Induction)
| Type | Price (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Basic | 7,000 – 12,000 |
| Mid Range | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Premium | 20,000 – 35,000 |
Infrared Cooker
What is Infrared Cooker
An infrared cooker is an electric stove that heats a glass surface, which then heats the pot. It works more like a traditional gas stove.
How Infrared Works
It uses a heating element under glass that produces infrared heat (radiation).
So the process is:
- Heating element → glass surface → pot
This causes heat loss, which increases electricity use.
Power & Electricity Use (Infrared)
- Power: 1800W – 2200W
- Efficiency: 60% – 70%
- Monthly usage: 100 – 130 units
Cost (at Rs. 70–80/unit)
| Units | Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 units | Rs. 7,000 – 8,000 |
| 130 units | Rs. 9,100 – 10,400 |
Infrared clearly costs more because it wastes energy as heat.
Pros (Infrared)
- Works with all utensils
- Good for roti, paratha, karahi
- Heat stays after turning off
- Lower purchase price
Cons (Infrared)
- Higher electricity bill
- Slower cooking
- Surface gets very hot (burn risk)
- More heat loss
Uses (Infrared)
Best for:
- Roti / chapati
- Karahi and handi
- Traditional Pakistani cooking
- Heavy utensils
Price in Pakistan (Infrared)
| Type | Price (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Basic | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Mid Range | 10,000 – 18,000 |
| Premium | 18,000 – 25,000 |
Electricity Comparison (Important)
| Feature | Induction | Infrared |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 85–95% | 60–70% |
| Units/Month | 80–100 | 100–130 |
| Monthly Cost (Rs. 70–80/unit) | 5,600 – 8,000 | 7,000 – 10,400 |
| Cooking Speed | Very Fast | Medium |
| Heat Loss | Very Low | High |
Difference: Infrared can cost Rs. 2,000–3,000 more per month.
Best for Pakistani Households (High Electricity Cost)
When electricity costs Rs. 70–80 per unit, efficiency becomes the most important factor.
Choose Induction if:
- You want lower electricity bills
- You cook daily and need speed
- You want safe and modern cooking
- You can buy compatible utensils
Best for: urban homes, small families, budget control
Choose Infrared if:
- You cook roti, karahi, handi daily
- You don’t want to change utensils
- You prefer traditional cooking style
Best for: traditional kitchens
Smart Recommendation
For Pakistani homes, the smartest setup is:
- Use Induction → for tea, fast cooking, daily use
- Use Infrared or Gas → for roti & heavy cooking
This way you reduce electricity bills without compromising cooking style.
Conclusion
At high electricity rates in Pakistan, induction cooker is clearly more cost-effective because it uses less energy and cooks faster. Infrared is more flexible but consumes more units, which increases monthly expenses.
If your goal is to save money, induction is the better choice.
If your goal is traditional cooking convenience, infrared is more suitable.
FAQs
1. Which cooker is cheaper with Rs. 80 per unit electricity?
Induction cooker is cheaper because it uses fewer units.
2. Can induction replace gas completely?
Yes for basic cooking, but not ideal for roti and heavy traditional cooking.
3. Why is infrared expensive in electricity?
Because it loses heat and takes longer to cook.
4. Is induction safe for home use?
Yes, it is safer than infrared because it doesn’t overheat the surface.
5. What is the best setup for Pakistan?
Use induction for daily cooking and infrared/gas for traditional dishes.