More and more Dutch households are switching from gas to induction. And that’s no coincidence: induction is more efficient, safer, and fits perfectly in a kitchen ready for the future. But what exactly do you need to arrange? And which subsidies are available?
The Netherlands says goodbye to natural gas
The sustainability of homes is in full swing in the Netherlands. Since 2018, new-build homes are generally no longer connected to natural gas. Municipalities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht are actively working on neighborhood-focused plans to make existing homes gas-free. In Amsterdam, pilot projects are underway in neighborhoods like Buiksloterham and Amstel III, where residents are guided in switching to all-electric cooking.
Cooking on induction has several concrete advantages over gas. You can control the temperature precisely and very quickly. It is safer: no open flame and the cooktop itself hardly gets hot. And while a gas stove requires cleaning after cooking, you can wipe an induction cooktop clean in seconds.
Induction, ceramic, or gas: what does it really cost?
Not all electric cooktops are the same. Induction is more efficient than ceramic or classic electric because the energy goes directly to the pan instead of the cooktop itself.
| Cooktop | Efficiency | Annual costs (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Induction | ~85% | Lowest |
| Ceramic | ~65% | Average |
| Gas | ~40-50% | Depends on gas price |
According to calculations by Milieu Centraal, an induction cooktop with an A+++ energy label can save an average Dutch household about €60 per year compared to a ceramic cooktop. These energy savings increase further if you cook often or switch from gas. Want to compare your energy contract? Comparison sites like Pricewise help you find the most advantageous rate.
Tips for electric cooking in the Netherlands
When purchasing, consciously choose an induction cooktop with a favorable energy label. The energy label, mandatory on all new cooktops sold in the Netherlands, provides a good indication of consumption. An A+++ model uses significantly less energy than a ceramic or older electric cooktop.
The technology is also advancing: newer induction cooktops are increasingly efficient and faster. As the Dutch power grid becomes greener, with more solar and wind energy, induction truly becomes the sustainable winner. Cooking on gas always involves a fixed CO₂ emission, while cooking on induction automatically becomes cleaner as the energy mix does.
Planning a renovation or new kitchen?
Make sure you have a proper power supply. A separate electrical circuit (cooking circuit) for the stove is mandatory in the Netherlands. It runs directly from the meter cupboard to the kitchen and may not be shared with other appliances.
If you have a home built before 1990, your meter cupboard may not have space for an extra circuit, or your connection may need upgrading to three-phase power. This is especially relevant in older city homes, such as canal houses in Amsterdam or pre-war terraced houses in Rotterdam, where meter cupboards are often compact and expansion requires more preparation. Always have this checked by a certified electrician who complies with current installation standards. You can find certified installers near you via Techniek Nederland.
Also check if your current pots and pans are suitable for induction. Test with a refrigerator magnet: if it sticks to the bottom, the pan is suitable. Read more in our comprehensive guide on pans for induction: what to look for.
Subsidies for Dutch households
Several concrete schemes are available if you switch to induction.
ISDE subsidy via RVO: Homeowners who have their gas meter removed and switch to a heat network can apply for a €400 subsidy for an electric cooking appliance through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Applications are made retrospectively within 24 months after purchase via DigiD.
Amsterdam – Warm Amsterdam: If you own a home in Amsterdam and disconnect your gas connection, the municipality provides a €500 subsidy for switching to electric cooking via the Warm Amsterdam program.
Rotterdam and Utrecht: Rotterdam and Utrecht also have local sustainability schemes. Check your municipality’s website via Regionaal Energieloket for current amounts and conditions in your region.
National Heat Fund: Don’t have a subsidy but want to make your home more sustainable? The National Heat Fund offers an Energy Saving Loan with 0% interest for households with a combined income under €60,000. For higher incomes, interest rates range from about 3.8% to 4.3%. You can borrow between €1,000 and €29,000 with terms of 7, 10, or 15 years.
Need new pots and pans?
Not all pots work on induction. You need a pan with a magnetic bottom. CuliStack pans work on all cooktops: gas, electric, ceramic, and induction, including modern induction cooktops with pan detection. This is due to the full stainless steel bottom, which ensures optimal contact and even heat distribution.
More than 100,000 Dutch and Belgian households already cook with CuliStack, rated 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot. View the pan sets or read more in our guide on pans for induction: what to look for.
Frequently asked questions about electric cooking in the Netherlands
Is induction cooking really more economical than gas?
Yes. Induction is more efficient: about 85% of the energy goes to the pan, compared to 40 to 50% with gas. Moreover, induction becomes increasingly sustainable as the Dutch power grid gets greener.
Do I need to renovate my kitchen to switch to induction?
Not always. You do need a separate electrical circuit (cooking circuit) in the meter cupboard. Always have a certified installer check if your connection is suitable. In older homes, such as canal houses in Amsterdam, this sometimes requires an additional adjustment.
Are all pots suitable for induction?
No, only pots with a magnetic bottom work. Test easily with a refrigerator magnet: if it sticks, the pan is suitable. CuliStack pans work on all cooktops. See our guide on pans for induction for more tips.
Do I get a subsidy if I switch off gas?
Yes. Through the ISDE scheme of RVO, €400 is available for homeowners who have their gas meter removed. Amsterdam also offers an additional €500 via the Warm Amsterdam program. Check your municipality’s website and the National Heat Fund for additional loans.
Can I combine induction with solar panels?
Absolutely, that’s ideal. Cooking during the day on your own solar power makes your meal extra sustainable. With a dynamic energy contract, you also benefit from low electricity prices.
