Induction / Electric Stove: How Many Watts, How Much It Costs Cost Table + Amps + Infrared/Gas Comparison
Living in a condo or dorm where gas isn't allowed, so you're on an electric stove and worried about the bill? This page shows the real watts and amps an induction or electric stove draws, how to work out the cost per meal and per month, a table by wattage, how induction differs from infrared (radiant), how it compares with gas, and the breaker/meter facts to check before buying.
A single-hob induction or electric stove draws about 1,200–2,100 watts (roughly 5–10 A at 220 V). But because you adjust the power level and cook in bursts, the real cost is below the full-power figure. Example: an 1,800 W hob at full power for 30 minutes = 0.9 units × ~4 THB ≈ 3.6 THB per meal (usually less in practice, since you rarely run it flat out the whole time). Twin-hob or high-power models draw more and need a breaker/meter check. See the latest per-unit rate at how many baht per unit.
How to Work Out What an Electric Stove Costs, Step by Step
Same formula as every appliance: power (kilowatts) × hours used × the per-unit rate. Four steps:
1) Find the power in watts — check the label under/behind the unit or the manual. A single hob usually lists a maximum of 1,300–2,100 W (many have several power levels; the label figure is the maximum).
2) Convert to kilowatts (kW) — divide watts by 1,000, e.g. 1,800 W = 1.8 kW.
3) Multiply by the cook time = units (kWh) — kW × hours, e.g. a 30-minute cook = 0.5 h → 1.8 kW × 0.5 = 0.9 units. (This assumes full power the whole time = a ceiling; turning the level down uses less.)
4) Multiply by the per-unit rate = baht — units × rate, e.g. 0.9 × ~4 THB ≈ 3.6 THB per meal. Induction transfers heat into the pot more efficiently, so it often finishes faster and uses less than this ceiling figure.
The ~4 THB/unit is a round figure for easy math (an estimate). Real home bills are tiered (more usage = higher per-unit) and include Ft + VAT. See the real tiered rates at how many baht per unit, or compute your whole-home bill at how to calculate your bill.
Table: Induction / Electric Stove Watts and Cost
Priced at ~4 THB/unit (an estimate) at full power. “Per meal” is about a 30-minute cook; “per month” is 2 meals/day × 30 days (turning the level down runs cheaper). For every appliance in the home, see the appliance electricity cost table:
| Power | Per meal (30 min) | Per month (2 meals/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,300 W | ~2.6 THB | ~156 THB |
| 1,800 W | ~3.6 THB | ~216 THB |
| 2,100 W | ~4.2 THB | ~252 THB |
* Figures are a ceiling (full power the whole time) for comparison only. In practice they run 30–60% lower because you turn the level down once it boils/cooks. Actual cost also depends on the real nameplate watts, the cookware, and your home's tiered rate. Twin-hob/high-power units run above this table.
Induction vs Infrared (Radiant) vs Gas: What's the Difference?
These three cause the most confusion and are the hardest choice in a condo/dorm kitchen:
Induction
Heats the pot directly with a magnetic field, so it's fast and more efficient (~85–90% heat transfer) and the surface stays cooler — but **only works with magnetic cookware** (stainless steel/iron). Glass, ceramic and plain aluminium pots won't work.
Infrared / radiant
Heats a plate/coil under the glass that radiates heat up into the pot — slower and slightly less efficient (~70%), and the surface gets very hot, but **works with any cookware**, including glass/ceramic/aluminium. Good if you don't want to replace your pots.
Gas (for comparison)
Per meal, a gas cylinder is usually a bit cheaper than an electric stove and uses no electricity / needs no meter check — but **many condos/dorms ban gas** for safety and it needs a cylinder. Electric wins on convenience/safety in high-rise housing.
In short: want the most efficient and fastest + have magnetic pots → induction; don't want to change pots, use anything → infrared; your place allows gas and you cook heavily every day → gas is still cheaper per meal.
6 Things to Know: Saving + Breaker/Meter
An electric stove is a heavy-draw device; use it efficiently and safely like this:
Cover the pot and use a flat-bottomed pot that matches the hob — a lid boils water far faster and clearly saves power; a flat base makes full contact and transfers heat better (especially on induction).
Turn the level down after it boils — you don't need full power throughout; once it boils/heats, lower the level to simmer, saving 30–60% off the ceiling figures in the table.
Induction is cheaper if your pots fit — better heat transfer than infrared and less time. If you're buying and already own magnetic pots, induction saves more long-term.
Don't share a power strip with other high-draw devices — a 2,000 W hob draws about 9 A; sharing a strip with a kettle/microwave/air fryer can exceed the strip's rating (often 10–16 A), overheating or burning the plug. Plug directly into a wall socket.
Twin-hob/high-power: check the breaker and meter first — a twin hob or a 3,000+ W unit draws a lot and may need a dedicated circuit/breaker and a meter that can carry it. See sizes at electricity meter size & amps; if the breaker trips often, see what causes breaker trips.
Want to cut the whole bill, not just the stove — an electric stove is a few hundred baht a month, but the aircon and water heater use more. See the big picture at how to cut your home bill, or compare with the air fryer.
About this page
Compiled by the CapSolar team, led by Frank Lee (Founder). The method uses power (watts) × time × per-unit rate; the current (amps) is computed as watts ÷ 220 V as an approximation. The wattage range reflects typical Thai-market units and our own appliance-wattage dataset. For breaker/wiring, follow the manual of the model you buy and a licensed electrician. Table figures are approximations for comparison.
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