How Much Does Cooktop Installation Cost?

Cost of Installing an Electric or Gas Cooktop: Price Breakdown & Key Factors

If you are considering installing a cooktop in your kitchen, it is important to understand the associated costs. Cooktops are a popular choice in Australia, especially for small apartments, as they are installed directly into kitchen countertops or ranges.

There are two main types of cooktops: gas and electric. Installation typically takes between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the complexity of the job. Costs vary based on the type of cooktop, with prices starting at $250 and reaching $1,500 or more.

Gas cooktop installation generally ranges from $300 to $1,200, while electric cooktop installation usually costs between $300 and $600. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of installation costs to help you plan your kitchen upgrade.

Key Information

• Most Australians prefer gas cooktops for their precise temperature control and rapid heating capabilities.


• Professional installation of cooktops is crucial for safety and compliance with Australian standards.


• Induction cooktops are gaining popularity in Australia due to their energy efficiency and easy-to-clean surfaces.

Cooktop Installation Prices In Different Cities Of Australia

Cooktop suppliers offer various cooktops with different styles, including under cabinet models and built-in models. Many companies provide installers. Sometimes, depending on the installer, additional electrical or plumbing work may be required.

Other prices involved in the cooktop installation are delivery and service connection, service charges of the installer, charges of inspection service, and plumbing services.

The costs of installation of a cooktop can differ depending on the cities in Australia. The average costs in different cities per hour are:

Installation Costs Of Different Types Of Cooktops

• Gas cooktops: Gas cooktop installation is costlier than that of electric cooktops, but they are more efficient than other cooktops. The cost of gas cooktops can range somewhere between $300 to $1,200, depending on the brand and quality.



• Induction: Induction cooktops are the costliest and are also preferred by many people as they heat up very fast and also provide even heat, which will help in saving their time as well. Before getting one, it is important to make sure it is compatible with the cookware. Due to its high heat, the cost of installation can range from $650 to $2,200.



• Electrical cooktop: Electrical cooktops are the most popular ones amongst people, as their cost is lower than both gas and induction cooktops. They are not as efficient as gas or induction because they take longer to heat up and cool down. The cost of electric cooktops ranges from $300 to $600.

Mandatory Compliance Certificates & Licensing

In Australia, it is illegal to perform DIY gas fitting or hardwired electrical work. To ensure your home insurance remains valid and your appliance warranty is not voided, you must hire licensed professionals.

• Gas Compliance Certificate: Upon installing a gas cooktop, a licensed gas fitter must issue a compliance certificate/plate confirming the installation meets Australian Standard AS/NZS 5601.


• Certificate of Electrical Safety: If your electric or induction cooktop is hardwired (not a simple plug-in), a licensed electrician must provide this certificate after installation.


• Cost Impact: Ensure your quote includes the provision of these certificates. Unlicensed "cheap" installs can lead to massive fines or rejected insurance claims in the event of a fire.

The Hidden Cost of Upgrading to Induction

Many homeowners switch from gas or standard electric to induction without realizing the hidden electrical costs. Induction cooktops draw significantly more power than standard appliances.

• Circuit Upgrades: While a standard electric cooktop might run on a 15-amp circuit, a powerful induction cooktop usually requires a dedicated 32-amp or 40-amp circuit.


• Wiring Costs: If your kitchen doesn't have the appropriate thick wiring, an electrician must run a new cable from your switchboard to the kitchen. Depending on the difficulty of roof/floor access, this can add $300 to $800 to your installation cost.


• Switchboard Upgrades: Older homes may need a partial switchboard upgrade to accommodate the new high-draw circuit breaker, adding further costs.

Average Installation Cost And Total Cost For Cooktops

The costs may vary based on brand, features, and specific service providers.

Factors Affecting The Cost Of Cooktop Installation

• Type of cooktop: There are various types of cooktops, and they can also affect the cost of cooktop installation. The installation cost of an electric cooktop can cost up to $250 to $750, depending on the size, whereas the induction cooktop installation is the most expensive and can cost up to $2,000.



• Brand of the cooktop: Many brands sell cooktops, and every brand has different designs and installation complexities. The simple installation costs $500, whereas complex designs can cost up to $1,800. Depending on the brand and design of the cooktop, the installation charge differs.



• Size of cooktop: The size of the cooktop also matters when it comes to the installation. There are several options, from one burner to five burner units, including grills. Sometimes 2 burner cooktop installation can be costlier than a 5 burner cooktop, which again depends on the brand and the quality you choose.



• Labour costs: The cost of installing a cooktop also includes labour costs. It depends on the company you choose. Labour costs vary from city to city. The more the work, the more the cost for the installation. Generally, the cost is high for a gas cooktop as its installation requires a licensed expert.



• Installation complexity: Sometimes it's tough to install the cooktop, and depending on the complexity of the work, the cost of installation will be impacted. Sometimes you might require vents or any major electrical upgrade, which will impact the cost of installation of a cooktop.



• Location: Depending on the location of the cooktop, the price might differ, too. Generally, installing a cooktop on the outer wall is less expensive than the one in the central location.

Benchtop Cutting and Modification Costs

If you are upgrading from a standard 60cm cooktop to a larger 90cm model, the installer will need to cut your existing benchtop to make it fit. This can dramatically impact your final bill:

• Laminate or Timber Benchtops: These are relatively easy to cut with standard power tools. This modification generally adds $80 to $150 to the installation cost.


• Stone, Quartz, or Granite Benchtops: Due to strict occupational health and safety regulations in Australia regarding silica dust, stone must be wet-cut with specialized equipment. You may need to hire a stonemason separately, which can add $200 to $400+ to your project.

How Long Does It Take To Install A Cooktop?

Although installing a cooktop is an easy process, it requires a lot of patience and concentration. Generally, it takes around 2 to 6 hours to install an electrical cooktop, which needs more patience, and one must take care that the electrical circuit can safely handle more load. For installing a gas cooktop, it will take around 2 to 4 hours, depending on the type of gas installation. When it comes to installing an induction cooktop, it will take around 3 hours.

Benefits Of A Cooktop

There are several benefits of installing a cooktop. Here are a few of the benefits of cooktops:

• Minimal Space: One of the major benefits of a cooktop is that it takes up very little space. There are options of choosing from 2 to 4 burners, which are hardly 6 to 9 inches in size.



• Portable: There are various options in cooktops that you can carry with you. There are digital touch options available in the cooktops these days.



• Multiple items: In case you are cooking for larger crowds and there are several dishes to cook, a cooktop is the best option to go with.



• Several cooking options: These days, the cooktops come with a variety of options, which also include adjusting the temperatures using smartphones, speed heat elements, and griddles. Apart from these, there are several other upgrades as well.



• Variety of Options: There are a variety of cooktop materials you can choose from. Some of the most preferred options are stainless steel, porcelain, glass, and ceramic cooktops. You will also have options to select different ovens other than the one in the set.

Conclusion

A cooktop is a perfect choice for a small flat or an independent house. The installation of a cooktop requires the help of professionals, such as Appliance Repair and Kitchen Appliances Installers.

The cost of professional cooktop installation depends on various factors, including labor costs, the complexity of the work, and the type of cooktop that needs to be installed.

Make sure to collect all the right details before you choose a cooktop for your house.