5 practical alternatives to gas cooking as LPG shortages reshape Indian kitchens

The recent LPG supply crunch in parts of India is reshaping what the modern Indian kitchen looks like. For decades, the gas stove has been the undisputed centrepiece of home cooking. But as deliveries slow and refills become harder to secure, households are increasingly turning to electric alternatives that can keep daily meals on track.

We are already seeing a noticeable uptick in demand for small kitchen appliances that can handle everything from boiling water to cooking full meals. While none of these devices completely replace a traditional stove for every cooking style, many of them are surprisingly capable substitutes for everyday tasks.

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Here are five kitchen appliances gaining traction as practical workarounds while LPG supplies remain uncertain in India.

Induction / Infrared cooktops

Induction or Infrared cooktops are arguably the closest replacement for a gas stove. Instead of heating a burner, they use electromagnetic fields to directly heat compatible cookware, which makes them both fast and energy-efficient.

For everyday cooking tasks such as boiling milk, making tea, cooking dal or sautéing vegetables, an induction unit can step in almost seamlessly. The biggest adjustment is cookware compatibility, as induction requires steel or iron-based utensils rather than aluminium or copper. However, infrared cooktops solve that issue too, making them a fantastic alternative.

Microwave ovens

Microwaves have long been associated with reheating leftovers, but modern units are far more capable than that reputation suggests. Many now come with convection or grill modes that can handle baking, roasting and even simple stovetop-style dishes.

During a gas shortage, a microwave becomes a surprisingly versatile backup. From steaming vegetables and cooking rice to preparing quick curries or mug meals, it can cover a surprising number of daily cooking tasks with minimal effort.

Multi cook kettles

The multi cook kettle has quickly become a favourite among students, hostel residents, and frequent travellers. It looks like a regular electric kettle but includes controls that allow it to simmer, sauté, or cook simple meals.

In these times, this humble appliance becomes a compact kitchen in itself. It can boil eggs, cook instant noodles, prepare soups, make oatmeal, or even handle small portions of pasta or vegetables. While it cannot replicate the range of a full stove, it is a reliable fallback for quick meals.

Rice cookers

Rice cookers have always been staples in many Asian kitchens, but their usefulness goes well beyond plain rice. Most models can handle dishes like khichdi, pulao, steamed vegetables, and even simple curries.

A rice cooker can take over a large portion of everyday cooking duties. The appeal lies in its simplicity; all you need to do is add ingredients, press a button, and let the appliance handle the rest.

Air fryers

Air fryers are usually associated with guilt-free snacks, but they are also capable of preparing a wide variety of everyday foods. With rapid hot-air circulation, they can roast vegetables, cook paneer, bake small dishes, and crisp up leftover fried foods quickly.

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While an air fryer cannot replicate stovetop cooking for gravies or dals, it works well for side dishes and quick meals. In a pinch, it can take care of everything from roasted potatoes to grilled sandwiches.

Short-term disruptions often reveal long-term shifts in how people use technology at home. The current LPG shortage is doing exactly that, nudging households to experiment with appliances they may have previously considered optional.

Whether this trend continues once gas supplies stabilise remains to be seen. But for now, the Indian kitchen is becoming a little more electric than it used to be. Which electric cooking alternative is your go-to? Drop a comment to let us know, and stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for all things tech.