Hobs, also known as cooktops, are found in nearly every household, yet they lack proper scrutiny in terms of their nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) emissions and energy efficiency.

The impact of gas cooktops on health and climate

• Gas hobs contribute to poor indoor air quality. CLASP and Jaume I University’s research shows that gas hobs emit levels of NO₂, that exceed outdoor air quality standards in the EU and UK, which can be harmful to our health. Until now, gas hob manufacturers have been able to sell appliances without any consideration of the amount of NO₂ they emit. Introducing new NO₂ tests and limits for gas hobs will help reduce pollutants emitted into the kitchen and improve indoor air quality.
• The energy efficiency of gas hobs is also overestimated, in comparison to their electric counterparts. Gas and electric hobs are currently tested in different conditions, which could result in overestimated energy efficiency results for gas-fueled technologies. For example, gas hobs are tested using pots which are larger than those typically used in kitchens – a larger pot captures more heat from the flame, which results in better efficiency than if a smaller pot is used.

Without real-world and comparable electric and gas energy efficiency performance standards, it is impossible to accurately assess which appliances are best for human health and reducing climate emissions. CLASP’s research shows that more ambitious policies could cut emissions by 60Mt CO₂ by 2050.

To help address these issues, CLASP has developed a new method to test gas and electric hobs that reflects how people cook and identifies potential technological improvements. This test method also satisfies energy efficiency and health-related concerns.

CLASP’s call to action for the European Commission and Member States

• Set NO₂ emissions limits: Setting limits on NO₂ emissions from gas hobs is critical for improving indoor air quality. CLASP encourages the adoption of a new emissions test, with meaningful limits, to ensure only the safest and cleanest appliances make it to the market.
• Introduce a comparable test method for gas and electric hobs: The European Commission should adopt an improved and comparable test method that provides a fair and accurate energy efficiency rating for gas and electric hobs. When these appliances are tested in the same conditions, consumers can better identify the best options which will in turn drive innovation within the industry.
• Transparency of efficiency and emissions data: Consumers and policymakers need open access to better information on how these products perform on energy efficiency and emissions. An improved common test method will ensure people can accurately and fairly compare the performance of different hob technologies. Energy and emissions data should be shared with the product specifications on product websites and in instruction manuals, and in a future energy label for hobs. This will allow people to make informed decisions about the products they purchase, and governments will have better data to develop more impactful policies.
• Take immediate action: CLASP emphasizes the need for swift policy adoption, application, and revision timelines. Slower timescales will result in missed opportunities to protect people’s health, reduce utility bills, and climate mitigation impacts. The European Commission should collaborate with national institutions and industry to collect data on emissions and energy efficiency to guide future policy revisions.

In the European Union, countries like Italy and Poland continue to rely heavily on gas cooking appliances. CLASP’s proposed policy changes could have a wide-reaching impact. Our latest research, based on consumer surveys conducted in eight European countries, shows that most Europeans believe manufacturers should improve product efficiency and reduce pollution emitted by hobs. Consumers also hold government responsible for supporting their transition away from gas to cleaner, electric cooking.

CLASP’s recommendations are backed by health and environmental organizations, including the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), the International Society of Doctors for the Environment Italy, and Respire. Organizations, like ECOS and the European Environmental Bureau, are working on improving standards and policies for cleaner, efficient, and sustainable cooktops, amongst other products, while EPHA is working towards policies for better indoor air quality.

CLASP and partners call on policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers to support these crucial changes for a healthier, more sustainable future.

For more information about CLASP’s research on gas and electric cooking, visit: https://www.clasp.ngo/cook-cleaner-europe/