Gas Switch: Sydney’s Culinary Masters Divided as Jurisdictions Make the Move

City of Sydney Initiates Potential Ban on Gas Stoves in New Kitchens, Sparking Debate Among Top Chefs

Recent developments indicate that upcoming urban culinary spaces might need to operate without gas stoves due to the City of Sydney’s initial measures to prohibit them, aiming to decrease emissions. However, prominent chefs within the city hold differing opinions regarding the appropriateness of this decision.

In a significant move, the city council approved a motion on Monday evening to assess the practicality of excluding gas connections in new constructions. This aligns with the nationwide trend as various regions in Australia progressively transition to exclusive use of electric connections.

Gas-powered appliances rely on energy derived from fossil fuels, which is resource-intensive, but they offer chefs the advantage of quickly heating food. Conversely, electrical appliances come with lower installation and operational costs, as well as reduced emissions.

Notably, some culinary experts, including restaurateur Luke Mangan, contend that while electric, specifically induction, stoves have made strides in terms of design and efficiency, gas stoves afford greater precision in controlling temperature. Mangan, who is preparing to launch a new French-Japanese restaurant later this year, emphasized the significance of gas in crafting Asian cuisine.

“In the realm of Asian cooking… the pan’s design, with its deep bowl, holds particular importance,” he explained. “Gas enables the flame to envelop the entire pan, unlike electricity, which doesn’t reach all areas as effectively.

“While induction offers nearly instantaneous heating and has progressively improved, I’m not dismissing its value. However, when it comes to a commercial kitchen, I lean towards the more traditional use of gas.

However, according to chef Neil Perry, induction cooking has progressed sufficiently to be viable for use in commercial kitchens.

“I adopted induction cooking back in 2006, so it’s been nearly two decades now,” he shared. “When I designed the kitchens for Spice Temple and Rockpool Bar and Grill in Sydney back in 2009, I made the complete switch to electric. There’s not a single trace of gas in any of those kitchens.”

Perry pointed out the advantages of induction, highlighting its remarkable efficiency and simplified cleaning process. He emphasized the enhanced command it offers over the cooking process, attributing this to the precision of electric dials that provide accurate temperature information. “There’s simply no downside,” he asserted.

The ongoing debate surrounding the role of gas in Sydney, a city where both Mangan and Perry operate their restaurants, has been simmering for an extended period.

In the past year, Waverley Council introduced new planning regulations that prioritize electric stoves, heaters, and cooktops over gas in new residential constructions. Similarly, Parramatta Council initiated these changes within its city center back in 2011, and it is now contemplating extending these rules to encompass non-residential buildings within its jurisdiction.

Bayside and Randwick councils are also evaluating comparable modifications, although not all councils share the same viewpoint.

Frank Carbone, the mayor of Fairfield, expressed concern that any potential gas ban disregards the financial pressures faced by both residents and businesses. He asserted, “We believe that our residents should retain the freedom to select their preferred energy solution.”

Contrasting approaches have been adopted by various states and territories; for example, the ACT and, more recently, Victoria have implemented bans. However, the New South Wales (NSW) government remains resolute in its decision to refrain from imposing a statewide ban.

A statement from the office of NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe emphasized this stance, noting, “Premier Chris Minns has clearly stated that NSW will not follow Victoria’s lead. Greenhouse gas emissions from gas usage in Victoria are twice as high as those in NSW. Gas-related emissions account for approximately seven percent of NSW’s total emissions, compared to 18 percent in Victoria.”

The statement further conveyed that electric appliances often offer cost benefits to consumers in the long term. Consequently, the NSW government does not intend to discourage the adoption of electric options if they prove more suitable for individual circumstances.

This inaction on the part of the government has drawn criticism from environmental organizations. Dr. Brad Smith, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Nature Conservation Council, highlighted the mounting pressure on the NSW government to align with the decisions of other jurisdictions.

“Each new residence connected to gas solidifies guaranteed profits for gas companies and locks in enduring costs and climate-related pollution for the broader population,” Dr. Smith remarked. He advocated for a straightforward initial step of halting new gas connections, urging the government to take swift action to implement a ban.