For decades, gas cooking has been the default in Australian homes - trusted, familiar and perfectly adequate. But step into a modern kitchen today and you’ll notice something has changed.
At Henley, we’re seeing new homeowners embrace a different way of cooking - one that’s faster, easier, safer and cleaner - designed for a better lifestyle. In partnership with one of Australia’s most-loved home appliance companies, Smeg, we’re helping bring this shift to life for more new home owners, through beautifully considered, all-electric kitchens - powered by induction technology.
So, what’s behind the change?
One of the biggest reasons people have historically favoured gas is control. The ability to visualise a flame and gauge the temperature by eye has always been part of cooking confidently.
But induction doesn’t just match the control of gas - it refines it.
“The beauty of induction is that you’ve got so much control. You’ve got really, really low when you want to melt chocolate or do some delicate sauces, or you can go really high if you want to do a stir fry or sear a steak”, says Imelda Murphy, chef at Smeg.
We won’t bore you with a science lesson (you can read more here), but what makes induction vastly different to other technologies, is that it works by transferring energy directly to your cookware. Heat is generated inside your pot or pan, without the cooktop itself reaching high temperatures. That means when you adjust the intensity, the response is instant - as there’s minimal residual heat coming from stove trivets or the cooktop surface.
This method is also a far more efficient. “An induction cooktop can boil a 2L pot of water in less than half the time it would take on a gas stove” says Smeg commercial sales manager, Dave Hooper.
That means more time enjoying meals with your loved ones and less time slaving away in the kitchen.
Equally important is consistency. Whether you’re maintaining a gentle simmer or cranking the heat for a stir-fry, induction holds temperature with precision - something every home cook can appreciate.
In our all-electric homes, the superior performance of an induction cooktop comes as standard, with a Smeg Universale 900mm Induction Hob included. In our design showroom, you can also browse upgrade options, offering even greater flexibility with additional functions, elevated aesthetics and larger cooking surfaces - ideal for cooking multiple dishes at once.A 90cm, 5 zone Smeg induction cooktop is included in our solar, all-electric homes.
Designed for modern living
Today’s kitchens are more than functional spaces - they’re the heart of the home. Open-plan, design-led and constantly in use by the whole family.
That’s where induction really comes into its own.
Because heat is generated directly within the cookware, the cooktop surface stays relatively cool. This not only makes it safer for little hands or the absent-minded cook, but also means drips and spills don’t burn onto the cooktop surface - so cleaning is always as simple as a quick wipe. Game changing.
“Young families can be sure that the cooktop won’t get hot, which makes it nice and safe for families”, says Smeg chef, Cassandra Young.
“And then there’s always cleaning - everyone loves to just give something a wipe over and you’re done”, adds Imelda.
Smeg’s sleek, minimalistic ceramic glass designs ensure your induction cooktop integrates seamlessly into a contemporary kitchen aesthetic - refined, uncluttered and built to last.
A smarter, more efficient way to cook
Efficiency is no longer just a “nice to have” - in many modern homes, it’s expected.
Induction cooking delivers up to 95% energy efficiency, compared to gas alternatives that waste between 35% and 65% of their energy making your kitchen hot and uncomfortable.
The result is a cooking experience that’s not only faster, but smarter - supporting lower energy use and a pleasant home environment year-round.
There’s also growing awareness around the impact of gas appliances inside the home.
Unlike gas cooking, induction produces no open flame and no combustion gases. That means no toxic carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide emissions released into your home.
For families, this translates to a cleaner indoor environment and a safer cooking experience without compromising everyone’s favourite dishes.
Made for real cooking, every day
Beyond speed and efficiency, induction makes everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Features like integrated timers mean your cooktop can switch off automatically - no second guessing when life gets busy. And when you need to move fast, Smeg’s PowerBoost function delivers rapid heat exactly when you need it.
It also adapts beautifully to every genre of cooking, no matter your tastes. From simple midweek meals to high-heat stir-fries and slow cooked ribs, induction supports a wide range of techniques. With the right equipment, even dishes that traditionally rely on open flames, can perform seamlessly thanks to induction’s precision and versatility.
“A flat-bottom wok on a nice high heat of about number 9, gives you that gorgeous, gorgeous char on your stir fries,” says Cassandra.
“Then I like to turn it down for a really nice low and slow cook, something like braised beef short ribs or lamb shanks,” she adds.
Something that surprises many seasoned cooks, is the way induction allows you to effortlessly melt chocolate, or make sauces like hollandaise, directly on the cooktop – no need for fiddley, unreliable double boiling techniques.
Built for the future of Australian homes
The move towards all-electric living isn’t just a design trend, it’s a broader shift in how homes are being built across Australia.
Today, most new homes in Victoria are already required to be all-electric. While a small number of customers can still connect to gas, change is on its way. From 1 January 2027, State Government regulations will prevent us from accepting deposits on gas-connected homes - meaning every new Henley home will be 100% all-electric.
Induction cooking plays an exciting central role in the future of new homes.
It works seamlessly alongside other electric systems like heating, cooling and solar, creating a more integrated, efficient and forward-thinking home environment.
A natural evolution of the kitchen
At its core, the kitchen has always been about bringing people together - through savoured meals, handwritten recipes, shared moments and familiar routines.
What we’re seeing now isn’t a complete reinvention of that cherished experience, but a refinement.
With Smeg, we’re bringing together innovation and everyday usability to support a better lifestyle. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal, a slow simmer, or a high-heat stir-fry, your kitchen will be equipped to handle it all.
Ask your new home consultant about our all-electric homes, or speak to an interior design consultant in our showroom about selecting a Smeg induction cooktop for you new kitchen.
