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A number of studies have shed new light on the health and environmental harms of gas stoves, including symptoms of respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, and increased methane leakages.

The good news is that there's another option that's faster, safer and more efficient than gas stoves: Induction cooking.

U.S. PIRG Education Fund's new consumer guide offers information on the benefits of induction cooking as well as tips for making the transition. Check out the consumer guide .

You may be wondering, what's the difference with induction cooking and why is it so great?

A big reason for all of the hype is that induction cooking safeguards against some of the negative health effects that gas stoves can cause.

Gas stoves generate heat by combusting methane, which in turn, releases chemicals such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.

These air pollutants may lead to inflamed airways, worsened symptoms of pre-existing respiratory illnesses, and can lead to a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with asthma. One analysis finds that living in homes with gas stoves increases children's risk of experiencing asthma symptoms by 42%.

Despite the health risks associated with gas stoves, many people are still hesitant to give them up. The good news is there's more than just health benefits that come with induction cooking.

To start, the engineering behind induction stoves allow for a direct transfer of heat, resulting in cooktops heating up even faster than both gas and electric stoves -- some models can even bring a pot of water to boil in just two minutes.

Induction also results in unbeatable and precise control and consistent levels of heat -- the appliance responds immediately to changes in temperature by adjusting the strength of the electric currents.

What's more, because induction stoves are powered by electricity, they're a more sustainable alternative than gas. As our country begins to source more and more of its electricity from clean, renewable sources, switching to induction cooking appliances will make it easier to repower our lives with clean energy.

Induction cooktops are also three times as energy efficient as gas stoves -- in fact, if every cooktop sold in the U.S. in 2021 used induction technology, American consumers would save $125 million and 1,000 gigawatt hours of electricity. Not only is induction cooking more efficient than gas, but it's actually preferable for many chefs.

While making the transition to induction appliances can be daunting, especially when it comes to the cost, there are plenty of options available for those interested in testing the waters:

Induction range: A range is the "full model," which consists of a stove top with multiple burners on top of an oven. These prices are typically comparable or slightly more expensive than the cost of an equivalent gas stove.

Induction cooktop: If you don't need the full range and would just like to purchase a cooktop, you can find induction cooktops available for as little as $400.

Portable plug-in induction hob: A great, low-cost alternative for those who want to test induction is a plug-in countertop hob. These portable, single hobs can cost as little as $40, with several highly rated models falling under $100.

Plug-in hobs are great for people who want to try induction out before committing to replacing their range. There are also extensive programs that lend induction plug-in cooktops to those who want to test the waters.