Yes, but replacing an electric cooktop with gas is rarely a direct swap. The property needs a suitable natural gas or LPG supply, the cooktop must fit the benchtop and meet its installation requirements, and licensed trades must complete the gas and fixed electrical work.
What needs to be checked?
Have the gas supply and installation space assessed before buying the cooktop.
- Gas supply: A gas main in the street does not mean the property has a usable connection. A licensed gas fitter must check the connection, gas type, available capacity and whether the existing pipework can supply the new appliance.
- Fit and clearances: Check the manufacturer’s cut-out dimensions, appliance depth, connection position and required clearances. An oven, drawer, cabinetry, splashback or rangehood may conflict with the installation. Any benchtop alteration should be assessed by an appropriate specialist; do not cut or drill it yourself.
- Ventilation: The room and rangehood arrangement must satisfy the cooktop manufacturer’s instructions and applicable gas installation requirements.
- Permission: Renters need the owner’s approval before services are altered. In strata properties, owners corporation approval may be required where pipework, penetrations or other work affects common property.
Which trades are required?
A licensed gas fitter must install, connect, test and commission the gas cooktop. A licensed electrician must disconnect or modify the fixed electric cooktop circuit and assess any electrical supply needed for gas ignition.
The usual process is to:
- Assess the gas service, cooktop location, benchtop and cabinetry.
- Check the exact model against the available gas supply, dimensions, clearances and ventilation requirements.
- Obtain owner or strata approval where required.
- Coordinate the gas fitter, electrician and any benchtop specialist.
- Complete testing and commissioning, then retain the required gas and electrical compliance documentation.
Do not alter gas pipework, test for leaks with a flame, disconnect a hard-wired cooktop or work on fixed wiring yourself. Limit your preparation to checking appliance specifications, obtaining permission and clearing access for licensed trades.
Our licensed Sydney plumbing team can assess the gas supply and proposed cooktop location before you purchase the appliance.