Can't you build window in your drying area? Anyway, the usual 3 choices are gas, induction for ceramic hob. Gas is still the cheapest. But if you are in windy area it is not as good although most gas hobs now have safety valve.

Induction is most expensive among the three. Induction has great safety and the adjustment is almost as instantaneous. Although the induction is very localized but some worry that that it may interfere with say for people who wear pacemakers. It will not work on a number of cookware including those are not metal e.g. Corning glass cookware. Some woks may also not work with induction cooker.

Ceramic hob is cheaper but the power adjustment is not precise and suffers from time lag. It is not suitable for powerful Asian style cooking. I would use mine to cook instant noodles or boil water.

This post has been edited by bhtan: Jul 14 2011, 03:23 PM

Expensive in the induction unit itself. If you cook a lot it will cost you more daily than gas. Personally, I try not to use anything microwave or electromagnetic stuff. It is just me.

On your balcony, you should consider placing the hob against one of the existing walls and then build a very large window all the way from top to almost the bottom. My wet kitchen window is designed as such. You can put fixed glass at the bottom (1 to 1.5 ft) and 5 or 6 ft window. Your internal area will be all right.

To be honest, I think it is ugly to put your hob and cook openly. Unless you have budget constraint.