Induction Pans: Oven-Safe?

Induction pans are a must-have for any kitchen, but with so many options available, it can be hard to know which ones to choose. Here's everything you need to know about induction pans and how to pick the best ones for your needs.

What are induction pans?

Induction pans are designed to work on induction cooktops, which use electromagnetic induction to heat the pan directly. This makes induction cooktops highly energy-efficient, precise, and safe, as the cooktop's surface remains cool, even when the pan is hot.

To work with induction cooktops, induction pans must have a magnetic bottom. This is usually indicated on the packaging, and you can also test it yourself by seeing if a magnet sticks to the bottom of the pan.

How to choose the best induction pans:

When choosing induction pans, there are a few key things to consider:

1. Budget: Induction pans can vary widely in price, depending on whether you're buying a set or individual pans. Consider your budget and what type of pan you need.

2. Purpose: Think about what you'll be cooking. Non-stick pans are great for minimizing the need for additional fat, while pots without non-stick technology are better for sauces as you get better de-glazing and caramelization.

3. Storage: If you have limited storage space, consider a stackable set or opt for individual pans that suit your needs.

Recommended induction pans:

1. Ninja Foodi ZEROSTICK 5-Piece Pan Set: This durable and versatile set includes a frying pan and four saucepans, offering excellent value for money.

2. GreenPan Barcelona Pro Frying Pan: With superior non-stick properties and a sleek design, this induction frying pan performed exceptionally well in scratch resistance and heat distribution tests.

3. Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Saucepan with Lid: This premium saucepan is highly responsive to induction cooktops, offering precise temperature control.

4. ProCook Professional Granite Saucepan Set: These single-piece aluminium saucepans offer excellent heat distribution and quiet operation, with Cooltouch handles that stay cool during use.

5. Our Place Always Pan: A stylish and versatile pan that can be used for steaming, straining, boiling, and serving, making it a true multi-tasker in the kitchen.

6. Smeg Frying Pan 10/24cm: This stylish retro pan has a sturdy, ridged base and elevated sides, making it perfect for cooking larger dishes like risotto.

7. Zyliss Cook Ultimate Saucepan: A quiet and heat-safe option, with a rubber-handled lid for easy removal.

8. Tala Performance Superior Saucepan With Stainless Steel Lid: This impact-bonded saucepan offers even heat distribution and a generous capacity, despite its relatively small size.

Whether you're treating yourself to a new set or just upgrading your frying pan, choosing induction-compatible pans is essential if you have an induction cooktop. With the right induction pans, you can take advantage of the precision, efficiency, and safety that induction cooking offers.

Induction Cookware vs Regular Cookware

Induction pans are becoming increasingly popular, with many people replacing their gas and electric burners with this new invention. Induction cooking is very different from conventional gas or electric cooking, and only certain types of pans will work on an induction hob. Induction cooking uses magnetic induction to create a magnetic field between the pot and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface. The energy created in the electromagnetic field heats the contents of the pot.

Induction cookware is magnetic, whereas traditional cookware is not. Traditional electric or gas stoves heat up and then transfer heat to whatever is sitting on the burner. Induction stoves, on the other hand, use a copper coil to produce a magnetic field that will only heat a ferromagnetic item.

Induction cooking is more energy-efficient than gas or electric cookers as it heats the cooking vessel directly, not the air surrounding it. This also means that the temperature in the kitchen will be lower, which is more comfortable when cooking in hotter months.

Induction cooking is also safer. The cooking surface stays cool, and the cooktop will shut down automatically when a pot is taken away. The flat, smooth surface is also easier to clean, as spilled food is less likely to stick.

To check if your cookware is compatible with an induction hob, simply hold a magnet to the bottom. If it sticks, it will work.

Cast iron and certain stainless steel cookware will work with induction hobs, but aluminium and copper will not work unless they have a layer on the bottom with magnetic properties.

Induction Cookware Materials

Induction cooking is very different from conventional gas or electric cooking. It creates a magnetic field between the pot and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface, and the energy created in the electromagnetic field heats the contents of the pot. This means that for cookware to be induction-compatible, it must contain ferromagnetic materials, such as iron or another material with magnetic properties.

Cast iron, enameled cast iron, and many types of stainless steel cookware are all induction-compatible. However, some stainless steel contains a high nickel content, which will block the magnetic field. Aluminum, copper, or glass cookware will not work on their own unless they have a layer on the bottom with magnetic properties.

Some manufacturers have started adding a magnetic layer to the bottom of these pans, but older, non-magnetic pans will not work. You can test whether a pan is induction-compatible by holding a magnet to the bottom. If the magnet clings to the underside, the cookware will work on an induction cooktop.

Induction Cookware Maintenance

Induction cookers are prized for their efficiency and safety. However, they require regular maintenance to keep them in perfect condition. Here are some tips to help you maintain your induction cookware:

Daily Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your induction cookware clean is essential to prevent food particles from sticking and causing damage over time. After each use, wipe it down with hot soapy water and a soft cloth to prevent scratches.

Avoiding Scratches and Surface Damage

Avoid dragging pans across the surface of your induction cookware, as this can cause scratches and dull the shine over time.

The Right Cleaning Materials and How to Use Them

When cleaning your induction cookware, use a damp sponge and a mild cleanser for most messes. For tougher stains, a non-abrasive cleaner and a scraper designed for induction cooktops can be used. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads, as they can damage the surface.

Addressing Spills and Stains

Clean up spills promptly once the cooktop has cooled down. For burnt-on food, use a specialised induction cooktop scraper to gently remove residue without scratching the surface.

Preventative Maintenance

Ensure the venting areas are clear of obstructions and always use flat-bottomed, induction-ready cookware to prevent common issues.

Recognising When to Seek Professional Help

If your induction cookware is not heating efficiently, making unusual noises, or the control panel isn't responding, it's time to call in professional help. Familiarise yourself with the manual to troubleshoot common issues.

Maximising the Lifespan of Your Induction Cookware

Regular maintenance is key to maximising the lifespan of your induction cookware. By following the tips above, you can ensure your cookware remains reliable and efficient for years to come.

Induction Cookware Sets

Induction cooktops are becoming increasingly popular due to their sleek design, energy efficiency, and safety. However, because induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to produce heat, not all pots and pans are compatible with them. Induction-compatible cookware must contain ferromagnetic materials, such as cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

This set offers excellent performance, durability, and design. It includes essential pieces such as saucepans, a steak pan, and scallops, all made from 18/10 stainless steel with an aluminium core for induction compatibility. The handles are riveted for durability and designed with ergonomics in mind. While some users find the pots unbalanced, the set is generally well-received for its performance and ease of cleaning.

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Stainless Cookware Set

This set is made from stainless steel with an induction-compatible aluminium core. It offers high sides to prevent splatter and sturdy construction. The pans heat quickly, retain heat well, and are oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The set includes a variety of pieces such as saucepans, fry pans, and a steamer insert, making it a great option for those seeking a comprehensive cookware set.

Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set

The Caraway set is a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and functional cookware set. It includes pieces such as frying pans, saucepans, and a Dutch oven, all made from ceramic-coated aluminium. The set is known for its durable non-stick coating, which is free of PTFE, cadmium, and lead. It offers even heating and is oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some users note that the handles can get hot during prolonged use.

T-fal Professional Nonstick Pots and Pans

This budget-friendly set is a great option for those seeking an induction-compatible cookware set without breaking the bank. It includes essential pieces such as saucepans, fry pans, and a steamer insert. The set stands out for its non-stick interior and Thermo-Spot indicator, which changes colour when the pots are preheated. While it offers even heating, users should be mindful of the heat level to prevent scorching and smoking. The set is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

This high-end set offers top-notch construction and performance. It includes a variety of pieces such as fry pans, saucepans, and a stockpot, all made from tri-ply stainless steel with an aluminium core. The set excels in even heating and is oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. While it delivers on quality, it comes with a steep price tag and can take a bit longer to heat up due to the thick material.

Induction Cookware Testing

Induction cooktops have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Induction stoves are tech-savvy, energy-efficient, and safe. They work by using an electromagnetic field under a glass cooktop to send electric currents straight into the cookware, instantly heating it up. As a result, the moment the stove is turned off, the burner surface cools down again.

However, one caveat of induction stoves is that they require special cookware—specifically, a pan with a magnetic bottom. So, if you're an induction stove user, it's important to test out your cookware before use to ensure that it's induction-friendly.

Testing the Cookware

To test whether your cookware is induction-friendly, you can simply take a magnet and see if it sticks to the bottom of the pot. If the magnet clings to the pot’s bottom, it should work with the stove. If the magnet’s pull feels weak, it may not work well with your induction range. If there is no pull at all, the cooktop won’t be able to send heat into the pan.

Another way to test your cookware is to fill an induction pan with water, stick a thermometer in, crank up the heat, and see how fast the water boils.

Induction Cookware to Consider

When it comes to choosing the best induction cookware, there are a few factors to consider, including quality, price, and operation.

The Spruce Eats recommends the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set, which includes the essentials and offers great performance when searing and browning. Another top pick is the Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set, which includes pieces made from ceramic-coated aluminum that are safe to use in the oven and work well with induction stoves.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the T-fal Professional Nonstick Pots and Pans set is a great choice, offering plenty of useful pieces, like a steamer insert.

For a stylish option, the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Cookware Set looks attractive, with a graceful shape and a copper stripe along the bottom.

Tips for Buying Induction Cookware

• Realize that not all cookware is induction-ready, so be sure to read the packaging.
• Make sure your induction cookware set has a flat bottom to avoid vibrations and noise on the glass surface.
• Take note of the weight of the lid for pots and pans, as lighter lids can vibrate intensely and fall off at high power.
• Ensure your cookware has sturdy handles, as poorly attached handles will often vibrate at high power.
• Beware of clad cookware that has a sandwich of metal layers, as this can create a buzzing sound due to the inside metal vibrating at a different speed than the outside layer.
• Not all “stainless steel” cookware will work on induction stovetops, so be sure to test it with a magnet.
• When shopping online, look for “induction-ready cookware” or “induction cooktop cookware” in the product descriptions.
• When shopping in-store, bring a magnet to test whether the cookware is induction-ready.

Frequently asked questions