Induction Cooking: Non-Stick Pans For Your Kitchen

Induction cooktops are becoming increasingly popular due to their sleek design, energy efficiency, safety, and precise heating capabilities. However, they require special cookware with a magnetic bottom to function. The good news is that there are plenty of non-stick options available for induction cooktops, ranging from single pans to complete cookware sets. These non-stick induction pans offer the added benefit of preventing food from sticking, making flipping food easier and cleaning a breeze.

Non-stick induction cookware sets

Non-stick induction cookware is a great option for those who want the benefits of an induction stove without having to worry about food sticking to the pan. Here are some options for non-stick induction cookware sets:

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

This set includes the essentials and is made from 18/10 stainless steel with an aluminum core, which allows for the magnetism necessary for induction. The handles are riveted for durability and are ergonomic, ensuring comfort during long cooking sessions. The pieces are also dishwasher-safe, although hand washing is recommended. This set performs well, with great searing and browning capabilities, and durable and well-built.

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Stainless Cookware Set

This set from Cuisinart is made from stainless steel with an induction-compatible aluminum core. The pans heat up quickly, retain heat well, and are great for searing and sauteing. They are oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The high sides prevent splatter, but can make it difficult to see into the pan. The set is dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended.

T-fal Professional Nonstick Pots and Pans

This budget-friendly, induction-safe, nonstick cookware set includes a steamer insert that can be used for fish, vegetables, or Chinese buns. The pieces have a nonstick interior with a Thermo-Spot indicator that changes colour when the pots are preheated. The set includes oven-safe pots and lids, and all pieces are dishwasher-safe.

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

This high-quality set from All-Clad includes an 8-inch frying pan, a 10-inch frying pan, a 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, a 3-quart saucepan with lid, a 3-quart saute pan with lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with lid. The pieces are oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and can even go under the broiler. However, they are not dishwasher-safe.

CAROTE 11-Piece Pots and Pans Set Non-Stick

This set from CAROTE includes a 10-inch frying pan, a 2.3-quart saucepan with lid, a 3.3-quart saucepan with lid, a 3-quart saute pan with lid, and a 5.2-quart casserole with lid. The pieces are made of hard anodized aluminum with a durable ceramic coating and brushed stainless steel handles. They are oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended.

BEZIA Induction Cookware Set 10-Piece

The BEZIA 10-piece set features a nonstick coating and removable handles. The pieces are stackable for easy storage and are dishwasher and oven-safe.

These options provide a range of non-stick induction cookware sets to choose from, offering different materials, sizes, and features to suit your needs and preferences.

Induction cooktops

• Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set: Great performance, durable, and well-built.
• Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Stainless Cookware Set: Sturdy stainless steel construction with high sides that prevent splatter.
• Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set: Durable ceramic nonstick coating that comes in a variety of colours.
• T-fal Professional Nonstick Pots and Pans: A budget-friendly, induction-safe, nonstick cookware set.
• Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Cookware Set: Stylish, with graceful shapes and copper stripes along the bottom.
• OXO Ceramic Professional Non-Stick Cookware Set: Solid hard anodized aluminum construction that responds well to all temperatures.
• All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set: High-quality construction with excellent heat conductivity.

Some of the best nonstick pans for induction cooktops include:

• Tramontina Tri-Ply Base 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan: Heats up quickly and evenly, with a super slick surface.
• Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet: Affordable, lightweight, and versatile.
• T-fal Professional Nonstick Heat Indicator Fry Pan: A good nonstick skillet that is also induction-friendly and not too expensive.

Non-stick coating

The non-stick coating is usually scratch-resistant and safe to use with any type of utensil, including metal. The coating is typically made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a material that has raised some health and environmental concerns. However, it is worth noting that even with the best care, non-stick pans usually last only three to five years.

When it comes to induction cooking, non-stick pans are a great option as they are compatible with this style of cooktop. The induction-compatible non-stick pans have a magnetic bottom, usually made of steel, which allows them to work on induction stoves.

Some popular options for non-stick pans that are suitable for induction cooking include:

• T-fal Professional Nonstick Pots and Pans
• Tramontina Tri-Ply Base 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan
• All-Clad D5 Stainless-Steel Nonstick Fry Pan Set
• T-fal Expert 10-Piece Non-Stick Pots and Pans Cookware Set

Induction-friendly materials

Induction cookers use magnetic properties to generate heat, so you need to use cookware made with a magnetic metal. The simplest way to find out if your cookware is compatible is to take a magnet and see if it sticks to the bottom of the pot. If it does, your cookware is induction-friendly.

Cast iron or carbon steel: These are extremely durable and hold heat very well. They are made from an alloy that contains iron, so they will almost always work with induction cooktops. However, they must have a flat, smooth surface and attract magnets. Enameled cast iron is a good option to prevent scratching the cooktop.

Stainless steel: This is an alloy of steel that contains chromium and sometimes a small percentage of nickel, making it sturdy, non-reactive, and resistant to rust and corrosion. High-quality, multi-clad stainless steel cookware often includes an aluminium or copper core to aid with heat conduction. If the nickel content is too high, it can prevent the steel from having a magnetic reaction, so it won't work with induction.

Hard-anodized aluminium: This material is made from electrochemically hardened aluminium, which makes it more durable than stainless steel. It usually has an oxidized top layer that protects it from scratches and scrapes. Hard-anodized aluminium cookware is not usually induction-ready, but some pieces have a built-in iron or magnetic steel disc, making them compatible.

Some other materials that are not compatible with induction cooktops include clay, glass, 100% aluminium, copper, and non-magnetic stainless steel. However, you can use these materials with an induction-compatible metal diffuser.

Induction interference disks

Induction interface disks are a handy solution for those who want to use non-induction cookware on induction cooktops. These disks are usually made of magnetic stainless steel and enable you to cook with any type of cookware, including aluminium, glass, copper, porcelain, and non-magnetic stainless steel. Simply place the disk between the induction cooktop and your chosen cookware, and it will act as a heat converter, allowing you to cook safely and efficiently.

The Max Burton 6010 8-inch induction interface disk is a popular choice, with its heat-proof handle and durable stainless-steel construction that evenly distributes heat. It is designed for use with any portable or built-in induction cooktop and measures 8 by 15 by 0.5 inches. However, it's important to note that the heat transfer rate may be reduced when using non-induction rated cookware with larger diameters and thicker base sections. Additionally, the disk may discolour with normal use.

While induction interface disks provide a solution for using non-induction cookware on induction stoves, it's worth noting that they may not be the most efficient option. The disks can get very hot, and the air pockets between the disk and the cookware can slow down heat transfer, resulting in reduced efficiency. In some cases, the heat build-up in the disk can even damage the induction stove. Therefore, it's recommended to use natively induction-compatible cookware whenever possible, as it provides better heat transfer and responsiveness while also being safer for your induction stove.

Frequently asked questions