Stainless Steel Pans: Induction-Friendly?

Induction hobs are a type of stovetop that is powered by electricity and heat the base of the pan directly through a magnetic circuit. Due to the way induction hobs work, not all stainless steel pans are compatible. To be compatible, the base of the pan must be made with a magnetic grade of stainless steel. To test whether your pan is compatible, simply hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet sticks, your pan is induction-compatible.

Induction cooktops require a magnetic and flat bottom

Induction cooktops work by creating a magnetic field between the pot or pan and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface. This electromagnetic field then heats the contents of the pot or pan. For this reason, induction cooktops require a magnetic and flat bottom on the cookware.

The magnetic field is created by passing electricity through copper coils beneath the hob. When a pan with a magnetised base is placed on the hob, the magnetic field causes the pan to heat up directly. The hob itself remains cool, with only some residual heat from the pan. Pans with non-magnetic undersides will not work with induction hobs.

To test whether a pan will work on an induction hob, you can perform a simple test with a magnet. Hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet sticks firmly, the pan will work on an induction hob. If the magnet only sticks loosely, the pan may not heat as effectively. If there is no pull on the magnet, the pan will not work on an induction hob.

Some materials that are commonly used for induction-compatible cookware include cast iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel. However, not all stainless steel is magnetic, so it's important to perform the magnet test to be sure. Additionally, pans with curved bottoms, such as some woks, will not produce good results on induction hobs. Flat-bottomed versions of these pans are available and are ideal for induction cooking.

Stainless steel pans are mostly induction-compatible

Stainless steel pans are mostly compatible with induction hobs, but not all. Induction hobs use electromagnetism to generate heat, so the pans used on them must be made from ferromagnetic materials. Stainless steel is often ferromagnetic, but not always. For example, if a steel pan has a high nickel content, the magnetic field will be blocked.

To check if your stainless steel pan is compatible with an induction hob, you can perform a simple test using a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the bottom of the pan, it is compatible. If the magnet does not stick, or has a weak reaction, then the pan is not made from a magnetic grade of stainless steel and is not induction-compatible.

Some manufacturers indicate that their cookware is induction-compatible by including a symbol on the bottom of the pan that looks like a coil or a horizontal zig-zag, or by inscribing the word "induction" on the base.

It is important to note that while stainless steel pans are a popular choice for induction cooking, they may not always heat food evenly. This is because the heat is concentrated at the bottom of the pan, which can result in hot or cold spots.

Cast iron is induction-compatible but can scratch the cooktop

Cast iron is compatible with induction cooktops because it is ferrous and magnetic. However, cast iron cookware can scratch the surface of the shiny glass top of an induction cooktop. To avoid scratching, you can place a paper towel or piece of paper between the cast iron pan and the stovetop. You can also smooth down the bottom of the cast iron with an iron file or similar tool to ensure there are no bumps or rough patches that could cause damage. Another option is to use enameled cast iron, which is generally lighter and smoother than regular cast iron. It is important to keep both the cast iron cookware and the glass induction stove clean to prevent scratching, as leftover food or cooking debris on the bottom of the pan can cause scratches.

Pans with a high nickel content will not work on induction hobs

Induction hobs use electromagnetism to heat pans directly, rather than heating the hob surface. This is done through a magnetic circuit, with induction coils made from copper wire creating a magnetic field when electricity is passed through them. Therefore, pans used on induction hobs must be made from magnetic materials. Cast iron and stainless steel are two materials that are compatible with induction hobs, as they are ferrous and magnetic.

However, pans with a high nickel content will not work on induction hobs. This is because a high nickel content will block the magnetic field. Therefore, if a stainless steel pan has a high nickel content, it will not be compatible with an induction hob.

To test if a pan is compatible with an induction hob, you can try holding a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet clings to the underside, the pan will work on an induction hob. If the magnet only grabs the pan softly, it may not heat as effectively. If there is no pull on the magnet, the pan does not contain the right metals and will not generate heat.

It is worth noting that induction hobs will only turn on when they come into contact with a magnetic pot or pan. Therefore, if you try to use a non-compatible pan, the hob will not turn on and the pan will not heat up. This means that no damage will be caused to the hob or the pan.

The best indicator of induction-compatible cookware is the magnet test

Induction cooktops work by creating 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. This is why induction cooktops require specific types of pots and pans with flat, ferrous or "magnetic" metal bases.

The best way to test if your cookware is induction-compatible is by performing the "magnet test". Simply grab a magnet—a fridge magnet will do—and see if it sticks to the bottom of the cookware. If the magnet sticks firmly to the underside, then the cookware will work on an induction cooktop. If the magnet only sticks loosely, the cookware may not heat up effectively. If there is no pull on the magnet, the cookware will not work on an induction cooktop.

Most induction-compatible cookware will also have a distinctive symbol on their base that looks like a small coil of wire with four loops or a horizontal zig-zag.

Frequently asked questions