Induction Hob Pans: Special Requirements?

Induction hobs are a type of stovetop that uses electricity to heat the base of the pan directly through a magnetic circuit. Unlike traditional gas and electric hobs, induction hobs do not heat the surface of the hob, only the cookware, making them more energy-efficient and safer. Due to the way induction hobs work, you need to use specific cookware to get the best results. So, do you need special pans for an induction hob? The answer is yes.

Pans with flat bases are essential for induction hobs

It is worth noting that while some pan materials such as copper and aluminium will not work on induction hobs, they can be made compatible by adding extra layers to the base of the pan. These layers ensure that heat is effectively transferred through the pan. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the base of the pan is close in size to the induction ring for optimum cooking results.

To check if a pan is compatible with an induction hob, you can look for the induction-compatible symbol on the base of the pan, which resembles a small coil of wire with four loops. Alternatively, you can test the pan by placing a magnet on its base. If the magnet sticks, the pan is likely made of a magnetic material and will work on an induction hob.

Using pans with curved bases, such as traditional woks, may result in ineffective heat transfer and impact the performance of the hob. Therefore, it is recommended to use flat-based pans with induction hobs to ensure efficient and effective cooking.

Ferrous metal pans are required for induction hobs

Cast iron and stainless steel are examples of ferrous metals that are compatible with induction hobs. This is because they are both magnetic and ferrous. Most modern pans have an encapsulated base with an aluminium core for efficient and effective heat distribution, and a ferrous (magnetic) plate to make them induction compatible.

You can check whether your pans are made from a ferrous metal by testing the base with a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the base, your pan is made from a ferrous metal. Pans made from a ferrous metal will also have a distinctive symbol on their base that looks like a small coil of wire with four loops.

It's important to note that while cast iron pans are induction compatible, they are heavy and can scratch or damage the cooking surface if not used carefully. Additionally, to ensure even heat distribution, the ferromagnetic base of your cookware should correspond to the size of the cooking zone.

Cast iron and stainless steel are induction-compatible

Induction hobs use electricity to heat the base of the pan directly through a magnetic circuit. This means that the pans used on induction hobs need to be made of ferrous, magnetic materials. Cast iron and stainless steel are induction-compatible because they have these two necessary properties.

Cast iron is a popular cookware material because it retains heat extremely well. It is important to bring the temperature up gradually when using cast iron on an induction hob, as cast iron can crack if heated too quickly. Cast iron pans are very heavy and have rough bottoms, which can scratch or damage the glass surface of the induction hob. It is also important to note that heat does not dissipate quickly from a hot cast iron pan, and some of the heat will transfer back to the glass induction hob, which may cause it to feel hot to the touch or even overheat.

Stainless steel is also a good option for induction hobs, although not every stainless steel pan can be used. Stainless steel is often mixed with a variety of non-magnetic materials, which can occasionally make it incompatible with induction hobs. For example, if a steel pan has a high nickel content, the magnetic field will be blocked.

Pans made from non-magnetic materials are incompatible

Induction hobs use electricity to heat the base of the pan directly through a magnetic circuit. This means that only magnetic pans or pan materials are compatible with induction hobs. Pans made from non-magnetic materials are incompatible with induction hobs. Such pans include those made from glass, like Pyrex, or aluminium without a special induction-friendly base. Even cast iron pans, which are induction compatible, can be problematic as they are heavy and may scratch or damage the cooking surface.

To test whether a pan is made from a magnetic material, you can use a magnet—if it sticks to the bottom of the pan, the pan is likely made from a magnetic material. Pans made from non-magnetic materials will not be able to connect to the induction hob and transfer heat effectively. Therefore, it is important to use pans made from magnetic materials to ensure optimum cooking results.

Another way to identify if a pan is suitable for an induction hob is to look for the induction symbol on the base of the pan. This symbol looks like a small coil of wire with four loops. Additionally, ensuring that the pan has a flat base is crucial for a good magnetic connection. A curved base, such as that of a traditional wok, may not make proper contact with the induction hob even if the material is induction-compatible.

In summary, pans made from non-magnetic materials are incompatible with induction hobs due to the technology's reliance on magnetic connections to generate heat. Using incompatible pans can result in ineffective heat transfer and impact the performance of the induction hob. Therefore, it is essential to choose pans made from magnetic materials, such as cast iron or stainless steel, to ensure optimal cooking results when using an induction hob.

How to check if your pans are induction-safe

Induction hobs require ferrous metal pans with a magnetic material in their base. This magnetic base allows the hob to generate heat in the pan or metal object. Pans made of glass, aluminium or copper will not work on an induction hob unless they have a magnetic layer on their base.

• Check the base of the pan for the induction-friendly symbol. This often looks like a coil of wire with four loops or a horizontal zig-zag.
• Test the pan's compatibility by placing a magnet on its bottom. If the magnet clings to the pan, it will work on an induction hob.
• Check the packaging or product description for clear labelling indicating the pan's compatibility.
• Ensure the pan has a flat base that connects to the induction hob's cooking zone. An uneven bottom can cause vibrations and uneven heating.

Frequently asked questions