Emilie Meyer
Induction hobs use electromagnetic fields to generate instant heat directly onto the cookware's bottom, requiring the use of ferromagnetic metal cookware such as cast iron or stainless steel. Non-stick pans are typically made with a non-magnetic aluminium base, which is incompatible with induction hobs. However, some non-stick pans are clad with magnetic metals, such as stainless steel, making them compatible. Therefore, it is essential to determine whether a non-stick Teflon pan is compatible with an induction hob by examining its base material.
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What You'll Learn
Teflon pans with a magnetic base
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to generate heat rather than direct heat. This means that only magnetic cookware can be used on induction hobs. The cookware should have a ferromagnetic base, which contains iron, allowing the hob to create a magnetic field that directly heats the pan. Pans made of cast iron, steel, or stainless steel are generally magnetic, while those made of aluminium, glass, and non-stick coatings like Teflon are typically not.
Teflon pans are non-stick and usually made with a non-magnetic aluminium base, so most are not compatible with induction hobs. However, some non-stick pans are made with a magnetic metal base, which makes them compatible. For example, the All-Clad HA1 pan has a steel induction plate that makes it compatible with all cooktops, including induction. Similarly, Misen's budget-friendly non-stick cookware has an aluminium body with a steel induction plate, making it induction-compatible.
To check if a pan is suitable for an induction hob, you can test it with a magnet. Simply place the magnet on the base of the pan, and if it sticks, it will work on an induction hob. This is because the magnetism of the hob interacts with the metal in the bottom of the pan to heat it up. If a non-induction pan is used on an induction hob, it will not work, and it may even damage the hob.
When purchasing a Teflon pan for an induction hob, it is important to look for one with a magnetic base. Some manufacturers now specify on the packaging whether their cookware is compatible with induction hobs. If in doubt, you can always take a magnet with you to the store and test the pans before purchasing.
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Induction hobs and electromagnetic fields
Unlike gas or electric cooktops, induction hobs use electromagnetic fields to generate heat. This is done through inductively generated eddy currents, which are produced by coils placed beneath the ceramic cooking surface. These coils generate an alternating magnetic field, which then induces eddy currents in the metal of a pan placed on the hob. The pan's ohmic resistance converts this current into heat, cooking the food inside.
For this reason, induction hobs require magnetic cookware. Pans made from ferromagnetic metals, such as cast iron or some types of stainless steel, are compatible with induction hobs. Non-magnetic materials like aluminium, on the other hand, are not compatible. This is because a large fraction of the volume of the pan becomes a conductor of the electrical current, resulting in low power generation.
Some non-stick pans, including those coated with Teflon (PTFE), are often made with an aluminium base and are therefore incompatible with induction hobs. However, some non-stick pans are made with a magnetic metal base, which makes them suitable for use on induction hobs. It is worth testing non-stick pans with a magnet to determine their compatibility.
To ensure safety and minimise electromagnetic interference, it is important to follow the operating instructions provided with induction hobs. These instructions outline how to minimise magnetic stray fields, which can be kept low by using appropriately-sized cookware made from suitable materials, ensuring the cookware covers the active cooking zones, and maintaining a distance of 5 to 10 centimetres from the front edge of the cooker.
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Induction-compatible non-stick pans
Induction cookers use electromagnetic fields to heat pans. When a magnetic pan is placed on the hob, the electromagnetic field induces small electromagnetic currents in the metal of the pan. This energy is converted to heat, which cooks the food. Because of this, induction hobs require pans with a magnetic base.
Non-stick pans are usually made with a non-magnetic aluminium base, meaning most are not compatible with induction hobs. However, some non-stick pans are made with a magnetic metal base, which makes them compatible.
One way to check if a pan is induction-compatible is to stick a magnet to its base. If the magnet holds, the pan is induction-compatible. If it falls off or slides, it is not.
Some brands that sell induction-compatible non-stick pans include:
- All-Clad HA1: Features a 4mm thick, hard-anodized aluminium body and a multi-layer PFOA-free non-stick coating. The steel induction plate makes it compatible with all cooktops.
- Caraway: Uses a 100% ceramic non-stick coating derived from sand, making it a healthy option. However, the ceramic coating may not last as long as PTFE options.
- Misen: A budget-friendly option with a multi-layer PTFE non-stick coating. It has an aluminium body with a steel induction plate.
- HexClad: Combines the strength of stainless steel with a non-stick coating.
- Made In: Features a durable PTFE non-stick coating, proven to last ten times longer than other brands. It is sold exclusively online and is reasonably priced.
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Cast iron and stainless steel
Induction hobs use electromagnetic fields to cook food, meaning that only ferromagnetic metal pans are compatible. Pans made from cast iron or stainless steel are ferromagnetic and will work on induction hobs.
Cast iron pans are compatible with induction hobs, but they require careful handling. Pans should be heated slowly to prevent warping or cracking. It is recommended that cast iron pans are not heated above half power. Pans should be preheated on a low heat before the temperature is gradually increased. The burner should match the width of the pan as closely as possible. Cast iron pans also require heat rings to stabilise them.
Stainless steel pans are compatible with induction hobs, but they must be ferromagnetic. Stainless steel can be made with a variety of metals, and a high nickel content will block the magnetic field. Stainless steel 432, which has high resistivity, is a good option.
To check if a pan is compatible with an induction hob, place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If the magnet sticks, the pan will work on an induction hob.
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Aluminium and copper pans
Induction hobs work through the creation of a magnetic field between the hob and the pot or pan placed on top of it. This means that cookware needs to be made of ferromagnetic metal to be compatible with an induction hob.
However, some aluminium pans have a steel plate on the bottom, which makes them compatible with induction hobs. Similarly, some copper pans are adapted for induction heating and have a coating of another material. To check if a pan is compatible with an induction hob, you can hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet sticks, the pan will work on an induction hob.
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Frequently asked questions
No, they do not. Teflon pans are usually made with a non-magnetic aluminium base, which is incompatible with induction hobs.
You can test if your pan will work on an induction hob by seeing if a magnet sticks to its base. If it does, your pan is induction-compatible.
Materials that work on induction hobs include cast iron, stainless steel, enameled iron, and nickel.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic fields to generate heat directly in the cookware, rather than heating the hob surface. Therefore, only magnetic pans that can conduct this electromagnetic field are compatible.
Some induction-compatible pans include the Le Creuset casserole, HexClad pans, and Stellar stainless steel pans.
